Leadership

Paul’s Leadership (1-4)

A two-fold purpose (1)

for the sake of the faith of God’s elect

The fact that Paul refers to the believers on Crete as God’s elect, calls attention to God’s activity in salvation.

Paul’s concern that Titus identify righteous teachers who would teach right doctrine is reflected in his choice to identify the Christians under Titus’ care as God’s elect. The people needed to know that apart of God’s intervention in people’s lives, no one would be saved from their sins.

The final section of this chapter makes that right doctrine was not widely embraced and could not be taken for granted.

for the sake of the elect’s knowledge of the truth

Paul’s reference to the truth is to a distinct body of doctrine that can be safely assumed to be the gospel.

Paul did not labor under a common assumption that is active today: possessing an increasing and thorough understanding of the gospel and living a life that reflects the gospel are mutually exclusive. No! For Paul, a godly lifestyle was the natural result of a true knowledge of the gospel.

This progression is outlined by the use of the terms faith, knowledge & godliness. The transforming power of the gospel unfolds in people’s lives as the place their faith in the gospel and as their knowledge of the gospel increases.

A firm foundation (2-3)

in hope of eternal life

the transforming power of the gospel through faith which leads to an increased knowledge of the gospel and results in a gospel centered life is based upon the foundation of the hope of eternal life. Hope of eternal life is the basis on which the Christian faith has been built.

which [referring to eternal life] God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

The hope of eternal life is based on the promise of God. The combination of the concepts hope and God’s promise is common with Paul.

Acts 26:6 ESV

And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,

(see also Rom. 4:13-20)

We should note that when it comes to the hope we have that is based upon the promise of God, we must resist the temptation to require our possession of hope be dependent on what is humanly evident or logically expected. Biblical hope often transcends human logic and is not bound to what we may assume to be reasonable or rational expectations.

Biblical hope is based on the immutable (unchanging) nature of God and His promises and should therefore result in our encouragement, confidence, strength and security.

3. and at the proper time manifested His word

Paul is referring to a definite period in time in which God’s promise was fulfilled finally and publically.

Paul repeatedly makes the point that God is sovereign over historical events (see Gal. 4:4; Rom 5:6; Eph. 1:9-12; 1 Tim 2:5-7)

The gospel has been made known according to the sovereign plan of God.

4. through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior

According to the sovereign plan of God, the gospel is proclaimed and made known through the preaching of it.

That Paul has been entrusted with the ministry of preaching the gospel, emphasizes the fact that his authority to do so is from God.

Elders (5-9)

The qualities of an elder

The need for an elder to be above reproach is repeated twice (v. 6 & 7). What does it mean to be above reproach and why is this necessary?

unaccusable, not deserving or worthy of a charge of wrongdoing.

1 Peter 5:1–3 ESV

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

Hebrews 13:7 ESV

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

2. What does it mean to be a husband of one wife?

3. What does it mean that an elders children are to be believers?

4. What connects the traits listed in v. 7?

5. What does it mean to be hospitable?

A willingness and commitment share our lives with others, including strangers

Elders, in particular are to demonstrate their hospitality through their commitment to opening the word with people in an effort to care for them.

6. What does it mean to hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught?

Luke 16:13 (ESV)

No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

7. Why must an elder hold firm to the Word?

The Reason for Elders (10-16)

What problem does Paul address in v. 10?

Paul expressed a sense of urgency in v. 5. What concerns are raised in verses 10-16 that substantiate his urgency?

o There are many = not a few

o Insubordinate = disobedient, rebellious (unwilling to submit to God and His law – 1 Tim. 1:9) They live by their own authority.

What should a Christian’s posture be toward the Word? (v. 9 “hold firm to the trustworthy Word”)

o Empty talkers (1 Tim. 1:6) = vain talker; talk of no value, “waterless springs and mists driven by a storm” (2 Peter 3:17); “clouds without water” (Jude 12)

o Deceivers = those who mislead

o Circumcision party = Acts 11:2; Gal 2:12; 5:11-12; Phil 3:2 (peritomei vs. katatomei)

o Devastating impact on families = subvert, overturn, unsettle. This could carry the idea of causing division within families.

o Motivation is mercenary = “Shameful gain” Dishonorable. Using error to promote themselves and gain money.

o Erroneous teaching

o Taking advantage of the notorious Cretan laziness:

o Promoting Jewish myths (1 Tim 1:4; 2 Tim. 4:4; Titus 3:9)

o Turn people away from the truth = “commandments of people who turn away from the truth” 1 Tim. 4:1-4

o Profess to know God

o Deny God by their works

o Detestable = Abominable

o Disobedient = unrestrained by human authority

o Unfit for any good work

3. What are the elders’ responsibilities to the church and to those who cause this trouble? How should meet this responsibility?