Writings

Tuesday, 29 May 2018

…holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 1:9

Paul has given the list of things which disqualify a person from becoming a bishop, and then he gave those things which were necessary for such an appointment. Now he continues with another key element necessary for such an appointment with the words, “holding fast the faithful word.” This faithful word is explained by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 –

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15

The traditions are those things which the apostles directly taught to the churches. Personal visits were made and words were spoken. Also at times, letters were written. Those which were directly from the apostles, and confirmed as such, were to be held to without waving. Verifying authenticity of these letters was necessary because Paul also said in 1 Thessalonians 2:2 to “not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.”

In other words, people were making false claims (by spirit), or were writing false letters (by letter, as if from us), which would poison the doctrine of the fellowship if accepted and then passed on as doctrine. This is a clear indication of apostolic authority being the only valid source of doctrine for such things. When the final Apostle of Jesus Christ was gone, the words of authority ceased, the canon was complete, and the Bible alone was to be held as authoritative.

Paul then confirms this with, “as he has been taught.” Nothing is said of additional revelation, or that a bishop was allowed to add to the body of doctrine that had been received. Rather, it was the Old Testament Scriptures, along with the words and writings of validated apostles, that gives the basis for the faith. From this sound foundation, Paul says, “that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.”

The bishop was to hold fast to the doctrine he was taught, and to not make stuff up out of his own head. Any who spoke against the truth (for example, the Judaizers Paul vehemently spoke against in the book of Galatians), were to be given the sound doctrine of the apostles. Believers who listened to the false teachers were to be exhorted to leave such aberrant paths, and to come back to the solid doctrine of the apostles. The job of the bishop’s exhortation is to then convict the uninformed, turning him to the truth.

Life application: Nothing has changed in today’s world from the time of Paul’s warning here in Titus. There are countless false teachings, heretical sects, and misguided instructors of the word out there. They have misused Scripture (the Jehovah’s Witnesses, for example, who deny the deity of Christ); they have added to the word (the Mormons, for example, who have added in the Book of Mormon); and they have misapplied Scripture (the Seventh Day Adventists and the Hebrew Roots movements, among others, who have mandated a return to the law – in part or in whole – thus diminishing the finished work of Christ). Where will one go to refute these heresies? The answer is obvious: “To the Bible.” Scripture has been received, it is sealed, and it is all the revelation necessary for life, doctrine, and practice. Let us not add to, or mishandle, this precious body of teaching.

Lord God, in Your word, we have a sure word. We have two testaments which tell of the anticipated Messiah, and then which reveal the Messiah who has come. We have the details of His fully sufficient and completed work. No other revelation is necessary, and none should be expected. Rather, we are to hold fast to this word for doctrine, teaching, exhortation, and convicting of those who have gone astray. Grant us wisdom to study this word daily, and apply it to our lives constantly. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Monday, 28 May 2018

…but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, Titus 1:8

In the previous verse, Paul noted disqualifying factors for the office of bishop. Now in this verse, he gives things which are necessary for qualification. The word “but” shows the contrast between the two. The first qualification is being “hospitable.”

This is a compound word coming from philos, meaning “friend,” or “associate;” and xenos, meaning “stranger,” or “foreigner.” Thus, it is one who is a friend of strangers. The word xenos is where our modern term “xenophobia” is derived. That speaks of having a phobia against foreigners. The word “hospitable” is then speaking of one’s conduct – being fond of guests, and good towards strangers. Such a person is to be naturally given to hospitality.

Next, Paul says he must be “a lover of what is good.” It is a word found only here in Scripture. It gives the sense of having personal affection for what is inherently good. Thus, it speaks of those who love what God loves. A paraphrase of its meaning would be “One who loves God’s good.” That which is of God, or of which God is pleased with, also pleases him.

Paul then mentions the “sober-minded.” It is a word found four times, all in the pastoral epistles. It signifies soundness of mind. Such a person is to be well-balanced from God’s perspective. It is a person who lives in line with the word of God, setting the boundaries of his life in accord with that word. Thus, a good definition of this word would be “discreet and discerning.” HELPS Word Studies gives the following example: “An opera singer controls the length (quality) of their tones by their diaphragm which even controls the ability to breathe and moderates heartbeat. Hence it regulates (‘brings safety’) to the body, keeping it properly controlled.”

The next qualification is being “just.” The word signifies being righteous, and thus “just in the eyes of God” (Souter). One who conforms to God’s righteous standards is indicated here. He is an upright individual.

Being just is followed by being “holy.” This indicates that which is sanctioned by higher (divine) law. Such a person lives in accordance with God’s divine truth. Thus, he is set apart as godly.

Paul finishes this verse with “self-controlled.” It is another unique word in Scripture, egkratés. It literally signifies “mastered from within.” Thus it is a person who is temperate, prudent, and able to control his passions and desires.

Life application: Think on the negatives of the words given today. Can you imagine appointing someone to a leadership position who isn’t hospitable toward others; who despises what is good; who is unsound in his thinking and decisions; who is unjust; who is unholy; and/or who cannot control his passions? Paul’s words should be obvious concerning the selection of men to the ministry. And yet, how many times do we read of pastors, preachers, and deacons who live very ungodly lives. It is possible for anyone to slip up, but some appointments are made of those who are just truly unqualified. This is a great fault in the church, and it has led to entire denominations quickly going apostate.

Lord God, great denominations have quickly fallen away from what is holy, godly, and in accord with Your will and Your word. The most vile of conduct is now being accepted under the premise that it is “loving.” In fact though, it is hateful of You, and of Your word. When will the ungodly be brought to account for this? We pray that You will act, and bring about restoration of our churches. Return our hearts to godliness, O God. Amen.

Sunday, 27 May 2018

For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, Titus 1:7

In verse 1:5, Paul used the term presbuteros (from where we get “Presbyterian”), translated as “elders.” Here he uses the term episkopos (from where we get “Episcopal”), an overseer. It is then obvious that the two terms are being used synonymously here. The overseer is an elder. Paul says that such a man “must be blameless.” The Greek word signifies one who is not convictable when properly scrutinized, as if in a court of law. He is to be found without reproach, and is therefore suited to the job. As Paul says of this, “as a steward of God.” As his service is to the Lord, and as judgments about the Lord will be made based on His stewards, being blameless is a necessary qualification.

Next, he is not to be “self-willed.” This is a new word in Scripture, to be found only here and in 2 Peter 2:10. It signifies one who sets out to gratify himself; to be indulgent. Such a person is only interested in self, and would use the job to meet that end, not to glorify the Lord.

Paul then says that a bishop should not be “quick-tempered.” This is another new word, found only here in the Bible, orgilos. It signifies one who is “prone to anger and harbor resentment, nurturing long-standing anger (prejudice, bitterness)” (HELPS Word Studies). Such an overly angry and bitter soul is wholly unsuited to the job of a bishop.

Next, Paul says, “not given to wine.” The single Greek word so translated is used just twice – in 1 Timothy 3:3 and here in Titus 1:7. It signifies one addicted to wine; a drunk. It comes from two words indicating “near” and “wine.” Thus it is someone who is always consumed with drinking wine. It does not mean that a bishop (an elder) cannot drink. Total abstinence for such a position is never taught in Scripture.

Paul then proceeds to, “not violent.” This is again used only in 1 Timothy 3:3 and then here in Titus 1:7. It signifies a brawler or a contentious person. This person would be quarrelsome, and one who prefers using his fists to settle a disagreement. It would be wholly unsuited to the position of an overseer to always be jumping out of the pulpit and beating up everyone in the church who disagrees with him on doctrinal matters.

Paul’s words of this verse end with, “not greedy for money.” It is another rare word found only in 1 Timothy 3:8 and then again here. However, the principle is found in other verses of Paul’s instructions concerning church leadership. Those greedy for money have their priorities in the wrong place. If money is the objective in one’s life, then he will never be effective in the ministry. The heart must be devoted first, foremost, and with the greatest zeal to being an effective leader, not one concerned about getting rich off of the flock.

Life application: Those chosen for leadership within the church must be carefully evaluated, and they must be held to the highest of standards. The Lord’s name is upon them, as it is upon all Christians, but as representatives of the Lord in the church, these qualifications are especially necessary and important. Having said that, all Christians should strive to meet these high standards as we walk before the Lord.

Heavenly Father, You have laid out high and exacting standards which are expected of those in church leadership positions, but would You expect any less from any of Your people? Help us to consider this, and then to apply the highest standards of morality, fidelity, and uprightness to our own lives. May each of us be faithful representatives of the high and exalted Name which rests upon us. Amen.

Saturday, 26 May 2018

…if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. Titus 1:6

Paul now begins to define those things he is said to have “commanded” Titus in the previous verse. He starts with the qualifications of a bishop (see vs. 7) by saying, “if a man is blameless. The Greek word signifies one who is not convictable when properly scrutinized, as if in a court of law. He is found without reproach, and is therefore suited to the job.

Next, Paul says that he is to be “the husband of one wife.” Two major thoughts are to be derived from these words. The first is that Paul is speaking of males. In Christianity, women don’t have wives. A female is explicitly forbidden from such a position, as is stated in 1 Timothy 2:11-15. This then is a further, implicit, confirmation of that fact.

The second thought is that this is not speaking of having been married twice. If so, it would mean that a man in such a position whose wife died would not be allowed to remarry. This is rather speaking of polygamy. No polygamist was to be considered for such a position. What this implies, however, is that polygamy was something Paul does not forbid. And he could not. He is the Apostle to the Gentiles. His words have been carried to cultures throughout the world, many of which have practiced polygamy. There is no instruction forbidding this practice anywhere in Scripture, except for church leadership positions.

Further, polygamy was acceptable in Jewish religion and culture. He could not forbid what his own culture allowed. Rather, this prohibition is given to church leaders – no polygamy for them to be accepted. It immediately shows that Mormonism was founded on disobedience to the word of God, and its leaders were not “blameless” at all. Instead, they were false teachers who founded a false religion.

His next command is that bishops are to have “faithful children.” The word “faithful” here is probably better translated as “believing.” They are to be believers in the gospel, just as the parents are. If not believers, this would then set up obvious conflicts for them, as well as for others.

After this, he then says that the children are not to be “accused of dissipation.” It is a word used so far only in Ephesians 5:18, and which signifies “what can’t be saved” or “excess.” Thus it means a state of “spiritual wastefulness due to excess behavior and the dire consequences it brings” (HELPS Word Studies).

Finally, Paul says that the children should also not be accused of “insubordination.” This speaks of any who are not submissive, but who are rather disobedient, unruly, and unwilling to fall into line with God’s plans. They are uncooperative, have a defiant attitude towards authority, cannot be controlled, and are rebellious.

The idea here is that if a man cannot control his own family, he will then not be able to control order within the church. Thus it is an obvious disqualifying factor for ordination to such a position.

Life application: Children are a problem at times, and even the best parents may have children who stray. Paul is not looking for perfection in the appointment of church leaders, but he is looking to exclude those who have truly broken homes, beyond what any reasonable attempts to correct such failings would be considered as normal. Many sound church leaders have had children who have strayed, but who have later come back as great men of God, or fine ladies, within the church. However, for an initial ordination process, careful examination of the home life of the applicant must be very carefully considered.

Lord God, You are aware of how our children act, and how they will act in the future. You also know how our hearts mourn over those who stray into dangerous areas which only harm them. Give us wisdom in such times to know how to deal with these situations, and help us to do our very best to counsel them according to Your word. In the end, You have granted us all free will, and so help our counsel be the very best it can be so that their free will decisions will be based on what is right and proper. Amen.

Friday, 25 May 2018

For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— Titus 1:5

The words, “For this reason,” are speaking of what follows, not what has been spoken. With his initial words of greeting complete, Paul now begins his instructions to Titus for the maintenance of the church. Paul says that it is for those things which will now be presented that “I left you in Crete.” Titus was given care of the church on Crete, one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It is said to be approximately 250 miles long, 50 wide, and about 600 in circuit.

The Christian faith which had grown in Crete is not explained in the book of Acts. The only direct reference to it in regards to people of Crete is found in Acts 2:11, where some of those at Pentecost in Jerusalem were from Crete. But to say that they heard and believed, and then took the message back to Crete where it spread may be a stretch. They were Jews who may have gone back to the synagogue to share what they saw, but they would most likely have not have gone beyond their own people in evangelism. Further, having a Gentile convert over them seems unlikely as well.

It is probable that Paul evangelized there, and his time on Crete was simply included in a general statement without actually specifying the island as the spot where he was. However the word got to Crete, it had spread enough where churches had been established. It is this group which Titus had now been appointed over.

It is in this capacity that Paul then says, “that you should set in order the things that are lacking.” The word used by Paul for “set in order” is found only here in the Bible. It signifies to correct, or to further straighten. It is used in classical Greek writings concerning the setting of broken bones or even in the straightening of limbs which are crooked. Those things which were left unfinished in the establishment of the churches was to be taken care of by Titus. Further, he was to “appoint elders in every city.”

The word used signifies to appoint, ordain, make, or set. Thus Paul is indicating the appointment of men to a ministerial job. There is no note of how this was done, but it probably included the laying on of hands, as was noted in 1 Timothy 5:22 and elsewhere. Other than this, no specific directions in how to ordain are provided. Rather, only necessary qualifications are given. The fact that Paul mentions “every city” indicates that the Christian faith had grown extensively on Crete. It is a remarkable testimony to the accuracy of Paul’s words in Acts 28:28 –

“Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!”

Paul finishes the verse with the words, “as I commanded you.” He had given instructions to Titus previously, and he was now following up on those oral instructions with a written epistle to ensure that Titus would remember everything he had been told, and also as a witness to the churches that what Titus was instructing had come from the hand of an Apostle of Jesus Christ.

Life application: In order to establish and properly run a church, the necessary instructions are found in the Bible. Nothing should be lacking from its requirements, and the only things that can be added are things which will not interfere with what the Bible instructs already. In other words, there is nothing wrong with having a TV in a church as long as it is used in line with what Scripture would already specify. Technology is neutral, but it should be used in accord with that which is already prescribed for a church in the word. Understanding this, there is great allowance for how churches can be run, and there is no “one size fits all” model which must be adhered to.

Lord God, thank You that there is such a wide variety of ways to run a church. You have provided the basic instructions for how a church is to be organized and structured, but beyond that, You have allowed us to form churches in accord with the times, cultures, and schedules of the people who gather to worship You. This is a real blessing as the nations can come before You in a variety of ways, and yet all be united because of the basic guidelines which bond us together in Christ. Help us then to hold fast to those basics, and to rejoice in our differences as well. Amen.