Qualification of Elders – Titus 01:05-09

Text: Titus 1:5-9

Paul gives Titus instructions to appoint elders in every city, and even gives their qualifications (Titus 1:5-9). Most of these qualifications should be characteristics of all Christians, but they are required for elders. They are:

1. Blameless. We should live our lives in such a godly way that we cannot be at fault for anything. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23), yet Christ did no sin (1 Peter 2:21-24). It is only through Him that we can become blameless (Colossians 1:22; 1 Corinthians 1:8).

2. Husband of one wife. Christ gives many instructions concerning the family in the New Testament. There is to be one wife per husband (1 Corinthians 7:2), and each has commandments from the Lord (Ephesians 5-6).

3. Faithful children not accused of dissipation. If a child is taught the way to go, when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). However, a child shouldn’t live a reckless life or destroy his lifestyle as the prodigal son did (Luke 15:11ff.).

4. Faithful children not accused of insubordination. Children should not be disobedient to their parents or reject their authority (Ephesians 6), as Christians should be subject unto God, our Heavenly Father.

5. Steward of God. A steward must be faithful in all things (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

6. Not self-willed. We should not be thinking of ourselves, but strive to please God as Christ did (Philippians 2:4; Romans 12:3; Luke 22:42).

7. Not quick-tempered. As humans we get angry, yet should not sin (Ephesians 4:26), even as Christ did (John 2:13-16).

8. Not given to wine. We should not be filled with wine, but with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

9. Not violent. If possible, we should live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18).

10. Not greedy for money. Money is necessary to survive, but the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

11. Hospitable. When we do things for others, we do so to Christ (Matthew 25).

12. A lover of what is good. We should think of things of good report (Philippians 4:8); even Christ went about doing good (Acts 10:38; Hebrews 13:16).

13. Sober-minded. We should live as with a purpose, striving to get to Heaven (Revelation 2:10).

14. Just. We must know the difference between right and wrong, and thus do right (James 4:17).

15. Holy. God often said “Be ye therefore holy, even as I am holy (1 Peter 1:16; Leviticus 11:44,45).

16. Self-controlled. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23), and should be added to our faith (2 Peter 1:5-8).

17. Hold fast the faithful word. By studying God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15), we can know the truth (John 8:32; 17:17). Thus, we can show some where they’re right; prove others wrong, and help all get to Heaven.