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. Titus 1:7
Read Titus 1: 5-16
There are two solutions to overcome false teachings. First, you appoint godly elders to lead the house churches. Titus’ main task was to appoint godly elders (pastors) to the churches. These leaders needed to be people that know God. Their lives show it. Putting godly leaders in churches still needs to be applied to today’s churches. How does Titus recognize a godly leader?
Paul reveals three keys to recognizing those who can help lead the church. First, godly leaders in the church are exemplary leaders in their homes. A leader’s home life reveals a lot about his character and ability to lead a church. They need to be above reproach. Second, godly leaders display godly character. Paul gave Titus five ungodly character traits to avoid and six positive character traits that point to godliness. Here are the characteristics to avoid and why.
a. overbearing – arrogant or self-willed. They insist on their way.
b. quick-tempered – not soon angry. These are the leaders who are hot-headed that can destroy churches.
c. drunkenness – they are known for their drunkenness.
d. violent – They consistently are unable to control their emotions and temper.
e. pursuing dishonest gain. These are the leaders that are greedy and not honest.
The godly characteristic that a church should pursue is:
a. hospitable. The leaders care about strangers
b. loves what is good. Godly leaders love those things and features that are truly good.
c. self-controlled – sound mind. These leaders have control of their thoughts and desires.
d. upright- righteous, just. Godly people act “right” in their relationships with other people.
e. Holy. Godly people live “right” in their relationship with God.
f. disciplined. They keep their bodies and mind under control as they submit to the Holy Spirit.
The third key is godly leaders will cling to the truth, even when they face opposition. They “hold firmly to the trustworthy message.” This enables them to encourage other followers to the fact and refute those who oppose the truth.
The second solution emphasizes that purity comes through Christ, not paying attention to myths or keeping rules. Titus could not ignore the false teachers. Paul told Titus to rebuke the deceivers sharply. The false teachers of Titus’s time were bullies. They damaged and took advantage of others. Paul mentored Titus in how even to rebuke the false teachers. Titus had to remember his purpose in doing this – to correct them – not destroy them. Titus needed to condemn them enough so they would change their ways but not reject the truth.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for setting guidelines in our lives to know your truths.
In Jesus Name
Amen
