Titus 1
Titus 1:1-16 (NKJV)
1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,
2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,
3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;
4 To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—
6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.
7 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,
8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,
9 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.
10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.
15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.
16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.
For the care and preservation of the truth that is ours in Christ, there is a need for established leadership qualified and prepared for its defense. More than just people in roles, they must be true defenders of the faith who are not attempting to proclaim and contend for something they are not authentically living. The truth will have its greatest power to persuade and turn those who would be twisting it from a life that it has been transformed into the nature and likeness of Christ. It’s not just financial and occasional presence that is required for this effect, but an engaged and intentional application of wisdom and understanding that will push back the deception and conjecture that would turn hearts away from God and His body. This rising of men and women as a standard against the incessant threats of the enemy will enable the growth and health of a church and truly represents the heart of God. Grounded in the Word and filled with the Spirit they will be pillars in the house, ensuring its standing and effective fulfilling of the Father’s heart.