July 13, 2025: Elders – Titus 1:5-9
Ice Breaker
- Read Titus 1:1-4 as a group.
- If you could describe your ideal community leader in three words, what would they be and why?
Loving God Unreservedly
- How does accountability among leaders demonstrate God’s love and desire for order and harmony in the church?
- How can this passage help us understand God’s plan for leadership within the church and His expectations for spiritual authorities?
Loving People Sacrificially
- What are the responsibilities of an elder outlined in Titus 1:5-9, and how are they significant for the church?
- What are some strategies we can adopt to foster a supportive environment for spiritual growth within our small group?
- What role does holding firm to the trustworthiness of the word of God play in the life of a church leader according to this passage?
- How can we apply the principles from this passage to ensure healthy leadership in other areas of our lives, such as at work or in our families?
Making Disciples Purposefully
- How might we be intentional in creating an environment where the qualities of elders are both celebrated and aspired to by everyone in the church?
- Why is it necessary for an elder to be blameless? (1:7) How does this serve to advance the gospel to our society? Ask God to provide a space/person for you to have a gospel conversation this week.
Dig Deeper (optional/personal study)
- Research: Take time to read and reflect, and compare the list below (Strauch, Alexander, The Study Guide to Biblical Eldership, 1996, Lewis and Roth Publishers; Wordsearch; Cross, pp. 16-17):
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1 Timothy 3:2–7 1. Above reproach 2. The husband of one wife 3. Temperate [self-controlled, balanced] 4. Prudent [sensible, good judgment] 5. Respectable [well-behaved, virtuous] 6. Hospitable 7. Able to teach 8. Not addicted to wine 9. Not pugnacious [not belligerent] 10. Gentle [forbearing] 11. Peaceable [uncontentious] 12. Free from the love of money 13. Manages his household well 14. Not a new convert 15. A good reputation with those outside the church |
Titus 1:6–9 1. Above reproach 2. The husband of one wife 3. Having children who believe 4. Not self-willed 5. Not quick-tempered 6. Not addicted to wine 7. Not pugnacious 8. Not fond of sordid gain 9. Hospitable 10. Lover of what is good [kind, virtuous] 11. Sensible [see prudent] 12. Just [righteous conduct, law-abiding] 13. Devout [holy, pleasing to God, [loyal to His Word] 14. Self-controlled 15. Holds fast the faithful [trustworthy NIV] Word, both to exhort and to refute
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1 Peter 5:1–3 1. Not shepherding under compulsion, but voluntarily 2. Not shepherding for sordid gain, but with eagerness 3. Not lording it over the flock, but proving to be an example
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other sermons in this series
Jul 27
2025
Sound Doctrine in Family
Preacher: Tim Parker Scripture: Titus 2:1–15 Series: Titus-Church Manual
Jul 20
2025
Opposing False Teachers
Preacher: Pablo Cachon Scripture: Titus 1:10–16 Series: Titus-Church Manual
Jul 6
2025
A Pastoral Greeting
Preacher: Pablo Cachon Scripture: Titus 1:1–4 Series: Titus-Church Manual