QUALIFICATIONS FOR THOSE WHO PREACH THE WORD
Paul gave his son in the faith, Titus, a list of qualifications for elders, in order to establish the church on the island of Crete. He concluded the list with three traits concerning the handling of the Gospel and of the Word of God. These three traits for an elder/pastor were:
1) Strong belief in the trustworthy message
2) Encourage others with wholesome teaching
3) Correct those who oppose the Word
Paul understood that the future of the church in Crete, and for that matter anywhere, rested upon their faithfulness to the Word of God. For as he stated in Romans “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). I think Titus surely heeded Paul’s instruction. For I have visited Crete and saw there a church named “Agios Titos,” which is “The Church of Saint Titus.” Believers still gather there in worship.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we love Your Word. Help us to always stand on its authority and to boldly declare it without adding or subtracting. May others see our strong belief and passion for the Word. Give us wisdom to preach and teach it in ways that encourage those who need encouragement and correct those who need correction. In Jesus’ name, amen.