“…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.”
Tit 1:9
Have you noticed that the effect of the church upon society today has diminished? Why is Christian influence so weak? Why is our nation rapidly running away from God instead of towards Him? How has a once Christian nation become so anti-Christian? I believe the problem finds its origin in an abandoning of our primary calling as Christians (Mt 28:19-20), a calling that is set forth in our text today. When a church diminishes her focus on the word of God, she will also diminish her effectiveness upon the souls around here! These final qualifications of an elder/bishop listed in our passage have to do with a man’s relationship to the word of God. There are three ways he must be an example to the flock as to how they must relate to that word. He must be:
1) A leader of the word – “holding fast the faithful word”
One of the indictments Christ brought against the religious leaders of His day is found in Mat 23:2-3: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.” How can a man teach the flock of God to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (Jam 1:22) if he is not a doer of the word but a speaker only?!! Everything that Paul writes to Titus prior to these final qualifications has to do with a person’s manner of life. “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…” (Tit 1:7) If a man doesn’t live in a way that matches the instruction of the word of God, he’s not fit to be in the pulpit!
2) A student of the word – “as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine”
One who declares the word of God must also be able to be taught the word. Too many place themselves above the flock of God, boasting in their own superior knowledge! In contrast, a faithful minister is willing to admit when he doesn’t know something, to admit he is still learning. A pastor’s confession of himself ought to be, “if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” (1Co 8:2) This awareness of a lack in knowledge will compel such a man to continue to learn. A man who continually cries out to God for wisdom and knowledge will be able to declare “sound doctrine”. He will “Be diligent to present [himself] approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Ti 2:15)
3) A preacher of the word – “both to exhort and convict those who contradict”
Finally, a man fit for the ministry must be able and desirous to declare God’s word. In comparing the qualifications bishops and deacons in 1Ti 3, you’ll find many similarities. The key difference between the two lies in that the bishop is “able to teach”. (1Ti 3:2) Such an individual is able to comfort or “exhort” a soul when that is required, but he is also willing to rebuke or “convict”. He is a friend to eternal souls because he loves at all times (Pro 17:17) which includes loving enough to wound when necessary! (Pro 27:6) A man who faithfully declares the word of God will preach a balanced God. He will confess a God of love who is also a God of judgment. Both sides of that coin are needed for the saving of souls! As Jude says, “keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”
Of course, this emphasis upon the word, which is in fact an emphasis on the living Word (Joh 1:1), is not limited to the preacher. He is called to be a strong example of the characteristics above so that the rest of the church will follow! Too many churches have lessened the focus upon the word of God in favor of more entertaining options. We do so to the great detriment of the souls we influence! If we will see men rescued from eternal destruction, it is the word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ, to which we must return “for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes”! (Rom 1:16) Remember, it was not only the prayer of the apostles but the entire early church who “raised their voice to God with one accord” and begged the Lord to “grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word“. (Act 4:24, 29) May this cry again sound forth from God’s people! There will be no revival without it.
Jamie