Titus 3

Titus 1:5-9

Paul launches straight into practical matters regarding the setting up of the church in Crete which was the task he had left Titus’. Paul outlines this task, which is to set things in order, and then goes on to deal with the qualifications of elders which Titus is to appoint as part of this process.  Paul had preached the Gospel in Crete (probably after his first Roman imprisonment) and some had believed, he moved on but he left Titus behind for the specific reason to set-up these believers into an orderly church. The church must have order, be organized, set in place with an authority structure - men appointed as elders to "oversee" the fellowship’s running, progress and development - to teach it and guard against error contaminating it (cf. Tit 1:9). Paul started this work but did not complete it - there were things remaining to be done - so he left Titus behind to take care of them. [OHP1]

ORDER Things must be set in order - arranged, orderly. The emphasis is on order ("set in order"; "appoint" "directed" all have the connotation of setting in order). God of order (Genesis 1:2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.)  - at creation God set about putting in order – separating one from another, arranging and making – getting rid of randomness and bringing order. If God lets go things return to disorder, falls apart – upholds  (Hebrews 1:3 He  upholds all things by the word of His power.). See order in creation but not uniformity – no two individuals the same, yet don't mix kinds – order yet liberty. With man there tends to be either disorder (casting off all restraints) or rigid legalism (requiring all to be identical, conformity, no freedom). Talking of church order in services, Paul says: (1 Corinthians 14:26-33 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.) - these were rules, an authority structure, an orderly way in which things should be conducted. There was liberty in worship, not one man controlling everything but required order (1 Corinthians 14:40 But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.). Not uniformity but there must be order. To keep order requires leaders to control the situation, to stop things degrading into a free for all where everyone does as he wishes. This calls for real wisdom – to allow liberty, room for individual expression but to know when to step in to stop things getting out of control. As human we are rebels and do not like control  or authority. In Crete did not like restraint or some one telling them what to do. Neither do we today our society is democratic – underpinned by a philosophy that says that everyone has the right to his say, opinion,  to do as he wants. When everyone does what is right in his own eyes you have chaos – as in the days of the Judges (Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.). Why did they all do their individual thing, no unity, no cohesion, weak against a united foe? - because there was no king – no authority. We need leadership to keep us in check – pulling together, keep us going off on a tangent.  

APPOINT This is why Titus did not travel on with Paul. - the situation in Crete needed to be set in order, and to do this leadership had to be appointed. Note – not democratic, elected but appointed – those given authority by those who had authority. God -> Jesus -> apostles -> elders. Christ is the Head of the Church and He appoints those He chooses to lead it – the church does not decide. The church is not a democracy but a Theocracy. There were several cities in Crete and each was to have its set of elders to oversee the church there - one fellowship per locality. Paul had obviously given Titus directions to appoint these elders before he left - now he reminds him to fulfill the commission he had been given - perhaps Titus had been slow to appoint elders because of the poor character of the Cretans. Paul now outlines the character that must be present in those Titus is to appoint. Elders were appointed, not elected.

CHURCH LEADERS Leadership structure in church not precisely laid down as we do in the constitutions of denominations – order but liberty. Very simple structure. We have many confusing names today: vicars, pastors, ministers, bishops, presbyters, elders, pope, deacons. [OHP2] - God - pope - meaning “father” (cf. Matt 23:9) call a man pope he is taking on the title of God! -Christ  - vicar - vicarious, a substitute one standing in the place of another. Jesus is the only vicar - His vicarious sacrifice, He died in the place of you and me. - priest - similar idea, one coming between God and man. We are all priests but only one High Priest, only one through  Whom we approach God, no human go between (John try distributing communion in Anglican church) “Oh come to the Father through Jesus the Son...” Early church knew two types of leader: apostles, who oversaw the various congregations; and elders, that they appointed in each city. So didn't have one leader over whole church or even over an individual congregation. Leadership in each location was autonomous but guided by the apostles; but there were elders in each city, who led the church in that location. Only one church, one set of elders in each location, though there could be several congregations, but not many denominations (Paul had words to say when Corinth started to divide into parties and factions). In a local church there is only one leadership position, that of elder. Two terms used: "elders" and "overseers". Here Paul uses the term "overseer" as synonymous with "elder" (Tit 1:5).  From elder we get the term presbyter, and from "overseer" we get the term bishop [called "overseer" in Timothy, both terms used in Titus. - Leader - only position of leadership in the local  church, called  overseer or “elder”- episkopov, being compounded of epi, over, and skeptomai, to look or inspect, signifies one who inspects or has oversight, a superintendent - it involves the care and oversight of a Christian church. Responsibility and care are combined, leadership and service. [traditionally rendered "bishop"] Bishop (Biblically) is not one leader over several congregations but one in a group of overseers. Always in plural, several bishops over one fellowship (call Robin “bishop”) - not one man over a whole collection of churches - Always there is a group of  - the church went astray when power was concentrated in the hands of lone leader. Today the word is misused, changed its meaning - the other term is elder (presbuteros) hence Presbyterian church - same system Jews used, society governed by a group of elders. Elder – suggests maturity; overseer - suggests supervision, administration and care.  [OHP1]

QUALITIES: Paul tells Titus to appoint elders and tells him what qualities a man has to have to be assigned to this task. He gave similar instructions to Timothy in Ephesus. Paul deals with many matters similar to those in his letters to Timothy since they were doing similar tasks of setting up churches in virgin territory - of course the situation in Crete had some differences to that in Ephesus, requiring specific directions. These lists both given to men for appointing leaders – not to churches for them to assess and criticize their leaders! These are matters to consider when selecting leaders. Before we look at the list of qualities you might like to think of the attributes you would list: (how different the Bible would be if man wrote it!) filled with the Spirit; knows and loves God’s Word, man of prayer; gifts of the Spirit - but they are not spiritual qualities. Leader; good communicator; charisma; good up front man, caring people’s person etc. - but they are not natural talents, nor spiritual qualities, but character. Read 1 Tim 3:1-7. [OHP3] - 18 qualifications in Timothy - 7 unique to Timothy. - 20 qualification in Titus - 9 unique to Titus - 11 qualifications in common - 5 of which are identical.  Both here and in Timothy the qualities are not primarily spiritual but those of character: Division is artificial, because qualities of character are seen in daily living (e.g. Not quick tempered) – but does show that more qualities of character which are expressed in every day living than on spiritual qualifications which are mentioned last. [OHP4]

Above reproach

Not accused of dissipation

Not rebellious

Good steward

Not self willed

Not quick tempered

Not pugnacious

Loving good

Sensible

Just

Self controlled

Home life:

One wife

Children who believe

Hospitable

Not addicted to wine

Not fond of sordid gain

Devout

Holding fast the Word

Exhort in sound doctrine

Refute those who contradict

character, Job interviews, selecting staff – qualities to look for – I never have, but we all reckon we know how. There is a shortage of technologist, many who are trained don't continue, discussing with boss who is seeking to join the Technologist's board what has gone wrong with the process. Qualification has become academic rather than practical – get qualified then not prepared for the humdrum of work. Emphasis on academic qualification rather than character. I said you can teach anyone to recognize a neutrophil, but what is required is hard work, pulling your weight, responsibility, initiative, handling pressure, efficiency, care, turning up on time, willingness to do the mundane – these things don't get through university education – they are qualities of character. You can teach technical ability but character is already formed and not easily changed.  As in Timothy an elder must be blameless, unimpeachable - no one able to stick anything on him. He repeats that it is essential for such a man to be above reproach (cf. Tit 1:6) - "it is necessary". Leadership is a public position so reputation counts – must not be accused of dissipation  - squandering wealth on pleasure and luxurious living. A further qualification, particularly apt in the context of Crete is: that he must not be rebellious. You cannot have authority yourself if you are not submitted to it yourself.  "Steward of God," literally God's steward, is one who holds a commission from God to serve in the Gospel, a trustee of spiritual truth (Tit 1:7). Paul gives a lot of traits that must not be present - those things that would be a cause of reproach, of blame being pinned on him. He is looking after God’s household - he is a steward of God’s administration! - therefore he must not be self-willed, quick-tempered, alcoholic, contentious or greedy for money. "Steward" - the word emphasizes the commitment of the task to someone and the responsibility involved. It is a metaphor drawn from contemporary life and pictures the manager of a household or estate - often a trusted slave was put in charge of the whole household. The word emphasizes that one is entrusted with great responsibility and accountability. "Self-willed" - obstinate in one’s own opinion, arrogant, refusing to listen to others - it is the man who obstinately maintains his own opinion or asserts his own rights and is reckless of the rights, feelings and interests of others. He is one who is pleased with himself and despises others, insolent, surly - the contrast of courteous or affable."Quick-tempered" - inclined to anger.  "Pugnacious" - literally "one who strikes an opponent" - a giver of blows, a violent man - also figuratively - a reviler, one who by reproachful and upbraiding language wounds the conscience of his brethren, a contentious person, a quarreler. Leaders need a long fuse. From the negative qualities that must not be present, Paul moves to the qualities that must be present in one in a position of responsibility, oversight in a church. He must be: loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled and holding fast to the Word which is reliable. "Loving what is good" - it denotes devotion to all that is best - it combines not only the liking to be kind and benevolent but also the actual doing of good (1 John 3:18). "Sensible" – a word found repeatedly in Titus: self controlled, to be of sound mind, sober-minded, sane, think and  act soberly, discreetly, to use sound judgement and moderation.  Just – fair in his dealings with people, giving right decisions and judgements. Self-controlled – very akin to "sensible" -  "Self-controlled" - it means complete mastery, which controls all passionate impulses and keeps the will loyal to the will of God - the holding in of passions and appetites, denotes discipline, mastery of yourself – it is not an attribute esteemed in today's indulgent society – it is essential, we are disciples, we are to be disciplined.

Daily living, home life – At work we used to have a job, now done by a machine that was mundane and mindless – someone had to spread blood on glass slides - regarding employing people, I used to say put them on that bench for a morning and I tell you if they'll be any good. It's not how your CV looks or how you come across at an interview – its how you get on with the practical doing in the ordinary things of life. You want to know if someone will be a good overseer in the church – how does he oversee his home? Not going to be able to control a church if he can't control his own family ("he who is faithful in little will be faithful in much") – home is the proving ground. He must be a one woman man – how much devastation has been caused in the church by leaders who were womanisers; forgiveness for morally fallen who repent but they have precluded themselves from a position of leadership. He must have his family under control: his children must be believers - accept the belief and teaching and authority of their father. "Hospitable" - literally "lover of strangers" – open up his home, love in action. "Addicted to wine" - given to drink, heavy drinker, one who sits long at his wine, one who is a slave of drink - it is the abuse or incessant use of alcohol i.e. signifies addiction. He must not indulge in excess, wanton living spending his income on pleasures but must be temperate and controlled. "Fond of sordid gain" - greedy of shameful gain i.e. making money discreditably, adopting one’s teaching to the hearers in hope of getting money from them (our generation has witnessed this), or perhaps it refers to engaging in discreditable trade - the gain becomes shameful when a man makes the acquisition of it, rather than the glory of God, his prime object. A person who is eager to gain even if such gain degrades his moral character. Our character is more important than the material things we possess. There is danger when people are in the ministry for the money they can get from it.

Spiritual  - emphasis is on teaching. The primary task of the elder in the church is not administration, deciding what colour the church should be painted, how much money should be given to which missionary or charity, organising program etc. Leaders tend to get taken up with the business of everyday running of the administration rather than with spiritual issues. The one thing they are required to do is be devoted to God's Word and guard its truth. They are to be on guard against error refuting those who contradict it and teaching the flock so that they are well grounded in it. Among other essential qualifications, he must adhere firmly to the faithful Word of God (Tit 1:9). This is possible only as the teaching elder is a careful Bible student. He will then be able by healthful teaching to exhort and convince opposers (Tit 1:9). The final qualifications are spiritual: "Devout" - holy - the word stood for that which was in accordance with God’s command.  He must be holding fast to the teaching of the faithful word - the elder must have his doctrine right, completely in accord with Scripture and he must not be able to be shifted from it. Oh how different the health of the church would be if this qualification had been adhered to! Doctrine matters! The elder must be able to communicate this teaching/doctrine - he must encourage and exhort the church in it. An overseer must know his doctrine because one of his primary tasks is to impart it and exhort the congregation in it. There is so much spurious doctrine and weird ideas doing the rounds, that it is essential that sound, wholesome, healthy doctrine be held to and imparted to the fellowship by responsible leaders. But doctrine is no longer regarded as important, it causes contention - only because it come into conflict with error that has been allowed to be fostered within the church! This should not be permitted to be in the church but must be countered, refuted by those in leadership. But today no one confronts anybody. But clearly, the elders’ duty is to refute, to argue against those that contradict. What is contrary to sound doctrine must not be allowed to go unchallenged. Sound teaching/doctrine according to the faithful word is VITAL! The elder must be able to exhort in teaching and refute in opposition - qualities rare in elders today."Reprove" - to prove with demonstrative evidence - it is so to rebuke another, with such effectual feeling of the victorious arms of the truth, as to bring one, if not always to a confession, yet at least to a conviction of their error - convince of error, to prove one in the wrong and thus shame him. [OHP1]

ROLE: looked at qualities when appointing elders, a few remarks about their role, the job they have to do. Read: (Acts 6:2-4  the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”) teaching – the Word of God and prayer should be priority and preoccupation of elders – not to get distracted with administration. Another term for these elders/overseers describes not their position but their role – they are shepherds (pastor/teachers – Eph 4:11) – indicates you feed the flock through teaching - [ Jer 3:15 Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding; John 21:15-17  Jesus *said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.” He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.] - Elders are to ensure the flock under their care is fed, they do this by teaching God's Word. Elders were to be taken up with spiritual matters - how much of an elder’s time on church affairs is taken up with the matters of running the fellowship and how much on devoting themselves to the Word and prayer? Do a quick audit - if more time on the former perhaps some of those matters need to be delegated to servants an in Acts 6.

Conclusion: Order is necessary in the local church and because of this we need leaders, men in authority over us to teach us the right way. The most imperative thing is their character, the life of Christ being lived out in daily practice. Our job is not to criticize them but to submit to those God has placed in authority over us (Hebrews 13:17-18 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.).