Titus 1:6-9 "A Call to Ministry"

A Call to Ministry.

The first qualification of a man called to the Ministry is that his character matches the Expectations of God.

Titus 1:6–9 (ESV)

6 If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

In Titus 1...God gives us a list of character expectations as qualification of an elder or pastor:

What’s he say in Titus 1:6

If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery (sensual pleasures) or insubordination (which means defiant of authority)…I’ve heard it said that if you want to be a good leader, you have to first know what it means to be a good follower).

Many people focus in on the “husband of one wife” statement that is found in both this passage and in 1 Timothy 3 related to the qualifications of a pastor.

And watch you will see is that when guys talk about this… is that all the guys who have been divorced are going to say that Titus is speaking about polygamy which was rampant in this day and on the other side of the coin all the guys who have not been divorced are going to say that this passage is talking about divorce.

Let’s Keep Reading: Titus 1:7-9a

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable (kind and generous to others), a lover of good, self-controlled (not impulsive in thought or speech), upright (honorable and honest), holy (dedicated to God’s purpose) and disciplined. 9a. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught... (meaning that someone who expresses a call to ministry must be committed to standing by The Word of God with all people and in all situations…

Now that we have overviewed this list of qualifications (which is not an exhaustive list) I want want us to go back up to verse 7. And I want you to catch what God has included inside his list of character expectations for those called to ministry. Read verse 7!

The point of all these expectations of character is wrapped up in God’s concept of Reproach

The word “reproach” means to be in a state of dishonor; often indicated by disparaging speech. (meaning that the one who would be an elder is not honored by the body as such, and that is made evident by the words of the congregation as a whole)

John F. MacArthur

This statement to be (above reproach) means “not able to be held.” The man who is above reproach cannot be arrested and held as if he were a criminal; there is nothing for which to accuse him.

So to be “Above Reproach” doesn’t mean that there will never be an accusation made against the man of God (related to God’s Expectation of who he is to be, not peoples)…but what it does mean is that when an accusation is made - that it will lack the evidence to be quantified.

So why does someone called to ministry do all this… what is the importance of living up to the character expectations given to us in this passage…what is the purpose?

Verse 9b - so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

There are two functions bore out of this text for the Man of God:

So that he may give instruction in sound doctrine...

Which means to encourage believers (aka the church) in sound doctrine by both comfort and edification (instruction and improvement).

And to rebuke those who contradict it.

Meaning that “the called” are to seek restoration of a person who would refute the truth of God’s Word.

A person called to ministry is expected to be courageous in his willingness to confront issues that are opposed to God’s expectations.

Three characteristics of a call to ministry:

Singular - You will possess an eagerness for ministry

Eagerness and longing for ministry will serve as a magnet, that pulls you forward throughout various seasons and trials of ministry.

Paul says in Romans 1:15–17, “So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

If a person feels like ministry is just one of the many opportunities that lay before them and not the most attractive, prioritize aspect of their life...that is a sign that the person may not be called to the ministry.

Persistent - God’s purpose for your life will consume your thoughts and desires

Jeremiah 20:9 (ESV)

If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.

Affirmed (by others) - Others will see God’s Hand upon your life.

Grocery store - lady said I knew you were a pastor.

Your peers, friends and family will begin to see a change in you dedication to God and His Word.

They often see it before you do.