READ: Titus 1:5-9
Titus 1:5-9 (KJV)
5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
KEY THOUGHT:
A minister for Christ must be honorable in all that he does. What are the marks of a minister that make him honorable? God uses the apostle Paul to prescribe those marks in his letter to Titus – the marks of a godly leader. Godly leadership is found in a minister’s commitment, conduct, character and convictions. A godly leader is:
- Committed to Christ and to the things Christ values;
- Demonstrates conduct that glorifies God;
- Displays unquestionable character and integrity; and
- Stands on firm convictions, beginning and ending with the unchanging Word of God.
Knowing these marks helps you identify true ministers of Christ in a world of compromise and deception where false teaching is becoming more readily accepted. You can prove your ministry through godly leadership.
CONSIDER:
- Why are standards for Christian leaders important to you?
- How can you prepare yourself for future leadership opportunities?
- What can you do to help your church leaders maintain an honorable ministry?
APPLICATION:
Measure ministry leaders by God’s standards, not by the world’s standards.
