- A Study In Titus -

Lesson 4 – Qualifications:

Since God is not a God of confusion, chaos, or disorder; we can clearly see that if elders did not exist in the churches of Crete or in the church today, just why they were not yet in order. Each church then and today requires these shepherds in order to protect the integrity of the word of God. Without these overseers the insubordinate, idle talkers and deceivers all have an equal voice. Chaos then ensues, and finally apostasy rules.

God always intended for a plurality of qualified men to set in order and protect the things which Christ has established within His church, according to the word. It is in this lesson that we will set forth these qualifications. Paul gave these to Titus (just as he gave them to Timothy) to teach, in order for these brethren to seek out from among them men to appoint over them.

We will find out in the second chapter that elders were not the only thing lacking in these churches. However, we also learn that if all within the body of Christ are prioritizing the Lord's will over their own, qualifying elders is not difficult, since all are striving to be patterns of good works!

Text:

Titus 1:5-9 “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you-- 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

(Also read I Timothy 3:1-7 )

A Man: The first qualification sets forth the gender that the Lord has established to fill this position. In addition, Paul would add in his letter to Timothy, “ If a man desires the position of Bishop ” This would also indicate that he must want the job. This goes along way towards how he would perform his duties.

Blameless: There are two statements made concerning this state; here it is used to indicate that if a man is blameless as husband and father. The second will be used concerning his relationship as a steward of God. Blameless, does not mean sinless. However, it indicates that if he is blameless in the eyes of God, then we are to look upon him in the same light.

Husband of one Wife: Why such an obvious statement? These men lived in a world that practiced polygamy instead of monogamy. In the wisdom of God, these men were to be equipped with a solid companion and help meet ( Genesis 2:20 ), not the distraction of multiple wives. We need not make more of this than its intent; we must remember that if he is blameless in his relationship in the eyes of God that must be our sight as well.

Faithful Children: Remember that in verse 6 , the qualifications are for his home life and how he rules his own house. The fact that a son is not a member of the church cannot be blamed on the father, for a man cannot use his parental authority to bring his children into the church. However, he does have authority as a father to control his son against the described misconduct.

It is good and says a great deal for the power of the Gospel if his children are both faithful to him and the Lord, but in this specific qualification, it is his ability to keep his children in subjection to himself being considered (which is also the will of the Lord, Ephesians 6:1 ).

Blameless as a Steward: Here the term blameless means the same thing as in verse 6 ; however, here it denotes specifically that he has been given charge over something that belongs to someone else. Since a Bishop is to be in charge of a flock, he is expected to be a faithful administrator of his employer's property. The qualifications given next, both negative and positive, are those that he must have or must not have to carry out this administration.

Not: He is not to be motivated by his own desires. This is not only a qualification but is necessary in every Christians life, note:

Philippians 2:3-4 “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

He must be slow to wrath, and again this is something all Christians should be practicing, note:

James 1:19 -20 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

He is not to be given to wine; is given as wine had multiple uses in this day. However, if a man is given to drunkenness, he is obviously using it for the wrong reason.

He is not to be violent! The kingdom of Christ was not to be spread by the use of physical power, or protected that way, note:

2 Tim. 2:24-25 “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance , so that they may know the truth,”

He is not to be greedy for money. The King James refers to this as “filthy lucre”. This is shown to indicate that he must love nothing in this world that may conflict with his duties as overseer of the Lord's church.

Must: Just as there are things he must not do, there are also traits that he must have . He must be hospitable! This not only gives the impression that the man is eager to entertain, but is generally approachable and has a genuine interest in others.

He is to be a lover of what is good, which indicates that he abhors all else, just as all Christians are commanded to do, note:

Romans 12:9 “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil . Cling to what is good .”

He is to be sober-minded or able to curb his desires.

He is to be just or one who seeks to protect the rights of all, in his exercise a ruler over the flock. He is to be holy or righteous, which is set apart for God and good works.

Self-controlled is the outward projection of a sober mind. If he has the ability to curb his desires, it will show in his actions.

I have gone through these qualifications very quickly, however, much can be learned about these qualities in the writings and teachings of the Apostles (Read: I Peter 5:1-4; I Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28-32 ).

Holding Fast the Word: Holding fast means, ‘he holds fast to the faithful word as his only source of authority'. An elder is not inspired, but has been taught what the truth is by the inspired word ( II Timothy 3:16 -17 ). Considering the things that are lacking in these churches on Crete and all the influences that bombard the churches of the Lord to this very day, there can be no doubt that this is the greatest charge the elders have to be able and willing to hold.

By Sound Doctrine: It is by wholesome teaching (the kind of teaching that will result in spiritual health), that they are to protect the flock from those who would contradict the word. When a disease or illness overtakes a body, a treatment must be used that will eradicate the sickness, before it destroys the body. The universal treatment is sound doctrine!

I have searched the scriptures for an instruction that requires the word to be presented in a dynamic or entertaining fashion. As yet, I have come up empty! When dealing with that which determines the condition of our immortal spirit, I find that the subject alone should motivate the faithful. What does that tell you about those who seek the dynamic and entertaining?

This concludes a look into the qualifications. Although brief, we can see that the word is specific and pointed concerning the need for qualified leaders of the flocks of the Lord. When Paul instructs Titus to set in order the things that are lacking, elders are just the first step as we will see in the up coming lessons.

Next: “ The Task ”