Titus 1:5-9

What do we learn about Paul from the existence of this letter?

1. "He left" because he was determined to fulfill God's purpose for his life in spreading the Gospel
2. He left Titus because he realized that evangelism was just 1 part of discipleship. He cared about lasting fruit
3. He understood the principle of delegation which requires humility (an understanding that it was God's ministry, not his)
* There is wisdom in having 1 plant, another water, and others lead the churches. Christ, then, is more readily seen as the Head.

Titus Role
--The closest paralel in the Wesleyan Church would be District SuperIntendant
--Paul, then, was like a General Superintendant
--There was no 'pastor(s)' in Crete in the modern sense of the term
--Each church was to have a group of qualified elders to lead the ministry

1. He was to straighten out what was left unfinished
2. He was to appoint elders in every town

Qualifications for Elders
1. Blameless

Blameless includes NOT
a. overbearing
b. quick tempered
c. given to drunkenness
d. violent
e. pursuing dishonest gain

Blameless includes
a. hospitable
b. lover of good
c. self control
d. upright
e. holy
f. disciplined

2. Husband of but one wife
3. Believing Children (not wild/disobedient)
4. Encourager of others in sound doctrine
5. Refute those who oppose sound doctrine