Feb 13th | Clearing the Way

Continuing thru Titus, we come quickly to a key intent behind this letter from Paul – to bring order to the young fledgling church, at least in part, by appointing Elders. We took some time this morning to extract some insight regarding the role, qualification and purpose of the Elders.

Quite clearly, 1:5 suggests that then elders need to bring order. We assume order, not only in organization, but in function. Elders are responsible not only to ensure governance, but shepherding…how the church should work, and that it actually works.

The next few verses outline character qualifications which you could say fall into one of three categories. Self, Others and Reputation (Others view of self). Elders are disciplined in mind and attitude, and in body and its appetites. Second, elders should be sacrificial toward others…putting others interests ahead of their own, and last elders should be above reproach…respected by others in all areas and phases of life…family, business, finances, time, etc. In no way should an elders character invalidate their authority.

But if we stop here and conclude the qualified elders are in authority in the church to establish order, we will have missed a critical point. Verse 9 goes like this, 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. What is this trustworthy word that must be held firm? It is essentially, the gospel. Here it is in chapter 3:

Titus 3:3-7
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, (turns on lights, reveals truth, fixes the mind) 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

We see that what is entrusted to the Elders to hold on to, to protect, to pass along in all of it’s simplicity and purity are the very basic gospel of Jesus. Read the Gospels and Acts and see that bit was the same message we see in chapter 3 above. And it is the thing that everybody needs, read it again!

We are a mess without Christ. His mercy is the unearned and only solution to our sin. And that once renewed by the Spirit and in Jesus, we are hopeful for all that God is going to do in and through us!

And that brings us to the Cities of Refuge.

In ancient Israel six cities were founded as Cities of Refuge. Men could flee tom these cities, who without malice or premeditation, had taken the life of a fellow man. Once within the gates of the city of refuge, they could not be touched by any hand of vengeance or judgment. The elders of the day carried the responsibility to keep the pathways to the cities clear of obstacles…stones and fallen trees were removed, overgrowth was cleared, bridges across rivers and streams were repaired.

An Elders critical role is to clear the way to the Cities of Refuge, and the Cross is God’s great and eternal city of refuge from the penalty upon sin.

Ezekiel 11:16 Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: Though I removed them far off among the nations, and though I scattered them among the countries, yet I have been a sanctuary to them for a while in the countries where they have gone. … 19 And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

To clear the way for the gospel. To create an unimpeded route to Sanctuary. An Elders most critical role is to clear the way to Jesus. To the place where his life is safe from vengeance and retaliation. To help ones not only escape death, but to find life.

Hebrews 6:18 …we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us…

But what prohibits ANY OF US from carrying out this awesome privilege? Certainly the elders are ultimately responsible to keep the gospel pure, and to keep the church centered on the gospel. But it is also a certainty that the elders are NOT the only ones to declare and share the life and work of Christ! That’s your role too!

The Elders then, above else must ensure that the church is experiencing the gospel and declaring it! For us, in the church today…and in society today for that matter…is to clear the way to the Sanctuary…to Jesus…to the gospel.

Where is your favorite place to go, or your favorite thing/s to do when you’re wiped out, overwhelmed, and you need a break?

What aspect of the gospel does or did your soul need reminded of today?