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13. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;14. Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.15. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Titus 1:13-16 Paul is instructing Titus. He knows how bad the Cretans are, and tells him to change them with the power of Christ. Rebuke them sharply. Jewish fables are traditions not preached by Christ about how to please God. And no commandments of men will stand in place of God's on judgment day. Both of these turn mankind from spiritual truth. Paul does not say all things are pure. Sin is sin, defined by God as missing the mark. Some of the Cretans said Christians must maintain the dietary laws of the Jews. God has a standard set for all. Only Christ came and fulfilled it living without sin. I am very aware of this professing God, and not living within His boundaries. I thank Jesus I am not that same person. Every saint started out a sinner. Christ is our only hope for pardon and forgiveness. This word reprobate in Greek, adokimos, is defined as a test. Used on metals and coins, rejecting all that failed the test. It is used for a soldier who ran from the battle. There is no peace to a hypocrite seeing they reject Christ's ways, who put us before Himself that we may have eternal life. Amen.