Fathers and Elders
Titus • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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†CALL TO WORSHIP based on Psalm 85
Steven Hoffer, Elder
Minister: Christians, the Lord’s salvation has come near to those who fear him. His glory dwells among his people.
Congregation: Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Let us hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; and let us not turn back to folly.
Minister: He offers to revive our hearts, that his people may rejoice in him.
Congregation: Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Yes, the Lord will give what is good and righteousness will go before him. Let us worship God!
†PRAYER OF ADORATION AND INVOCATION
†OPENING PSALM OF PRAISE #98C
“Sing a New Song to Jehovah”
†CONFESSION OF SIN & ASSURANCE OF PARDON
based on Matthew 5:2-12
Minister: Blessed Jesus, you offered us all your blessings when you announced, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”
Congregation: But we have been rich in pride.
Minister: “Blessed are those who mourn.”
Congregation: But we do not grieve injustice and sin.
Minister: “Blessed are the meek.”
Congregation: But we are a stiff-necked people.
Minister: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.”
Congregation: But we seek to fill our lives with other things.
Minister: “Blessed are the merciful.”
Congregation: But we are harsh and impatient.
Minister: “Blessed are the pure in heart.”
Congregation: But we have pursued the impure.
Minister: “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Congregation: But we have not sought reconciliation.
Minister: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness. And you, when people insult, persecute, and speak falsely against you because of me.”
Congregation: But our lives do not challenge the world. We have hardly made it known that we are yours.
Minister: Your law demands holiness and our works fall short.\
Congregation: We plead with you to forgive our sins and clothe us in Christ’s perfect righteousness. Amen.
Minister: Christians: In Christ, God has has made atonement for sins, propitiation for wrath, and reconciliation for all who believe.
Congregation: We believe - help our unbelief! From the joy of forgiveness, kindle in us the joy of holiness. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
CONTINUAL READING OF SCRIPTURE Psalm 23
A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Pastor Austin Prince
THE OFFERING OF TITHES AND OUR GIFTS
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
†HYMN OF PREPARATION #170
“God, in the Gospel of His Son”
SERMON Titus 1:4-9 // Fathers and Elders
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Blessed are you, God of all creation. You spoke in the beginning and all things came to be. You spoke, and your word came to dwell among us, full of grace and truth. Bless this place where we would hear your voice. As the word is spoken, may our ears be attuned to you. As the word is spoken, may you speak to us.
TEXT Titus 1:4-9
4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. 5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
AFTER SCRIPTURE
Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
Intro:
In verse four, Paul calls Titus his true child in the faith. Saying this, Paul is not patronizing Titus, treating him as immature, that He is a man but Titus is not. He is recognizing his relationship to Titus. Paul is more to him than a teacher, more than a commissioner of ministers; he has become a father figure — a mentor, a guide, an example to follow, someone who is there to shepherd with wisdom and make their presence known. And Titus was more to Paul than a student — he was like a son. He was a disciple.
In verse 5, Paul says that “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—” (Titus 1:5, ESV).
Titus, having been led well by Paul, is now in a position to raise up other leaders/elders, men who in every town would also serve as something more than teachers, but father figures — examples to follow.
You may remember the emphasis from 1 Corinthians when Paul writes to encourage and admonish the Corinthians. “I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.” (1 Corinthians 4:14–17, ESV)
Teachers abound, but not fathers. A father can say what Paul said: “be an imitator of me”. We also see that Timothy was sent to be this type of leader and example. So was Titus. And that is the type of leader that Titus is to commission in all the towns of Crete.
As a culture, we are currently experiencing a crisis of father hunger. There is a huge market for counseling and information and help to those who are searching for a guide. Young men are flocking in droves to podcasters and youtube stars for more than learning how to change the oil in their cars or how to build a shed, but how to live. How to have a marriage or be a parent, how to think about love and work ethic and purpose. Young women who face father hunger will look for security and attention, and unfortunately find it in some vile and very dangerous ways.
But the church is not to be shepherdless or leaderless or “fatherless”. It is to have qualified men who serve as examples to the family of God and who shepherd well.
Now, Jesus says in Matthew to “call no man father or instructor”.
What Jesus is telling His disciples is that no man should be given a level of manipulative authority that demands allegiance because of a title. It’s not that no man can be called father, but that no man can stand before you as an authority in themselves. This comes right before the woes to the Pharisees, who were doing just that.
But that shines a bit of light to the point of this passage to Titus. The men who are the leaders of the church are not merely given authority to lead in the church, they are to be qualified for it.
Paul doesn’t give Titus a list of procedures and structures on how to grow the church or plant other churches. What is emphasized is the character of the leaders — real change is to be led by men who have themselves really been changed. Our leaders in the church are to be qualified for this task.
So, in the words of Michael Scott, “who do you think you are, and what gives you the right?”
That’s what we want to look at today. These men who are called to Shepherd and to guide, and who are so vital important, what qualifies them to be in that position what are they to do?
Paul gives Titus 5 negative characteristics that an elder must not be, and 7 positive characteristics that an elder must be. We will look at those, moving through them quickly. But before the other traits are even considered, Paul starts with the proving ground and focuses first on the state of the elder’s home.
Personal qualifications: Family life — the proving ground
“…if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.” (Titus 1:5–6, ESV)
Above reproach (v.6)
This doesn’t mean that they are faultless or perfect, but it does mean that they have a good reputation and a good name.
Accusations don’t rise to match what others know these men to be.
The next two traits have to deal with being a husband and a father. Now, the text isn’t demanding that an elder must be married or must have children in order to serve, but these areas for most will serve as clarification the type of leader that they are.
Husband of one wife (v.6)
This isn’t just about polygamy but about being a one-woman man. The elder isn’t a flirt with other women. He is committed to his wife and nourishes that relationship with her.
It is also unquestionably clear that elders are to be men.
and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination (v.6)
There is quite a bit of debate on this. Is the text saying that these men can’t be elders unless their children are saved? Is an elder qualified by his older children but disqualified by his younger until they prove themselves? I believe this to mean, in accordance with the judgement of debauchery or insubordination, that the elder’s children are able to be lead by their father. That under his roof, they are walking in that christian home without rebellion. The elder her proving his leadership.
Bottom line: “If he is domineering in his home, he is likely to be domineering in the church. If he fails to take responsibility in his home, he is likely to shirk responsibility in the church. Paul says to Titus: The most important reference for a church leader is what goes on in his home life.” — Tim Chester, Titus for You,
Paul then gives a rapid-fire list of what these men’s character must entail. There are 5 negative traits mentioned and 7 positive traits. We will trace them at a fast clip.
But you should notice that this is not a list of skills, but a list of character. What is more important that great oratory or strategy is character. It must also be said that these qualifications and this sermon are not just for elders. There are only a few elders in the room. But elders are to be leaders and examples. These traits are for all of us. Our leaders are those that we are to emulate and to follow.
Negative
Not arrogant (proud — domineering) (v.7)
They don’t use their learning or their position to gain power and control.
There is a type of leader that is constantly “over-pastoring”. They seek personal influence and allegiance ini their pride. They use their office or their preaching to bully others. They take personal offense at other leaders.
And there is a type of leader that “under-pastors”. Their pride goes in another direction. They are so afraid of what people think of them and say about them that they never engage in difficult conversations or church discipline or preaching clear, but difficult, truths.
Not quick-tempered (v.7)
They are slow to speak and quick to listen.
Not quarrelsome or argumentative, but patient.
Not a drunkard (v.7)
There is not a crippling and disqualifying vice in their lives.
Not violent (v.7)
Their words and actions and correction are meant to heal, not to harm. At times, a shepherd may need to be violent towards wolves, but not the sheep.
Not greedy for gain (v.7)
If you want the wrong things then you will teach the wrong things. A minister who is greedy for gain, be it financial or personal acclaim, will begin to compromise faithful teaching.
Failure to teach truth often starts with failure to live morally.
Positive
Verse 8 shows six characteristics of elders who are shaped by the gospel. And verse 9 tells us that they are to to make disciples shaped by the gospel.
Hospitable (v.8)
Put simply and shortly, they love people and they seek to serve them.
A lover of good (v8)
What they love is infectious for you. You begin to love and care for and see what it is that has captured their hearts and attention. And what those things are for them is the good of God’s world.
Self-controlled (v.8)
They are not mastered by impulse.
Their lives are a testimony to God’s power over the flesh.
Upright (v.8) and Holy (v.8)
The most important trait is that they running after God. All of the self-control or kindness or hospitality is in pursuit of God.
Disciplined (v.8)
They so focus their time and attention and ambitions to diligently run after God.
Must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (v.9)
John Calvin said that a church leader:
“ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves.”
(Commentary on Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Titus 1, page 3)
“Their people need them to preach, teach and celebrate the gospel. Their people need them to love, live by and grow in the gospel themselves. They are to be disciples shaped by the gospel (1:6–8) and they are to make disciples shaped by the gospel (v 9).
What should your leaders be like? Blameless in their home, their character and their doctrine. They need to be disciples who can make disciples.” (Tim Chester)
Application/Conclusion :
It's crucial to understand that these qualities aren't just for a select few in leadership positions. They're a call to all of us. The leaders Paul describes are meant to be examples we can follow and emulate.
COG Elders
We are very blessed to have qualified elders in our church.
Make It Easy On Them
Hebrews 13:17 says: “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you”
Pray For Them
Encourage them. Don’t shy away from their phone calls or texts or emails or invites to be in your lives.
“shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2–3, ESV)
We should strive to cultivate these qualities in our own lives. Whether or not we hold an official leadership position, we all influence others. Are we growing in self-control, hospitality, and love for what is good? Are we becoming the kind of people others can look to for guidance and example?
We must be discerning about who we allow to influence us. In a world full of voices clamoring for our attention, are we following those who demonstrate godly character? Or are we being swayed by those who may be charismatic but lack the substance of true spiritual maturity?
We should create a culture that values and nurtures these qualities. How can we, in our families, churches, and communities, encourage the development of godly character? How can we be part of the solution to the "father hunger" that plagues our society?
The Apostle Paul's words to Titus remind us that true leadership isn't about titles, talents, or techniques. It's about transformed lives that point others to God. It's about becoming the kind of person who can say, as Paul did, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).
As Paul loved Titus like a father—more than a hireling, more than a teacher, may the elders of the church so care for the family of God.
†HYMN OF RESPONSE Insert
“O Church, Arise”
THE MINISTRY OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Minister: Lift up your hearts!
Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord.
Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
Congregation: It is right for us to give thanks and praise!
CONFESSION OF FAITH
Nicene Creed p. 852
Congregation is seated.
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE
// ad hoc invitation or use below if needed //
The Israelites in the Passover ate the unblemished, firstborn, male lamb with wine and unleavened bread. By this they were not only celebrating how God delivered them from the 10th plague in Egypt, they were having held out to them the greater substitution that was yet to come. Instead of sacrificing a lamb and putting its blood on the doorposts, God himself would offer up the blood of his own son to save them.
That meal provided the pattern for the one between Jesus and his disciples. Matthew records in his gospel:
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
All of this is the background for the meal set before us this morning. At the table our Lord sets we are united by faith with him by the Holy Spirit. In this mysterious working we receive, by faith, the same body that was born of Mary. The real Spiritual presence of Christ is present in the sacrament inasmuch as the Holy Spirit is able to unite us to Christ. It is therefore not a mere memorial or a pledge of our fidelity but is first and foremost a means of grace and a pledge of God’s faithfulness.
Don’t you long for some sign from God? Some sense of his presence? Some token of his having accepted us despite the weakness of our faith and obedience? Here, at this table, the holy one, whose mere voice sent terror into Israel’s bones, clothes himself in humility and gives himself to us.
This supper’s benefits are in substance the same as those communicated through preaching and baptism: Christ and all his benefits by faith. This means that the supper is itself a means of persevering grace. It does not give us an additional ingredient or a power not present in preaching, but supports those means as a perpetual ratification of God’s peace treaty with his people. Faith is created by the preached gospel and confirmed and strengthened by the sacraments. God works supernaturally through natural, created things.
Scripture teaches that such a supernatural supper is a thing that cannot be taken lightly. We are commanded to examine ourselves, individually and corporately, and to be certain that we believe and that we have discerned the body of our Lord rightly. This examination is good and right so long as we do not make the requirements for admission to this table any more stringent than did our Lord. Some have used Scripture’s exhortation to self-examination in a manner that actually undermines the very point of the sacrament, as if communion were a reward, and withholding a punishment, rather than each a means of grace.
This cup that we receive is a cup of forgiveness. In it we find the blood of Christ, which was shed for the remission of sins. By definition therefore it cannot be for anyone but sinners. “Jesus said that those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” The forgiveness of God is the medicine for poor, sick souls.
This cup is the blood of Jesus Christ; the one who offers living water. He told the woman of Samaria that if she were to drink of it she would be fully, and finally, satisfied. This cup does not forgive sins, but as we take it by faith we receive the grace of God which unites us to Christ in his forgiveness. In this we too can be satisfied inasmuch as we are satisfied with the one who gives it.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS
//once all elements are received//
The Lord has prepared this table for all who love him and trust in him alone for their salvation. It is for those who belong to Christ through repentance, faith, baptism, and continuing union with his Church.
“O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.”
[motion to partake]
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” This cup is the new covenant in the blood of Christ, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Drink of it, all who believe.
PRAYER
†OUR RESPONSE #572
“Gloria Patri”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
†BENEDICTION: GOD’S BLESSING FOR HIS PEOPLE
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13, ESV)
