Titus 1:5-9

Titus 1:5-9 Title: Sound Doctrine is the Church’s Defense

[Sermon Text]

[Announce Text]

[Scripture Introduction]

[Prayer for Illumination]

[Reannounce and read text]

[Introduction] (Include Fallen Condition Focus):

MFF recon team parachuting

where the head looks the chute follows

christ is indeed head of church and the more godly elders are in conforming to his image help drive the church

when the church keeps her eye on Christ and the trustworthy word thought she thrives

[Proposition]

Sound Doctrine is the Church’s Defense

[Sermon Points]

i. Christ’s Church Delegates Godly Leaders (1:5-6, 8)

ii. Christ’s Church Detests a Sinful Character (1:6-7)

iii. Christ’s Church Defends Sound Doctrine (1:9)

[Main Point] Christ’s Church Delegates Godly Leaders (1:5-6, 8)

Titus 1:5–6 , 8 “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers … “but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.”

[Explanation]

Godly leaders are like the crew of Christ’s ship, working together to a common end; to edify the saints of God, to call sinners to repentance, and to purify Christ’s church.

Paul delivers the reason for keeping Titus there, to “put what remained into order.” 1 Corinthians 14:33 “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” God wants his church regulated by a plurality of elders. Men of the faith who will keep the Church pure from the stain of sin in dealing with the daily needs of sinners turned saints.

A healthy church cannot thrive without healthy leaders. Hence, Paul tells Titus that not only is order to be established but also elders are needed. Note that Paul says elder-[s] and not elder, as in singular. The plan of the church from the beginning was not to have a single bishop in charge, nor a pope, nor a single leader but to have a plurality of elders.

Quality of elders

There are three primary qualities of an elder. The first, is that they should be joined with other elders as we call a Session, Paul says appoint “elders” in every town. The second, is that they are to either teach, or rule. In ruling, Paul writes, 1 Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” The third and final, is that elders in the church are to be male, 1 Timothy 2:12 “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.”

The main overarching quality of eldership that Paul lays out is to be above reproach. Twice in this passage Paul states this as a qualification for the elder or overseer. The key focus is that elders are to demonstrate that they are true Christians, un-stained by sin.

This is not to say they are to be perfect. Rather, they rest and rely upon the righteousness of Christ. Elsewhere, in Colossians 1:22 Paul writes that “he [Jesus] has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.” Elders are presented as “above reproach” because of what Christ has done for them.

The first underlying quality of eldership that Paul lays out is to be “the husband of one wife.” Literally, it means to be a one woman man. An elder is to exhibit a true pattern of biblical marriage. God created man male and female after his own image who enter into a covenantal bond with one another that is exclusive. This clearly leaves out any sin of adultery. The marriage covenant represents Christ and his bride. As Paul tells us,

Ephesians 5:23–27 “For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.”

The second underlying quality of eldership that Paul lays out is that “his children are believers.” There are two options one can go with this phrase. The first is the way the ESV translates the verse that the elders have believing children. The word often used for belief is used in Titus 1:6. Matthew Poole offers some other helps on this passage. Object. But why must none be put into the ministry that have such children? the fathers may be good men, though the children be bad.

Solut. 1. Because the honour and repute of the church is more to be regarded than the interest of any private person. 2. Because it is an ill sign that the parents of such children have not ruled their own houses well, keeping their children in all subjection and gravity under authority, and are therefore very unfit to rule the greater society of a church.

Chapell on the other hand writes, “We are not necessarily looking at the beliefs and actions of one child but at the character of the family as a whole.” And also, Daniel Dorianoi, “This comment reminds us not to be judgmental when an elder’s child questions or struggles in his or her faith. In principle, however, we are urged to consider the results of a man’s parental leadership as a guide to his competence to lead the church.”

[[Daniel M. Doriani and Richard D. Phillips, 2 Timothy & Titus, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2020), 152.]]

On the other hand, the word used “to believe” can also mean “to be faithful” as well. In the parallel context of 1 Timothy 3:4 where it says, “He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive” points to obedience and submission by one’s children. Therefore, it is better in this context, as the KJV/NKJV has it read as, “having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.”

This fits well into God’s call of obedience and teaching one’s children as the primary responsibility of the father. In Deuteronomy 6:4–8 ““Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” A godly man teaches his children.

The elder should have faithful children. Paul therefore explains the quality of their faithfulness saying they should not be open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. An elder of the church with due diligence does uphold the commands of God to teach their children the things of the Lord. “Having faithful children; having also a religious family, children that are believers, or at least honest in a moral sense (so then ministers in those days might marry)” (Matthew Poole, 3.801).

Too often we fall into the trap of becoming too Calvinistic to the point of assuming that their baptism or inclusion into the covenant community will do enough to save them. Yet we also know that God works through proximate, or secondary means, to accomplish his will, including the diligent teaching and instruction of one’s parents. If you do not catechize your kids, then the world certainly will.

As puritan John Flavel writes, “If you neglect to instruct them in the way of holiness, will the devil neglect to instruct them in the way of wickedness? No; if you will not teach them to pray, he will to curse, swear, and lie; if ground be uncultivated, weeds will spring.”

We fall into this trap today. It is far easier to place one’s child in front of a screen or think that one Sunday school lesson or one service once a week is enough to encourage their faith. We think that an hour or two in church will erase the wickedness of a full day, five days a week, of secular teaching in the school systems. Our duty as elders, as parents, as leaders in the church is to bring up our covenant children in the knowledge and wisdom of God.

The third underlying quality of eldership is hospitable, or φιλόξενον. It combines two greek words, the first referring to brotherly love in general (philo). The other ξενος, is related to an alien, or stranger. To be hospitable is to show love to a stranger. An elder ought to demonstrate affections toward those both in and outside of the church. Like the Good Samaritan, an elder looks at the despondency of his neighbor and offers him hospitality.

The next is one who is a lover of good, φιλάγαθον. Again, the Greek combines the word for love and good into one combination. To love what is good is to love the things of God. For God himself is good and goodness dwells in him.

The fourth underlying quality of eldership is to be self-controlled. Now we know that being self-controlled is a fruit of the spirit. But how much more is it important that the elder, the one who rules and governs the church, the one who uses the ordinary means of grace to edify Christ’s church, be one of self-control. To be self-controlled is “avoidance of extremes and careful consideration for responsible action” (BDAG). You can easily see the antidote to those aspects that would disqualify an elder is easily handled through self-control.

The fifth underlying quality of eldership is to be upright. It uses the same base word for righteousness as in our justification. An elder is one to be in accordance with the high standards laid forth in Scripture.

The sixth underlying quality of eldership is to be holy. It pertains to one who is the standard for what constitutes as holiness. To be holy is to be set apart as well.

The seventh and final underlying quality of eldership is to be disciplined. This has the idea of one who has their own emotions, impulses, or desires under control.

[Application]

You may be thinking to yourself, “So what? I am neither an elder nor want to be an elder. Why does this matter to me?”

First, it matters because it demonstrates to you the immense calling of those who are caring for you and the Church. Not just anyone can become an elder. Nor should anyone become an elder. Not only must an elder test themselves to ensure they are in the faith but also ensure they are meeting the biblical qualifications laid forth.

Second, it matters because Christ has implemented a plurality of elders to shepherd his own flock. Like the structure of the family unit where children submit to their parents, the wife submits to the husband, the husband submits to Christ, all of them are in submission to God, so also the Church is designed for particular roles and submission. If Christ cares for his church government, we ought to care for those whom he has endowed to take care of it.

Third, it matters because these are the people you should be praying for. How often do we see in the news that a mainline Christian or evangelical has fallen into a grievous scandal? What effect would prayer have had on the pastor who feels lonely, segregated, and frequently availed by Satan’s advances to destroy and disqualify him to the ministry.

Fourth, it matter because the general principles presented here ought to be the aim of Christ-likeness in the lives of the believer. Not all of us are called to leadership in the church, but we are all called to be Christ-like, to be above reproach in the world, to be monogamous in our marriage, to have godly discipline and self control, to be holy and set apart, to be hospitable and love our neighbor as ourselves.

[Main Point] Christ’s Church Detests a Sinful Character (1:6-7)

Titus 1:6–7 “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. 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,”

[Explanation]

We have already looked at the explanation of children with regard to eldership. Let us now turn to elements wherein the sinful character of man does great harm to Christ’s church. The first is that an elder should not be arrogant. To be arrogant is to be self-willed, or stubborn. It is to see oneself as the authority on every matter. An arrogant man does not listen to discipleship or discipline; rather, he believes he is always in the right no matter what. This is antithetical to one who has a servant and shepherding heart like the Good Shepherd who called him into ministry.

The next in succession is that an elder ought not to be quick-tempered. Quite often elders and leaders of the church receive sharp criticism from their congregants. A “qualified pastor must carefully guard against a spirit of hostility, resentment, and anger.… He can work with others in kindness, patience, and gratitude” (MacArthur on Titus). It is difficult to temper the tongue in order to listen and hear what the individual has to say on the matter. Yet, an elder must not be quick-tempered but must be self-controlled.

A third category against a sinful character is that an elder should not be a drunkard. Paul uses this twice in the present passage and the parallel passage in 1 Timothy 3:3. To be a drunkard is to bring reproach upon one’s own character. Once again, it is the opposite of being self-controlled.

The fourth category against a sinful character is that one ought not to be violent. This word typically relates to being a bully. An elder must in humble submission allow the word of Christ to dwell richly in his own heart. He should not be a totalitarian amongst the congregation, bullying his way about to get his own way.

The fifth and final that Paul lists is an elder should not be greedy for gain. Truly money is a root of evil. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” Contrary to faithful teachers of the Word, false teachers proclaim their erroneous Gospel for the sake of sordid gain. An elder must refrain from the temptation of worldly empires and successes around them to forsake the message of the Cross for a better financial life.

[Illustration]

A sinful character is like the tops of waves crashing against the bow of the ship as it navigates the stormy waters. To allow the waters to build upon the ship would allow it to sink to the bottom of the ocean. One must, with due diligence and all sincerity of their own heart, seek to build their character in conformity with God’s Law, lest they lead the sheep astray by their falsehood.

[Application]

A little sin in the life of the church is like a minuscule drop of cyanide in a glass of water. Outwardly it looks like a glass of water, pure, crisp, and cool. Inwardly, it contains enough poison to kill you. How true is this of sin where a small minuscule drop which seems harmless at the time, destroys the make-up of Christ’s church.

Even when we see leaders of the church fall, we are reminded that it is ultimately not their church. We may own a building, gather together, vote for elders; but ultimately, the church is Christ’s church. Jesus Himself proclaims that the gates of Hades will not prevail over Christ’s church. Regardless of the sin that creeps into the church, Christ as King will always prevail. He has set it into motion and he will ensure her purity.

[Main Point] Christ’s Church Defends Sound Doctrine (1:9)

Titus 1:9 “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.”

[Explanation]

How often have you heard the phrase “doctrine divides?” Many detest doctrine as it cuts to the heart of their sinful estate. All throughout the world, in Scotland, in America, and other countries, doctrine has been the principle means by which churches break off from mainline secularism. Even in the Reformation, the church sought to remove itself from the heretical doctrines of Rome.

The only antidote to an increasingly secular culture is sound doctrine in the church of Christ. Sound doctrine is like the rudder of the ship of Christ’s church, ensuring the crew does not go wayward and steers against the opposition of oppression. As the current of this world pushes against her, she pushes through with fervency. Though tumultuous waves of depravity and secularism try to avail her, she will never capsize.

The Word of God is Faithful.

Paul’s use of holding firm is such a powerful word. It is to cling to something, to have such a strong attachment to it that you would never let go. It also has the idea of being devoted to something wholeheartedly. Paul is saying, the Word of God is absolutely trustworthy, therefore stand your own ground. To hold firm is to not compromise in any way.

Like a life preserver being thrown out into the ocean so also does the man of God equipped for the work of the church hold fast to that which will save him. To loosely hold to doctrine is not to hold to doctrine at all.

The Word of God is Instructive.

The purpose that Paul gives to Titus is not to hold fast to God’s Word that he may be empowered. Though that is certainly true, a good elder and minister holds firm ground, an unbreakable attachment to the Word of God, that he may give instruction in sound doctrine. Doctrine that is free from error edifies the saints of God. Sound doctrine ought to be taught with regularity. 2 Timothy 1:13 “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”

Paul warns of a time when sound doctrine will not be received by the people of God. 2 Timothy 4:3 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,”

Paul warns of the dangers in teaching doctrine contrary to what is proclaimed in the Scriptures. 1 Timothy 6:3–5 “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.”

The Word of God is Defensive.

A good offense is a strong defense. Many victories are won in any sport by the defense of the team. The key that Paul lays out regarding sound doctrine is in defensive terms, namely, to rebuke those who contradict it. Those who are against the Word of God must be held accountable. Our society and way of life has become rather too conscious of offending. We need to realize that when we proclaim Scripture in accordance with sound doctrine there are times that it will confront and convict us. I cannot count how many times on my pilgrimage have I been convicted by the teachings of Christ, even though it stood opposed to my own personal beliefs.

Calvin: “The pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves.” How much more should we open ourselves and subject our conscience and feelings to the objective truths of God’s Word? George Swinnock gives pastoral insight to how we ought to reprove. “Reprove compassionately. Soft words and hard arguments do well together, Passion will heat the sinner’s blood, but compassion will heal his conscience.”

[Illustration]

Why is Scripture so important? Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

[Application]

This word that Paul gives us in his admonition to Titus is not segregated from general principles all believes must adhere to. Paul tells us that Galatians 5:22–23 “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Many of these encompass the office of elder. Yet elders are specifically set apart for a particular purpose in the growth of Christ’s church through the proclamation of the Gospel and ruling the church with authority and doing so well.

Just because the focus of the passage is on elders does not mean it doesn’t apply to all Christians. Do you Christian need sound doctrine? Do you need to hold fast to the trustworthy teachings? Do you need to rebuke those who contradict the word? Of course you do.It also encourages you as a Christian to test the Scriptures. Be like the Bereans in Acts 17 who tested what Paul said according to Scripture.

Embrace sound doctrine and more importantly embrace Jesus Christ as the Lord of your lives.