Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 49:23‐50:46, Titus 1:1‐16, Psalm 97:1‐98:9, Proverbs 26:13‐16

Context: Paul starts his letter by telling Titus that he left him in Crete to appoint elders.

Titus 1:6-9 “(I)f anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

Observations:

1. Elders are:
   1. above reproach (2x)
   2. the husband of one wife,
   3. children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination
   4. hospitable
   5. lover of good
   6. self-controlled
   7. upright
   8. holy
   9. disciplined
   10. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
2. Elders are not:
   1. arrogant
   2. quick-tempered
   3. drunkard
   4. violent
   5. greedy for gain

Apply:  I am an elder.  What jumps out to me on this list as I read this morning is spiritual leaders are not quick-tempered.  I’ve noticed that my patience has shortened during a season of busyness and change.  “Lord, I am aware that I must not be quick-tempered.  Help me to represent you rightly.  Give me complete patience.”

What item on this list jumps out to you?  Is God able to use you as a spiritual leader?