Titus Session 2
Notes
Transcript
This evening as we dive into the content of Titus 1, I want to first start out by talking about something I believe almost every human being desires to know throughout their lifetime.
What I am speaking of is purpose and direction: the answer to the question “why am I here?” and “where am I suppose to go?”
Purpose gives us meaning. Direction gives us clarity.
A lack of purpose can cause a person to struggle, to wonder, to feel lost or insignificant.
A lack of direction can cause a person to feel lost, to conform, and to follow aimlessly and recklessly without first considering the consequences.
From the beginning of time, God made clear the meaning of our existence. We were created to be in fellowship with Him, created to worship God with all that we are.
Unfortunately, the further society walks from the Lord the more lost in purpose and direction it becomes. I truly believe the crisis we see happening regarding identity and the confusion that has taken hold is because our culture has let go of God.
How can a person know who they are or what their purpose is if they have do not know or have openly rejected the One who created them?
In Christ… our purpose is clear. In Christ… our direction is clear.
Romans 12:2, one of my favorite passages, speaks of renewing that can happen when a person refuses to conform and is transformed by Christ.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Transformed, in this case, comes by the renewing of the mind. Transformed comes by dropping the world’s understanding and point of view, and accepting God’s design and adopting a biblical world view - seeing the world through a biblical lens or the way God sees the world.
Purpose and direction comes by understanding that:
We were created in the image of God for His plan and will.
God has a plan for you. God has a calling for EVERY believer. That calling helps us to further know our purpose. That calling helps us to further know our direction. but before we can fully know God’s call or will, we must stop conforming and be be transformed.
Our study in Titus this evening makes clear the purpose of what Titus is to do in Crete and begins to give direction in how it will be accomplished.
Paul is speaking to the call on the life of Titus. Perhaps Titus needed a reminder. Perhaps he needed some encouragement. Whatever the case, Paul was inspired by the Spirit of God to speak to his purpose and to give direction regarding the task at hand.
Why was Titus in Crete?
Why was Titus in Crete?
Some might look at this question and say, “Titus was in Crete to bring the gospel message to the un-reached in that region.” This is true… but Titus was called to do something specific regarding the mission of making disciples. Titus was to do some work regarding the business or organization side of the spiritual work being done.
Titus 1:5 gives the details.
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
Paul makes clear the “reason” why Titus was left in Crete. There is work to be done… unfinished work according to Paul in his instruction.
This indicates Paul had to leave before completing the task. The unfinished work is now in the hands of Titus. This in no way shape or form diminishes the importance of the work to be done. The job of appointing elders was a very serious thing. Why?
Because what Titus was instructed to do is place people of influence in every town as instructed by Paul.
First, what is an elder? What kind of position, influence and authority would this person have?
The original word used here is presbyteros. Defined, it would mean a leader whose authority comes, in principle, from the wisdom associated with age; in the church, a particular kind of leader whose responsibilities included directing churches.
The elders would have the responsibility of not only serving in churches but also directing churches in a given area.
This was a BIG responsibility. This person needed to be well grounded in their faith and strong in their knowledge of the gospel message.
Paul’s instruction to appoint elders in every town is a big task.
Titus is given the task of finding and positioning church leadership throughout the entire region.
Now… going back to the definition for a moment… was age the only qualifying standard the elder had to meet? Was age even a consideration regarding the qualifications?
Titus knew what he was supposed to do: He knew his purpose in Crete. But how was this going to take place?
Paul moves on to give him direction in the matter.
Who was Titus to appoint?
Who was Titus to appoint?
Titus 1:6-9 highlights the direction Paul gave to Titus.
An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
We’re going to break this down in two categories this evening: what an elder is, and what an elder is not.
Let’s look first at what an elder is supposed to be.
Blameless - without sin AND without accusation (above reproach). An elder has the reputation of living according to the Word.
Faithful to his wife - commited. Loyal.
Obedient children - discipled. Structured. Upholding of standards. Good manager (steward) of the home.
Hospitable - welcoming to all unconditionally.
Loves what is good - not tempted by darkness but always drawn to the light.
Self controlled - not impulsive or governed by emotions, feelings, or self.
Upright - a person of integrity.
Holy and disciplined - a disciple who is pursuing and living the things of God.
Hold firmly to the message - not stray one bit from the gospel truth.
To encourage others
To rebuke those who oppose it.
let’s look at what an elder is not.
Not overbearing - An elder is a leader, not a pusher. An elder is a guide. The boundaries are set and lovingly enforced.
Not quick-tempered - anger shuts down productivity. Anger places emotions in control. Anger is NOT a sin but can lead to sin.
Not given to drunkenness - not under the influence of any substance or anyone other than the Spirit of God
Not violent - not controlled by anger or emotion. Seeks to resolve, to respond rather than react.
Not pursuing dishonest gain - eyes are set on the kingdom, not earthly gain. This would be misusing the position of authority for the personal gain or benefit of the elder.
This list is interesting if you look at it - it speaks to the things that might control a person.
Controlled by power or position, controlled by emotions, controlled by substances, controlled by impulses, controlled by wealth.
An elder is to be influenced by God and His Word. An elder cannot bring direction to the church if they are living a life contrary to what the Word says.
So the direction given to Titus is to choose elders wisely. Again, there is no direct mention of age… but the elder was to be spiritually mature.
Closing
Closing
Titus knew why he was in Crete, what he was supposed to do, and how he was supposed to do it. He had purpose. He had direction.
And while the words on the page were penned or written by Paul, they were authored by God - inspired of the Holy Spirit.
The calling was made clear. The perimeters of the task had been set. Now it was up to Titus to respond.
How many believe God has a purpose for your life and with that purpose comes direction? I’ll say it this way: How many believe that God has a plan for your life?
While I do not know the details of the calling God has placed on your life, I feel led to give you this charge: stay true to the call God has placed on your life.
My calling is to pastor or lead the church. God placed us here for such a time as this.
Your calling may not be the same as mine… but it is equally as important. The heartland will only come to know the Lord so long as everyone in the body listens to the call!
So here’s the charge: be faithful to the purpose and direction given to you by God. Do not conform to what this world would have you do… live according to God’s plan and God’s will for your life!
