Daily Devotions
Titus
"Set in order the things that are lacking..."
Text: Titus 1:5
CHURCHES NEED MUCH ATTENTION TOO
Some think that churches will do well naturally. The reading of the pastoral epistles will dispute this approach. The apostle Paul saw the dangers that threatened the growth and stability of the churches. Attention must be given to deal with the problems. Timothy was sent to deal with problems in Ephesus. Titus was sent to deal with problems in Crete.
“For this reason I left you in Crete,
that you should set in order the things that are lacking,
and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.”
Titus 1:5
1. “For this reason I left you in Crete”
a) The ministry in Crete was specifically mentioned.
b) Titus had been assigned to minister in Crete and to deal with the existing problems.
2. “That you should set in order the things that are lacking”
a) We are not told precisely the things that were lacking.
b) But the fact remains that there were things that were lacking in the ministry in Crete.
c) Set in order:-
i) Problems must be dealt with.
ii) Solutions must be found.
iii) Things that are lacking in the church will ultimately affect it in a detrimental way.
d) Titus was authorised to deal with the problems in the church.
i) He must exercise all the wisdom he had.
ii) He must take corrective measures if necessary.
iii) He will need to exercise much courage in all his undertakings.
3. “And appoint elders in every city as I commanded you”
a) Appointing of elders
i) This has to do with the leadership of the church.
ii) Prospective suitable leaders must be found.
iii) They must be adequately trained.
iv) They would then be solemnly appointed.
b) “As I commanded you”
Paul was both spiritual father and apostle to Titus. Apostolic authority had to be exercised in this instance. This work of appointing leaders in every city was no easy task. However it must be fulfilled!