Elders Lead Us Toward Godliness

Titus 1:5-9

God’s plan for all of us is _godliness_   (Titus 1:1-3)

*Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. – Philippians 2:12-13

God intends for _elders_ to guide us toward godliness   (Titus 1:5)

*And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. – Acts 14:23

*Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. And when they came to him, he said to them . . .

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for [shepherd / pastor] the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. – Acts 20:17-18, 28

What an elder must _be_   (Titus 1:6-8)

*Above Reproach – An elder must bear the character needed to be a steward of God’s people.

*Five vices

*Six virtues

What an elder must _do_   (Titus 1:9)

*Hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught

*So that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine, and

*Rebuke those who contradict it