Key Scripture: “Church officials are in charge of God's work, and so they must also have a good reputation. They must not be bossy, quick-tempered, heavy drinkers, bullies, or dishonest in business” (Titus 1:7, CEV).
PRAYER – Father God, we humble ourselves in your mighty presence. You said in your word that anyone who desires the office of bishop desires an excellent work (1 Tim. 3:1-2). Therefore, Lord, we believe that those You call to rule over Your house and Your people should be faithful and wise servants, willing and ready to hold firmly to Your Word. You said in your word those overseers “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 1:9, NIV). Lord, thank you for giving us leaders who hold to the pattern of sound teaching and speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine. Lord, give me the words to speak clearly and proclaim a message that encourages the teaching of sound doctrine and discourages naysayers. May the words from my mouth be pleasing to you and food for your people. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
A leader holds firm to God’s Word and practices excellence in the home, church, and community. They love their spouse and discipline their children. Scripture says: "They must stick to the true message they were taught, so their good teaching can help others and correct everyone who opposes it" (Titus 1:9, CEV). With faith and love in Jesus Christ, we hold on and do not stray from sound teaching. We must not allow anyone to shipwreck our faith by persuading us to lean to their understanding of God's Word.
Know the truth for yourself. Please do not fall for flattering words; instead, turn to the Holy Spirit for counsel. As Ministers of the Good News of the Gospel, we hold firm to God's Word and "speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1, NKJV). Let us practice speaking in a manner that glorifies God and encourages us to live a life consistent with the Good News of the Gospel. Paul set an example that his peers strived to match so they could be courageous and commit to the excellence they saw in Paul. He was bold enough to rebuke those who would contradict God's Word. His actions concerning teaching sound doctrine are relevant today to every individual and church. No earthly church that comes under the arch of God's Church should make up doctrine. Exhorting an ill-mannered, quick-tempered pastor is not congruent with God’s Word. When we base our principles on an ideology contrary to God's Word, we get what we get: ranting pastors and misinformed congregants.
The Scripture says: "The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful" (2 Tim. 2:24, NIV). People of God, I call on you to aim for excellence by choosing leaders willing to imitate the pattern set by Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Focus your thoughts, guard your soul, and always be careful to be an imitator of Christ instead of man. Excellent leaders commit to intellectual and spiritual growth and achieve both by willingly adding godliness, patience, self-control and love to their faith. And we know that faith comes by hearing, and the more we hear the Word of God, the more faithful we become. The Lord has spoken: A leader should "be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone" (Titus 3:2, ESV).
To set the church in order, we must hold firm to the Word of God, strive for excellence, teach sound doctrine, live holy, and challenge those who contradict God's Word. Paul had no problem challenging deceivers; he even questioned his fellow apostles. We challenge you to be like Paul and strive to be like Jesus, our High Priest, who dwells in the heavenly realms. His words are with us to help us hold fast to our confession. We understand that Jesus is our High Priest, and His Word is the doctrine we live by as we strive to find the Way and the Truth. We do not need bylaws to protect us from each other. We need bylaws to protect us from evil forces and false prophets who come to subvert entire households and the church family. Godly leadership in the church and community should model the sound doctrine that comes from God’s Word and does not depend on worldly success or human opinion. After careful study, we can use pastor, elder, overseer, bishop, and presbyter synonymously and interchangeably. As far as we can discern, all these titles describe the same work.
We are witnesses to the fact that excellence in leadership matters. Leadership among God's people should reflect the greatness of our Lord and Savior. "Church officials are in charge of God's work, and so they must also have a good reputation. They must not be bossy, quick-tempered, heavy drinkers, bullies, or dishonest in business" (Titus 1:7, CEV). In other words, if you do not do these things, no one can cast blame on you. The Scriptures have information on what it means to live blamelessly. A verse in the Old Testament says: "The one who lives blamelessly, practices righteousness, and acknowledges the truth in his heart" (Ps. 15:2, CSB). Leaders should command respect and be mature in the faith. Scripture says few should become teachers because they will be judged with greater strictness (James 3:1).
Leaders are not in their position for praise. Even with a good-looking, charismatic person standing in the pulpit, it is still the House of the Lord; and in the House of the Lord, the people shall praise God, not man. Sometimes, although contrary to God's Word, Christians will do whatever it takes to become leaders in the secular world, which is not compatible with becoming a leader in the Lord's Church or God's kingdom. According to the Bible, "This is the way any person is to regard ministers: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor. 4:1, NASB). The home of a Christian leader is a telling sign of how they will manage God's Church. Christian leaders should disregard human judgment since they work with integrity. "In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful" (1 Cor. 4:2, CSB). When found faithful, no accounting is necessary, and no judgment will matter because the law is not for the godly. Paul considered Timothy faithful in the Lord, sending him to the Corinthians to bring to their remembrance Paul's ways in Christ as he taught in every church (1 Cor. 4:17). Who then is a faithful and wise servant? Those who can love, stand firm as God's steward, oversee the Lord's flock, hold tight to the Word of God, and rebuke hirelings.
Closing Words: When you teach, teach yourself. If you teach against stealing, do not steal. If you teach against adultery, do not commit adultery. Be an example for those seeking the Lord in spirit and truth.
