Paul wrote more about Titus the example than he did about Titus the exhorter! A pastor preaches best by his life. He must constantly be a good example in all things. Whatever the pastor wants his church to be, he must first be himself. “For they say, and do not” was our Lord’s indictment against the Pharisees (Matt. 23:3). This is hypocrisy.

The Greek word tupos (“pattern,” Titus 2:7) gives us our English word type. The word originally meant “an impression made by a die.” Titus was to live so that his life would be like a “spiritual die” that would impress itself on others. This involved good works, sound doctrine, a seriousness of attitude, and sound speech that no one—not even the enemy—could condemn.

Whether we like it or not, there are “contrary” people who are always looking for a fight. A pastor’s speech should be such that he stands without rebuke.

It is not easy to pastor a church. You do not punch a clock, yet you are always on duty. You must be careful to practice what you preach; you must be the same man in and out of the pulpit. Hypocrisy in speech or conduct will ruin a man’s ministry.

No pastor is perfect, just as no church member is perfect, but he must strive to be the best example possible. A church will never rise any higher than its leadership.

Categories: Studiu biblic, Teologice