Titus

Lesson 2Paul’s Epistle to Titus: Part 2

In this lesson we will examine Paul’s teachings relative to the character and qualifications of Christian leaders. In this letter, Paul addresses those of Elders in particular. He also warns Titus regarding the specific challenges on Crete and the current leaders and members of the Cretan Church.

Titus the Apostle

In this letter to Titus, Paul is very clear about defining the qualifications of a Christian Leader. I would propose that these are more than just the qualifications of an Elder within the church, and, moreover. that they are what we should look for from anyone in a church leadership position.

If we are fortunate, we will also find these characteristics in some of our secular leaders, as Jesus leads more and more of us to be leaders in our community and in the work place. However, specifically within the church, we are to avoid choosing leaders who do not meet these qualifications, period. To do so jeopardizes our ability to reach the lost for Christ.

Read Titus 1:6-9, in which Paul cites 13 qualifications of a Christian leader (Elder). List each below:

The Qualifications of a Christian Leader

  1. _________________
  2. _________________
  3. _________________
  4. _________________
  5. _________________
  6. _________________
  7. _________________
  8. _________________
  9. _________________
  10. _________________
  11. _________________
  12. _________________
  13. _________________

In order to gain a better understanding of the challenges Titus was facing in Crete, read 1Timothy 1:1-11, as this provides a good example of the false teachers in Ephesus and why Paul positioned Timothy there. We will observe many parallels with the new church at Crete and Paul’s positioning of Titus at that location.

Now read Titus 1:10-16 and see the parallels between the church at Ephesus and the church at Crete. Specifically, what charges did Paul bring against the early church at Crete, including its leaders and teachers?

  1. Titus 1:10
  2. Titus 1:11
  3. Titus 1:12
  4. Titus 1:13
  5. Titus 1:14
  6. Titus 1:15
  7. Titus 1:16

I would submit that, today as well, Paul’s warnings to Titus and his instruction regarding the qualifications of church leaders are still valid. In point of fact, I would also submit that many of the warnings and criticisms Paul cites regarding the leaders and members at Crete also apply today in so many of our current "church" bodies. We need to be constantly on guard that we do not allow the teaching of false doctrine, church behavior for the sake of financial gain, gossip, and divisiveness to creep into the local church. It greatly hinders the ability of the Gospel to reach those God intended to reach through us.

In our final lesson, which follows this one, we will look at the behavioral guidance and standards that Paul addresses in his letter to Titus.

Thanks again for being faithful in studying God’s Holy Word.

In Christ,

Wes

[2020]

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