Titus 1 An Elder must be... Part 12

 Titus 1:7-8 

“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, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined” (ESV)

In today’s text, Paul takes a look at the positive qualifications for elders. Christ equips us all with different gifts and the gifts listed are the ones required of men in church leadership. The Holy Spirit puts these men into office as preachers, teachers and elders. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” These gifts will mark those who qualify to be in office, and if we look at 1 Timothy 3 we can see a similar list for the elders and overseers of the church. 1 Timothy 3:2-3 tells us “An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” These gifts will be evident but obviously not perfected, as there is always room for growth to conform to Christ’s word.

Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” In Biblical times, preachers and teachers would travel from place to place, often counting on the hospitality of other Christians to house and feed them. While that may not be the case today, we have the ability to stand out in this self-centered world, by simply reaching out and being hospitable. Someone who is hospitable shows an obvious concern for others and a loving disposition. With so much loneliness in the world this love can be displayed in obvious outreach to those around us. We can share a meal or conversation and must be courteous and generous with the gifts God has given us.

God is the source of all good so one who is “a lover of good” delights in the Lord. This man seeks to do the good works which God has set forth for him. He seeks to live as a Christian all the time, everywhere, with everyone. He cannot love evil but must actively engage in good works. His heart and life must be upright, making righteous decisions, with moral integrity. He must live a life of purity and faithfulness to God. A holy and upright man is dedicated to God, loves the truth, and strives to live in an honest, responsible and moral way. He must be marked by a desire to live rightly before God.

Self-control and discipline are also required of elders, indeed, of all Christians. This means we cannot be prone to self-seeking pleasures, but able to control the desires of our sinful hearts. Emotions and desires and not necessarily wrong, but the self-controlled man masters his emotions and isn’t controlled by them. He takes an honest look at his strengths and weaknesses and has a healthy and balanced way of thinking. Just as God is orderly, so, too, must elders live orderly lives.

God entrusts elders with the stewardship of His household and therefore, there must be no cause to question their moral character. An elder, and, in reality, all Christians, must be moderate, well-balanced, measured and orderly. We must act on Christian principles and fear God as He has directed us, being mature and godly, with a life that shows true faith in the gospel. When we live this way, it will be evident in the good works the Spirit helps us to do. Paul stresses the point that our lives must be marked by good works and good moral and spiritual character.

1.        What are some ways we can show hospitality in and outside the church community?

2.        We are sinful creatures, unable to attain perfection so how, then, can we find men who meet these qualifications?

3.        Read Isaiah 40:11. What does this say about how elders ought to treat the congregation?

4.        When looking to nominate or elect an elder, what sort of man must we look for? See also, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 1 Peter 5:1-5, and Hebrews 13:17

1.        How are we, as sinful people, able to do good works, who makes us capable?

Good Shepherd and almighty God, I come before You now in humility, knowing that in and of myself I am unable to meet the standards You set forth for us. Forgive me and fill me with the Holy Spirit that I might seek You with a heartful and earnest desire. Grant that I might live a good spiritual and moral life, being hospitable, humble, self-disciplined and a lover of good, through the blood of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins and the working of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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