Paul gives Titus instructions as to the type of
men who should serve the local church as elders. He gave Timothy a similar list for elders and
deacons (1 Tim. 3). Let us take the time
to consider these qualities. These men
should be …
·
Blameless.
This term is used twice (v6,7).
It is a foundational term for the man, that there is nothing in his life
that stands out as reprehensible. Here
are two definitions.
This
word literally means “nothing to take hold upon”; that is, there must be
nothing in his life that Satan or the unsaved can take hold of to criticize or
attack the church. No man living is sinless, but we must strive to be blameless,
or “above reproach” (NIV) Warren Wiersbe)
“unexceptionable”;
giving no just handle for blame (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown)
Timothy was apparently known for his timidity but this did not keep him from
leadership; he needed to yield himself to the Spirit (2 Tim. 1:6-8). Significant moral failure in one’s pre-salvation
past does not necessarily mean he can never lead; Paul himself is an example of
this. However moral failure during onne’s
ministry poses a significant problem both in the community and the fellowship.
·
Husband of one wife. Most agree this does not mean a man must be
married. Rather it deals with polygamy, remarriage after divorce as
well as sexual immorality, all being
issues in the Roman world. Many churches
will make a distinction, as noted above, between what a man was before and
after Christ became his Lord and Savior.
And it is not just a matter of how
many marriages; it is a matter of the heart. Note this description:
Lit.
“a one-woman man,” i.e., a husband who is consistently, both inwardly and
outwardly, devoted and faithful to his wife (cf. 1 Tim. 3:2). An otherwise
qualified single man is not necessarily disqualified. This is not speaking of
divorce, but of internal and external purity in the sexual area. (John
MacArthur)
·
Having faithful children not accused of
dissipation or insubordination. Some
would say that the man’s children must be believers but the term would seem to
relate, as do the other terms, to the character of the child. They are faithful or obedient. And they are not categorized (literal translation of the Greek) as wild or excessive
in their behavior. Men who lead the
church (as overseers and examples) need to manage their homes well before they
can do the same in the family of God (cf. 1 Tim. 3:4,12).
We will pick this up tomorrow. For now let us apply this to leaders in the
local church, let us pray for those who are leaders, and let us follow their
example.
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