KASUMIGAOKA
2017/09/03
SERMON: “A Steward of God’s House” 「神の家の管理者」
TEXT: Titus 1: 5-9
I. INTRODUCTION
The apostle Paul wrote this letter to Titus because he was concerned about choosing the right leaders for the Christian churches in Crete. As we think about what kind of man we should elect as elder of our Kasumigaoka Church, we should remember two very important facts. First, the matter of church government and how we choose our elders is not the most important subject for Christians. This is not a subject that will determine whether or not you will go heaven when you die. Unfortunately, the church of Jesus Christ has become divided over the issue of church organization and leadership. We should always look for instruction about such matters in the Bible, and then follow the biblical pattern we find there. But the fundamental question about man’s relationship to God, his hope of forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal life does not depend on your view of church government. I expect there will be Roman Catholics and Baptists mingling joyfully with Reformed Presbyterians in heaven! But there is one more fact that we should remember, when we think about church government. This is the fact that God Himself cares about our churches. True Christian Churches are not made by men; they are created by Jesus Christ and belong to Him. It is Christ who redeemed us for Himself and He has built us together into a church here in Kobe, Japan. And Christ has given us instructions for choosing elders in our churches—the same instructions He gave to Titus through the apostle Paul. In verse 5 Paul writes, “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” Paul wrote those words to Titus as God’s servant and Christ’s apostle. The instructions he gave to Titus were God’s instructions. The organization and leadership of the Christian Church is important to God. The Church is so important that He has given us careful instructions for choosing elders. If we follow God’s rules, we will get the elders that God has prepared for us. We can trust such elders and follow them. The apostle Paul said to the elders of the church in Ephesus, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). The church—even our church here in Kasumigaoka—belongs to God. He will give us elders who will guide us and protect us, if we follow God’s instructions and choose our leaders wisely.
The instructions Paul passed on to Titus included these “qualifications” for the eldership, that we read in verse 6-9. There are three basic requirements which a man must satisfy in order to be chosen as elder of a church. Last week we looked at the first requirement. An elder must be “blameless in his family.” Today we will consider the second requirement, which is: an elder must be “blameless as a steward of God’s household” (vv. 7-8).
II. AN ELDER WHO IS BLAMELESS IN GOD’S HOUSEHOLD
In verse 6 Paul explained what it means to be “blameless” in regard to his family. In the same way, he explains in vv. 7-8 how an elder must be “blameless” as “a steward of God’s household.” Before examining the specific requirements that are written here, we should notice that the apostle uses two different words to describe the same office. In v. 5 he said his instructions concern the choice of “elders.” The qualifications in v. 6 all concern the choice of appropriate elders. But v. 7 begins with a different word, “overseer.” It is clear that this “overseer” is merely a different word to describe the same officer. Both of these words (elder and overseer) are used to describe elders of the Ephesian Church in Acts 20. Acts 20:17 says, “From Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.” But at the end of 20:28, he says to those elders, “the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” So it seems obvious that both words (elder and overseer) refer to the same position of church leadership. The church in later years did make a distinction, however, and placed the “overseer” (or “bishop”) in a position of higher authority than the elder. But that decision to elevate the bishop’s authority was not based on instructions in the Bible. According to the apostle, all elders are “bishops” (overseers).
The apostle says that in order to be elected as elder/overseer, a man must have an excellent reputation as steward in God’s house. 1 Timothy 3:15 says, “the household of God is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” Just as you and I care about our own homes, so does God care about His household, which is the church. When anyone comes to God, confessing his sins and trusting in Jesus Christ, God welcomes the new believer into His home and receives him as His own child. The Christian Church is the spiritual “family” of believers that God has created. In the first century, a steward had a very important position of authority and responsibility in the home of a wealthy person. A steward was the manager of the entire household. He carried with him the keys to every room in the house. If the cook needed supplies for the kitchen, he would go to the steward to ask for the ingredients. The owner of a house entrusted all his possessions to the care of his steward. The office of steward is frequently referred to in the New Testament. Perhaps Jesus had the steward’s office in mind when He said to Peter (Matthew 16:19), “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Peter and the other apostles would be like stewards of the kingdom of heaven. They could give or forbid access to all of the “rooms” in heaven. That is why Jesus said that the “keys” would be given to Peter (rather than simply one “key” to the front door).
Jesus tells us about a steward’s responsibilities in Luke 12:42. Jesus said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?” The steward is “over” the other servants in the household, but he himself is a servant to the master of the house. The steward has control over the food, and he must distribute the food to the servants at the proper time. There is authority, but also responsibility. Jesus’ closing words in that parable emphasize the steward’s responsibilities (v. 48). “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Only a man highly trusted could be appointed to the office of steward. Paul said concerning his own apostolic work (1 Corinthians 4:2), “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” Because of the great authority and responsibility entrusted to the steward in God’s church, his reputation should be spotless. He should serve Christ faithfully as His servant, and he should be a man proven trustworthy in the church family.
To further describe the kind of man who will be a good overseer in God’s church, Paul gives us two lists of qualities. Verse 7 has a list of five “negative characteristics.” If a man displays any of these traits, he will not be a good elder. The second list, in v. 8, is a list of six positive traits of a suitable elder candidate. Let’s look at the negative characteristics in v. 7. An overseer or steward of God’s house must not be “self-willed.” A self-willed man is determined to get his own way, because he thinks that his opinions are always right. Such a man does not listen carefully to the ideas of others. And he tends to argue, even about matters of little importance. Because he thinks that his ideas are best, he expects his opinions will be recognized and adopted by all. But the Lord has not given all wisdom to any one man! James wrote, “For we all stumble in many ways. If any one does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well” (James 3:2). A self-willed man is proud and stubbornly holds to his own opinions. Such a man cannot be a wise elder.
Secondly, Paul says, an elder “must not be quick-tempered.” A self-willed man is often short-tempered. He soon loses patience when others do not agree with him. A man who will be a good elder is one who will listen patiently to other opinions, ponder what he hears, and give a thoughtful response. James, the brother of Jesus, is a good example of such a man. At the council of apostles and elders in Jerusalem in Acts 15, James listened patiently to the reports by Barnabas and Paul, Peter and others. Then he summarized what he had heard, compared it with the words of God in the Bible, and finally expressed his judgment to the assembly. James was a wise and patient elder, and people trusted his judgment. James also wrote in his letter to the churches (James 2:19-20), “But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James also understood that an elder must not be quick-tempered.
Thirdly, an elder must not be “given to drunkenness.” The word used here refers to someone who is “dependent” upon wine. The meaning may include drunken behavior, but there is a different word in Greek for drunkenness. If someone feels a “need” to drink alcohol frequently in order to relax or to function well, he may be the person Paul describes here. But here is the main point: a man who depends on alcohol to feel comfortable or productive is not a good candidate for the eldership. Drinking wine actually does not help anyone to work more effectively. On the contrary, as Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). A faithful steward in Christ’s church needs all of his abilities. He will not waste his energy by frequent drinking. Fourthly, Paul says that an elder must not be a “fighter.” The Greek word means “one who is physically violent.” A faithful steward over God’s house must not use even a threat of physical harm to persuade others. In His parable in Luke 12: 45, Jesus tells about an unworthy servant who is made the household steward until his master returns from a journey. That servant says in his heart, “My master will be a long time in coming,” and then he “begins to beat the slaves, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk.” But that wicked, violent steward is surprised by his master’s unexpected return. The master then removes him from his stewardship and punishes him severely. Thankfully, we do not often see elders who act violently toward others in the church. But, unfortunately, we may see elders who use threats to force people follow them or to adopt their opinions. An elder should be a man of peace, and not a man who enjoys fighting.
Finally, Paul says that an elder must not be a man who enjoys dishonest gain. Of course, no one who steals from the church is a worthy elder! And we should remember God’s warning to Israel in Malachi 3:8: “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In your tithes and contributions.” If we do not offer to God offerings that correspond to His blessing, that is a kind of dishonesty to God. That is why we promise in our Covenant of Church Membership to “give to the Lord’s work as He shall prosper you.” A faithful elder will give freely to support the Lord’s work through his church. But even outside of the church, an elder must be completely honest in all of his financial and business relationships. As a consumer, he must be fair, and happy to pay the true value for goods and services he receives. And as an employee, he must do his work diligently, “rendering service with a good will, as to the Lord and not to man” (Eph. 6:7). He must not seek dishonest gain. Paul also gave Titus a list of six positive characteristics to use in identifying a good elder. We will go over this list quickly, but each of these traits deserves careful attention. The first trait Paul mentions is “hospitable.” The word in Greek means “to show love toward strangers.” In America this word is usually understood to mean “to invite people into your home for a meal.” Of course, it may include that, but the real meaning is much broader. Maybe the best way to think about this trait is to recall Jesus’ parable of the “Good Samaritan.” An elder should show that type of sacrificial kindness toward people in distress.
An elder should “love what is good.” That is, his sense of values should reflect the goodness of God. He should “set his mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2). An elder must follow the practical counsel of Philippians 4: 8: “Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”
An elder should be “sensible.” The word refers to a man who acts in accord with his understanding of reality. He is governed by his understanding, not by his passions or his fears. He will be calm in times of emergency or crisis. He will be steady and reliable, not one who quickly becomes panicked or upset by trouble.
An elder must be “righteous.” Of course, “As it is written, ‘There is none righteous, not even one’” (Rom. 3:10). No man is perfect in righteousness as Christ was. But Paul uses this word the way it is used in Psalm 1. The “righteous” are those who know God, and who seek to please Him by following His law. He rejects the way of the wicked man, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa. 1:2).
An elder must be “devout.” This word probably includes the idea of performing religious duties: keeping the Sabbath Day holy, attending the regular services of worship, reading God’s word daily, praying faithfully, and encouraging the church members through fellowship. But the basic meaning is to live in a manner pleasing to God. It means to follow the advice of Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
An elder must be “self-controlled.” Both the Japanese and the English translation of this Greek word contain the idea of “self.” But the Greek word used by the apostle does not mean “controlled by self.” It means “being in possession of power.” But where does an elder’s power come from? I think the best explanation is found in 2 Corinthians 5:14. Paul said, “For the love of Christ controls us”! Because we know the love of Christ toward us; because we know that He gave His life for us, that love now works in us. That love which Christ showed to us is the power that controls our lives. It enables us to live not for ourselves, but for Him who died and rose again for us. The power that enables an elder to faithfully shepherd the flock of God is the love of Christ that has been poured out in his own life. An elder can serve others only when the love of Christ is working through him.
III. CONCLUSION
This is Paul’s picture of an elder who will serve God’s church as a “blameless” steward. God has set a very high standard for a man who will be an elder of His church. An elder who will oversee God’s beloved household must be equipped and sustained by the Holy Spirit. No one can carry out the duties of an elder relying only on his own power and native abilities. But, happily, God’s Spirit gives the necessary gifts, grace, and love to turn ordinary men into useful elders. As we get ready as a church for the election of officers, let’s pray earnestly that God will be equipping someone for this important office.