The Pastor’s Example

Titus 1:7-9

Many churches and religious organizations have some form of hierarchy consisting of bishops, pastors, elders, deacons, and lay people. Each level is superior to the one below it. Such a hierarchy is expressly forbidden in Matthew 20:25-28. “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Here Paul directs Titus to ordain elders in every church , and describes things to be considered because “a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God.” Clearly he relates elder and bishop as the same position or job. The term elder refers to those who are more spiritually mature, while bishop means ‘overseer’ or manager. The pastor or shepherd is the one responsible for particular group. The elders or pastors are specifically responsible for the spiritual care of the church. Their spiritual state is critical to their responsibilities.

The deacon is responsible for the physical activities of the church, such as finances, buildings and grounds, and charity. His spiritual qualifications are slightly less critical, but his moral and ethical standards are just as critical as those of the pastor. Paul does not address the requirements for deacons in this passage, as Titus is dealing with churches which are not yet large enough to require them. Legally, deacons would be called trustees.

Every Christian is an ambassador for Christ. The bishop or pastor is the overseer or steward responsible for training and guiding those under his authority. He must exemplify the traits every Christian is supposed to exhibit. Paul told Timothy he must set the example.

“For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” (Titus 1:7-9)

The pastor is to set an example in several things. First, there are several things he must avoid. He must not be selfwilled, not demanding his own way. He is to put other’s desires ahead of his own. He must not be quick tempered, “not soon angry.” Ephesians 4:31 directs Christians, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”

Alcoholic consumption is not something he habitually does, he is “not given to wine”. He is not just not an alcoholic, he doesn’t find it necessary to have a glass of wine regularly. He is not to be violent, a “striker” especially in trying to get his own way. I Timothy 5:22 instructs, “Lay hands suddenly on no man,” Money is not to be a major issue in his life. He is “not given to filthy lucre.” He is able to trust God rather than his bank balance.

Secondly, there are some characteristics that should be found in his life. He must be “a lover of hospitality,” loving to have guests, enjoying close personal contact with people. Christians are to be hospitable to one another according to I Peter 4:7-9 and Romans 12:10-13. The pastor should excel in this. People should be and feel welcome in his home.

He must also be “a lover of good men.” The old saying, “birds of a feather flock together” is valid. People tend to associate with others who have similar attitudes. He ought to love to associate with men who are good in the biblical sense, not just “good ole boys.” Our associations refine our attitudes. Proverbs 27:17 describes the effect of our friendships. “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

He must be a thoughtful and serious or “sober,” if he is to obey Ephesians 5:15-16. “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

He must be “just” or fair, not playing favorites. In I Timothy 5:21 Paul says, “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.”

Christians are to be holy or godly in their lifestyle. I Peter 1:15-16 instructs, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” The pastor is to set the example.

Temperance or self control ought to typify the pastor’s life in every area. He should be able to control his eating, his temper, his spending. Paul set such an example in I Corinthians 9:27. “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” Like most of these positive traits, temperance is part of the fruit of the spirit.

Finally the pastor must have a strong grasp of and respect for the word of God. II Timothy 3:16-17 states that the scriptures provide everything needed to accomplish the ministry. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” By careful study he will be able to counteract and correct erroneous teaching according to Titus 1:9. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” To develop doctrine sound enough to do so, study will be required as II Timothy 2:15 instructs. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”