Titus 1 The Trustworthy Word Part 13

Titus 1:9 

“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

As we continue our journey through the book of Titus we come to the next and perhaps one of the most important qualifications for an elder. There is a number of things we ought to take note of in this verse and the first is that an elder must ‘hold firm’. In the time Paul was writing this, many were sailors. Sailors would often tell each other to “hold tight” during storms, meaning, they should grab something solid and secure to save them from being swept overboard and drowning in the stormy waters. An elder must cling to the word of God, knowing it is the source of salvation. Not just any word, but the “trustworthy word”. God’s word, the witness of the apostles of the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. That which happened, was witnessed, proclaimed, recorded and preserved by God. Paul already referenced this truth in Titus 1:3 and he is saying that its not enough to have the character traits he has spoken about, an elder must be born again and saved by Christ; but even more, he must be a spiritually mature Christian. A new convert cannot be an elder because he has much to learn and grow in faith. He can’t possibly teach others what he hasn’t learned himself. An elder must be able to share the comfort, hope, discipline and love of the gospel. He must be able to teach sound doctrine, able to share God’s word and able to use it to help the members under his care.

Finally, he must have a firm grasp of the gospel so he can identify and refute false teaching. The Bible tells us many times that false teachers will come, even into the church, and elders must be able to understand where people have gone astray and be able to explain why they are wrong. If an elder doesn’t know his Bible well, he won’t be able to do this. Paul will go on in chapter one to talk more about this.

Elders must be diligent, continually trusting and obeying God’s word. They must believe God’s promises and cling to the gospel, knowing it is the only source of salvation. They must be spiritually mature so they can share the gospel and refute those who try to preach or teach false doctrine. While we have high standards and expectations of elders and teachers, we must also remember that they are our brothers in Christ. They need our encouragement and support.

In and of ourselves, we are not worthy or capable of being leaders and teachers. The work of the gospel is only possible because God does it. He gives His Holy Spirit to work in and through us and this will be evident in a born-again Christian. If the gospel doesn’t transform your life, you haven’t grasped or absorbed the truth of the gospel. Thank God continually, for He has given us His transforming and amazing word!

1.        The word of God must transform our lives, considering our text, what might that look like?

2.        What is the trustworthy word and why can we trust it?

3.        Where else in the Bible can you find mention of false teachers? What can we learn about them from the gospel and how must we deal with them?

4.        Why can’t a new convert be an elder?

5.        If we are all sinners, incapable of any good, how is it possible to find men with these qualifications?

Gracious and good God, Lord of the truth, I come before you now to praise You for Your trustworthy word. Thank-you for Your plan of salvation and the working of the gospel through the Holy Spirit. Fill me with the Spirit and transform my life by Your word. Help me to hold firm to the gospel and grow in faith that Your work may be evident in my life. Help me to recognize the qualifications and gifts You’ve given others as well, that men may be found who willing and able to be leaders in the church. Forgive me when I fail to live up to Your law and word, Amen.