The Elder's Task: Titus 1:10-16

In the previous section Paul exhorted Titus to find godly qualified leaders in order to appoint them as elders to serve the church at Crete.  Paul detailed the kind of man that would be able to be ordained to this office of eldership.  In this portion of Scripture the work that awaited the elders is given.  It is common and customary when a person takes on a new position that they receive a specific job description .  This job description will outline the project(s) that the new hire is responsible for.  Paul tells Titus that the task that is incumbent upon the elders is to go head to head with the false teachers and put an end to their public teaching.

Characteristics of False Teachers


Paul outline several characteristics that described these false teachers:

Insubordinate.  This means that they had a problem with respecting authority and following any kind of direction or leadership.  It is possible that these false teachers may have even rejected Paul's apostolic office.  Ultimately they were insubordinate to the Lord Jesus Christ who appointed these earthly authorities.

Idle (vain) Talkers and Deceivers.  They conceited themselves to be wise, but in reality they were foolish.  They may have been eloquent and charismatic in their personalities, but their teaching was empty and full of deception.


Lovers of Money.  They also had an incredible appetite for money.  Their motivation in deceiving people with false doctrine was in order to acquire more money to curb their monetary appetite.  Money can be a powerful motivator.

Liars, Evil Beasts and Lazy Gluttons.  Paul cited a proverb that was accepted as a description of the Cretans natural tendencies, "Cretans are always liars, and evil beasts, lazy gluttons (Tit. 1:12b).  Paul affirmed that he agreed with this assessment of the Cretans (Tit. 1:13a).

Defiled Mind and Conscience.  The works that manifested from the lives of these false teachers was indicative of the inward corruption that resided within them.  Their mind and conscience had been influenced by the works of Satan.  The only cure for this defilement is a proper understanding of the truth.

Profess to Know God.  They did not just profess to know a god, but the triune God of the Scriptures--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  On the contrary their works proclaim that they do not know the one and only God in a personal relationship as they bear no marks of being the child of God.

Defeating the False Teachers


Paul gave some advice to the young leaders of how to go up against these false teachers:

They Must Be Silenced.  Paul stated, "Whose mouths must be stopped" (Tit. 1:11a).  He is stating that these individuals must be silenced.  They should no longer have a public platform to espouse these false ideologies.  They were not to do this by outward force, but by confutation and conviction showing them their error.  As Spurgeon the great Baptist minister once stated, "Defending the gospel is like defending a lion, all you need to do is let is loose" (Spurgeon).  The Christian soldier enters in combat with their loins girted with the truth, wearing the helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness, holding the shield of faith while yielding the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:14-17).

Rebuke Them Sharply.  Anyone at the church of Crete who rejected the faith delivered unto the saints in it's pure form should receive a sharp rebuke.  This rebuke was to be corrective, clear and direct.  Not all rebukes demand this level of intensity.  Rebukes ought to always be given according to the nature of offences, and the circumstances surrounding them.  Some rebukes are to be given publicly and some privately.  Some should be reproved with gentleness and meekness while others require a more direct and assertive approach.

Do Not Give Heed.  Paul wrote, "not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments" (Tit. 1:14).  Titus was instructed to not give an inch while he is contending for the faith.  To not "give heed" means not to adhere or accept any part of the false teaching.  It is the natural temperament of many to compromise on certain areas for the sake of unity.  Christians should never compromise when it comes to truth and error.

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Bible Study Questions 

Qualifications for Eldership: Titus 1:5-9

Recently Pastor Dickie and I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Joel Beeke who is the President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.  It was a great blessing to fellowship with this man of God.  After we had some time conversing together Dr. Beeke gave us a tour of the campus and we were able to meet some of the students.  PRTS draws many international students from all parts of the world.  Two men we met were from Malawi.  It was quite interesting what the church in Malawi did to ensure their men were trained for the ministry.  Every couple of years they select two of their pastors and sent them to PRTS in order to be more equipped for their service at the church.  This is a very wise thing to do.  However, all the training in the world cannot equip a man if he is not truly called.  I heard a quote one time that I am in full agreement with, "God does not call the qualified but He qualifies the called."  God will make sure His elders meet His biblical qualifications.

Titus' Purpose at Crete


Titus was a God called leader and preacher.  He could have served the Lord anywhere in the world and it would have been perfectly acceptable.  In the providence of God Titus found himself left in Crete to minister and serve the Lord.  Paul reminded Titus that God has called him to the minister to the church at Crete for such a time as this (Est. 4:14).

Titus as the newly appointed leader of the church had a daunting task in front of him, "set in order the things that are lacking" (Tit. 1:5).  The logical conclusion we can draw from this statement is that the church at Crete had some serious problems.  The church was in chaos!  Titus was to get in the trenches at Crete and bring order to eliminate the confusion at the church.

Church Structure


Intrinsically connected to this idea of bringing order to the church Paul instructs Titus to, "appoint elders in every city."  A chief means of bringing order to a church is through godly leadership.  It cannot be argued that Paul is exhorting Titus to ordain leaders to establish church structure; however, the type of church structure is often reason for debate:

Elder- The pure elder paradigm provides a true plurality of governance with no chief leader.  Some biblical evidence may support this view.

Pastors and Elders- This approach uses a plurality of leaders, including the pastor, who serves as an elder and is the "first among equals."  Other elders may be laypersons or paid vocational staff who work alongside the primary elder and under his leadership.

Pastor and Board- The pastor is seen as the leader but looks to the church board to share in tasks of leadership and major decision making.  The board may be comprised of elders or deacons.  This patterns is often the most commonly practiced from of church governance even though there is little biblical support for it.

Board and Pastor- This form acknowledges the pastor as an employee of the board performing ministry at their direction.

Pastor- Churchs that follow this ecclessiolgical system clearly follow only the Pastor.  The pastor in this model is the only decision maker for the church.  The church follows him and him alone.

I believe the Pastors and Elders model is the most biblical.  In this structure the Senior Pastor's authority is respected and he works with a team of godly elders to shepherd the church.  In my message I give some reasons why I support this view.

Qualifications for Eldership


Paul gives Titus a number of characteristics to look for in a man that is fit for spiritual leadership.  Not all men are equipped or called to this service:

Blameless- The word does not refer to sinless perfection but to a personal life that is beyond legitimate accusation and public scandal.  This is a general and primary requirement of spiritual leaders and is again repeated in verse seven.

Husband of One Wife- Literally this means, "a one women-man."  This is referring to a husband who is both inwardly and outwardly devoted to his wife.  This does not disqualify single men from eldership as the Apostle Paul was a single man.  It does disqualify women, polygamists and adulterers from this position of spiritual leadership.

Having Faithful Children- This does not mean having Christian children as many have espoused.  Salvation is not a work of men's hands but of God's.  By faithful the author is referring to those that are not ardently opposed to the gospel.  A leaders children should also have the marks of temperance and not be rebellious towards authority.

Not Self-Willed- Not operating as a leader according to his will, but according to the will of God.  He does not become obstinate, stubborn, inflexible and conceited of his own sense and judgment resolving to have his own will and way for all things relating to the affairs of God's house.

Not Quick Tempered- A spiritual leader is slow to wrath, which shows he is a man of understanding, and fit to teach others, which an angry man is not.  He must have command and rule over his own spirit.

Not Given to Wine- This does not state abstinence against wine, but denotes a man not addicted to alcohol.  The man of God does not sit at, or continually drink wine.  The elder is a man that can control his inhibitions and does not allow substances to cloud the mind.

Not Greedy for Money- Not covetous of getting money.  This does not state having a desire to provide for ones family as all men are commanded to do.  This is referring to a person who desires to be a leader to make money and to use his influence and authority to make more money.

Hospitable- This literally means a 'love of strangers.'  This idea is suggesting to look for a man who is quick to open his home and heart to others.

Loves What is Good- Loves prayer, preaching, reading, meditation and good spiritual conversation.

Sober-Minded- Serious, with the right priorities and sensible.

Just- Righteous in his dealings with men, giving everyone their due.  Is not overcome with emotion in the treatment of men.

Holy- Devout towards God in manner of life whether in public or private.

Self-Controlled- Not given to any major vices in life.  Self controlled in eating and able to guard against the lusts of the flesh.  In addition I believe application can be made that they are able to abstain from that which might be lawful to avoid causing others to stumble.

Able to Teach- One who has a clear grasp of truth and an ability to communicate truth.  He is able to teach the believers and stand up against false teachers and false doctrines.

Lesson 3 Bible Study Questions

Paul's Salutation: Titus 1:1-4

Paul's Salutation

The book of Titus is a letter that Paul penned to instruct Titus.  This is a real historical communication that took place between these two men.  As it is the custom when writing a letter Paul begins with a salutation.  Paul's greeting to Titus bears many similarities to his other letters as well.  Often in addition to greeting the recipient Paul establishes that he is a servant of God and one that occupies authoritative office(s) within the body of Christ.  This is certainly what he does in this epistle as well.

Paul the Servant


Paul begins this epistle by affirming that he is a servant of God, "Paul, a bondservant" (Tit. 1:1a).  He depicts the nature of the relationship that exists between he and God.  He wanted to make clear that although he bears some high titles his first position in the sight of God is one of a servant.

This word "bondservant" is the word "doulos" in the original Greek writing.  In reality the word bondservant does not really capture what Paul was getting at here.  A better interpretation of this word is slave.  Paul is just like every other christian and operates within the realm of the slave/master relationship.  Paul was a slave to God serving under His divine authority and guidance.

Paul the Apostle


After establishing that he is a slave to God Paul asserts that he also does fill a high office, "an apostle" (Tit. 1:1b).  A literal interpretation of the word apostle is: a sent one.  Those who operate in an apostolic office or function are sent to 'foreign' lands in order to bring the gospel message to them.  Furthermore Paul was a primary apostle. The primary apostleship was not a permanent office, but one that was temporary in nature.  In order for a person to fill this office it was required that they: 1). Have seen the risen Christ, so they could preach a resurrection that they had been an eyewitness of (1 Cor. 9:10); 2). They had to be called an commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ directly (John 20:21; Acts 26:15-18); 3). They received the gospel from Christ Himself (Gal. 1:11-12).  Paul fit this description and was one of the few primary apostles.

Paul the Preacher


One of the main priorities of Paul's ministry was preaching, "but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior" (Tit. 1:3).  This verse reveals to us that preaching is the divine vessel in which God has chosen to use in order to reveal His truth.  Understanding this point should radically transform how the church views the act of preaching.  We should gather in the house of God as eager listeners who desire to know more of God's truth.

Paul the Father


Even though the the Apostle Paul was never married he did have many children.  His children are not in the flesh, or by natural descent, but in a spiritual sense.  Paul was the spiritual father to many including this young man Titus.  Most scholars do believe that Paul was the instrument in God's hand to lead Titus to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  In addition Paul maintained this relationship with Titus and guided him to a level of spiritual maturity.  At the point of this writing Paul was still exhorting his son in the faith.

There is something very special about the relationship of a spiritual father and a spiritual son.  I feel so blessed to know the nature of this relationship.  Pastor Dickie has continued to be my spiritual father for nearly ten years now.  Let me take this time to exhort all of the young men and women like myself.  You all need to go and find a godly man or women in order to sit at their feet and be discipled by them!

Lesson 2 Questions

Introduction: Titus

Introduction

The book of Titus was authored by the Apostle Paul through divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  This epistle is one of three letters that are commonly referred to as the "Pastoral Epistles."  Paul penned these leadership manuals to his two young proteges: Timothy (1 & 2 Timothy) and Titus (Titus).

These books bear this title due to the nature of the letter and the recipients.  Paul was writing these affectionate words to his sons in the faith who were faithfully serving the Lord as pastors.  Paul held a personal and intimate relationship with these young men in addition to being their mentor.  As their leader Paul sought to properly instruct both Timothy and Titus on how to properly lead within their respective ministries.  Titus and Timothy were both young men who desperately needed the guidance of a seasoned veteran like the Apostle Paul.  All young pastors and veteran pastors should follow this model of being a discipler and being a disciple.  It is a sad sentiment when an experienced pastor has no desire to train up a young protege behind him.  It is tragic in the life of a young man when he does not submit himself to a godly leader for guidance, wisdom and direction.

In each of these three letters Paul was dealing with different situations and circumstances that these men of God found themselves in.  The first letter Timothy received was a letter reminding him of the ministry gift that was given to him and not to let fear overtake him.  The second letter was a great book of exhortation and encouragement to this young man.  The book of Titus was written to encourage Titus to lead and set in order the things that were lacking at the church (Tit. 1:5).

Who is Titus?

The young and gifted ministry leader Titus was mentioned thirteen times in the New Testament:

"To Titus a true Son in our common faith" (Titus 1:4).

"Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me" (Gal. 2:1).

"Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek was compelled to be circumcised" (Gal. 2:3).

"For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica, Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia" (2 Tim. 4:10).

"I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother" (2 Cor. 2:13).

"Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted by the coming of Titus" (2 Cor. 7:6).

"Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort.  And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you (2 Cor. 7:13).

"For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed.  But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true" (2 Cor. 7:14).

"So we urged Titus, that he had begun, so he would complete this grace in you as well" (2 Cor. 8:6).

"But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus" (2 Cor. 8:16).

"If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you" (2 Cor. 8:23).

"I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him.  Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps? (2 Cor. 12:18).

Upon taking this biblical survey we learn a great deal about Titus.  We can see that he was very close to Paul, a Gentile, and was very involved in the church at Corinth.  Furthermore Titus was not named in the book of Acts by name, but is seems probable that Titus, a Gentile (Gal. 2:3), met and may have been led to faith in Christ by Paul (Tit. 1:4) before or during the apostle's first missionary journey (MacAruthur 1982, 1883){1}.

The Controversy Over Titus

Titus has been the topic of some debate and controversy throughout the history of the Christian church.  The discussions have arose over what Paul wrote in the second letter he sent to Timothy, "For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica--Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia" (2 Tim. 4:10).  The question is did Titus fall away from the faith just like Demas did?  Was Titus an apostate?

Some have stated that this verse clearly states that Demas, Crescens and Titus all departed from the faith.  The reason for this conclusion is based upon the phrase, "having loved this present world" (2 Tim. 4:10aa).  These individuals say that this phrase means that Demas was overtaken by the lusts of this world and pursued after them leaving this present world behind.  In addition they connect this phrase to Crescens and Titus as well, thus stating that they left their first love as well.

Others have taking this phrase to mean no more than Demas had to mind his worldly business.  Due to some economic difficult they conclude that Demas had to depart for Thessalonica to try to get himself back upon his feet again.  Then they do not connect this phrase to Crescens and Titus stating that they left for reasons not specified to us by the apostle.

I do not believe that Titus was an apostate.  I believe that Titus was sent to Dalmatia by the Apostle Paul himself.  Upon investigating the book of Romans you will take notice that Paul had been to Dalmatia preaching the gospel of Christ.  Dalmatia is a country in Europe, a part of Illyricum where the Apostle Paul cited that he ministered (Rom. 15:9).  Since there is no other evidence that Titus departed from the faith, Paul did not specify that Titus apsotatized and the fact that Paul had preached in the very area Titus was going I believe that Titus was sent by Paul to go and minister to a church or churches that he had planted in that region.

Theme of Titus

Paul left the well trained and gifted young leader in Crete for a very specific purpose.  Titus was divinely and authoritatively appointed as the leader for the church in Crete.  It is probable that the church in Crete was comprised of several small home churches just like the church at Ephesus.  So, just like Timothy it is presumable that Titus was a leader of leaders.  In the fifth verse of chapter one we get an idea of what the main responsibility Titus was to carry out and the main theme of this book, "Set things in order which are lacking" (Tit. 1:5).  This was a leadership letter instructing Titus how to set in order the things that were lacking at the church in Crete.  Throughout this book we will cover more detail of HOW Titus was instructed to bring order to the church.  The rally cry from the book of Titus is, "Order, Order in the church!"

Abaondement of Structure

There have been people in recent days that have called for an abadondment of any structure within the body of Christ.  These people have become so relationally focused that any mention of the word authority or structure seems to make them schemish.  Let me tell you that from practical experience that were there is no order there is chaos.  If the church does not have order than it is a church of chaos.  So Paul is calling for Titus to bring order to the church at Crete.

Paul has imparted an imparted biblical principle to Titus that the Christian church needs to be by necessity a church of structure and order.  As we embark upon this journey through the book of Titus together let's pray that the Holy Spirit will teach us how to properly order the church for the glory and honor of Christ, the head of the church (Eph. 5:23).

1.  MacAruthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc, 1982. (accessed June 6, 2012).

Lesson 1 Study Questions