TITUS : STUDY 2
Titus 1:5-16
One of Titus’ task was to appoint elders for the
What do you think are essential traits that an Elder, Deacon or Pastor should have? Why do you think it’s important that they have these traits?
1. List the characteristics of an Elder according to Paul and discuss why each is important. Compare with your ideas. Make sure you reference verses.
Just quickly- one way of thinking about these qualifications is by dividing them into negative (things elders should not have) and positive (things elders should have) characteristics. More specifically, the characteristics that Paul sets out can further divided into general, domestic and personal and doctrinal qualifications.
General
Blameless; No brainer this one. This general criteria qualifies the rest of Paul’s points, with an elder being blameless in the areas that he mentions but also (in my opinion) serves to catch everything else that is relevant to the position but not mentioned by Paul. Considering that the Bible warns for us not to do something even if it is ‘permitted’ where it causes a weaker brother to stumble (1 Cor8:9-11), given an elder’s position in overseeing the Church and tending to the congregation, it would seem the need to be blameless should be a fairly broad one for the sake of people under an elder’s care.
Domestic
Husband of one wife; The importance here being at that time polygamy was considered abnormal and digusting by pagan cultures, it would be completely unacceptable for leaders of the Church to be in a relationship involving anything more than one man and woman (Gen 2:24). Interestingly (at least to me) is the amount of scrutiny and argument that this qualification has lead to- whether this bars men who were widowed and married, or were divorced under extremely extenuating circumstances. I’m not sure what our churches stance on this is, but I’ll explain later briefly how none of these qualifications are absolute, per se.
Children must be obedient; Yes- our bad behaviour can disqualify parents from being an elder (please don’t try this)! Actually, here the responsibility is on the elder to have ensured as best as possible that their children are straight shooting, bible bashing Jesus freaks. With the amount of references to Christians being children in a spiritual sense (1Cor 3:1, 1 Tim3:5), an elder’s success at home with their children can offer deep insight into their ability to do likewise in Church.
Again, this would not seem to disqualify parents who have done everything humanely possible to keep their kids on the right track, but whose children have just turned out bad (I’m looking at you here…yes, you). In the end, it is an effort of God which sees the conversion of an unbeliever to a Christian (John 15:16). Again, I’ll explain why I don’t think that these qualifications should be thought of as absolutes…
Personal
Not be overbearing; Importantly, earlier in Titus 1:5 Paul asks not for one elder, but for a plural (also in the Japanese version too!). An elder who always imposes what they perceive to be the ‘right’ way of doing things and only begrudgingly surrenders ground to his fellow elders hampers the decision-making process and can create division within the church.
Not quick-tempered; This is probably why I wouldn’t make a good elder… this compliments the next criteria of self control nicely. This isn’t asking an elder to remain placid in the face of indignity suffered by the church- but at the same time, angry people seldom make good decisions (just look at how well George plays SC after losing a couple of matches before…)
No Drunkeness; Again, I think it’s fairly obvious why installing Barney from the Simpsons into this role would be a bad idea.
Not be Violent; It’s pretty hard to obey Jesus’ greatest commandment if you’re punching the guy’s face in.
Not pursuing dishonest gain; It’s mentioned numerous times in the Bible how hard it can be be for a person who single-mindedly values material possessions to appreciate God’s promises and to focus instead on building up heavenly possessions (Mark 10:17-25).
Hospitable; For Christians, welcoming and caring for the needy is like caring for Jesus (Mathew 25:31-46). Interestingly, at the time when Titus was written persecution of the early Christians could often make it impossible to stay at an inn, and made hospitality of fellow believers especially necessary.
Loves what is good;
Self controlled;
Upright;
Holy;
Disciplined;
Doctrinal
Sound doctrine to encourage others; Paul outlines 2 particular (though not exclusive) uses of the Bible for elders. In using the Bible as a means of encouraging and nurturing elders are able to divinely inspired advice to those under their care, so much superior to any human equivalent. The foundation for encouragement and refutation on SOUND doctrine underscores how important Paul (and humble I) thought it was to have elders well versed in scripture.
Sound doctrine to refute those who oppose it; Our elders should be on the front line when it comes to defending the church. In order to do this, a well equipped elder needs have a sound knowledge of the basis of their own and the church’s beliefs. Gods own Word is to be used as a means of piercing human deception (Heb 4:12). As part of their responsibilities to lead the church, it is only natural to ask for an elder to continue that responsibility in the face of world criticism and offence.
And finally! The reason why I think that the points laid by Paul for the selection of leaders should be treated as absolute criteria is that such a perspective would pretty much bar anyone but Jesus from being an elder… which is good and all, except it leaves the Church with a bit of a leadership deficit. Everyone has sinned (Rom3:23) and no one can be blameless in all areas of their life. What Paul does give is a comprehensive blueprint for the selection of elders, who should be scrutinised closely in the areas that he has mentioned.
Phew! Yes, that was question 1…
2. Compare your list with that given in 1 Timothy 1-7. Discuss the differences.
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