They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Titus 1:16

Paul is describing the character of false teachers. He starts in verse 10 and concludes with the verse above.

This is how so many people are being deceived.

"They profess that they know God;"

This is the key phrase because there is the where the dupe lies. We can't just follow or believe someone because they say they know God and we hear them quoting scripture correctly. That description is true of Satan, our adversary.
This was interesting to me: Not only does "profess" mean to affirm one's faith or to admit openly, it also means to declare in words or appearances only.

Basically, their mouths say they know God,
but their actions say they don't.

Here are some definitions to help clarify this passage:

abominable: worthy of or causing disgust or hatred; causing moral revulsion; loathsome; detestable

disobedient: refusing or neglecting to obey; refusing to obey someone in authority; deceptive

reprobate: an unprincipled person; a person who behaves in a morally wrong way


Father, help us to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Help us to be do'ers of your Word and not just speakers of your Word. Help us to represent you in the best ways possible, being reflections of your glorious light at ALL times. We love you, Father and we show that best when we obey your commands. Help us to be obedient to you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.