Titus 1 DEVO: Qualifications for Godly Leadership & Addressing Ungodly Leadership

Introduction:
Paul deals with qualifications to be looked for in church leaders (1:5-9) and then condemns the false teachers who were undermining the work in Crete (1:10-16). In Chapter 2, He gives Titus advice on how to handle the situation there: guidelines on Christian behavior, specifically the aged (1-3), the youth (4-8), and slaves (9-10). Chapter 2:11-3:2 gives the theological implications of Christian living in the community. Chapter 3:4-7 is a reminder of the transformation that comes from the gospel through Christ. Paul then closes with a charge, personal remarks, counsel and a benediction (3:8-15).

Chapter 1: Qualifications for Godly Leadership & Addressing Ungodly Leadership
Paul lists 17 character qualities that church leaders especially should demonstrate:
1. Blameless – not perfection but pursuit of holiness.
2. Husband of but one wife – a one woman man. Rules out some divorced people.
3. A man whose children believe and are not wild & disobedient – if a man can’t lead his own family, don’t let him lead in the church!
4. Not overbearing – authoritative not authoritarian.
5. Not quick-tempered – duh, don’t put angry peeps in leadership.
6. Not given to drunkenness – having A drink is ok, but having TO drink is not.
7. Not violent – again, duh.
8. Not pursuing dishonest gain – integrity with finances.
9. Hospitable – does he open up his home, like people, etc…
10. Loves what is good – another pursuit issue.
11. Self-controlled – does he watch his mouth, turn from evil, deny himself, etc…
12. Upright – how is he viewed by others?
13. Holy – not perfection but pursuit.
14. Disciplined – Does he have goals & values he pursues?
15. Must hold firmly to trustworthy message – does he believe & teach the Bible?
16. Encourage others – does he tear down or lift up others?
17. Refute those who oppose the truth – does he correct wrong teaching?
For the remainder of the chapter, Paul addresses false teaching & those who do not qualify as leaders according to the qualifications just listed. They teach lies (#17) “for the sake of dishonest gain” (#8). “Liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons” – (#1, #4, #10, #13, #14). ”To the pure, all things are pure….” – (#13). “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.” – (#1, actually all of them!).
SO WHAT?!
*This list of godly qualities is not just for Christian leaders, but for all who claim Jesus as their Savior. Take some time today to meditate on these qualities. Which ones are you doing ok at? Which ones need work? Don’t know? Ask a close friend or family member – and be willing to take their answer!
*Is there any way in which you or I are denying Jesus by our actions? Oh Lord, please show us and conform us to YOU!