Titus 1:6a, 9 (ESV)
if anyone is above reproach, . . . He must hold firm to the
trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound
doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
An elder must be qualified in terms of both character and doctrine. To be
able to give instruction and to rebuke those who contradict sound teaching does
not necessitate that the elder is gifted in teaching or preaching. It does
mean, however, that whatever the individual’s gifts, there must be a
willingness and ability to both teach and confront when necessary.
To be above reproach does not mean that the elder must be perfect. We will
not reach perfection this side of Heaven. But it does mean that no one can
accuse the elder of any impropriety, and if such accusations were made, there
would be no evidence to support it. No one should be able to point a finger at
us and say, “You cheated me; you took advantage of me; you mistreated my family;
I saw you take what didn’t belong to you; etc.” Those in church leadership must
be above accusations of impropriety. But then, shouldn’t that be true of every
believer? I’ll address the question of being able to teach and discern sound doctrine
in a following blog. For now, it is enough that we do a little soul searching
for ourselves. As a believer in Jesus Christ, is my life above reproach, and if
not, what do I need to do to make it right?
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