Devotion for July 10, 2008

Qualifications

“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—— if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 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, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 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 1:5-9 NKJV)

Paul told Timothy to appoint elders. He told him to do so in accordance with the qualifications he was about to spell out. It should be obvious since Timothy was to do the appointing he was to evaluate the qualifications of any potential elder. This means that the character of the man was to be observable. Otherwise, how could he evaluate anyone?

If you look at the list, you can see at issue are things that others may observe. Blameless, the husband of one wife, not self-willed, not quick tempered, and so forth are all things that are manifest outwardly. Why are these things important?

In one sense, it could be these qualities were singled out simply because they were visible, but more likely because they influence how well a minister can interact with people and avoid temptations.

These are critical issues because the end goal is so important. Namely, holding fast the faithful word in order that sound doctrine might be used to exhort and convict those who contradict. Some of the qualifications enable the elder to be heard, and some enable him to remain faithful.

How greatly this need is felt in a world of contradictions filled with those who would destroy the truth. Praise God for the gifts He has bestowed on the Church. God Himself gave some [to be] apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12).

There is always a temptation for those leaders to fall into sin for anyone spreading truth will come under the attack of the devil. Therefore, we must pray earnestly for those God has given to this task. Recognize the great burden they face and hold them up continually before the throne of grace.