Titus 1:7-9
Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless — not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
That’s Fine for The Church, But What About Me?
Although this list is aimed specifically at those who are overseers within the church, there is a lesson for each one of us about what God requires for these men are in our own communities & households.
After all, many of us who have been entrusted with families are the overseers of our households and we are responsible to God for how we lead them well.
And for those of us without families, we have the community that God has placed us in. Brothers and sisters in Christ whom we hold influence over.
And so, because of this, I think it’s important for us to look at what God required of these men and what He calls of us.
Qualifications One-by-One
The Negative:
- Not Overbearing
- Not Quick-Tempered
- Not A Drunkard
- Not Violent
- Not A Cheat or Dishonest Businessman
The Good Stuff:
- Entrusted By God
- Blameless
- Hospitable
- Loves Good
- Self-Controlled
- An Upstanding Individual
- Set Apart in Conduct and Lifestyle
- Disciplined
Things We Are Trusted To Do:
- Entrusted with God’s work
- Staying Rooted in The Truth
- Encourages Others With Sound Doctrine
- Refutes False Doctrine
Let’s Bring It Home
Okay, so, let’s bring that home, what does that look like for us…well, for those of us who are overseers of our household, it means not being a drunkard and beating our wives. That is incredibly dishonorable to God and to them. It also means not being passive when it comes to their bible teaching in the house.
Instead, we should be building them up and teaching them the truth of God’s Word both in everyday conversation as well as how we handle the adversity that arises in our and their lives. Which can easily spill over into the community we have been entrusted to be a part of.
Our example to those around us has a large impact on how they see the Christian faith and more importantly on how they perceive God.
Regardless of whether we are in the church or not, God has given each one of us some measure of responsibility and influence over others. So let’s use it wisely and bring honor to Him.
