Theological Commentary: Click Here
It is neat
to turn to a book like Titus after studying a prophet like Isaiah for so
long. Isaiah was about the movement in
the people, their rebellion, and God’s point that God is most interested in
what lies in their heart. Isaiah was
telling the people that the person is vastly more important than what they do.
Today, we
turn to Titus and Paul’s advice. Paul
speaks about what it takes to lead in the church. At first, it seems like Paul is taking the
opposite side from what we heard from Isaiah.
Paul talks about external displays in the beginning. A leader must be above reproach and the husband
of one wife.
However,
when we continue through the list we understand that these outward displays are
actually signs of internal spirituality.
The leader should be hospitable.
The leader should not be arrogant or quick-tempered. The leader should not be violent or
greedy. The leader should be a lover of
good, self-controlled, upright, disciplined, holy, and holding firm to God’s
ways.
In short,
the leader is someone who is humble.
They know their place. They know
their strengths and weaknesses. They
know when to step up in the confidence of god and when to back off because of
their own failings. The leader is humble
and contrite, genuinely knowing themselves and who they are in God.
On the other
hand, there are the bad leaders. These are
the ones who are after their own agenda of power or prestige or wealth or
comfortable living. They upset families
and devour the people around them. The
quote this chapter, they profess to know God but their very works reveal the
true character that lies within.
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