Self, Others, and the Word
Titus 1:7-9
Pastor Jerry Koller

Elders are stewards of God’s work. The characteristics mentioned in verse 7 come from a negative perspective. These 5 characteristics should not be a part of who the elder is.

No one should be able to accuse an elder of being overbearing (arrogant or self-willed).

An elder must not be given to wine (a drunkard; not be addicted to wine).
· This Greek word is made up of two parts. The first has to do with being near or beside.
· The other part simply means wine.
· An elder should not be a person who literally spends too much time beside the wine.

He must not be characterized as being violent (pugnacious) – one who is quick or eager to argue, quarrel, or fight—especially in a physical way.

An elder must not be greedy for gain or fond of sordid gain (what is unethical or dishonest).

The second group of characteristics deal with an elder’s relationship with others.

They are to be hospitable.

Hospitality is creating an environment that makes someone feel like family rather than a stranger.

An elder must be one who loves what is good (those things God loves).

An elder must be self-controlled (curbing one's desires and impulses).

He must be upright or just which has to do with rendering to each person his or her due.

An elder’s relationship with others is to be one that is devout or holy.
· Holy in this sense has to do with living in a way that reflects a reverence for God - in such a way as to bring glory and honor to God.

Paul sums up this characteristic in his letter to the saints at Colossae....

The sixth and final characteristic mentioned in verse 8 is that of being disciplined (mastered from within).
· as a result of training and practice.

In these, elders are to be above reproach. No one should be able to accuse them of falling short of these characteristics.

In verse 9, we find the third group of characteristics that deal with an elder’s relationship with the word of God.

Holding fast the faithful word is exhibited in three specific areas of responsibilities.
· Follows What He Was Taught—Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)
· Able To Encourage Others—This word also has to do with instruction or even warning.
· Able To Refute—To refute means to prove to be false or incorrect.

There are some passages of scripture such as this, which have primary as well as secondary applications.

As far as our relationship to self is concerned:
· We must not allow ourselves to become arrogant or self-willed.
· We must not allow ourselves to be quick-tempered. My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. (James 1:19-20)
· We must not spend time on things that can distort your thinking and judgement.
· We must not allow ourselves to become violent.
· We must not become greedy for gain.
· All of us should practice hospitality.
· All of us should love what is good.
· All of us should be just or upright.
· All of us are to be devout.
· All of us are to be disciplined.

As far as principles regarding our relationship with the word of God is concerned:
· Each of us must hold firmly to the trustworthy word.

What impact does it have on your life?
· Are you applying what you do know about God’s word?
· Are you a doer of the word or are you just a hearer who lets it go in one ear and out the other?

What do you know about the word of God?
· Do you know what it says?
· Do you know what it addresses?

You cannot follow what you cannot know.
· Nor can you encourage others to love God and love one another.
· Nor will you be able to detect false teaching as effectively if you are not very familiar with Scripture’s trustworthiness.

· Alice Avery, Judi Beckwith, Doris Sutherland and their families upon the death of their brother, John Albers, on May 6 in Texas.
· Sadie (29 year-old friend of Steve & Lisa Follman) had a liver transplant shortly after birth and is now having a lot of health complications. She is receiving palliative care. Also keep her family in prayer.
· Terry Buckley (father of Keith Buckley) is being evaluated for heart issues.
· Leslie Robinson (friend of Bruce & Vasha Ferguson) who had back surgery on May 1 and has been unable to walk since.
· Shirley Means (Miriam Bryant's sister) is receiving therapy and hopes to go home soon. She is in Henderson, Nevada.
· Caroline Bocock has been terribly ill as she is dealing with a Lyme Disease outbreak. Some of her symptoms included being in excruciating pain, having blackouts, issues with sleeping, darkening vision, random skin issues, a constant headache since 11/5, and so much more. She is taking a regiment of medications to get it under control.
· Nolan Marshall (son of Dan & Tracy) is receiving outpatient therapy but hasn’t found an even keel yet. He has been allowed to return to the school environment with many boundaries in place. The Marshall family is still very much in crisis mode and continued prayers are appreciated as they try to adjust medications and work with Nolan to manage his diagnoses.
· Joyce Bocock has completed chemo and radiation; praise God that both tumors have shrunk significantly more than expected; evaluating additional treatment options.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com