HOLD FAST THE WORD OF LIFE (5)

“HOLDING FAST the FAITHFUL WORD as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict...” – Titus 1:9

One of the fundamental requirements for Christian leaders is ability to HOLD FAST the WORD of LIFE: “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, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 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” (Tit.1: 7-9). The Apostle Paul gave an extensive list of the character qualities that Titus was to look for in the men who should lead the churches on the island of Crete (vv.5-8). This list is helpful not only for selecting leaders, but also as a way to examine and measure our character as followers of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The qualities that Paul lists for church elders and spiritual leaders are unrelated to bodily stature, physical strength, educational qualifications, bank balance, social status, business acumen, oratory skills, or magnetic personality. The pertinent qualities are those to which every godly person should aspire. The church elder should be one who is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe. He should not be rebellious or self-willed, not quick-tempered or addicted to wine, not pugnacious or fond of sordid gain – but rather he should be hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, and self-controlled. Leaders are called to be poised in their dealings with others, principled in all aspects of their home life, self-restrained in their business and financial dealings, and hospitable towards others.

Beyond and above all of the personal, domestic, and relational qualities, godly leaders are instructed to stand firm in the faith, to HOLD FAST to sound biblical doctrine, and to be able to exhort and encourage others in furtherance of the gospel of God. They should also be in a position to oppose and rebuke those that contradict His Word, and challenge those that distort the truth of the glorious gospel of Christ. Standing firm in the faith and holding fast to sound doctrine does not mean tenaciously clinging to a private interpretation of a passage or reading into a section of Scripture what one wants it to say, hopes that it says, would like it to say, or thinks that it says. It is also not simply spiritualising the truth to fit into one's own pet doctrine, or to give an opportunity to argue the case with other believers or even unbelievers.

In essence, after  describing the standards for leadership character – what leaders should BE, Paul then turned to what those leaders should DO. All of these words have first relevance to leaders in the church, and in society at large. One of the highly desirable leadership actions is holding fast the faithful Word. This means first that the leader must be personally sure of the Faithful Word. When he or she brings the Word of God to people, it must be with authority, conviction, and confidence, not mixed with theological speculation and academic doubts. Holding fast the faithful word also means that the leader will stick to God’s Word, instead of a focus on fads and carnal programmes for the church. If a person will not first stick TO the Word and will not then stick WITH the word of God, he or she is not qualified for spiritual leadership.

“HOLDING FAST the FAITHFUL WORD” in accordance with the teaching, implies correct exegesis of Scripture; interpreting the Word of God correctly; rightly dividing the Word of truth: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of TRUTH” (2Tim.2:15). The leader must do this as he has been taught. This means that the leader has been under the teaching of someone else – discipled and mentored. No one is really safe to teach until they themselves have been taught!