Theme: God’s chosen leader of His people and how people should follow such leaders
* General characteristics of a pastor/father/”shepherd of the flock” BEFORE reading the scripture: sex-blind (i.e. a man or a woman can be this leader); know the Word/Bible; upright (“a good person”); approachable; understand the times
Titus 1:5-9
Titus’s Task on Crete
5The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appointa elders in every town, as I directed you. 6An 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. 7Since an overseerb 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. 8Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9He 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.
* Titus was sent by Paul to guide the churches
* Overseer = pastor or head pastor
* Elders = the Board, well-respected senior members
* Elders/Overseers must be a “he” (Overseers are most likely elected from elders)
* The above personality traits are all listed in the Proverbs
* “Husband of one/first wife” (Greek translation of one can also be translated by “first”): this would thus suggest that pastor/father/etc. can only marry once and thus cannot be a divorcee, b/c 1 Timothy 3:5 “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?”
1 Timothy 3
Overseers and Deacons
1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer,a he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11In the same way, their wivesb are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
* So… what is the difference between an overseer and a deacon? Hiearchy: Pastor à Elders, who has oversight over the Pastor (e.g. if Pastor’s not doing the right things, they can rein the Pastor in); on a separate path, Pastor à Deacons, who helps the Pastor minister to the people
* “first be tested” suggests deacons are selected from a screening process
* Here, we see the role of the wife, the supporter of the man.
14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
Titus 3:1-11
Doing What Is Good
1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
* This says that all Christians are to follow these aspirations.
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
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