A Trustworthy Preacher and Teacher

God's Urgent Call
Calling of Prophets

Called to Preach

Titus 1:5-9 The Message

A Good Grip on the Message

5-9 I left you in charge in Crete so you could complete what I left half-done. Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions. As you select them, ask, “Is this man well-thought-of? Is he committed to his wife? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?” It’s important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God’s house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.

For Reflection

Paul speaks here of spiritual leaders. It is a list of qualities to use in evaluating the spiritual authenticity of church leaders and preachers (indeed, not a bad list to evaluate anyone). However, much credibility rides on the leader's message as well.  What are the fruits of a leader's message?  Does the leader accurately express the love of God? Do listeners demonstrate a more loving, just, forgiving behavior?  Have they grown into Grace?

Pray

Pray for the wisdom to honor God in all that you do. Pray for humility and obedience to the will of God.  Pray for wisdom, humility, and grace in all Church leaders