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Shepherds Worthy of Their Call (Titus 1:1-9)

Writer's picture: Corby AngleCorby Angle

Titus 1:1–9 - 1 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3 but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior, 4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. 

 

What does today’s passage say?

Paul begins by introducing himself as a fully devoted follower and messenger of God and Jesus Christ. He was entrusted to preach the truth that brings eternal life (vv. 1-3). Paul sends warm greetings to Titus, his dear spiritual child in the faith. He prays Titus would know God's grace and peace (v. 4). Earlier, Paul had left Titus in Crete to select leaders for the new churches in each city. Now Paul lists the character traits and capabilities these overseers should demonstrate since they would guide God's people (v. 5). An overseer should lead an exemplary life, with complete faithfulness in marriage and self-restraint over impulses. He must live honorably, righteously and devoutly, welcoming others into his home (vv. 6-8). Most importantly, he must stand firmly by God's true word, in order to motivate and advise believers positively and also to correct those promoting unsound doctrine (v. 9).

 

How can I apply Titus 1:1-9 to my life?

Today, Paul provides guidance for appointing leaders within the early church. He outlines the character qualities and capabilities that should describe overseers who shepherd God's people. This passage remains extremely relevant today. The integrity and spiritual maturity of those who lead still impacts the health and mission of Christ's church. As we explore Paul's instructions to Titus, we should consider how they apply not only to formal roles but to every believer. All of us influence others and share responsibility for upholding sound doctrine. Our speech and conduct can either strengthen or disrupt the body of Christ. In this spirit, let's reflect on the core principles within this passage that should steer our own lives and leadership. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:

1.    Willingly Serve God for the Salvation of Others (vv. 1-4): In the opening verses, Paul identifies himself as a bond-servant of God who was entrusted to proclaim the word of God for the faith and knowledge of the truth leading to eternal life. This demonstrates his willing, devoted service to God's purposes of bringing salvation through Christ. As believers, we too are called to serve God willingly by helping to spread the message of salvation to others. When we share our faith or live out godly lives, we participate in God's mission to save people from sin through Jesus Christ. Though we may face difficulties or rejection, we persevere in hope of the eternal life promised to those who put their trust in Christ. Out of gratitude to God for saving us, we offer back our lives to serve His gospel mission however He leads us, whether through evangelism, prayer, giving, or acts of service in Jesus’ name. We yearn for others to know Christ and experience the grace we have received. Serving God requires dedication and sacrifice at times. We set aside personal comforts and agendas to make His priorities our own. There may be misunderstandings when we speak biblical truth in love, yet we continue on respectfully. We ask God to use us according to His purposes, not our own. As we serve out of love and thankfulness, God receives the glory (2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 4:10-11).


Food for Thought: Why is a willing, devoted attitude important for serving God effectively? What motivates you to share Christ with others?


2.    Scripture Sets a High Standard for Those Who Would Lead (vv. 5-8): Paul provides specific qualifications for Christian leaders - those appointed to lead and oversee Christ's church. He makes clear that spiritual leadership requires more than skill or charisma - it demands Christlike character and spiritual maturity. For these leaders, above reproach conduct means avoiding even hints of impropriety, misuse of power, or doctrinal error. They must lead by godly example, not self-interest. Qualities like self-control, sound judgment, hospitality, and stable family relationships should describe their lives. High moral standards apply equally to all in the body of Christ. Yet Scripture sets an even higher bar for shepherds of God's flock. Simply put, they must resemble the Chief Shepherd in love, integrity, knowledge, and care for others’ wellbeing. This high standard protects Christ's church. It minimizes distractions from the core mission. Most of all, God calls leaders to pursue consistent growth in Christlike virtue for their own and others’ benefit. No one perfectly meets God’s standard on their own strength. We depend on the Spirit’s help to become more like Jesus. We submit ourselves to accountability from other believers who can exhort us if we stray from biblical truth. God patiently perfects those who answer His call to lead His church. He equips them through study of Scripture and testing of their character. He conforms them to Christ’s image as they humbly admit shortcomings and welcome correction. As in Paul’s day, godly oversight remains central to the health and witness of Christ’s church. We must uphold His standard for our leaders’ lives while extending the same grace that saved us (1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-4; James 3:1).


Food for Thought: Why does Scripture hold church leaders to such a high standard? What is my role in encouraging the spiritual growth of leaders at my church?


3.    Know the Word Well in Order to Encourage and Correct Others (v. 9): Paul emphasizes the importance of church leaders holding firmly to biblical truth so they can use sound doctrine to exhort believers and also to refute false teaching. For us to apply this effectively, we must prioritize growing in knowledge of Scripture so we can spot doctrinal errors and guide others toward godliness. This requires dedicating time to read, study, and memorize God's Word under the Holy Spirit's guidance. We should learn the orthodox interpretations on key issues and historic confessions of faith. This equips us to assess teaching we receive against the light of biblical truth. With discernment grounded in Scripture, we can identify hazardous ideas infiltrating the church which may shipwreck faith if left unaddressed. Yet even more vital is using our scriptural understanding to come alongside struggling believers with wise, grace-filled counsel and encouragement from God’s promises. Correcting others aims not to condemn but to restore them gently through the power of God’s Word. We heed Paul’s model of speaking the truth in love, with patience, kindness and hope for redemption in Christ. Standing for truth demands courage and compassion alike. We remain humble, recognizing that we all constantly need correction from Scripture and the body of Christ to persevere in sound doctrine. Our willingness to teach and be taught God’s Word demonstrates that we esteem its power in protecting, maturing and unifying the church (2 Timothy 3:14-17; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5).


Food for thought: Why is a strong grasp of Scripture vital for leading others in truth? What role should grace and humility play in addressing doctrinal concerns in the church?


Paul lays out specific standards for leaders in the church - those called to lead and shepherd God's people. The integrity and spiritual maturity of leaders greatly impacts the health and mission of Christ's body. God calls every believer to pursue growth in Christian virtue, yet he holds church leaders to an especially high bar. They must embrace sacrifice to willingly serve the gospel purpose for which Christ has commissioned all followers - bringing others to salvation. Those who step into oversight roles carry extra responsibility to set an example of godliness, discern biblical truth, and gently exhort the church toward love and good works through sound doctrine.

 

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I pray that You would give me an eager willingness to share the message of Christ with others and see people saved from sin into eternal life with You. Help me to live out my faith with the integrity, self-control and sound judgment that You expect from leaders in your church. Increase my dedication to knowing Your Word well through diligent study, so I can use it wisely to guide my own life and at times gently correct those I disciple. Give me humility to consider feedback from others when I need correction myself. May your truth shape my conduct more and more into the likeness of Christ through the Spirit's work in my heart. I pray for grace and courage to stand firmly on biblical teaching even when it is countercultural or difficult. I pray that You would grow my compassion for those struggling in destructive sin or lies, so I can come alongside them patiently with restoration through speaking your promises in love. I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Titus 1:9 – “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”

 

 

With His Blessings,

Pastor Corby

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