Sharing Freedom

Titus 1:5-9

The reason why Paul left Titus in Crete was so that he would set in order the works that had been started there.  Titus was left to organize the newborn churches in Crete.  The first task was to appoint elders or what we refer to as Pastors.  Pastors are men called by God that are entrusted with accurately handling the Word of Truth.  No matter is more important than accurately preaching the gift of salvation to this lost and dying world.   Pastors have the distinct duty of preaching salvation through Jesus Christ.  Pastors must guide and shepherd the flock of God.  Pastors have an awesome responsibility.

The requirements for the office of Pastor are given in this text.  Not everyone can be a Pastor.  There are many men and women in pulpits across America that do not meet the Biblical requirements for the office of Pastor.   Since, the Pastor is the highest position in the local church and has the most responsibilities, God has given this office the strictest requirements.  Let’s look at what they are.

First, A Pastor is to be above reproach.  This means that he is not out in the world and doing the things of the world.  The Pastor is to set the example for the flock.  Even as a shepherd leads the sheep into the places that are good, the Pastor needs to lead the flock of God to the places that are good.  The Good Shepherd guides the Pastor.  Our first and foremost example is to be Jesus Christ.

A Pastor is to be the husband of one wife.  Two things are inferred from this 1.  A Pastor must be a man.  In order to be a husband one first must be a man.  2.  A Pastor cannot be divorced and remarried.  A Pastor is allowed to only have one wife.  Death ends the bonds of marriage and not divorce.  Romans 7:1-3  A Pastor cannot be divorced and remarried.  A Pastor is to set the example and how can he do that if he himself is an adulterer?

The Pastor is not be a leader of rebellion and fighting.  God has made Pastors stewards of the Gospel of Peace.  If a Pastor is leading an insurrection, then He isn’t focusing on His duties as a minister of God.  A Pastor is to be devoted to prayer and the ministry of God’s Word.  Acts 6:1-4  Deacons are in the church to take the burden off of the Pastor so that he can devote himself to prayer and the ministry of the Word of God. 

The Pastor is not to be self-willed.  Instead of being self centered a Pastor needs to be God centered.  The glory in the church all needs to go to God.  The Pastor is to build the kingdom of God and not his own kingdom.  We serve God and do His will!  Our lives must be God centered!

A Pastor is not to be a drunk.  We are told in the Bible to be filled with the Spirit not the spirits.  A Pastor also is not be out for money.  Greed is not the quality of a good Pastor.  The congregation should love their pastor enough to pay him what he is worth.  But a Pastor should not be in the pastorate out of a love for money.  You cannot serve both God and money.  This goes back to not being self willed.  All aspects of our lives must be centered on God.  A Pastor needs to set the example by being focused in on God and His will.

Now that we have seen what a Pastor isn’t let’s look at verse 8 what a Pastor.  He is hospitable.  Overall, he is a nice guy.  He has a giving and loving heart.  A Pastor is to have a shepherd’s heart.  The shepherd loved the sheep enough to give his life for them, even as Jesus our Good Shepherd loved us enough to give His life for us.  A Pastor needs to love his flock.  A loving heart produces a good Pastor.    The Pastor needs to be sensible, just, devout, and self controlled.  In other words, a Pastor needs not be a part of a breakfast cereal.  A Fruit that is Nuts.  A Pastor needs to take seriously the call and the awesome responsibility of the office of Pastor.  God has entrusted us to the most awesome job there is, with that awesome job comes awesome responsibility. 

Verse 9.  A Pastor needs to practice what he preaches.  A Pastor must have the gift of teaching.  He also needs to know the Bible well enough to teach and preach it.  Charles Spurgeon never attended Seminary, but yet he was one of the best preachers of all times.  Do not confuse a seminary education with the ability to preach.  Many in seminaries across America are Momma called and Papa sent.  We are to be called by the Holy Spirit who equips us with the gift of preacher even teacher.  Charles Spurgeon was a Pastor at age 17 and by age 18 had a church of 6,000 in a day before TV, Radio, and Microphones with Amplifiers.  Spurgeon knew his Bible even though he may not have had a formal education.  The Holy Spirit is our teacher.

A God called pastor will be equipped by the Holy Spirit with the gift of Pastor even teacher.  The Holy Spirit enables a God called pastor to be able to teach the Word of God in a way that is understandable and gets us to seek God more.  The God called pastor will accurately handle the Word of God.  II Timothy 2:15  The Word of God is sharper than any two edged sword as is Hebrews 4 says.  The pastor needs to use the Word of God accurately.  This means he leaves Scriptures in context, takes the Word of God literally, and doesn’t bend on convictions.  The pastor is to be the leader of the church and able to teach those in the church.  Without the gift of teaching the pastor will not be able to do what God asks a pastor to do.

Notice that the doctrine or teachings of the Pastor are to be sound.  When doctrines are built on the firm foundation of God’s Word, they will be able to stand the attacks the devil sends.  The defense of Scripture is called Apologetics.  In Apologetics, Scriptural defenses are made for different doctrines of the Bible.  In other words, a pastor should know what he believes and why and how to defend what he believes from attack.  Those who contradict need to be refuted.  Those who are wrong on salvation must be shown false.  Heresies must be pointed out and avoided.

A Pastor also needs to exhort and encourage from God’s Word.  A pastor should help people orient their lives to God and His will.  A pastor should help show how we can adjust to God’s will and yield our lives to Him.  Our focus in life must be on God and how to serve Him.  In order to serve Him, we first have to know Him.  We know God through His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins.  John 3:16  At salvation, we begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Every pastor needs to help people come to know Jesus and their Lord and Savior.  A pastor also needs to help each person develop in their walk with Christ after salvation.  A church is a place where the sick and hurting come, and Jesus the Master Physician helps them heal from their wounded lives.  A church is a place for wounded souls to find healing. 

Are you saved? if not then please Click Here