Introduction
Imagine this: you’re feeling under the weather, so what do you do? A recent survey revealed a startling trend—over half of Americans turn to the internet, social media, or even AI for medical advice before consulting a doctor. Even more surprising? 73% believe they know more about their health than their physician! While curiosity and research are great, the issue boils down to trust. People are placing their faith in TikTok doctors and Reddit threads over trained professionals.This same pattern creeps into our spiritual lives. Instead of turning to God’s Word or seeking godly counsel, many of us scroll through social media, watch YouTube theologians, or follow influencers with no accountability or questionable theology. Pastors are fact-checked in real time, and the world’s trends often overshadow God’s truth. Questions are healthy, but when we trust fleeting opinions over the eternal Word, we risk our spiritual health.
In Titus 1:1-9, we see a similar challenge in Crete 2,000 years ago. False teachings were spreading, and the new churches lacked leadership. Paul commissioned Titus to establish godly leaders—elders—to guide God’s people with truth and integrity. Today, we’ll explore two crucial elements for living as God’s people: God’s truth and godly leadership.
Context
Paul and Titus had planted churches across Crete, but Paul left before appointing leaders. Without guidance, false teachings took root, and the churches struggled. Paul’s letter to Titus served as both encouragement and a public endorsement of Titus’s apostolic authority to preach, teach, and organize the churches. Read aloud in the churches, this letter affirmed Titus’s role and provided clear instructions for establishing leadership.
Let’s dive into Titus 1:1-9, where Paul outlines two foundations for God’s people: God’s truth (vv. 1-4) and godly leadership (vv. 5-9).
Two Foundations
1. The Importance of God’s Truth (Titus 1:1-4)
Core Message: God’s truth transforms us, giving hope and purpose. It changes not just what we do but who we are.
Scripture Points:
- Verse 1: Paul’s identity is rooted in God—he’s a “slave” to God’s will and an “apostle” of King Jesus, carrying the authority to share the Gospel. His mission is to serve God’s elect, those chosen to live by faith and honor Jesus.
- Verses 2-3: The Gospel offers confidence in eternal life, a promise God made before creation. God, who never lies, sent Jesus at the perfect time, fulfilling His plan. Paul was entrusted with sharing this life-changing message.
- Verse 4: Paul calls Titus his “true son,” united by their shared faith. This faith binds all believers together, blessed with God’s grace and peace.
Applications:
- Find your identity in Jesus: Like Paul, see yourself as a servant of God with a purpose—to make disciples.
- Build hope on God’s promises: Spend time in Scripture through personal study, group discussions, meditation, or worship.
- Prioritize Christian community: Our faith unites us with other believers, strengthening us for the mission.
2. The Call for Godly Leadership (Titus 1:5-9)
Core Message: Godly leaders represent Jesus with integrity and truth, guiding the church in its mission and teaching sound doctrine.
Scripture Points:
- Verse 5: Titus’s task was to appoint elders to bring order to Crete’s churches. Paul had left before establishing leadership, leaving the churches vulnerable.
- Verse 6: Elders must be blameless, with personal integrity—a good reputation, faithful in marriage, and children of good character. This reflects their ability to lead well, especially in house churches.
- Verses 7-8: Elders are stewards of God’s household, requiring moral integrity. They must avoid arrogance, anger, drunkenness, violence, or greed. Instead, they should be hospitable, love what is good, live wisely, and pursue holiness.
- Verse 9: Elders must be doctrinally faithful, holding to the truth, teaching sound doctrine, and refuting error. Their lives add credibility to their teaching.
Note on Scope: Paul’s instructions weren’t a rigid blueprint for church governance but a call for leaders to embody Jesus’s truth and character. The specifics varied (e.g., Timothy’s instructions in Ephesus differed), but the principle remains: the church needs godly leaders to make disciples.
Applications:
- Pray for and support church leaders: Lift up your elders, pastors (like Jenny and me), Superintendent Carl Brannon, Bishops Keith Cowart, Kaye Kolde, Kenny Martin, and your church board and teachers.
- Lead with integrity: All believers lead somewhere—home, work, or community. Live blamelessly to point others to Jesus.
Conclusion
Summary: As Christians, we’re called to be transformed by God’s truth and to follow and support leaders who represent King Jesus. We trust God’s promise of eternal life and embrace our mission to make disciples. Living with integrity ensures we don’t discredit Jesus or cause doubt. We encourage each other to grow in maturity and represent Jesus in the world.
Big Idea: God’s Word transforms lives and calls for godly leaders to represent King Jesus. To take the Bible seriously, we must mature in our discipleship, becoming more like Jesus daily, and hold our leaders accountable to reflect Him well.
Challenge: Pray for our church leaders—Bishops, Superintendent Carl Brannon, Jenny and me, our board, and Pastor’s Cabinet member Sue. Your prayers are vital for godly leadership.
Final Thought: We live in the age of the influencer. With 3.4 billion people on social media, influencers shape culture without titles or offices—they lead through their voice and life. Jesus called us to be influencers for His Kingdom through the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples.” Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about living blamelessly in belief and action, inviting others to follow Jesus. As an African proverb says, “He who thinks he leads and has no one following is only taking a walk.” So, who are you influencing, and where are you leading them? If you follow Jesus, you’re called to lead.
