Establishing Order and Leadership
Last week we discussed the greeting and the good tidings to Titus from Paul. It was the beginning of a letter that showed encouragement and steadfastness. As Christians, we must understand that we have the obligation to be shepherds to other believers and to help and support them. As for this week, we will dive into the waters of what Paul was telling Titus to do and how to lead the Crete Church away from self and to what God meant for the body of Christ.
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
Titus 1:5–9 (NKJV)
In Titus 1:5–9, Paul clearly explains why Titus was left in Crete: to “set in order the things that are lacking” and to appoint elders in every city. This reveals that the churches in Crete were still immature and somewhat disorganized, needing strong, Godly leadership to guide them. The task was urgent because of the corrupt culture surrounding them, and without proper leadership, the believers could easily be led astray. Paul emphasizes that leadership in the church is not about status or power, but about character. The elder, (Greek word πρεσβύτερος - Presbuteros) also referred to as a bishop, (Greek word ἐπίσκοπος - episkopos) or overseer, is described as a “steward of God” (Titus 1:7), meaning he is entrusted with God’s work and must manage it faithfully. This aligns with other teachings of Paul where church leaders are called to live above reproach and serve as examples to the flock.
“1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach.”
1 Timothy 3:1–2 (NKJV).
Paul then outlines both the negative traits to avoid and the positive qualities to pursue. An elder must not be self-willed, quick-tempered, given to wine, violent, or greedy, but instead must be hospitable, self-controlled, just, and holy. These qualifications show that spiritual leadership is deeply tied to personal integrity and daily conduct. It is not enough to know the truth—leaders must live it out consistently. This reinforces the biblical principle that those who lead God’s people are held to a higher standard.
“1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder… 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
1 Peter 5:1–3 (NKJV)
Finally, Paul highlights the central role of God’s Word in leadership. An elder must be “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught” (Titus 1:9), meaning he must be firmly grounded in sound doctrine. This is essential so that he can both encourage believers and confront false teaching. In a place like Crete, where deception and corruption were common, leaders needed to stand firm in truth and boldly defend it. This reflects the importance of rightly handling Scripture, as seen elsewhere in Paul’s writings.
“14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
Ephesians 6:14-18 (NKJV)
“15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)
Altogether, these verses show that God’s plan for strengthening His church begins with establishing faithful, Godly leadership. Through men of strong character, sound doctrine, and unwavering commitment to truth, the Church can be brought into order and stand firm even in the midst of a corrupt and challenging world.
Stay the course for the Kingdom,
Austin