Today is the day the Church has
remembered Titus, a leaders in the first century church, disciple of
the apostle Paul. From the earliest days the leaders have been
recognized as God’s gift to the Church. Their lives and work show
us, especially, that God raises up leaders in every age, people who
are not the apostles but who are still his gifts to the people of
God.
3) From Acts 20 - urgency
matter
of life and death
centered
on the Word of God - that’s why we attend to the preaching and
teaching
dangers
from within and without
Paul
counted the work of ministry more important than his personal comfort
- working night and day, working with his hands to support himself -
though in other instances the people of God were able to support
other apostles and leaders.
What’s the final word on all our
ministry? It is more blessed to give than to receive.
We don’t want to give. We want to
receive.
honor
glory
respect
comfort
The end of all this is an
inward-looking self-focused, man-centered club that loses the Gospel.
It falls prey to those from within and without who would attack.
Guard yourselves, leaders! And I
tell our leaders to guard me too. Hold to God’s Word.
2) From Titus 1 - Work where you are -
left in Crete to put things in order
What
is out of order? We’re good at getting all sorts of things out of
order
Not
all work was completed
appoint
elders in every town
leaders
to care for God’s people
leaders
to guard doctrine
leaders
in showing mercy and care, loving neighbors as selves
What are the elders like?
very
normal people
godly
people
The
only gift/function of an elder that can’t be expected of every
person is aptitude for teaching
Distinction
between elders and pastors
not
all elders are pastors - it’s a special call and function
all
pastors are elders - it’s a type of qualification
The
elder who is fully trained is quite able to give wise spiritual care.
3) From Luke 10 - Christian workers of
all sorts
in
this case, sent out for a particular purpose
healing
the sick
proclaiming
the kingdom
later
report - when the 72 came back, casting out demons
keeping
busy about the work the Lord has given you
trusting
that the Lord will provide all you need
What is the Lord going to do? How is he
going to use me? How is he going to use you? He will put us in
exactly the place he needs us. We simply trust him and do what he has
placed in front of us to do, looking to the Word of God, believing
that the Lord will direct us.
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