To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. (Titus 1:15) In his work as a pastor and leader on the island of Crete, Titus had to deal with a lot of difficult people. Some of those people were…
One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith. (Titus 1:12-13) More than 50 years ago, the musicians Simon and Garfunkel wrote in a song that “the words of the prophets are…
For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers… (Titus 1:10) In the previous section of Titus, Paul told his associate the kind of men he should look for as he appointed leaders for churches spread out all over Crete (Titus 1:5-8). Then he told Titus what those leaders should do – “hold fast the…
“Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught” (Titus 1:9) The Apostle Paul gave an extensive list of the character qualities that Titus was to look for in the men who should lead the churches on the island of Crete. That list (found in Titus 1:5-8) is helpful not only for selecting leaders,…
“Just, holy, self-controlled…” (Titus 1:8) We have carefully considered Paul’s list of qualifications to look for in leaders among God’s people. Those who oversee the work of the church are not to be chosen according to charisma, talent, status, or other such qualities. We should look for character, the kind of men who can be described…
“Sober-minded…” (Titus 1:8) What qualifies someone for leadership among God’s people? Surely, there must be a sense of calling, and the heart and gifts to match the calling. But those things are not enough, even if one were to add ambition to them. When God speaks of what qualifies someone for leadership, He speaks of…
Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life. Psalm 42:7 Serving God has its seasons of discouragement. We’re so…
“A lover of what is good…” (Titus 1:8) The apostle Paul gave Titus a list of character qualities to look for in potential church leaders. In all, he listed 18 aspects of character. Number 12 of the qualities to look for is what we find in verse 8, that a leader among God’s people must…
“But hospitable…” (Titus 1:8) As Paul listed the character qualities Titus was to use to appoint leaders in among the many new churches on the island of Crete, we see here that he mentioned the practice of hospitality. This means that God regards this as one characteristic of a person qualified for leadership among the…
Many of you have preached and served God, His people, and a needy world over the weekend. Here’s a quick thought that might bless and brighten your Monday. Look at David’s prayer in Psalm 41:4: I said, “LORD, be merciful to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.” Those who serve God…
For a bishop must be… not greedy for money. (Titus 1:7) Paul listed several qualities that Titus should look for as he appointed leaders in the many young churches on the island of Crete. Here at the end of verse 7, another quality is mentioned. A leader among God’s people must not be greedy for money….
For a bishop must be… not violent. (Titus 1:7) As we read what the Apostle Paul wrote as a description of the character Titus should look for in leaders among God’s people, it’s good for us to ask: If I’m not a leader among the people of God, and don’t plan on being a leader, why…