AM Scripture Reading: Titus 1.4-9

Sermon Series: Keeping The Church Strong & Growing

Brent T. Willey

Lesson #2:

GOD’S APPOINTED LEADERS IN THE CHURCH

Introduction:

1. “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” (Titus 1.5).
2. Why? The local church will always be in need of leadership!
3. Notice how the apostle Paul addressed the Philippian church: “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons” (Phil. 1.1).

DEFINING THE BIBLICAL DESCRIPTIONS

1. The Eldership: 1 Position – 3 Words – 6 Descriptions…
   (Read Acts 20.17-28; 1 Pet. 5.1-3)
   1. Elder/Presbyter: presbúteros [elderly, mature]
   2. Bishop/Overseer: epískopos [overseeing]
   3. Pastor/Shepherd: poimén [shepherding]
2. The Deacons: diákonos [servant] (Phil. 1.1; 1 Tim. 3.10)
3. The Preacher/Evangelist (Rom. 10.14; 2 Tim. 4.5)
   1. Preacher: kerússō [to herald or proclaim]
   2. Evangelist: euaggelistés [bringer of good tidings]

RESPECTING THE SCRIPTURAL QUALIFICATIONS

1. Elders, Bishops & Pastors: 1 Tim. 3.1-7; Titus 1.5-9
2. Deacons: 1 Tim. 3.8-13
3. Preachers: 1 Tim. 4.12-13, 16; cf., James 3.1

APPOINTED LEADERS IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

1. The church’s simple organization: Phil. 1.1
2. The church’s need: Titus 1.5: “Set in order…”
   1. Spiritual oversight: Acts 20.28; Heb. 13.7, 17
   2. Serving physical needs: E.g., Acts 6.1-7
   3. Preaching God’s Word: Rom. 10.13-17; 2 Tim. 4.2-5
3. The church’s autonomous nature: 1 Pet. 5.2; Acts 20.17, 28

Conclusion: The local church must strive to honor God’s wise design!

Next Week

Lesson #3: The Ongoing Need of Biblical Edification