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
1. What were some of the issues that were hindering the church at Crete? There are several of them listed in these verses.
ReplyDelete- Insubordination, empty talkers/deceivers (those who were false or did not have the fruit of the Spirit that should accompany their profession of faith).
2. Paul told Titus to, “rebuke them sharply.” Explain what this means.
- To correct them or even punish them if necessary.
3. Verse 16 says, “They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him” Explain what this means.
- Although they claim to be Christian, they do not live in accordance with what Christ commands. They don’t walk the walk, or bear any fruit of the Spirit.
4. Should the church be concerned about false doctrine and teacher? How concerned? What are the solutions to protecting the church from false doctrines and teachers?
- Yes! We should always be in the word and be willing to question what we hear others try to teach. Questioning in love of course, so we can seek to understand. If necessary we must rebuke them!