trusted online casino malaysia
Realizing the presence, promise, and power of the Kingdom of God.
The Scriptorium

Sound in the Word

It's the foundation and capstone of an elder's ministry. Titus 1.9

Titus 1.9

Pray Psalm 82.1.
God stands in the congregation of the mighty;
He judges among the gods.

Read Titus 1.9

Prepare.

1. Why do you suppose Paul left this qualification for elders for last?

2. What’s the difference between exhorting and convicting?

Meditate.
The skillset of the elder revolves around the ministry of the Word. Elders are to minister the Word of God, especially in the area of “sound doctrine” (congregations who choke on that idea only reveal their immaturity). Paul indicates no sense in which elders may fulfill their calling by running committees or managing programs. They are ministers of the Word. This means they must be taught by men like Titus, who are schooled in the apostolic faith. 

Elders must first prove themselves to be good students of the Word, not just by their reading or teaching, but by their lives as well (vv. 6-8). The ministry of the Word entrusted to elders is twofold: instruct the faithful and rebuke those who traffic in lies. “Exhort” and “convict” involve additional sub-sets of skills that must be learned, as Titus learned them, by extensive involvement with those who possess them already. 

We see in Paul’s instructions an elaboration of his charge to Timothy (2 Tim. 2.2). This is the way true and vibrant life – grace and peace – is translated to the church in each generation. Faithful men seek out faithful men to teach and equip for the work of equipping and defending the flocks of God by the Word of God. 

Whenever we lose sight of this template, we practically ensure that the churches will not know God’s blessings as fully as they might. Pastors who do not train elders, and congregations that refuse to submit to them (1 Cor. 15.15-18; 1 Thess. 4.12, 13; Heb. 13.17) consign themselves to minimal relevance in the ongoing redemptive plan of God. 

God intends His Truth to advance in His way, precisely as He has laid it out for us in the teaching and example of the apostles.
 

Reflect.
1. What would you recommend as a program for training elders?

2. To exhort someone is to encourage them to keep growing and serving in the Lord’s strength. Is this the work of elders only (cf. Eph. 4.29)? Explain.

3. In Paul’s mind, “sound doctrine” is both the foundation and capstone of an elder’s life and ministry. Explain.

If anyone says, however, that if teachers are made learned by the Holy Spirit then they do not need to be taught by educators what they should say or how they should say it, he should also say that we should not pray because the Lord says, “for your Father knows what is needful for you, before you ask him.”Augustine (354-430), On Christian Doctrine 4.16.33

Thank You for the elders and shepherds of our church, Lord. Today, let me encourage one of them by…

Pray Psalm 82.1-7.

God judges His people – and their shepherds – by His Word, not to condemn us, but to correct, confirm, and strengthen us for each day. Pray for yourself and your church leaders, to receive God’s judgment gladly and act on it faithfully.

Sing Psalm 82.1.
Psalm 82.1 (Aurelia: The Church’s One Foundation)
God stands amid His people to judge their rulers all.
How long will they oppress those who on His favor call?
How long will they the wicked show partiality,
And treat with scorn the meek who their proper care should be?

T. M. Moore

What are church leaders supposed to do in leading the Lord’s flock? Our workbook, Shepherding God’s Flock, will show you how to bring effective pastoral ministry and disciple-making into the everyday life of your church. Order your copy by clicking here.

If you value Scriptorium as a free resource for your walk with the Lord, please consider supporting our work with your gifts and offerings. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button  at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 360 Zephyr Road, Williston, VT 05495.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
Books by T. M. Moore

Subscribe to Ailbe Newsletters

Sign up to receive our email newsletters and read columns about revival, renewal, and awakening built upon prayer, sharing, and mutual edification.