Leadership for a Godly Church (Titus 1:5-16)

Recap of Titus 1:1-4

Paul is writing to a young pastor, Titus, in Crete to establish the churches in Crete with godly patterns.

Titus has much to overcome: false teachers and Cretans who were morally backwards to name a couple.

To introduce the letter, Paul describes his own walk with the Lord, and gives us a model for what a true servant of God should look like:

First, he shares true servants of God have a common truth we share leading to godliness (v. 1). It is a truth to be shared, and is also a truth that builds up believers in godly lives.

Next, he shared that true servants of God have a common hope in eternal life (v. 2). Unlike the false gods of the Cretans, the one true God is not a liar and keeps His promises, the most obvious the hope of eternal life.

Then, Paul details that servants of God have a common Word to proclaim (v. 3). God has put us in the right time to share, has given us the right method (His Word), and has given us the right motivation (the Great Commission).

Finally, Paul concludes this introduction to Titus by saying that all servants of God have a common faith in the Savior (v. 4). It is a faith which builds up camaraderie among believers and also empowers them for service.

Questions Before This Study

Why is leadership important?

What qualities make a good leader?

Are there different qualities to look for in leaders in the secular world compared to the church? Why or why not?

Elders in the New Testament

Different words in the New Testament describe the same office: elder (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2; 20:17; 1 Tim. 5:17, 19; Titus 1:5); bishop (1 Tim. 3:1-2; Titus 1:7); overseer (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2); pastor/shepherd (Eph. 4:11; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2).

These terms are used interchangeably to describe one office in the church (cf. 1 Pet. 5:1-4). The pastors of the church are those who lead the church in spiritual matters and govern the direction of the body.

Qualifications for Elders (v. 5-9)

Blameless- They are to be above reproach and lead lives that are free from public scandals and legitimate accusation. The Greek word here is anenkletos; the root of that word is kaleo, meaning to summon, as in a legal context.

This is not meaning sinless perfection; it does mean, however, that elders are to be ones who live a life that excels in character. This idea of blamelessness permeates this passage.

They are to be blameless, verse 7 says, as “a steward of God.”

“As a steward of God”- Paul says the elders must be blameless, because they are stewards. In the NT, a steward was on who managed the affairs of the head of household and cared for its occupants.

In that time, the steward would attend to the finances of the head of house, would conduct business, and would make sure the occupants were properly fed, clothed, etc.

In like manner, pastors attend to the affairs of the church, and make sure the people in God’s house are being fed, nurtured, and growing in grace.

A Blameless Household (v. 6)

“Husband of One Wife”- Literally, a “one-woman” man; idea is to enforce monogamy in a pagan and polygamist world.

Since marriage relationship shows relationship of Christ to the church, it is vital that the leaders of the church show that in a pure and undefiled way.

“Having Faithful Children”- Does this mean all children of the elder must be saved? Here are some reasons to think this is referring to household integrity, not salvation:

πιστός (pistos)- the Greek word translated faithful; it can also mean reliable, trustworthy, believing. This word has a wide meaning in the Greek world beyond just salvation, so Paul could have in mind children who are trustworthy and reliable, rather than focusing on the salvation of the child.

In 1 Timothy 3, the qualifications for overseer do not require that the children be believing. If this was such a vital qualification, then why isn’t is expounded on in 1 Timothy?

In the context of verse 10, which refers to false teachers who “subvert whole households”, it seems the focus Paul makes deals more with children who will submit to their parents, and be under control, not living in a way that is full of debauchery and insubordination.

A Blameless Life (v. 7-8)

Paul now moves to speak to the elder’s personal life. It is important to note a few things here: (1) this list may seem to be very basic, but it would have been an incredible moral jump in Crete; (2) this list is more about the pattern of life; the idea here is looking at the overall trajectory of the elder’s life; again, not sinless perfection.

Negative Traits to Avoid:

“Not Self-Willed”- Other translations may say “not arrogant” or “not overbearing.” Elders must not be dictator-like leaders. Rather, they must lead the church in love towards the will of God.

When this fails to happen, people are crushed under such a system. Such a controlling mindset quashes the gifts and abilities of others to do the work of ministry, and will ultimately kill a spirit of unity and cooperation.

“Not Quick-Tempered”- Because “the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). As a shepherd of the flock of God, the pastor must tend those in his care with grace and love.

“Not Given to Wine”- Not a prohibition on alcohol, though it is a check on drinking too much. The elder should not have a reputation as a “drinker”.

“Not Violent”- The term for violent refers to the idea of a bully.

It likely refers to a behavior associated with drunkenness, but could be generally thought of as a virtue in itself.

“Not Greedy for Money”- The elder must not seek out money above all.

As Jesus said, you will either serve God or money. You can’t have it both ways.

The elder also must not be dishonest with money. As a steward, he must treat his personal finances well, and even more so in his treatment of church monies.

Positive Traits to Live Out:

“Hospitable”- There must be a willingness to help in sacrificial ways to feed, clothe, and shelter others in need, especially those who were believers.

In the ancient world, where there was no abundance of hotels and motels, travelers often sought out places to stay on their journey. Christians would have especially relied upon other Christians for shelter in travel, and itinerant teachers and missionaries would need places to stay.

Unlike what we think of now with hospitality, which centers around meals and festivities, hospitality in that world meant a sharing of your life and resources with others.

“A Lover of What is Good”

In the NT era, this kind of characteristic was used in honorary inscriptions to esteemed citizens. The idea, then, is a love of good in society and a promotion of that. The idea could also be that the elder loves and is involved in seeing good in the community with a view to the mission of the church and the spread of the Gospel.

Proper integration of church-state.

“Sober-Minded”- A lifestyle that has behind it a thought process in line with logic, prudence, and God’s Word. Those with a sober mind are controlled, measured, and clear in their path.

“Just”- Other translations may say “upright” or “righteous”. The conduct of the elder must be seen as morally pure and virtuous, reflective of Christ.

“Holy”- The idea of this word is not the usual Greek word for holy. Upon closer examination, the idea of this word is “devout, pious.”

The elder must be seen by the congregation as a devoted individual; one who is deeply interested in prayer, God’s Word, worship, etc.

“Self-Controlled”- Refers to having all the “internals”- emotions, desires, impulses- under control.

Seems that these last five are opposites of the first five...

A Blameless Ministry (v. 9)

“Holding Fast”- Paul tells Titus to find men who will stick to the teachings of Christ and the Apostles, and not deviate from it.

This precludes individuals who want to flirt with and promote new doctrines. Qualified pastors must continue in the faith once for all delivered unto the saints.

It is fair to look with suspicion on a teacher or pastor who is always trying to twist or change the Word, or try to find the next new idea.

Qualified elders must tell the “old, old story”, not come up with a modern truth for an ever-changing world. Example: Catholic Pope Francis3

“To Exhort and Convict”- The two purposes of sound doctrine, and why it is so important.

Stop False Teachers! (v.10-16)

In these verses, the reason for qualified elders becomes clear: the churches in Crete are becoming led astray by false teaching. He tells Titus that these false teachers’ mouths “must be stopped.” Literally, the word means “put something on the mouth”, or gag them. There are a few reasons for this sharp command:

1. “Subverting Whole Households”- The teaching these false teachers were presenting was causing an uproar in the households of Crete.

We’re not certain what the teaching was. Some suggest it was a liberationist view which was creating unrest among women and slaves.

As Christian people, we do not seek to cause disorder, but to create order.

2. “Teaching Things They Ought Not”- The message these teachers were giving were erroneous philosophies and doctrines of men.

Paul says they were engaged in “Jewish fables and commandments of men.”

These teachers were not only engaging in myths; they were pushing others to observe ritual and regulations which had no bearing on holiness. In fact, such a focus on those things meant a repudiation of Christ and reliance upon Him alone.

3. “For Dishonest Gain”- These teachers were in it for the money and prestige, and were taking advantage of the Cretans.

In verse 12, Paul goes as far to say they are “liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This statement came from Epimenides many centuries earlier.

These false teachers are supposedly teaching the Cretans the truth and trying to lead them to a better way. But, Paul says their works show these false teachers are just as bad as the Cretans (greedy liars who do evil works).

Paul commands Titus to “rebuke them sharply”. Though these teachers profess to know God, in their “works they deny Him.”

Application for Today’s Church

Create an Upright Congregational Culture

As we noted earlier, these virtues for elders seem pretty basic. The reason was because Crete was so morally backward, this moral code was a huge jump. Let us be people who live such holy lives, that it will be natural to have qualified leaders for generations to come.

There is a quote from on Joseph De Maistre said “Every country gets the government it deserves.” Of course, he was speaking politically, but it is true of churches as well. Churches who cultivate virtue, reap virtue. And if you desire leaders who will lead with integrity and dignity, you must promote that as individuals.

Support Church Leadership

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.” -Hebrews 13:17

Be On Guard Against False Teaching

v. 15-16