Titus 2:7-10

We are considering Paul’s exhortation to Titus so that he might adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.  His ministry of the Word must be characterized by integrity, reverence (seriousness) and …

·        Incorruptibility.  This word stresses the idea of sincerity or the lack of hypocrisy.  (The Greek term in the NKJV six times is translated incorruptibility and twice sincerity, here and Eph. 6:24.)  The best way of understanding this is that his teaching does not change with the times.  In addition it says that his teaching is not destroyed by a disconnect between his life and teaching.

·        Sound speech.  In terms of Titus’ teaching ministry this is a summary term.  His logos (overall message) must be healthy.  He must remember he is the servant of the Lord (2 Tim. 2:24-26); he must have a concern about every person who comes into his realm of influence (Col. 1:28-29); and he must not fail in warning the Cretan believers of the savage wolves who desire to destroy them (Acts 20:29-31).

Why is all this important?  The answer is that an above-reproach ministry of the word of God is critical with respect to the opponents of the gospel.  Poor preparation, a failure to treat the Bible as The Book above all books, and a failure to understand the role of the teacher/preacher will make his ministry trivial.  And that is a tragedy that happens all too often in my view.

It is interesting, the reference to opponents.  In Titus 1:9 there were those who contradict (speak against).  Here there are opponents who are looking for something bad or evil to say about the teacher.  They long to discredit him so people will not listen.  Paul told Timothy that in order to be faithful in ministry he had to have a good conscience (1 Tim. 1:18-20).  That is what Paul is telling Titus here.  And Paul himself strove for the same goal, not to be an offense either to God or man (Acts 24:16).

There is important application in this for the church today.  Certainly those who lead must seek to have a clear conscience.  It’s not perfection; it is dealing with people in integrity.  We recognize our mistakes; we do not cover over them for fear people will consider us weak.  At the same time we work hard, especially in the teaching of God’s word, so as to be free from error and available to God’s Spirit who is seeking to call men to Christ through the word.

Local fellowships must take these things into consideration in seeking for men to lead the flock.  Many times we have seen the light of Christ go dim in a community because of the poor pattern of good works on the part of church leaders.  This is Christ’s church.  The lives of the believers must make Him look good.  And that must be true of the church’s leadership.