Pastors, elders, and overseers (5)

If you would like to pray for your church leaders, then Titus 1:5-9 gives us at least 4 areas where they need your prayers. Here's the fourth area that can be a prayer focus...

I will pray for my leaders’ teaching.

This is culture where truth is seen as relative. We value a pluralism that says whatever you want to believe is true for you and whatever I want to believe is true for me. In a culture that pormotes a tolerance for any and all conflicting turht claims, God calls leaders to stand strong for the truth of the Word of God.

Titus 1:9 says, "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" (ESV).

"Hold firm" means "constantly holding onto and not letting go." The "trustworthy word" refers to the essential truths of the Christian faith--the fundamentals which must not be compromised. "Sound doctrine" is literally "truthful teaching." To "rebuke" is to "correct" or "convince" those who "contradict" the truth.

An elder must cling firmly to, be devoted to, and adhere wholeheartedly to God's word. This presupposes:

1. A knowledge of the truth.
2. An ability and willingness to proclaim that truth.

The Christian message has never been universally popular. Some have always opposed it. We need leaders who are so well grounded in the truth of the Bible that they can accurately teach it to others and courageously defend the truth when it is attacked.

There are churches in NE Ohio that used to stand on the Word of God. But they don’t believe the Book anymore. Many churches that once stood for sound orthodox doctrine now reject nearly every major tenet of the faith. And now, they are just social clubs.

Churches need leaders who know what they believe and why they believe it and will stand for the truth when everyone else is falling down.

Refuting opponents of God's truth demands courage, effort, spiritual maturity, and knowledge of the truth. The church must be protected from those who speak against the Word, and the elders are called to do that job. (Acts 20:28-31).

Good churches have good leaders who do good teaching. Pray for them.