Titus 1:5-9
What to Look For in a Man
Read the passage
5The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.
6An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination.
7As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
8Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
9He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Paul left Titus in Crete to put unfinished matters in order and appoint elders in every town. Titus is carrying out a responsibility Paul has already given him, and the letter explains the kind of people who should lead.
An elder must be above reproach, faithful in marriage and responsible within his household. Paul specifies believing children who are not open to charges of reckless or rebellious conduct. A candidate's life at home matters alongside his public teaching.
The overseer is God's steward. The church is entrusted to his care, but it belongs to God. Self-will, a quick temper, drunkenness, violence and greed are incompatible with that responsibility. Instead, he must welcome others, love what is good and show self-control, uprightness, holiness and discipline.
He must also hold firmly to the faithful word as taught. That enables him both to encourage people through sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it. Character and knowledge belong together: the church needs leaders whose lives support the truth they explain and defend.
Questions
1 Why did Paul leave Titus in Crete?
AnswerHe left him to set unfinished matters in order and appoint elders in every town, following the instructions already given.
2 Why does a candidate's household matter?
AnswerPaul includes faithfulness in marriage and the conduct of his children among the qualifications. Public leadership cannot be separated from life at home.
3 What does it mean for an overseer to be God's steward?
AnswerHe cares for what belongs to God. His authority calls for self-control, hospitality and holiness rather than self-will, violence or greed.
4 Why must an elder hold firmly to the faithful word?
AnswerHe needs to encourage people with sound teaching and refute teaching that contradicts it. The received truth governs both responsibilities.
What This Means for Us
When considering a church leader, take time to notice ordinary conduct as well as speaking ability. Hospitality, patience and freedom from greed matter to the people who will receive that person's care.
Practice those qualities in responsibilities you already hold. Welcome someone, resist a controlling response or speak calmly when frustrated. Caring for what belongs to God begins in such ordinary choices.
Prayer
Lord, give Your church leaders who care for Your people faithfully. Make them hospitable, self-controlled and steadfast in Your word, and teach us to value the character You require. Amen.