Titus 1:1-9
Q.1. What insights did Paul give us about the basis of our standing in Christ, and our calling to ministry? – (Tit.1:1-3)
Paul, as he often did, introduced himself as a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ … and the Gospel – with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Saviour (Tit.1:3). He was committed to the sharing of the Gospel – for the faith of those chosen of God … (Tit.1:1). This provided – the hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised long ago (Tit.1:2). He pointed Titus to the centrality of Jesus, Who was – manifested even His Word … (Tit.1:3).
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Q.2. Why was the appointing of elders crucial to the ministry success of Pastor Titus? How would you sum up these qualities for church leaders? – (Tit.1:4-8)
Paul extended the grace of the triune God to Titus, whom he called his – true child according to a common faith (Tit.1:4). Paul understood the rigours of the ministry very well and believed in a plurality of leaders – … appoint elders in every city … (Tit.1:5). Almost every one of his letters included a list of people with whom he worked … including in this letter (Tit.3:12-13). Single ministry leadership will break down sooner or later. Because Titus was ministering amongst the Cretans, the task was even more difficult (see Tit.1:10-12). Therefore, he should appoint elders to help him in all the cities where God had called him to serve. These leaders should be characterized by proven Christlike character – 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 … above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled (Tit.1:6-8).
Q.3. Why is sound doctrine so important for church elders? How is the Word of God to be applied to the church? – (Tit.1:9)
Paul placed great emphasis upon the elders’ understanding and practice of the Truth of the Gospel. We cannot successfully pass on something we do not live out. The role of elders was twofold: Holding fast the faithful word, which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it (Tit.1:9). As well as being an example of the true faith, elders were expected to be apt teachers, as well as be courageous in correcting those who undermined the faith which had been once and for all delivered to the saints