Qualifications For Elders Series

Positively, the elder is to give instruction/exhort believers in sound doctrine. He is to strengthen God’s people in their knowledge of and obedience to the Word. Parakaleo (to give instruction/exhort) means “to urge, beseech, and encourage.” Literally, it means “to call alongside of” for the purpose of giving strength and help. Sound translates hugiaino, from which we derive the English hygienic. It has the basic meaning of being healthy and wholesome, referring to that which protects and preserves life (Acts 6:2-4; Col. 1:25; 2 Tim. 4:2; Heb. 13:17). The reason for the church leader to be devoted to the gospel as explained by the apostolic preaching is that this enables the leader to encourage people with the correct teaching and to reprove those who disagree. They must first accept the truth of the gospel personally and then out of their conviction confront error and teach truth. (Mounce, W. D. (2000). Pastoral Epistles (Vol. 46, p. 392). Word, Incorporated.)

That is why the second and final duty, mentioned here, of the elder who teaches faithfully is negative. Not only is he to exhort believers in sound doctrine but he is also to rebuke/refute those —especially those within the church—who contradict healthy, life-protecting, life-preserving doctrine. Elders have an obligation to God to give their people an understanding of the truth that will create the discernment necessary to protect them from the ubiquitous error that incessantly assaults them. Antilego (to rebuke/refute) means literally “to speak against.” (Titus 1:10), which will be the focus of our message next time (Titus 1:10-16). God offers eternal life to the world in Jesus Christ. That eternal life comes to us as we hear and respond to the truth about Christ. That truth is therefore precious. It needs to be taught, passed on across the world, and down the generations. But there are so many false ideas around. How can we tell who is a true teacher and who is a deceiver? Whom should we listen to? Paul has given us the answer. You can tell a true Christian leader from a false teacher as you investigate his family life, his personal conduct and his gospel stance. As you look at these areas, you will see that although the man may not be perfect, there is a real Christlikeness about him. In the true teacher’s life, the truth has already led to godliness, and that is the reason you can trust him to teach you (Benton, J. (1997). Straightening Out the Self-Centered Church: The Message of Titus (pp. 56–57). Darlington, England: Evangelical Press.).

(Format Note: Outline & some base commentary from MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1996). Titus (pp. 16–52). Chicago: Moody Press.)