WEBVTT 1 00:00:01.320 --> 00:00:04.200 Lady and gentlemen, Welcome to Wednesday's Service, episode sixty. 2 00:00:04.200 --> 00:00:05.360 I am your host, Josh and Monday. 3 00:00:05.400 --> 00:00:07.280 If you do't know me, I'm a Christian rapper, devoter, 4 00:00:07.320 --> 00:00:09.679 her husband, father and on me veteran and this is 5 00:00:09.720 --> 00:00:11.679 brought to you by Cult of Conspiracy Podcast. 6 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:13.519 Thank you so much for joining me tonight. 7 00:00:14.039 --> 00:00:16.960 I appreciate you guys, And this is going to be 8 00:00:17.160 --> 00:00:23.879 on Titus Titus one. Everything in my regular life has 9 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:29.839 been going pretty good. I have that trip coming up 10 00:00:29.879 --> 00:00:34.159 in June and then in December, so it's about fifteen 11 00:00:34.280 --> 00:00:36.799 hundred dollars to go to Puta Arenas, which I didn't expect. 12 00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:38.880 I thought it was gonna be like seven hundred. So 13 00:00:39.200 --> 00:00:43.399 it's pretty expensive. So I'm probably maybe gonna do like 14 00:00:43.439 --> 00:00:45.960 a gofund me just to maybe crowdfund some of it, 15 00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:47.520 just to make the wife happy. 16 00:00:47.679 --> 00:00:48.320 So we'll see. 17 00:00:48.399 --> 00:00:50.840 I'll let you guys know if you guys are interested 18 00:00:50.880 --> 00:00:54.200 in donating to that trip to find out if the. 19 00:00:54.399 --> 00:00:56.920 Earth is really symmetrical like they say. 20 00:00:58.560 --> 00:01:03.880 Then you could you could email me at Josh Monday 21 00:01:03.920 --> 00:01:06.400 at Rockamoul dot com and I'll send you a link 22 00:01:07.040 --> 00:01:11.519 to donate if you're interested. Okay, Besides that, everything's been good. 23 00:01:11.760 --> 00:01:14.719 Just been studying a lot of Young Earth creation and 24 00:01:15.319 --> 00:01:20.319 kind of getting into young Earth versus older creation, and yeah, 25 00:01:20.359 --> 00:01:22.480 so it's been pretty good. I did a show just 26 00:01:22.560 --> 00:01:25.159 recently on that and it was it turned out pretty good. 27 00:01:25.239 --> 00:01:28.359 So just kind of studying that portion because I do 28 00:01:28.400 --> 00:01:32.040 believe the Bible is talking about a young Earth and 29 00:01:32.120 --> 00:01:34.239 I'm trying to get both perspectives down so I can 30 00:01:34.280 --> 00:01:37.239 create a show, you know, so I could do my 31 00:01:38.239 --> 00:01:40.879 another podcast and stuff like that. So I already did 32 00:01:40.879 --> 00:01:43.840 one show so far. I'm gonna refine it as best 33 00:01:43.840 --> 00:01:47.680 as I can to try to make it as understanding 34 00:01:47.719 --> 00:01:50.120 and kind of going on both sides and showing each 35 00:01:50.280 --> 00:01:54.200 side of that. But appreciate you guys joining me. This 36 00:01:54.280 --> 00:01:56.959 is going to be on Titus, So let me just 37 00:01:57.040 --> 00:01:59.760 go over a quick introduction on the Book of Titus. 38 00:02:00.159 --> 00:02:03.760 Titus is only three chapters, okay, guys, so and the 39 00:02:03.920 --> 00:02:07.719 short chapters, so we'll probably do Titus and Philimon if 40 00:02:07.760 --> 00:02:12.000 he can might knock out both of those, and maybe 41 00:02:12.039 --> 00:02:15.639 tonight we'll see. So the Book of Titus a pastoral 42 00:02:15.680 --> 00:02:19.520 epistle written by the apostle Paul around eighty sixty four 43 00:02:19.560 --> 00:02:24.520 to sixty five instructs his trusted companion Titus to establish orderly, sound, 44 00:02:24.560 --> 00:02:30.439 doction based churches in crete amidst a notoriously dishonest Cretan culture. 45 00:02:30.919 --> 00:02:34.719 Paul emphasizes the unbreakable link between faith and godly practice, 46 00:02:35.159 --> 00:02:38.960 focusing on appointing qualified elders, correcting false teachings, and promoting 47 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:43.280 good works. Key aspects of the Book of Titus written 48 00:02:43.319 --> 00:02:46.439 by Paul to Titus, a Greek believer and trusted coworker 49 00:02:46.840 --> 00:02:50.879 who helped manage difficult situations in the early church settings. 50 00:02:50.919 --> 00:02:53.520 Titus was a left Crete was left in crete to 51 00:02:53.639 --> 00:02:59.280 organize house churches on the island. Cretan culture was notoriously corrupt, 52 00:02:59.639 --> 00:03:04.000 character by laziness, violence, and dishonesty. With the phrase to 53 00:03:04.039 --> 00:03:08.039 act like a Cretan meaning to lie, the letter serves 54 00:03:08.039 --> 00:03:11.080 to instruct Titus on how to correct false teachers, set 55 00:03:11.120 --> 00:03:14.960 up qualified leadership elders, and trained believers to live in 56 00:03:14.960 --> 00:03:18.639 a way that reflects the Gospel. Sound doctrine, and behavior. 57 00:03:18.719 --> 00:03:22.639 Beliefs directly impact actions. The Gospel should lead to a 58 00:03:22.719 --> 00:03:27.759 life of good works. Grace and Salvation emphasizes that salvation 59 00:03:27.879 --> 00:03:30.360 is based on God's mercy, not works. Yet calls for 60 00:03:30.439 --> 00:03:33.840 a zeal for good works. As a result of that grace, 61 00:03:34.680 --> 00:03:40.240 Church Order sets qualifications for elders, leaders focusing on character, stability, and. 62 00:03:40.199 --> 00:03:41.439 Doctrine and maturity. 63 00:03:41.879 --> 00:03:46.120 Structure a concise, practical and urgent letter consisting of three 64 00:03:46.240 --> 00:03:51.599 chapters focusing on organized doctrine and daily Christian conduct. Titus 65 00:03:51.639 --> 00:03:54.759 is often grouped with one and to Timothy as the 66 00:03:54.840 --> 00:03:59.800 pastoral epistles due to their focus on church administration and 67 00:04:01.840 --> 00:04:06.080 so Titus is often grouped with Titus one. Oh. 68 00:04:06.159 --> 00:04:07.159 Sorry, Titus is. 69 00:04:07.159 --> 00:04:10.719 Often grouped with Timothy one and two as pastoral epistles 70 00:04:11.039 --> 00:04:14.159 due to their focus on church administration and pastoral care, 71 00:04:14.840 --> 00:04:16.680 which we kind of saw a lot of that right 72 00:04:17.279 --> 00:04:21.319 in Timothy. So let me just go over a brief 73 00:04:21.360 --> 00:04:25.920 introduction for Titus. Chapter one. Titus one a chapter from 74 00:04:25.959 --> 00:04:29.639 the epistle Paul. The Titus presents a powerful exploration of 75 00:04:29.720 --> 00:04:33.160 spiritual leadership, integrity, and the importance of adherence to the 76 00:04:33.160 --> 00:04:36.680 doctrine of faith. The apostle Paul guides Titus, a Greek 77 00:04:36.720 --> 00:04:40.000 companion in his missionary journey on how to establish and 78 00:04:40.040 --> 00:04:43.759 manage the early Christian communities in crete and an island 79 00:04:43.879 --> 00:04:51.240 riddled with cultural challenges and false teachings. And it's awesome 80 00:04:51.560 --> 00:04:57.160 because Paul the Apostle before was a pharisee, right, so 81 00:04:57.639 --> 00:05:00.839 gentiles to them were, you know, don't eat with them, 82 00:05:01.079 --> 00:05:04.480 you don't do anything like that. So Titus is Greek, 83 00:05:04.600 --> 00:05:06.480 so he'd be considered a gentile and his cool. How 84 00:05:06.560 --> 00:05:11.079 Paul the Apostle back then is working with Titus and 85 00:05:11.360 --> 00:05:14.399 not saying that they didn't work together with other gentiles. 86 00:05:14.439 --> 00:05:16.879 It just it became a thing for them. But I 87 00:05:16.959 --> 00:05:20.160 just thought that was interesting. So there we go there, 88 00:05:20.360 --> 00:05:22.240 and let me hop to my teaching points, and then 89 00:05:22.279 --> 00:05:25.040 I'm going to bring up the Titus on the screen 90 00:05:26.639 --> 00:05:29.319 right now. It's on Filamon because I was looking through 91 00:05:30.160 --> 00:05:34.839 the chapters. So Titus one, let's go ahead and start there. 92 00:05:35.040 --> 00:05:39.720 At verse one, it says, greeting Paul, a bond servant 93 00:05:39.800 --> 00:05:43.360 of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to 94 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:46.240 the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the 95 00:05:46.360 --> 00:05:50.360 truth which accords with godliness and hope of eternal life, 96 00:05:50.480 --> 00:05:55.160 which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but 97 00:05:55.279 --> 00:05:59.000 has in due time manifested his word through preaching, which 98 00:05:59.079 --> 00:06:01.680 has committed which was committed to me according to the 99 00:06:01.680 --> 00:06:05.519 commandment of God our Savior, to Titus, a true son 100 00:06:05.920 --> 00:06:09.920 in our common faith. Grace, mercy and peace from God 101 00:06:10.279 --> 00:06:14.839 and God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. Okay, 102 00:06:14.920 --> 00:06:18.439 So an interesting part here is which I like to use. 103 00:06:19.959 --> 00:06:23.160 We're talking about, you know, the inherentity of scripture or 104 00:06:23.600 --> 00:06:27.879 the fact that God cannot lie. So when you see 105 00:06:27.920 --> 00:06:31.399 like books like the Book of Genesis, which is like 106 00:06:31.439 --> 00:06:34.000 a first hand account from God, the beginning of Genesis, right, 107 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:37.399 when you see stuff like you know, when I talked 108 00:06:37.399 --> 00:06:41.160 about biblical cosmology, or you know, or you know, the 109 00:06:41.240 --> 00:06:44.439 Young Earth, all that stuff, I like to point to 110 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:48.680 the fact that God cannot lie. Also, Hebrews six eighteen 111 00:06:48.720 --> 00:06:52.360 says it's impossible for God to lie. So even in 112 00:06:52.480 --> 00:06:54.279 second Kings, do you remember get when we went over 113 00:06:54.319 --> 00:06:57.240 that guys where there was a divine counsel, and God 114 00:06:57.240 --> 00:07:00.480 will speak into these spirits, and whether they are angels 115 00:07:00.560 --> 00:07:04.879 or spirits, what it said was, he said, who's going 116 00:07:04.920 --> 00:07:07.959 to go down and lie to the prophet? And he 117 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:11.680 said he sent down a lying spirit, right, because God 118 00:07:11.720 --> 00:07:15.000 cannot lie. So he has to ask these spirits who 119 00:07:15.040 --> 00:07:18.319 will go down? Because he can't lie. So that's just 120 00:07:18.360 --> 00:07:21.319 an example of what that means. You know. So when 121 00:07:21.319 --> 00:07:23.279 God is telling us how he created the heavens and 122 00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:27.759 the earth, and he is is a first hand account 123 00:07:27.839 --> 00:07:30.800 from him on how the heavens and the earth were created, 124 00:07:31.240 --> 00:07:33.279 then we go with what God says and not what 125 00:07:33.439 --> 00:07:36.439 man says. Right. Romans three four says, let God be true, 126 00:07:36.480 --> 00:07:38.040 every man a liar. So that's kind of why I 127 00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:41.519 use that, you know. Also Hebrew six eighteen where it 128 00:07:41.519 --> 00:07:46.399 says it's impossible for God to lie, right, So we 129 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:50.120 know that God cannot lie. So we as Christians, we 130 00:07:50.199 --> 00:07:55.160 believe the Bible right, and that is, you know, where 131 00:07:55.199 --> 00:07:57.040 we need to be grounded. And that's what we're doing 132 00:07:57.120 --> 00:07:59.959 right now. We're going through the Bible to learn everything 133 00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:01.800 to make sure we apply it to our life. 134 00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:02.079 Right. 135 00:08:03.240 --> 00:08:06.319 So yeah, let's go ahead and check out some notes 136 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:10.560 I have. So Apostolic authority and purpose. Paul begins by 137 00:08:10.639 --> 00:08:13.399 establishing his authority as a servant of God, an apostle 138 00:08:13.439 --> 00:08:16.879 of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his mission to further the faith 139 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:21.720 of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth. So 140 00:08:22.800 --> 00:08:26.600 Apostolic authority refers to the divinely ordained power and responsibility 141 00:08:26.600 --> 00:08:29.800 given to the apostles by Jesus Christ to lead, teach, 142 00:08:29.879 --> 00:08:33.320 and establish the early Christian Church. This authority is rooted 143 00:08:33.360 --> 00:08:36.559 in the commission given by Christ himself as recorded in 144 00:08:36.600 --> 00:08:39.960 the New Testament. The apostles were chosen by Jesus to 145 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:43.159 be his primary witnesses to carry forth his teachings to 146 00:08:43.240 --> 00:08:46.720 all nations. The foundation of apostolic authority is seen in 147 00:08:46.720 --> 00:08:50.039 passages such as Matthew twenty eight, Verses eighteen through twenty, 148 00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:53.279 where Jesus declares, all authority in heaven and on earth 149 00:08:53.320 --> 00:08:57.759 has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples 150 00:08:57.799 --> 00:09:00.039 of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the 151 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:03.720 of the Sun and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them 152 00:09:03.759 --> 00:09:06.440 to obey all that I have commanded you. The Great 153 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:10.000 Commission underscores the apostles role in spreading the Gospel and 154 00:09:10.120 --> 00:09:13.440 establishing the Church, and Acts one to eight Jesus further 155 00:09:13.480 --> 00:09:16.720 empowers the apostles, saying, but you will receive power when 156 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:19.240 the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be 157 00:09:19.440 --> 00:09:22.720 my witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria to 158 00:09:22.799 --> 00:09:25.440 the ends of the earth. The coming of the Holy 159 00:09:25.480 --> 00:09:27.960 Spirit at Pentecost Acts two marks the beginning of the 160 00:09:28.000 --> 00:09:31.919 apostles ministry, equipping them with the necessary spiritual gifts and 161 00:09:31.960 --> 00:09:36.879 authority to fulfill their mission. The apostolic authority is evident 162 00:09:36.919 --> 00:09:39.799 in the governance and doctrinal decisions made by the Apostles 163 00:09:39.799 --> 00:09:42.639 and Acts fifteen. The Council of Jerusalem serves as a 164 00:09:42.720 --> 00:09:45.679 prime example of the apostles exercising their authority to resolve 165 00:09:45.720 --> 00:09:49.919 theological disputes, demonstrating their role in maintaining doctrinal purity and 166 00:09:50.039 --> 00:09:53.759 unity within the church. Apostolic purpose. The purpose of the 167 00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:58.679 apostles was multifaceted, encompassing the proclamation of the Gospel, the 168 00:09:58.799 --> 00:10:01.879 establishment of the churches, the teaching of sound doction, and 169 00:10:01.919 --> 00:10:04.879 the edification of believers. Central to their mission was the 170 00:10:04.919 --> 00:10:08.639 testimony of Jesus Christ, life, death, and resurrection, as emphasized 171 00:10:08.679 --> 00:10:12.559 in One Corinthians fifteen, verses three through four, where it says, 172 00:10:12.600 --> 00:10:17.200 for I delivered you as of first importance, which I 173 00:10:17.240 --> 00:10:19.720 also received, that Christ died for our sins according to 174 00:10:19.759 --> 00:10:22.120 the scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was 175 00:10:22.240 --> 00:10:24.919 raised on the third day according to the scriptures. The 176 00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:28.720 apostles were tasked with laying the foundation of the church, 177 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:33.080 as described in Ephesians two, verses nineteen through twenty. Therefore, 178 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:36.120 you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens 179 00:10:36.200 --> 00:10:38.879 with the Saints and members of God's household. Build on 180 00:10:38.919 --> 00:10:42.639 the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus 181 00:10:43.919 --> 00:10:47.720 himself as the cornerstone. Their teachings and writings, inspired by 182 00:10:47.720 --> 00:10:51.440 the Holy Spirit, formed the basis of Christian doction and practice. 183 00:10:51.559 --> 00:10:54.360 In addition to evangelism and church planting, the apostles were 184 00:10:54.399 --> 00:10:58.279 responsible for nurturing and disciplining believers. This is evident in 185 00:10:58.320 --> 00:11:01.519 the pastoral epistles were Paul and Struck, Timothy and Titus 186 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:05.360 on matters of the church, leadership, sound teaching, and godly living. 187 00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:10.159 The apostles Letter to various churches address The apostles Letters 188 00:11:10.200 --> 00:11:14.279 to various churches address issues of faith, conduct, and doctrine, 189 00:11:14.519 --> 00:11:17.960 providing guidance and correction to ensure the spiritual growth and 190 00:11:18.080 --> 00:11:22.960 maturity of the early Christian communities. The apostolic purpose was 191 00:11:23.000 --> 00:11:30.159 included the defense. The apostolic purpose also included the defense 192 00:11:30.159 --> 00:11:33.080 of the faith against false teachings and heresies. Jude one 193 00:11:33.159 --> 00:11:36.679 three exhorts believers to contend earnestly with the faith once 194 00:11:36.720 --> 00:11:39.960 delivered to the saints, highlighting the apostles role and safeguard 195 00:11:39.960 --> 00:11:43.600 in the truth of the Gospel. In summary, apostolic authority 196 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:46.320 and purpose were integral on the establishment and growth of 197 00:11:46.360 --> 00:11:51.200 the early Church. The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, 198 00:11:51.240 --> 00:11:54.799 were entrusted with the mission of spreading the Gospel, teaching sound, 199 00:11:54.799 --> 00:11:58.519 doctrine and sheep, hurting the fleeting Christian communities, ensuring the 200 00:11:58.600 --> 00:12:03.759 continuity and integrity of the faith for future generations. Okay, 201 00:12:03.919 --> 00:12:06.320 let me get back down to my teaching points here. Okay, 202 00:12:07.279 --> 00:12:12.759 good stuff on the apostolic authority and purpose, and then 203 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:15.360 verse six will be coming up in a moment. Let's 204 00:12:15.399 --> 00:12:17.000 just go and do a brief description of what we 205 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:21.159 just read with verses one through four in Titus one 206 00:12:21.159 --> 00:12:24.879 through four. In First and Titus Chapter one, verses one 207 00:12:24.919 --> 00:12:28.039 through four, Paul establishes his authority as a bond servant 208 00:12:28.080 --> 00:12:32.039 of God and apostle of Jesus Christ commission to foster 209 00:12:32.159 --> 00:12:35.279 the faith and knowledge of the truth among God's elect 210 00:12:35.679 --> 00:12:38.000 He highlights that the ministry is rooted in the hope 211 00:12:38.039 --> 00:12:42.000 of eternal life promised by the non lying God. Entrusted 212 00:12:42.039 --> 00:12:46.559 to him to strengthen churches through orthodox teaching. Paul's identity 213 00:12:46.919 --> 00:12:50.559 defines himself as a bond servant slave of God signifying 214 00:12:50.559 --> 00:12:55.039 total submission, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, possessing divine authority. 215 00:12:55.480 --> 00:12:58.720 Purpose of ministry, his work aims to increase the faith 216 00:12:58.799 --> 00:13:01.240 of God's elect and prom the knowledge of the truth 217 00:13:01.240 --> 00:13:05.200 that results in godly living versus so that was verse one, 218 00:13:05.440 --> 00:13:08.120 versus the Gospel basis, and verses two through three. The 219 00:13:08.120 --> 00:13:11.200 message is rooted in the hope of eternal life promised 220 00:13:11.200 --> 00:13:14.440 by God who cannot lie. This promise was manifested through 221 00:13:14.480 --> 00:13:18.080 preaching at the proper time and then addressing Titus in 222 00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:21.399 verse four, Paul calls Titus his true child and a 223 00:13:21.440 --> 00:13:25.279 common faith, emphasizing their shared spiritual bond and providing him 224 00:13:25.320 --> 00:13:29.200 with the authority to oversee churches in crete and then 225 00:13:29.240 --> 00:13:31.639 also in verse four, the opening concludes with the blessing 226 00:13:31.679 --> 00:13:35.840 of grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and 227 00:13:36.600 --> 00:13:38.080 Christ Jesus. 228 00:13:37.799 --> 00:13:38.720 Our Lord and Savior. 229 00:13:39.320 --> 00:13:42.320 This introduction sets the states for Titus to establish orderly 230 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:45.799 churches and counter false teachings in crete by focusing on 231 00:13:45.879 --> 00:13:48.000 sound doctrine and godliness. 232 00:13:48.200 --> 00:13:50.799 Okay, so very interesting stuff. 233 00:13:50.840 --> 00:13:54.240 Now let's hop down to verse four. Now it says 234 00:13:54.360 --> 00:13:59.039 qualified elders. It says for this reason I left you 235 00:13:59.080 --> 00:14:01.240 in crete that you should set in order the things 236 00:14:01.279 --> 00:14:03.840 that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as 237 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:07.000 I commanded you. If a man is blameless, the husband 238 00:14:07.039 --> 00:14:11.799 of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of disposation 239 00:14:12.399 --> 00:14:17.639 or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless as a 240 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:22.279 steward of God, not self willed, not quick tempted, tempered, 241 00:14:23.200 --> 00:14:26.440 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 242 00:14:26.919 --> 00:14:33.679 not but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober minded, just, holy, 243 00:14:34.360 --> 00:14:38.440 self controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has 244 00:14:38.440 --> 00:14:41.480 been taught, that he may be able by sound action 245 00:14:41.720 --> 00:14:46.519 both to exhort and convict those who contradict. So Paul 246 00:14:46.559 --> 00:14:50.240 outlines the qualifications here for the elders, stating that they 247 00:14:50.279 --> 00:14:53.000 must be blameless the husband of one wife having children 248 00:14:53.039 --> 00:14:56.519 who are believers. This highlights the importance of personal integrity 249 00:14:56.559 --> 00:15:01.279 and family leadership. We've gone over qualifications elders, but in 250 00:15:01.320 --> 00:15:03.200 the New Testament, the role of an elder is a 251 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:07.600 significant position within the early Christian church tasked with leadership, teaching, 252 00:15:07.639 --> 00:15:11.360 and pastoral care. The qualifications for elders are primarily outlined 253 00:15:11.360 --> 00:15:15.039 in the pastoral epistles, specifically in One Timothy three verses 254 00:15:15.039 --> 00:15:19.120 one through seven, and Titus five Titus one five through nine. 255 00:15:20.159 --> 00:15:22.840 These passages provide a framework for the character and the 256 00:15:22.840 --> 00:15:26.559 abilities required for those who aspire for office. And One 257 00:15:26.720 --> 00:15:28.679 Timothy three to one through seven, which he went over 258 00:15:28.799 --> 00:15:32.000 a couple weeks ago. The apostle Paul writes to Timothy 259 00:15:32.039 --> 00:15:34.919 provided a detail list of qualifications for anyone designing the 260 00:15:34.960 --> 00:15:39.360 position of an overseer, which is synonymous with elder. Paul 261 00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:42.080 states this is a trustworthy saying. If anyone aspires to 262 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:45.279 be an overseer, he desires a noble task. An overseer 263 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:50.399 then must be above reapproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, 264 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:55.639 self controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given a drunkenness, 265 00:15:55.720 --> 00:16:00.000 not violent, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 266 00:16:00.039 --> 00:16:02.039 He must manage his own family well and keep his 267 00:16:02.120 --> 00:16:06.240 children under control with complete dignity. For if someone does 268 00:16:06.279 --> 00:16:09.039 not know how to manage his own household, how can 269 00:16:09.039 --> 00:16:11.440 he care for the Church of God? He must not 270 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:17.360 be a recent convert, and he may he may become conceited. 271 00:16:20.200 --> 00:16:23.039 He may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation 272 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:25.919 as the devil. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation 273 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:29.559 with outsiders, so that he will not fail into disgrace 274 00:16:30.200 --> 00:16:33.039 and into the snare of the devil. And then in 275 00:16:33.080 --> 00:16:35.399 Titus one, verses five through nine, which we just read, 276 00:16:35.399 --> 00:16:38.600 Paul also instructs Titus on the qualifications for elders, emphasizing 277 00:16:38.639 --> 00:16:42.600 similar attributes. The reason I left you in crete was 278 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:45.519 that you might put in order what was left unfinished, 279 00:16:45.559 --> 00:16:47.799 and appoint elders in every town as I directed you. 280 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:51.120 An elder must be blameless, the husband but one wife 281 00:16:51.120 --> 00:16:53.120 having children, and believers who are not open to the 282 00:16:53.200 --> 00:16:56.320 charge of being wild or disobedient. As God's steward, an 283 00:16:56.320 --> 00:16:59.879 overseer must be above reapproach, not self absorbed, not quick time, 284 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:03.679 not giving a drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. Instead, 285 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:07.400 must be hospitable, a lover of good, self controlled, upright, holy, 286 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:11.119 and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message 287 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:13.480 as it has been taught, so that he can encourage 288 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:16.680 others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 289 00:17:17.559 --> 00:17:22.240 Character of character and conduct. The qualification emphasizes the moral 290 00:17:22.279 --> 00:17:25.720 and ethical behavior of the elder. He must be above reapproach, 291 00:17:25.759 --> 00:17:29.599 indicating a life that is free from scandal or legitimate accusation. 292 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:34.680 The elders to be the husband of one wife, which 293 00:17:34.839 --> 00:17:37.960 has been interpreted as a call to meriatural faithfulness and 294 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:42.119 moral integrity. The elder must be temperate, self controlled, respectable, 295 00:17:42.160 --> 00:17:45.240 hospitable to teach, able to teach, highlighting the importance of 296 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:51.519 personal discipline, relational skills, and doctional soundness. Family management. An 297 00:17:51.519 --> 00:17:54.559 elder's ability to manage his own household is seen in 298 00:17:54.599 --> 00:17:57.799 a microcosm of his ability to lead the church. He 299 00:17:57.880 --> 00:18:00.960 must have children who are believers and well behave, demonstrating 300 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:04.559 its capability to lead and nurture in a family setting. 301 00:18:04.880 --> 00:18:08.279 Spiritual maturity, the requirement of an elder must not be 302 00:18:08.440 --> 00:18:12.240 a recent convert. Underscores the need for spiritual maturity and experience. 303 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:15.440 This maturity helps prevent pride and ensures that the elder 304 00:18:15.519 --> 00:18:19.559 is grounded in faith. Reputation. An elder must have a 305 00:18:19.599 --> 00:18:22.599 good reputation with outsiders, reflecting the importance of a credible 306 00:18:22.599 --> 00:18:26.119 witness to the broader community. This reputation protects the church 307 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:30.720 from scandal and enhances its mission. Doctrinal soundness, the ability 308 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:33.400 to teach and hold firmly to the sound doction, is crucial. 309 00:18:33.759 --> 00:18:37.200 Elders are responsible for encouraging the church with sound teaching 310 00:18:37.200 --> 00:18:41.240 and refuting false teachings, safeguarding the integrity of the faith. 311 00:18:41.680 --> 00:18:45.039 These qualifications underscore the gravity and responsibility of the role 312 00:18:45.079 --> 00:18:47.759 of an elder, ensuring that those who lead the church 313 00:18:47.799 --> 00:18:52.000 are equipped with both equip both in character and in doction, 314 00:18:52.160 --> 00:18:58.039 to shepherd the flock effectively. Amen and then in verse seven. 315 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:04.279 Character traits of leaders. Elders must not be arrogant, quick tempered, drunkards, violent, 316 00:19:04.480 --> 00:19:07.160 or greedy for money, but rather hospitable, a lover of good, 317 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:10.759 self controlled, upright, holy in discipline. These traits underscore the 318 00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:17.240 moral and ethical standards expected of church leaders and the Bible, 319 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:19.839 leadership is a significant theme, and the character traits of 320 00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:22.920 leaders are often highlighted as essential for guiding God's people. 321 00:19:23.480 --> 00:19:26.599 The scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that outline the 322 00:19:26.640 --> 00:19:30.640 qualifications expected of leaders, both in the Old and New Testament. 323 00:19:31.359 --> 00:19:34.839 Wisdom is foundational trait for leaders in the Bible. Solomon, 324 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:37.559 known for his wisdom, is a prime example. When God 325 00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:40.240 offered him anything he desired, Solomon asked for wisdom to 326 00:19:40.279 --> 00:19:44.119 govern the people effectively. In First King's three, verse nine, Solomon, Praise, 327 00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:47.640 give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your 328 00:19:47.680 --> 00:19:51.039 people and to discern between good and evil. This request 329 00:19:51.160 --> 00:19:55.640 please God, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and leadership. Integrity 330 00:19:55.640 --> 00:19:59.359 and righteousness. Integrity is another crucial trait. Leaders are called 331 00:19:59.359 --> 00:20:03.279 to be righteous and blameless. Proverbs eleven three states the 332 00:20:03.319 --> 00:20:06.119 integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of 333 00:20:06.160 --> 00:20:11.240 the faithless destroys them. Leaders like Daniel exemplified integrity, remaining 334 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:13.880 faithful to God even in the face of persecution in 335 00:20:13.960 --> 00:20:18.559 Daniel six verses four through five. Humility. Humility is a 336 00:20:19.119 --> 00:20:23.279 hallmark of biblical leadership. Jesus Christ, the ultimate leader, demonstrating 337 00:20:23.359 --> 00:20:27.000 humility by serving others. In Matthew twenty twenty six through 338 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:30.160 twenty eight, Jesus teaches, whoever wants to become great among 339 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:32.759 you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be 340 00:20:32.880 --> 00:20:35.640 first must be your slave. Just as the son of 341 00:20:35.680 --> 00:20:38.359 man did not come to be served, but to serve 342 00:20:39.079 --> 00:20:42.000 and to give his life as a ransom for many. 343 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:45.640 Courage and boldness. Leaders in the Bible often face daunting 344 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:50.440 challenges required requiring courage and boldness. Joshua was commanded to 345 00:20:50.480 --> 00:20:53.440 be strong and courageous as he led the Agielites into 346 00:20:53.480 --> 00:20:56.880 the promised Lamb. Joshua one nine records God's encouragement. Have 347 00:20:56.960 --> 00:20:59.799 I not commanded you be strong and courageous. Do not 348 00:20:59.839 --> 00:21:02.759 be afraid, do not be discouraged. For the Lord Yahweh, 349 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:06.599 your God will be with you wherever you go. Imagine 350 00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:09.240 if God spoke to you and said that to you, well, 351 00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:12.559 he pretty much is. He's letting you know that he's 352 00:21:12.559 --> 00:21:15.079 talking to Joshua like that because he's a child of God. 353 00:21:15.400 --> 00:21:18.039 Well we're also children of God, right, so he's talking 354 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:21.200 to Joshua like that. But he's also letting us know 355 00:21:21.279 --> 00:21:23.759 that when you're a child of God, you're walking in righteousness, 356 00:21:24.319 --> 00:21:26.799 that he's gonna make you. He's gonna tell you to 357 00:21:26.839 --> 00:21:30.039 be courageous and do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. 358 00:21:30.039 --> 00:21:32.000 For the Lord Yahweh, your God will be with you 359 00:21:32.359 --> 00:21:36.400 wherever you go. All right? Amazing faithfulness to God and 360 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:40.480 his commandments is a non negotiable trait for leaders. Moses, 361 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:43.279 despite his human flaws, was faithful in leading the Israelites 362 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:46.880 out of Egypt. Hebrews three five commends Moses. Now Moses 363 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:50.799 was faithful as a servant in all God's house, testifying 364 00:21:50.880 --> 00:21:55.039 to what would be spoken later servant leadership. The concept 365 00:21:55.079 --> 00:21:58.640 of servant leadership is deeply embedded in biblical teaching. Hey, guys, 366 00:21:58.680 --> 00:22:01.000 I'm going through all this stuff. I like to go 367 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:04.119 through the notes anyway. But it's good because in case 368 00:22:04.119 --> 00:22:05.680 any of you want to become a leader, Like I 369 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:08.039 had somebody that just hit me up recently that's you know, 370 00:22:08.240 --> 00:22:11.559 listened to my show, you know, and he said that 371 00:22:11.640 --> 00:22:16.200 he's gonna start doing a Bible study on the internet, 372 00:22:16.400 --> 00:22:20.039 you know. So you know, he's amazing. It's awesome to 373 00:22:20.079 --> 00:22:22.000 hear that kind of stuff. And also I want to 374 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:25.599 give a big shout out to God because man, I 375 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:29.640 had a friend that was pagan, like straight pagan, right, 376 00:22:29.680 --> 00:22:32.680 I don't mean to jump off subject, but he was 377 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:36.839 a straight pagan, you know, and he just gave his 378 00:22:36.880 --> 00:22:39.960 life to the Lord. So it's amazing he listens to 379 00:22:39.960 --> 00:22:42.559 the Bible study once in a while. He's listening to 380 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:44.759 me debate a lot. He set up a couple of 381 00:22:44.799 --> 00:22:48.039 my debates, you know, and he I've always been nice 382 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:51.039 to him. I've always been cool with him. And even 383 00:22:51.039 --> 00:22:53.200 though he was pagan, I didn't care. I'm still gonna 384 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.640 you know, I got to make sure I treat people, 385 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:58.480 you know, the best I could treat them, you know, 386 00:22:58.599 --> 00:23:01.160 so that it attracts him to the faith. Now was 387 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:04.000 it me that got them converted? No, it's God that 388 00:23:04.039 --> 00:23:07.480 got m converted. Because but you know, as Christians, we 389 00:23:07.559 --> 00:23:10.920 plant seeds and then God allows it to grow. And 390 00:23:13.000 --> 00:23:16.000 that was the turning point for him, was him dealing 391 00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:19.519 with all these atheists and the way that they treated him, 392 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:22.240 the way that they acted compared to how Christians treat him. 393 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:24.839 And we were treating him always with kindness, and we're 394 00:23:24.839 --> 00:23:28.119 always treating him well. So it's it's a blessing. So 395 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:31.240 God is so great. Thank you Lord for that. Let 396 00:23:31.279 --> 00:23:36.680 me continue. Leaders are called to serve others selflessly. Jesus 397 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:41.400 exemplified by this by washing his disciples feet, as recorded 398 00:23:41.400 --> 00:23:45.119 in John thirteen fourteen through fifteen. So if I, your 399 00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:49.000 lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should 400 00:23:49.079 --> 00:23:53.079 wash another's feet. I have set an example so that 401 00:23:53.200 --> 00:23:56.920