BEHAVIOR OF GODLY LEADERS (Titus 3)
READ: Titus 1:6-9
In his letter to Titus, Paul began by reminding him of the need to straighten out any problems or disorganization in the church. He needed to appoint spiritually mature, godly men with self-control and a good reputation to lead the house-churches scattered throughout Crete. These men, the pastors of the local house-churches, were the key to making sure God’s Word was followed and people grew spiritually. Because this position was so important, certain requirements were required of them (Titus 1:6-9). Paul had already given Timothy these same qualifications (1 Timothy 1:6-9). (See V. STANDARDS FOR PASTORS AND LEADERS for a detailed explanation of these traits.)
It’s important to note that the same high standards were expected of church leaders in the small Jewish churches in rural Crete that were expected of the Gentiles in the large and important city of Ephesus where Timothy ministered. They apply to all leaders in all churches at all times in all places for all time.
A godly leader must have godly qualities. He must be mature and experienced in working in a church. He must be dependable, humble and able to give godly advice. He must have a good reputation with those inside and outside the church. He must listen when others talk, be patient and understanding, get along with others and make people feel comfortable when with him. He must treat others with respect and understanding.
He must know the Bible well and be able to communicate its truths to others. A godly life and close relationship with God must be evident. There can be no unconfessed sin in his life. He doesn’t have to be perfect and sinless, but he needs to be growing in victory over sin and becoming more like Jesus all the time. This will be seen in how he treats his wife and children.
He cannot be greedy or materialistic. Instead, he needs to be generous in giving to others in need. He must keep himself under control at all times and set an example of Christlike living in his family, church and community.
It takes time to attain these, a lifetime of work. Even then we won’t be anyway near perfect. Becoming like Jesus is a long, slow process – but there must be growth in the right direction for those who are pastors and leaders. These standards give us a goal to strive for, they motivate and inspire us to keep moving ahead in our own spiritual growth. Jesus is our example. Becoming like Him is our goal. Are you moving in that direction? (August 28, 2023 Doylestown, PA)
PAUL’S ADVICE: Church leaders must be spiritually mature, godly and Christ-like at home, church and in the community.
Titus 1:6-9 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Who do you know that exemplifies the qualities listed above?
Do others think you meet the standards?
Which do you have the hardest time meeting? What must you do to be more Christlike in that area?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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