Titus 1 Who shouldn’t be an elder? Part 11

 

Titus 1:5-7 

“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 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” (ESV)

Elders are an important part of our church structure but why are they important? Who should be an elder? Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” (ESV) That’s a pretty heavy responsibility! If men are to be put into an office where they are going to have to give an account for those under them, the standards for being a leader ought to be high, and so they are! Our text says, “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.” Those who are elders must be men of outstanding character, who honor God and set a good example. They must live as they speak, being models for all those who are around them, and be above reproach in their domestic and work lives, in their private and public lives, so that no one can accuse them of wrongdoing. They are being given an important task from God.

When we look for men to be elders, we must examine their lives because it is a sacred office. Christ gives us men who are willing, and the Holy Spirit makes them able to fulfill their offices. We know what to look for because the Bible tells us. They must not be arrogant, or, in other words, not be self-willed, conceited, condescending, and haughty. They are there to serve and ought to seek the will of God, putting His will above their own.

Next, our text tells us that elders must not be quick-tempered or a drunkard. “Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’.” (Matthew 16:24) Like Christ, elders must deny themselves. They must show self-control and not be quick to anger or be over-indulgent. They must practice self-control, not only in their tempers and emotions, but also in the things they put in their body.

Lastly, our verse today tells us they must not be “violent or greedy for gain”. Being violent is not just an action but a character trait. Violence is often something someone is prone to, and, while we know God grants forgiveness for those who seek it, that doesn’t mean that person should be allowed in office. Being violent is physically exerting one’s own selfish will on another person, and in this way, it is similar to being greedy for gain. Being greedy for gain shows an evil desire in one’s heart. Someone who is focused on gaining wealth and possessions or is selfish with the possessions God has given them, does not have an attitude of serving others and therefore is not qualified to be an elder.

The character of an elder is important, overseers must not be prone to selfishness, but rather, they must seek to serve others, reflecting the grace and truth of the gospel. They must not be prone to seeking their own gain nor be over-indulgent, but rather, seek to serve those they have been put in authority over. When looking to nominate or elect someone as an elder, these are the things that should raise a red flag, so to speak. We should also look inward and judge whether we have these traits or act in these ways. We, too, should seek to be above reproach, not prone to anger or lashing out, not manipulative or self-centered, but with an attitude that seeks to please the Lord.

1.        Look up 1 Peter 5:1-4. What does Peter say about elders?

2.        Look up 1 Timothy 3:1-7. What does Paul say about who can be elders?

3.        Why are the characteristics of an elder important?

4.        List the negative traits found in our text and the two texts above. Examine yourself for these traits and set some rules or guidelines for how you can avoid them. How can we apply all this to our own lives?

5.        What is the underlying trait that feeds and leads to all the negative traits mentioned?

Steadfast LORD, thank-you for setting elders in place to watch over Your flock. Help me to know how to find men who are worthy to be elders and to be obedient to their leadership. Grant that Your Holy Spirit may work in me so that I do not fall into the sins of selfishness, and when I fall, please forgive me through the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen.