This document summarizes a sermon about the qualifications for elders or leaders in the church according to Titus 1:5-7. It discusses that God has historically used godly men to lead His people. There was a need for this in the churches of Crete. The sermon identifies three main qualifications for elders: 1) Elders must be men; 2) Elders must be above reproach with no chargeable offenses against them; 3) Elders must faithfully steward their home by being devoted husbands and fathers. The goal is to equip the church to raise up future godly leaders.

1. The Need for Godly Men, Pt. 5
Titus 1:5-7
Pastor Brent Small
www.CascadesBibleChurch.com

2. God, throughout biblical history, has chosen to use
godly men to lead His people.
Moses; Numbers 12:3
Moses Leading Men; Exodus 18:21
King David; 1 Sam 16:7

3. There was a similar need in the churches of Crete.
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set
in order what remains and appoint elders in every city
as I directed you, Titus 1:5

4. How do we identify these men?
How does God reveal these men?

5. Answer:
1) God calls these men through the Holy Spirit.
2) These men are tested and examined based
on God’s qualifications for the office of an
elder.

6. Godliness Defined:
Godliness consists of exact harmony between
holy principles and practices.
Thomas Watson

7. Sermon Goal
-Identify 3 “qualifications” for the office of an
elder so that we can equip ourselves to raise up
future elders to lead God’s church.

8. First Qualification:
Elders are to be men.
1) “presbuteros” – refers to male elders
2) marriage qualification – “one woman man”
3) Role and function of men as given by God

9. Second Qualification:
Elders must be above reproach.
1) Emphasized in the text
*verse 6 & 7
2) Paul’s intent: No chargeable offense can be
brought against an elder’s life.

10. Second Qualification:
Elders must be above reproach.
2) Paul’s intent: No chargeable offense can be
brought against an elder’s life.
“Paul’s usage is one whom others have no
obvious reason to accuse for living inconsistently with
his faith commitments.” Dr. Kent Hughes

11. Third Qualification:
Elders faithfully steward their home.
1) b/c as an elder he will be God’s steward.
a. Steward = manager, reliable trustworthy
-Privilege = Responsibility dynamic

12. Third Qualification:
Elders faithfully steward their home.
2) by being a devoted husband.
a. singular, particular, faithful devotion to his
wife
b. Sexual fidelity;
c. Actively leading in biblical marriage principles
c.f. Gen. 2:24, Col. 3, Eph. 5, 1 Cor. 7

13. Third Qualification:
Elders faithfully steward their home.
2) by being a devoted husband.
a. “one woman man”
- rules out homosexual marriage
- rules out polygamy
- not focused on number of marriages
b. KEY is devoted to his wife.

14. Implication: Spiritual strength of
marriages in the church will directly
relate to the strength of the spiritual
leadership in the church.

15. Third Qualification:
Elders faithfully steward their home.
3) by being a devoted father.
a. Believing or faithful?
- Faithful; submissive & obedient
- See Matt. 24:45; 25:21, 23; Luke 12:42
b. “not accused of dissipation or rebellion”
-further describes behavior
c. See parallel passage in 1 Tim. 3:4

16. Conclusion:
-Identify 3 “qualifications” of an elder so that we can
equip ourselves to raise future elders to lead God’s
church.
1) Elders are to be men.
2) Elders must be above reproach.
3) Elders faithfully steward their home.
by being a devoted husband;
by being a devoted father;

17. Response?
Men, we must pursue devotion to leading our
homes!

18. Application:
*Pray for current and future elders;
*Men, we must apply in leading our homes.
*Ladies, you must fulfill your role in such a way as to
free and encourage your husband to fulfill his.
*Single men, seek ministry to develop this leadership.
*Current leadership must seek to develop future
leaders.

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Pastor Brent Small
www.CascadesBibleChurch.com