Sermon Notes on Titus 1:5-9

Posted on by Wayne Smith in Sermon Notes

I. What is the role of an Elder?

A. An Elder is a shepherd.

“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:1-3

II. What are the responsibilities of an Elder?

  • To appoint other elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
  • To seek God’s will for our church family (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
  • To care for the church and seek her maturity in grace, truth and love (Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:15-16 Colossians 1:28; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
  • To provide teaching and counsel from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1).
  • To be on guard against false teachers and teachings (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 1 John 4:1).
  • To lovingly exercise discipline when necessary (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20).
  • 7. To set an example for others (Philippians 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7-8; 1 Peter 5:3

III. What are the requirements of an Elder? (Titus 1:9)

A. Elders must be above reproach. The idea of “above reproach” is that you live your life in such a way that no one, unbelievers or believers, can accurately bring a charge against you.

B. Example: A great example of this would be Daniel in the Old Testament: “They could find no corruption in him because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” (Daniel 6:4)

C. Three areas the Elder must be above reproach (Titus 1:6-9):

1. A qualified Elder must be above reproach in family life (v.6).

2. A qualified overseer must be above reproach in the character (v.7-8).

  • An Elder must not possess negative character qualities (v7).
  • An Elder must possess certain character qualities (v.8).

3. A qualified Elder must be above reproach in his teaching (v. 9).

Published by Wayne Smith