IS THE PASTOR ELIGIBLE?-I—Titus 1:5-9
Attention:
The churches of Crete were saved but were lacking the finesse necessary to accomplishing their mission. They were not yet organized for ministry.
A pastor by the name of Titus, was charged with the fortunate task, of straightening out those aspects of a local— & possibly island-wide— church body which would bring it up to speed, thus making them viable & able to powerfully carry the message of Christ to a lost world.
With apostolic authority, Paul instructs Titus specifically, to “appoint” qualified men to pastoral positions in every city on the island of Crete. That is his first priority. This is because without headship, their can be no sustained & organized effort to win their world for Christ.
Thus Paul informs Titus of the basic qualifications for pastoral eligibility.
So we begin at this point in verse 5.
Need:
Paul told Titus that the focus of his work on Crete was to bring order to the churches & appoint qualified elders.
Pastors must meet certain qualifications.
What qualifies a man as pastor?
6 measures of pastoral eligibility/integrity.
1—Pastoral eligibility is measured by...
ALIGNMENT Stability(:5)
Explanation:(:5) Complete/Complement/bring Order to the church
:5—“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, & appoint elders in every city as I commanded you--”
“For this reason I left you in Crete,”
“Crete”—Krhth— ‘Fleshy.’
—The largest of the Greek islands(3,219 sq.mi.—Bigger than Delaware but smaller than Connecticut). 162 mi. long X 37 mi. wide(7.5 mi. minimum). A rich Greek(Minoan) history dating from ~2600BC. In Acts 2, one of the languages specifically mentioned is Cretan. Paul appeared before Ceasar via Crete.
“That you should set in order the things that are lacking,”
“Set in order/Straighten out”—epidioryow—To set in order besides or further. Strong—From epi & a derivative of oryov(‘Orthodontist’—straightens or aligns teeth); To straighten further, i.e. (figuratively) arrange additionally:-- Set in order. Used of setting bones or bent limbs or our ‘orthopedics.’ Used 1X.
“Lacking/Wanting/Remains/Left unfinished”—leipw—1) To leave, leave behind, forsake, to be left behind—1a) To lag, be inferior, 1b) To be destitute of, to lack; 2) To be wanting, to fail.
“And appoint elders in every city as I commanded you--”
Titus was so trustworthy in Paul’s eyes, in that he was charged with appointing elders for the churches in the cities of Crete in Paul’s physical absence.
Acts 14:21-23—“And when they had preached the gospel to that city & made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, & Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, & saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” & So when they had appointed elders in every church, & prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”
2Tim. 2:1-2—“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
“Appoint/Ordain”—kayisthmi—To set, place, put. Strong—To place down (permanently), i.e. (figuratively) To designate, constitute, convoy:-- appoint, be, conduct, make, ordain, set.
“Elders”—presbuterov—1) Elder, of age,—1a) The elder of two people, 1b) Advanced in life, an elder, a senior, 1b1) Forefathers; 2) A term of rank or office—2a) Among the Jews—2a1) Members of the great council or Sanhedrin (because in early times the rulers of the people, judges, etc., were selected from elderly men), 2a2) Of those who in separate cities managed public affairs & administered justice, 2b) Among the Christians, those who presided over the assemblies(or churches). The NT uses the term bishop, elders, & presbyters interchangeably, 2c) The twenty four members of the heavenly Sanhedrin or court seated on thrones around the throne of God.
Argumentation:
1Cor. 14:40—“Let all things be done decently & in order.”
Col. 2:5—“For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order & the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.”
1Cor. 4:15-17—“For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved & faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.”
1Cor. 7:17—“But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches.”
1Cor. 11:16—“But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.”
Illustration:
Ellinor to Dr. Busby for braces/Spend years & funds to have him apply expertise to Ellinor’s teeth/There are some things that are lacking/These require different applications for different teeth/ALIGNMENT Stability
One of my churches/Specific sin needed to be dealt with/ALIGNMENT Stability
—People need to know what to expect & the church of God should reflect Godly ALIGNMENT.
Application:
?Your Pastor bring ALIGNMENT Stability to this Church & beyond?
?He in-line with the full truth of God’s word, & with the Gospel of Christ?
2—Pastoral eligibility is measured by...
PUBLIC Stability/ Respect(:6a)
Explanation:(:6a) Unblemished Reputation/Respect
:6a—“if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.”
Parallel:
1Tim. 3:7—“Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach & the snare of the devil.”
‘This is a general qualification. This is the first sort of overarching statement to which all the others somehow relate. Saying above reproach & then defining it throughout verse 6, 7, 8, & 9.’—MacArthur, Titus
Elders/Overseers(:7) must possess certain qualities which exhibit & live out his ability to lead the church of God.
“He who is faithful in little will be faithful in much”(Lk. 16:10).
“Blameless,” in that, no one can rightly find fault with him, thus he is unquestionably unchargeable. An eligible pastor is always open to being falsely accused but he is never deserving of the actuality of it.
1Tim. 5:19-20—“Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.”
If a false accusation takes place, it can ruin a ministry. People take statements of others(leaders) & twist them, from a context of anger or prejudice. Rather than bringing their matter to God in prayer & approaching the matter reasonably. Happens all too often in Baptist churches!
“Blameless”(See :7)—anegklhtov—That cannot be called into account, unreproveable, unaccused, blameless. Designates one against whom there is no accusation, implying not acquittal of a charge, but that no charge has been made. Strong—The negation of egkalew —To call in (as a debt or demand), i.e. bring to account (charge, criminate, etc.):-- Accuse, call in question, implead, lay to the charge. Used 5X.
Argumentation:
1Sam. 2:26—“And the child Samuel grew in stature, & in favor both with the LORD & men.”
Prov. 3:3-7—“Let not mercy & truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor & high esteem In the sight of God & man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD & depart from evil.”
Lk. 2:52—“And Jesus increased in wisdom & stature, & in favor with God & men.”
Rom. 12:17-21—“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Rom. 14:16-19—“Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating & drinking, but righteousness & peace & joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God & approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace & the things by which one may edify another.”
Illustration:
A church’s good reputation for helping the community/Involved with civic concerns thru the Gospel of Christ/Never sell out to Secular Social work—Govt. supported programs etc./Then Govt. sets stage & takes the glory/PUBLIC Stability
The student at seminary who left without attempting to pay his bill/No PUBLIC Stability
Application:
?Your Pastor bring PUBLIC Stability/Respect to this Church & beyond?
?He in-line with the full truth of God’s word, & with the Gospel of Christ?
3—Pastoral eligibility is measured by...
MARITAL Stability(:6b)
Explanation:(:6b) Wife
:6—“if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.”
This tells us from the get-go that marriage is not frowned upon for church leadership & headship. Any group who pushes that agenda is out of line with God.
—One wife. Divorce probably not considered here but a devotion & faithfulness to one.
There is a word Paul could have used to unequivocally & unambiguously mean ‘divorce.’
“Husband of one wife”(miav gunaikov anhr)— mia irregular feminine of eiv —a primary numeral; one—Only one, someone. Strong—One or first:-- a (certain), + agree, first, one, X other.—+—gunh 1) A woman of any age, whether a virgin, or married, or a widow; 2) a wife. Strong—A woman; specially, a wife:-- wife, woman—+—anhr Strong—A man (properly as an individual male):-- fellow, husband, man, sir.
Argumentation:
Gen. 29:20—“So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, & they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her.”
Eph. 5:22-25, 28, 33—-“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; & He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church & gave Himself for her,”.....“So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.”.....“Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, & let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
Col. 3:18-19—“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives & do not be bitter toward them.”
1Pet. 3:3-7—“Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle & quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good & are not afraid with any terror. Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, & as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Illustration:
My uncle Raymond Davis/Married to Nomy for >50yrs./Difficult times--Yes!/Sorrow, joy, hardship, testing/MARITAL Stability
Dr. Erwin Lutzer’s parents /Both Germans Gustav & Wanda Lutzer met in Ukraine/Survived War, Deprivation & Material want/Emigrated to Canada & met in German-speaking Church/Married for 76 yrs!/MARITAL Stability
Application:
?Your Pastor bring MARITAL Stability to this Church?
?He in-line with the full truth of God’s word, & with the Gospel of Christ?
4—Pastoral eligibility is measured by...
BROOD Stability(:6c)
Explanation:(:6c) Children, Kids
:6—“if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.”
“Having faithful children”
The behavior of the elder’s children is also a way of judging his faithfulness & ability. A pastor’s children must be faithful—to their parents—as those respectful of their leadership.
Some versions translate this as “Believing,” causing some to hold that the children must be saved for the elder/overseer/pastor to be eligible for the office. Thus if they are NOT saved he cannot pastor.
MacArthur agrees with this ‘saved children’ scenario.
BUT if that is true, then how long are they allowed to be unbelieving? If this is the case, then how long should a pastor wait before admitting his children are unsaved? Can they not be saved later in life, as teens, as adults? This scenario corrupts free will.
‘I think here then it’s safe to say that he’s talking here about faithful adult children, for the most part, who are not going to scandalize the ministry by their unruly wild living.’—MacArthur
*Parallel:
1Tim. 3:4-5—“one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);”
“Faithful/Believe”—pistov—1) Trusty, faithful; 2) Easily persuaded.
“Children”—teknon—Offspring, children. Denotes a child alike as respects to descent & age. Emphasizes the idea of descent, giving prominence to the physical & outward aspects.
“Not accused of dissipation or insubordination.”
As “faithful” children to their parents, they should not exhibit protracted recklessness or incorrigibility. They must be willing to honor their father & mother.
“Accused/Open to the charge”—kathgoria—Accusation, charge. Strong— A complaint ("category"), i.e. criminal charge:-- accusation, accused.
“Dissipation/Riot/Wild”—aswtia—1) An abandoned, dissolute life; 2) Profligacy, prodigality. The fundamental idea of aswtia is "wastefulness & riotous excess. Reckless & extravagant expenditure, chiefly for the gratification of one’s sensual desires. It denotes a dissolute, profligate course of life. From the negation of —swzw— ‘To save’, thus One who will not save or keep (his possessions). Used 3X.
—Like ‘the Prodigal son’ of Luke 15
Lk. 15:11- 17—“Then He[Jesus] said: “A certain man had two sons. “And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. “And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, & there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. “But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, & he began to be in want. “Then he went & joined himself to a citizen of that country, & he sent him into his fields to feed swine. “And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, & no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough & to spare, & I perish with hunger!”
“Prodigal” here translates the adverbial form of “Dissipation” in Titus 1:6.
“Not accused of dissipation or insubordination.”
“Insubordination/Unruly/Rebellion/Disobedient”—anupotaktov—1) Not made subject, unsubjected; 2) That cannot be subjected to control, disobedient, unruly, refractory. Used 4X.
Argumentation:
1Sam. 3:12-13—“In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. “For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, & he did not restrain them.”
Illustration:
Anyone with children knows restraint takes priority until maturity is learned/BROOD Stability
Application:
?Your Pastor bring BROOD Stability to this Church?
?He in-line with the full truth of God’s word, & with the Gospel of Christ?
CONCLUSION:
Action:
Pastoral eligibility is measured by...
1. ALIGNMENT Stability(:5)
2. PUBLIC Stability/ Respect(:6a)
3. MARITAL Stability(:6b)
4. BROOD Stability(:6c)
Presented 03/07/2010pm to:
Needmore Baptist Church
1620 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Woodleaf, NC 27054
