The Pastor
Titus 1:5-9
N.T. Wright and the bad plane experience – “When the pilot can’t figure out what’s going on, the whole plane is in trouble.”
Why a sermon on pastors? -You, the church, problems, application,
What is a pastor? (vs. 5 & 7a.)
- Paul is leaving a blueprint, the same the church has used for 2,000 years, to select pastoral leadership in the local congregations.
- Elder – bearded one, bishop – overseer, Pastor (Jer. 17:16) – to tend a flock, shepherd.
- Scripture does not point out how one is selected, only the character.
Blameless – Unquestioned integrity – lifestyle and reputation no reproach.
The Pastor’s Home (vs. 6)
- Known for their home life. – Faithfulness to one wife for a lifetime and raises faithful children.
The Pastor’s Role (vs. 7)
- Steward of God – not for self, not angry, no alcohol, not violent or greedy.
The Pastor’s Pursuits (vs. 8)
- Hospitality, good men, clear minded, just, holy, disciplined.
The Pastor’s Work (vs. 9)
- When you have a firm grip on the truth you can – encourage others by sound doctrine.
- When you have a firm grip on the truth you can – refute those who oppose it.
- When people oppose healthy teaching, as, alas, some will always do, there is a temptation to avoid confrontation, to back off and hope they will go away. They won’t. The leader – this is a particular function of elders and bishops, and one which doesn’t normally gain them popularity – must know how to rebut false teaching.
Pray that God would raise up Godly pastors in our Conference.
