Introduction
Election cycles come and go every few years as new leaders are elected on promises to do what no other leader has done before! Fix the economy, create jobs, build a better society for all! Then the cycle repeats, and a new leader is elected because the last one was no different from the rest. We seem to have this constant cycle of change in the Leadership of our nations, institutions, and churches. Yet, it often feels like nothing changes. A few weeks ago, I came across a survey that expressed Americans’ growing frustration and lack of trust in all areas of their society. The headline? “The U.S. is in a Leadership Crisis.”1 76% of people who responded did not think they could name a leader they admired. Yet, it does not matter; you could change US to anything, and you would find similar levels of frustration and apathy: Church, EU, UK, Bank, Apple, and so on. The reality is the news is full of clickbait headlines about leadership failures, because bad news sells, especially where people expect good news – in places like the Church. Even in the last year alone in the UK, we have seen Two Archbishops being forced out due to perceived failure in their Leadership. The world seems to be in Chaos, and our Leadership with it.
Crete was no stranger to Chaos either. As a people, they believed they had sprung up from the very soil of the island and even claimed Crete as the birthplace of the gods. They told stories of Zeus not as the mighty ruler of Olympus (think gods in the sense of marvel or DC), but in a twisted form where deception was normal — a demigod resorting to trickery to seduce the wife of a man resisting him. For the Cretans, gods were men who had ascended or ascertained more power. From the perspective of a Cretan, deceit was nothing to be embarrassed by, but to boast in! It is a strategy for life, woven into the very fabric of life. That helps explain why the word “Cretan” itself became shorthand for dishonesty. Add to that their reputation for mercenary violence and piracy, and you begin to see the picture: Crete was a place marked by disorder, corruption, and confusion. It was into this cultural moment that Paul writes to a young and faithful Titus, calling for Gospel faithfulness, Gospel clarity, and Gospel leadership for a Church on an Island where culture is chaotic and deception is honoured, and Leadership is lacking. It is not a slur when Paul writes that “Cretans are always liars…” or tells Titus that he must “put what remained into order” (v.5). It is the reality of the moment Titus and the Church find themselves in. If we are honest, it feels very similar to the world and church moments we might find ourselves in.
Sometimes, the moments we find ourselves in can feel overwhelming, making it hard to know how to process and where to begin. It can seem as if God is not sovereign or not bothered, and as if the Church is in retreat. Yet, we think about the world the Church was born into and how it both survived and thrived one profound yet straightforward truth becomes clear: The Body of Christ flourishes under godly leaders who guard the truth and guide God’s people by it in the power of the Spirit inspite of the condition of the world because until Christ’s return Sin breaks this world and will require the faithful to contend. Thus, in Chapter 1, we see how the Gospel is the foundation (vv . 1–4); secondly, the character and calling of those who lead God’s Church (vv . 5–9); finally, the challenge of false teaching/counterfeit gospels (vv . 10–16).
1 – The Gospel Foundation (vv 1–4)
How we introduce ourselves says a lot about how we see ourselves. I recall a time when I was in my early teens, attending church with a visiting minister one Sunday. Our Rector said it was wonderful to have the Rev. Joe Bloggs with us to preach. As they stood together at the steps before the message was brought, they conducted a sort of interview to help people get to know the guest speaker and the organisation he worked for. I remember seeing the guest speaker’s face change, for a split second and wondering what was wrong. It became clear in a moment when he stepped up to preach and added to the introduction by correcting his title as he said thanks to our Rector for the invite and in a jokey, not joking way introduced himself as “Canon Dr Joe Bloggs.”. I remember at that moment thinking, “Wow, he thinks a lot of himself.” How we introduce ourselves says a lot about how we see ourselves. A truth that is most often true in the world of the Church, where we earn titles through positions, service and hierarchy. How we introduce ourselves reveals a great deal about how we perceive ourselves, and there is no greater challenge to our worldly thinking than the way the Apostle Paul consistently introduces himself throughout his writings, and this letter to Titus is no exception.
1.1 The Gospel Humbles Us (or it Should)
Humility is a complex concept to grasp and explain. We often know it when we see, and we know it when we don’t! If we think we are it, we probably aren’t. It is why CS Lewis captured it so well when he wrote that “humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less often.” In the early life of the Church, there was no one more influential than Paul, no one with more authority than Paul and the 12 Apostles, as they were called by Christ and commissioned by him. Yet, notice the flow here – first Paul identified himself as Doulos – Slave/servant of God, because that is what he is. He met Grace, and it humbled him, and Paul delighted in knowing that what he served was freedom in Christ by Christ. Yet, in all the years and wonders he experienced, he never lost his humbled identity as a servant of the one who saves. It is a dual identity with a Singular purpose: A servant of God whom Christ sends. It is for one purpose: “I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know…” Paul’s primary identity is servant and messenger in God and Christ of the Message of Christ, the Gospel for the children of the Covenant. The Gospel makes us people of God, and the Gospel should produce in us the fruit of the Spirit, some of which we see here in Paul’s example and call faith and Godliness.
And the Gospel is external Hope grounded in eternal truth from the God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever – the God who is always good and faithful and thus anything that comes from him can be trusted and depended on. The Gospel is good news because it is true and the truth. It is effective in the life of the believer as it produces Godliness, literally piety —a change in the life of a person that reflects the Character of the God they now Worship and live by. The Gospel is everything because the Gospel is foundational to both our identity and the Church. Thus, at the very start of this letter, Paul makes clear what the truth of the Gospel is and why it is true.
1.2 Living Well: Living Godly
I think the NLT captures the flow of Paul’s thought here as it writes how he has been sent to teach the truth that shows us “how to live Godly lives.” Then he proceeds to summarise the Gospel in the following two verses. Why? Because the Hope of eternal life is embraced through that security, it moves us to live in a way that reflects the God we worship. Notice the next flow of Paul’s thought, the Hope of eternal life from the God “who cannot lie” that was promised before Time began. The God who cannot lie is a direct rebuke and responds to the accepted and expected behaviour of the Cretan gods and their ways to get what they want. The Gospel is good news and foundational because its foundation is a God who is truth and goodness, and who knew what He would do for humanity before He had even created our universe. Not only did God set this Hope in motion before Time began, but He also chose the Time to reveal the Hope of redemption. Why? Because his timing is perfect and his motivation is good. Thus, through the ministry and life of Jesus, the Gospel was revealed at the proper Time (3) and then confirmed on the Cross.
1.3 The Curse of our Cultures’ view of leadership
This Gospel proclamation that was perfectly revealed at the right Time is then entrusted to those Christ called, of whom Paul speaks in the personal sense – They are to continue what Christ began. Why? Because Christ commanded it! Those who become Children of God, by God’s choice and call, are then called to make known in word and deed the Gospel that has saved them (the great commission). Christ started it, and then the Apostles, of which Paul was one, continued it outward from Pentecost. Now it is being entrusted to Titus. That is to say, simply, what Paul calls Titus to contend for in Crete is the very Gospel, which is the truth of God from before Time began. A truth that it seems from the language Paul himself introduced Titus to, and in which they now share – their common faith – so with the love of a father’s heart, Paul reminds Titus of the faith they share, the faith that saved him, and the faith that is worth contending for.
Sadly, in the Church today, we are often drawn to the leaders with the most confidence or charisma; those who the world might look at with jealousy. They might lead large churches or have brilliant minds; they preach with confidence and have a substantial following, and we flock to them. Yet, do we ever stop to ponder their heart and to consider the foundation? Paul was an influential leader in the life of the Church; yet, given his description of himself as not a great public speaker, I wonder if Paul, alive today, would be welcomed by churches. Titus is entrusted with this Gospel work because Christian Leadership begins not with fine words but with the truth of the Gospel. A Gospel that Titus has grasped and been grasped by, and now is being called to contend for by the Lord. How will Titus contend for the Gospel and serve the Lord by stewarding his word?
2 – The Elder’s Character and Calling (v 5–9)
One of the things I dislike about taking annual leave is the reality of having to return, knowing that all the tasks that needed to be done have been piling up during my absence. All those emails, people needing something, paperwork, and administration just build up bit by bit, and no matter what, they need to be done. Paul has introduced himself and the essence of his ministry in the first few verses, presenting himself as a servant of God and the Gospel to the elect, and both the timing and the means are via the preaching of the word. Now, after closing the introduction to his son in the common faith and praying to him, Grace and Peace, Paul gets to the point of what Titus needs to accomplish.** What is it that Titus needs to get on with? Is it the task of preaching, or some evangelism? No, it is something that is both practical, spiritual and deeply essential; Titus must complete the work they started, as the CSB puts it, set right what was undone. The first step is to appoint elders in every town. Notice the plurality of locality there – Leadership is local and Leadership is never alone. I think in the world of Anglican ecclesiology, we can feel the loneliness of Spiritual Leadership more than some other denominations. Yet, here in verse, we see something efficient that has deep Gospel and Spiritual implications. There is both the Singularity of Leadership – Timothy is to appoint people to oversee the Spiritual care of the flock- and there is the plurality; elders are to be appointed in each place. Not for a, another for b, in each place duality among those God has given oversight. An oversight that is not given to just anyone, but to those who meet specific criteria in three areas: family life, Character, and Doctrine/belief.
2.1 Church is Family
Family matters in the life of the Church, and the life of the family should matter to the Church. It might seem a strange thing to include in terms of something to consider for a spiritual leader in the Church today, yet the simple reality is that home life reflects faith life. It is biblical – think about King David and the Chaos that he suffered at home. He was a man after God’s own heart, yet, as he aged and struggled with the life of faith in the Lord and his own calling, he also started to struggle within his own family. His son tried to usurp him! It’s not to say that it is the same extreme that Paul is getting at here. Yet, in a place like Crete, where the culture is shaped by hedonism and the idol of the self, where gods were worshipped in many forms, and the fact that some were deceptive was a good thing, the family was an essential sign of the heart and life of the individual. Thus, in a country where Polygamy was common as men pursued pleasure, any potential Spiritual leader needed to show his maturity and control by only being married to one woman. Married to one person and having Children who are living out the faith and not rebelling is a sign of blamlessness that has been emphasised here twice. To Timothy Paul emphasised the Importance of Children showing respect to their Father; and while here feels similar, it is distinct in emphasis. Here, the focus is on the Hope that the Children of an elder be of the same faith as the Elder, as well as being of good behaviour in terms of being free from accusation of being wild. Thus, there seems to be the expectation that as an elder be of such love towards God in Christ that they have accepted the responsibility toward their children in matters of faith. Faith is not an individual matter; it is a household matter – Thus, the parent will seek to show their family the wonder of who God is. A Godly household is a sign of a Godly person, and one who is walking well with the Lord, especially in a culture like Crete, where Chaos was the norm.
2.2 The Characteristics that the Gospel Should Produce
It is not just the life of a potential leader in a particular context that must be considered; it is the heart of the person. The heart is not just the place where we think about emotions, but that from which everything flows. What the heart belongs to: our life displays. What the heart loves: our lives live. The heart is at the centre of it all because the heart is the centre of us. James Smith discussed the reality of this in his book: “You are what you love.” Thus, the call to be blameless for the Elder is seen in both their family life and their personal life – their character. Where the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness and so on – it is the fruit of the world that must not be evident in the life of one called to be an elder here:
- They must not be arrogant; an elder should be marked by humility in their use of the authority God is calling them to.
- Additionally, they are not to be quick-tempered, because if God can be slow to anger and of great kindness in his dealings with his children, then his children should be able to model the love and Grace we have received when living out the call of Spiritual authority. An angry father will snap at their Children, but a spiritual father who has been grasped by the Gospel and is being transformed will know the peace and patience of Christ in all things.
- The call to be blameless here is the call to be like Christ. To not just know him as Lord, but make him known in the ethic of our lives and the rhythm of our living. Thus, how Jesus lived, he told Peter to put the sword away and go willingly to the Cross to make known the Glory of God. The Elder in the Body of Christ will not conform to the ways of the world but will trust God as we walk the road of the Cross. That means we delight in saying no to the methodology of power this world so often exerts – violence against another image bearer. We do not use physical power or greatness to get what we want at the expense or pain of someone else. Additionally, because our hearts are full in the wonder of God and our hands open to receive from him, where the world holds and grasps for everything and anything at the expense of the other, the spiritual mature, the Elder is satisfied with the lot God has given them, so they have no need to grasp for things.
In their Character, the Elder is to be blameless and look at nothing in the world; they are to look like Jesus, and thus Paul challenges Timothy to consider some of the Gospel fruit being displayed in the life of the person God might be calling, as in verse eight, we see listed positive attributes to contrast with the prohibitions in the list before. An elder should not be arrogant, temperamental, violent and greedy! But they should be: Hospitable, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. Eugene Peterson puts it succinctly as we write:
He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.
The life of the believer matters, and the belief in the issues of the believer matters more, because that is both the essence of their authority and the call of their responsibility. The Elder will manage the household of God, and that means protecting the integrity, beauty, and supremacy of the Gospel that has been handed down to them. Paul instructed Titus in their common faith; he told him what was right and how to detect and call out what was wrong. Thus, it is now the responsibility of Titus not just to pass on the wonder of the Gospel and its saving power, but to defend it. That means instructing the Spiritual leaders in the authentic, unchangeable Message that has been handed down from the age of the Prophets and then fulfilled and revealed in Christ and his teachings – those teachings that the Apostles carried out in word and deed. Now Titus not only has to teach the Gospel, but also how to defend it! Those in authority have a responsibility not just to believe it, or live it, or cherish it – but to protect it from the attacks of the enemy.
2.3 Preparing the Defence
Defend it from without, and sadly, as we see so much in the life of the Church today, and in the Scriptures, defend it from within. How does the leader know what the true Gospel is? Verse 3, through the preaching entrusted by God, and verse 9, the Message that has been taught. The Gospel is the Gospel; it has not changed, it will not change! Because if it is changed, it is no longer the good news of Jesus. It is the Gospel that gives life to the Church by the Spirit, and the Gospel that encourages the Church to continue along the road of the Cross as we live out For Christ in a weary world. Furthermore, it is the very Gospel preached, proclaimed, and lived that will defend its beauty from any false heresy. Why? Because the Gospel is not just the means by which we are saved through belief. In a moment, it is that in which we have been saved, now stand, and by which we are being saved. Thus, we believe it because orthodoxy leads to orthopraxy, and we defend it because it is by it that we know Christ and by it Christ has made Himself known. The Gospel is all we are and all we have – it is the good news of God’s redemptive work in Christ made known in his word, and it is the treasure of the Church in this age and every age. So we will protect it from all threats with our lives – this is what those called to Spiritual Leadership must accept. Will it be easy? No, but it will be worth it, because of the Gospel we have been called to defend, we have received by faith far more than the world can throw at us, or take from us. In summary, the Elder (and all believers in the Spirit) must hold firm to the trustworthy word to teach sound doctrine and rebuke error.
2.4 Unrealistic Job Expectations
Sometimes I will go onto denominational websites to look through the Job listings. It is not because I want to move – it is because I find it fascinating to read about some of the expectations churches have for their future ministers. Yes, they loved their last one, even though they drove him out, but they are ready for an upgrade! The minister must love Jesus, be a gifted preacher and teacher of the Bible, an accountant, builder, youth worker, and have at least two PhD. Sometimes the expectations of the Chuch are so great that not even Jesus would be considered. Yet, here as Paul outlines to Titus the qualifications of an elder, do you know what is amazing – These are not extraordinary things, or excuselive to a higher level of Spritiual status; the qualifications of elder ship here are simply ordinary Godliness lived consistently in a broken world not perfectly, but in the power of Spirit in the way of Christ to the Glory of God.
2.5 Leadership Matters
One of the most beautiful things to me in the world is a thriving church. One of the most beautiful things to witness is when a Church that had been in decline begins to thrive again because God has brought the right person to be among his people and lead them. We live in a cultural moment that is almost afraid of the word leader and the things it implies. We live in a culture where people want influence without the burden. Mark Sayers writes:
Today, many of us want to influence, but not many of us wish to lead. We describe ourselves as activists, consultants, creatives, and entrepreneurs. We shy away from calling ourselves leaders, or even worse: managers. In the past, certain jobs carried a sense of prestige that flowed from their authority and responsibility; doctors, judges, clergy, bankers, and professors held tremendous weight in society. Their social influence was rooted in their perceived trustworthiness, their respectability. Virtually no one today desires respectability above all else. Such a term seems daunting. Ask yourself if you would rather be described as respectable or as cool, fun, and creative. Today, most people prefer hipness to prestige. When we are given leadership positions, we try to dilute the hierarchical overtones of our roles with ironic job titles.
Yet, even if we were to ignore the entire Chorus of Scripture and its evidence about the importance of Leadership. What is clear here is that Leadership matter for the health of the Church. We could go as far as to say that the health of the Church depends on leaders shaped by the Gospel, growing in the Gospel, and displaying Gospel character. And, that is to say, the health of the Church does not depend on worldly metrics, or the latest ideas in business or enterprise.. What do we do? We pray for such leaders, and aspire humbly to these qualities if God has given us any responsibility in his Church.
3 The Challenge of False Teaching (vv 10–16)
It is essential to remember, as we read Scripture, that the headings in our Bibles can sometimes influence the flow of our reading. The headings in most translations between verses 9 and 10 make them seem like different moments. Yet, Paul concluded his thoughts on the qualifications of an elder by instructing Timothy to encourage those in the faith with the right belief and then rebuke those in error. Thus, now he goes on to explain the reality of the error even in these early days in the life of the Church. Yes, they are within the life of Christ, and many are being grasped by trust, but many also think they can make better the truth of all truths with their own wisdom. This is not a few, but indeed Paul warns Timothy that there are many rebellious people out there (10), who are full of meaningless talk and deception – does that sound familiar? Remember Paul’s introduction to his Service of a God who cannot lie, and here the false teachers are contrasted with the beauty of God’s character, especially among those of the circumcision group. Grace is a difficult concept to grasp in a religious world, where, in the practice of a faith and the waiting for God, symbols can be given more importance than they should be. Thus, circumcision as a sign of the Covenant of God became an important ritual and display of faith, not simply a sign.
3.1 The Gospel is Everything
When the Gospel of Grace was proclaimed, and the forgiveness of God made known in Christ, many declared Amen! Then, with Time, we wondered about the importance of old ways. We saw church councils in Jerusalem debate it, and even though it was settled, there was still an ugly group raising its head, and telling people that it was Jesus plus circumcision! It’s not the Gospel plus, it is simply a false gospel! So what is Titus and the Leadership of the Church to do with such people? Verse 11 makes it clear – they must be silenced! Why? Because they are distrusting the Church for nothing but selfish gain. Notice how the Elder should be humble and not arrogant, nor overbearing. Yet, the first characteristic mark of these heretics is disruption and selfish gain – greed and selfishness for the sake of power. Their words become violent because they use them for their own end, and not that of the Kingdom. Thus, the Leadership of the Chuch must silence them.
3.2 Understanding the Context and the Cultural Times
Paul is not holding back as he quotes from one of the Spiritual leaders of Crete about the reality of his people (12): “The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.” This is not some sight against a people, or the thoughts of a mean and tired old man. Paul’s call to blameless living is to make the Gospel distinct in a context and place where worldliness rules, is the norm and is seemingly praised. Thus, the way of the Gospel in praxis, Character and fruit will look radically different in Crete – and if we are honest, our world today. Thus, knowing the hearts and lives of the people the Church is living among, Titus is to help future elders reprimand them strongly and keep them strong in the faith—the common faith that is the Gospel of Christ, nothing more and nothing less, where the Cretan context is a culture marked by lies, evil, and laziness (v.12).
The Gospel of Grace will produce the opposite in a way that will be seen. So after Titus and the Gospel leadership have rebuked those who are falling into error, they are to stop listening to myths, and the words of those who have strayed from the truth. What are these Myths? They are things that appear to be true, yet have little basis in reality. From Paul’s reference to the circumcision group, it would seem to be obvious that the myths pertain to Jewish cultural rights and the effect that they might have on someone’s salvation or life of faith. Myths in this context will be words that sound persuasive and truthful, yet stand in opposition to the simplicity and beauty of Gospel truth. Again, in a culture where lying is the norm, it begins to make sense. Paul was not giving a slur against a certain people group that he disliked; he was revealing the heart and ethic that shaped the very cultural air the people breathed. Thus, in a place where deception is the norm, the people of God should be wise to have an almost automatic distrust of anyone who claims to be a teacher of the Gospel and seeks to present it differently. Why, because their false truths will flow from the laziness and deception of their hearts in pursuit of their own gains. That is why I love how JB Philips phrases it in his translation:
“You want them to be sound and healthy Christians, with a proper contempt for Jewish fairy tales and orders issued by men who have forsaken the path of truth.”
3.3 The Clarity of Belief and the Necessity of It
To be a Sound and Healthy Christian, both individually and within the community, means knowing what you believe and delighting in it. Thus, a sound and healthy Church leader will know the beauty of the Gospel against all other mistruths and lies of the world. That is what Paul means in verse by being renewed and by the Gospel. It is the living word of God, and good to those who know it, and have heard it, and been grasped by it through the work of the Spirit. It is beautiful! Why? because “everything is pure to those who are pure of heart.” What does Paul mean? JB Philips translate it as “Everything is wholesome to those who are themselves wholesome,” and then his translations of the following point help to tie it all together: “But nothing is wholesome to those who are themselves unwholesome and who have no faith in God—their very minds and consciences are diseased.” If you love God, then we will love the good things in life he has given us; if our heart belongs to the world, then our minds and lives will desire the things contrary to the goodness of God. Their joy will come from created things, whatever their hearts desire, and it will be their destruction.
True knowledge of God leads to Godliness and fruit in the life of a follower of Christ because the Spirit of God first helps us understand the Gospel, and then works out our sanctification within us, producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives to bring Glory to God. In contrast, false teaching produces detestable, disobedient lives —lives that may appear fruitful. These have been so heavy-hitting words from Paul to Titus about the work they must do now in terms of appointing Elders, and the qualities they should have; and the responsibility of the Gospel that belongs to all of them.
When you read through the hiring pages for denominations, the expectations of some Churches can seem impossible. As we read these passionate words from Paul to Titus about both what he is to do, and the responsibility of those God is calling to lead in the Church, whether as elders or deacons. Let us be clear, it is not meant to be an easy call. Yet, it is a vital call in the life of the local and global Church. Healthy Leadership will lead to a healthy Church, and healthy Leadership in the local Church will lead to healthy Leadership in the denominations. What is the primary Spiritual call of the Church leader? Know the Gospel, guard it, and help people within their family to the same ends. That is what it means to defend the flock
4 – The Joy of the Gospel Work Set Before Us
In a world where people are afraid of Leadership, we have seen in this passage both the importance of leadership in the Church and the model of Leadership needed in the Church. Even more importantly, we have seen how important the Gospel is as both the foundation of our faith and to those called to Leadership in the faith, and as the foundation of the Church.** Because it is foundational, it must be maintained; hence, the primary responsibility of elders is to embody and guard it. While also confronting and silencing the false teaching that, by their promotion of themselves and myths, threatens the heart and effectiveness of the Gospel of Grace. That was true for Titus in Crete, and it is true for us today. The Church is only as strong as the truth it believes in and the leaders who uphold it.
4.1 Trust in the Gospel and Not Traditions
We do not gain strength by our traditions, our routines, or religious rhythms, as useful and beautiful as they might be. Nor do our leaders gain strength from their titles, positions, or influence. No, in both the life of the Church and those who lead in the Church, strength comes from the Gospel and through the work of the Holy Spirit in us, and through us. Thus, when leaders compromise, when elders grow careless, when the Gospel is treated lightly, the flock is left unprotected and decay sets into the life of the Church, comfort becomes the norm and desire whether through religious habits or laziness, as we begin to say that Church must be done this way or that way, or to be a follower of Jesus in the Church means wearing certain things; we trait in traditions and religious rythms because we know what to do with them as we begin to loose sight of the Gospel, and the name of Christ is dishonoured.
4.2 God is Always in Control
Wonderfully, our God is sovereign and always God, and from the moment he set the final act of his plan of redemption into motion, He knew the problems the Church would face and how Grace would be needed. God, in his mercy, has never once left the bride of Christ without a faithful shepherd and leaders. He raises up men and women not because they are gifted or have the right personality, or because they possess some sort of worldly authority, but by the humility of Christ, the truth of His Gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Yet, the call of the Elder is not a call for the Elder alone; all members of the Body of Christ are called to the work of the Gospel and its defence. One way we do this is by supporting those God has called to lead: to pray for them, to encourage them, and to aspire to the same Godliness in our own homes, workplaces, and ministries as Titus sees in the Early Church. Ordinary faithfulness, ordinary obedience, ordinary holiness — lived consistently by the Spirit’s sanctifying power in us — is the extraordinary calling of every Christian, and it is the lifeblood of a healthy church.
And yet, like empires, Leaders will rise and fall; some because their task is over, others because of their own sins, for even the best of leaders will falter. It is not like Scripture does not make that clear, Time and Time again: Moses, David, Solomon, Peter, Paul, and on and on the list can go. It was something Titus would experience, and we see it sadly across the world in Churches today as some leaders fall by their sins. Others drift from the Gospel because they want to appease and please the world. There are many ways to fail, and yet it is clear that the biggest threat to the Church is not the moral failure of Leadership but the doctrinal one – those who drift from the Gospel and its wonder and tell us to trust in something else or more must be removed from authority in the house of God.
4.3 The One Leader Who Will Never Fail
Yet, in all our talk of Leadership and the Gospel, our eyes and hearts should be moved in thankfulness for the one who is beyond elders and bishops and ministers or whatever other term we might use to describe Leadership in the Church! Our eyes should be raised to the true Shepherd, Jesus Christ. He who is is the faithful Elder, the blameless overseer, the servant who willingly on the Cross became our Saviour. He is the one who silences every false voice, not by power or violence, but by laying down his life on the Cross and rising again in victory over Sin and death!
So as we live out the normality of our faith where God has called us to be amid the Chaos that can overwhelm, as we feel the weakness of the Church, as we pray for godly leaders to be raised up in a Church that can feel in decline, we do so always with Joy and Hope. Why? Because Jesus is still Lord, and He is still building His Church, still guarding His flock as He seeks out the lost, and still holding us fast within the arms of Grace.
Conclusion: A Great Responsibility: A Greater Reward
The responsibility of this passage might be great: know the Gospel, guard the Gospel, and live out the Gospel to the Glory of God. But the hope revealed is greater still: That Christ himself is the foundation on which we stand, our faithful shepherd who will never leave us or forsake us, and the one who is the head of the Church and will defend his bride and the cause of the Gospel! He is the Faithful Shepherd who gave his life for the Sheep, and so the sheep delight in living their lives for him.
Atr Irwin 