#1499 If Any Man Aspires

 

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, who are not accused of dissipation, or rebellious. 7 For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of dishonest gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to reprove those who contradict. Titus 1: 5-9 LSB

It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but considerate, peaceable, free from the love of money; 4 leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And these men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, leading their children and their own households well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3: 1-13 LSB

V. 5 That you would set in order what remains - Paul is definitely exhibiting a lot of confidence in Titus, especially considering the magnitude of his mission. He has given his credentials as an Apostle, and Titus will be working under these, delivering the message of the Apostle Paul. This is on the island of Crete, and it will encompass churches "in every city". They were lacking elders, and we will see in further reading there were also needs for correction. The person given such a task needs to be mature, not easily moved, not driven by their emotions, honest and able to handle a culture that is contrary to this as well. I am reminded of a missionary story where they went into a village that had a culture of deceit, and people who could get one over on someone else were heroes, stealing someone's possessions, their pig, their wife, lying to get someone to trust you only so you could take advantage. This was their culture, and so when they told and performed the Passion of Christ, well guess who this tribe cheered for, Judas, no lie. He tricked Jesus so they thought he was the man. I looked up to rock stars when I was a kid, drug dealers, athletes, because they made a lot of money, had nice things and people seemed to respect them. It is the temptation in every age to make those things of importance in the church. I have seen pastors that ignore widows but will bend over backwards for millionaires. Paul isn't sending Titus to just set up a program, show them how to make an order of service templet, explain how potlucks work, no, he will have to face the culture, it's influence on the church, and defend the purity of the gospel.

…11who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not. 12As one of their own prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith… Titus 1: 11-13

Calvin "Titus held some additional charge, which consisted in giving a form to churches that had not yet been properly arranged, and in appointing a fixed kind of government accompanied by discipline. Having laid the foundation, Paul departed; and then it became the duty of Titus to carry the work higher, that the building might have fair proportions." - PA quoting John Calvin

Appoint elders in every city as I directed you- Some people say, "well we do it a little differently in our church, and we don't put so much emphasis on that". You use grape juice, another place uses wine, that's great, but there are some non negotiables that are the same at every church in every city. We can't say this was especially for Crete, only for Crete, because the Apostle Paul parallels this with Timothy as well. This is an unbroken expectation. I give my techs and foremen expectations at work, and these are based on a higher authority than my own, what is written in the company bylaws, and their Values, the first three being Honesty, Trust and Integrity. I have had to evaluate myself against these first on many occasions, find the mote in my eye and then go and do surgery on my teammate. As a Christian you will realize you are a shepherd in many situations, as a dad, a mom, a supervisor, a lead, a coach, and people in government offices are all considered shepherds ie police, governors, mayors, military commanders etc. Don't think you won't have to answer to God because you work at a secular place; His expectations trump all. Titus is carrying God's expectation, given to Paul, for the church, which is the body of Christ universal and in every age. It is transcendent, independent of culture, applicable to the establishing of every church in every city. Some argue against these straight truths, like it only applied back then or in a certain place because of the culture. The church does not bow to the culture, only to God. Notice, "appoint", it's not a mere vote, it will be based on the qualifications following, and they will be accountable to God even if they fool Titus.

…16Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church. 18Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.… 1 Corinthians 4: 16-18

Mounce - kathistēmi has a variety of nuances of NT. It can signify leading or escorting; in Acts 17:15+, a group of men escort Paul. But its predominant use is for “appointing” a person to an office or “putting a person in charge” of something. This includes appointing people to the positions of deacons (Acts 6:3), elders (Tit 1:5), and the high priest (Heb 5:1). It is also used in the parable of the talents for the king’s decision to put the owners of ten and five talents to be “put in charge” of many things in the kingdom of heaven (Mt 25:21, 23; cf. also 24:47). (Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words) - PA

MacArthur in commenting on this passage (note that not all of his comments on the controversial aspects of this passage are included as we dealing primarily with NT elders) writes that the elders of the church "are the spiritually strong, the spiritually mature, the spiritually victorious. Weak, defeated believers are to go to them and draw on their strength. They are to call (from proskaleō, “to call alongside”) the elders to come and lift them up. It is the same thought that the apostle Paul expressed in Galatians 6:1: “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” The wounded, exhausted, broken sheep are to go to their shepherds, who will intercede for them and ask God for renewed spiritual strength on their behalf. This is an important—and largely neglected—ministry of the church’s pastors and elders. The apostles acknowledged its priority when they said, “We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). But in today’s church, weak, struggling believers are often handed over to so-called expert professional counselors—who often have little power in prayer. Those who have been defeated in the spiritual battle do not need to hear opinions of human wisdom; they need to be strengthened by the power of God through their leaders’ prayers." (Macarthur J. James. Moody) - PA quoting J Mac

If any man is beyond reproach - What does that mean? Well, the next few verses will give exactly what Paul means, and it's cannon, so it's what God means, and we will be able to find the Author's intent as to "beyond reproach" as it is defined for us. 

Anegkletos signifies that which cannot be called to account. It means having no blot on one's life for which one could be accused, arraigned, and disqualified. It means there is nothing laid to one’s charge (as the result of public investigation). It is not simply an acquittal but the absence of even a valid accusation.

Spurgeon - There were many converts there who had two or three wives. Whatever position they might be permitted to occupy in the church, they could not become officers; they must keep in the rear rank. - PA

V. 6b The husband of one wife - He is a one woman man. This is not just a matter of whether he is a polygamist or not, but whether he is faithful. This is a question of his moral, sexual integrity. It is not saying that he can't be single, as Paul was also single, but men should only stay in such a state if they have that particular gift. It doesn't make one more spiritual, but it does allow them to have no other distractions, staying fully devoted to the ministry. This is mentioned first I think because it is the most grievous and common of scandals. I have been to the home of a head deacon before because I was friends with his son, and one day as we were packing for a fishing trip, we opened the trunk only to find a pile of porn. That is not a one woman man, that is not spiritually mature, if you are not battling that sort of thing at the level of your thought life, and repenting immediately then you are rebelling against God. God has set a bar for this and you are saying that God only speaks to here Himself, you are not demonstrating by faith that you believe the God you say you believe in. This disqualifies a man from the office, but just because you are not seeking an office doesn't mean that this same principle doesn't apply to you. 

…4The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.… 2 Corinthians 10: 4-6

27You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.… Matthew 5: 27-29

17But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit. 18Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;… 1 Corinthians 6: 17-19

V. 6c Having faithful children who are not accused of dissipation or rebellious - A mans ability to lead at church is reflective of the church he has at home. Are your children being discipled by you, are they seeing a dad and mom who are consistently teaching them the truths of Scripture, and then emulating Christ before them. Do your words and your life match, or is there a Sunday you and a rest of the week you, a work you and a home you. Are your children believers? Now, even if they have professed so much, are they rebellious? I have known many pastors who think they escape this by having no expectations of their children. They say they aren't rebellious because they aren't disobeying the father's rules, which are basically none or way below the standard God has set. In the OT rebellion was a stoning offense, so I would not presume so much upon grace that I would not teach my children the fear of God. He will not change. Does your son talk back to you, does he yell at his mother? Do they act like worldlings? Do your daughters dress modestly or are they more concerned, like Dinah, with what the girls are doing in the nearby town? I remember my wife calling me about Drew, and that she wanted me to say something to her about the shorts she was getting ready to go out in. My wife had already asked her if they were too short. I got home prepared for battle only to find Drew in shorts that touched her knees, and so I was a little confused and thought maybe my wife had become a Mennonite while I was at work. She came out and gave me the no signal and then explained that Drew had gone in and changed without further discussion. Do your kids understand the command of God when it comes to relationships, that He requires that we not be unequally yoked? I have had to explain to mine that dating is not a human right, an activity, a way to disciple unbelievers, no missionary dating. That is the same as putting God beneath your desire for a relationship, and not trusting in His time. I love seeing the growth and fruit in my kid's life, but before that was tilling that made us very unpopular. Are your kids wild and unruly? If so, we are disqualified, maybe not forever, but we need to go and take care of that which should bother us, because it bothers our Lord. 

Although believe (4103) (pistos) can mean trustworthy or faithful (favored by KJV, NKJV, Young's, NET) most of the other Bible translations (NASB, NIV, etc, as well as Greek scholars like A T Robertson, Marvin Vincent, Kenneth Wuest) feel that the context favors the alternative meaning of believing, and thus Paul is describing children who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. It would seem logical that if the elder is not able to lead his own children to faith in Christ, how can he lead others?

Hiebert quoting Lipscomb adds that "the family is the nursery of the church and these two act and react upon each other so that a bad or weak father can never be an efficient elder." - PA

…18Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and through him all the nations of the earth will be blessed. 19For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.” 20Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Because their sin is so grievous,… Genesis 18: 18-20

…4An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. 5For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.… 1 Timothy 3: 4-6

V. 7a As God's steward - It's His sheep you oversee, His gifts you use to do so, and since you carry the name Christian, but now as a deacon or overseer, an elder, you are the examples a mature and ripened Christianity, of those that are worth following, above reproach. Paul was very careful in telling people to follow him; it was only as he followed Christ, and there is in Scripture a great qualifier of his meaning, that you should cease following him in the event that he brings another gospel. Paul has no problem with the idea of being a subordinate, and he outlines it well in 1 Cor. 11:1-3. Jesus even said that He only does what He sees the Father doing. Our culture has made roles and subordination seem a foul thing, but they are lost. 

…9Show hospitality to one another without complaining. 10As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. 11If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.… 1 Peter 4: 9-11

1You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 2Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you. 3But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.… 1 Corinthians 11: 1-3

…7which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! 9As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!… Galatians 1: 7-9

Not self willed - Men like this are there only to please themselves, and I have seen this often, people who think their way is the only way, are troubled that there are people of different tastes than them. They turn preferences into virtue, and they knit pick the smallest things. They usually come in thinking to make great changes but instead remove the projector because they prefer that everyone use the hymnal. They will dog you about using an ESV or LSB because they use a King James, and while I see the merit of KJV, it is poetic and easier to memorize for me, yet I study more with the other two. It is these who strain at gnats though, and it makes them difficult to talk to, especially when they are only thinking about what they are going to say next. They are not leaders.

9if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. 10Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings. 11Yet not even angels, though greater in strength and power, dare to bring such slanderous charges against them before the Lord.… 2 Peter 2: 9-11

Steven Cole - The word literally means, “self-pleasing.” It refers to a man who obstinately maintains his own opinion or asserts his own rights and does not care about the rights, feelings, and interests of others (Trench, Synonyms, p. 349). The self-willed man often takes the contrary view because he loves to assert himself and wield power over others. He never admits that he was wrong. He is not a team player. If he acts in such self-willed ways in the church or with other elders, you can assume that he runs his family like a drill sergeant. Don’t make him an elder! (Read the full sermon)

Barclay says that authades literally means "pleasing himself" and "The man who is authades has been described as the man who is so pleased with himself that nothing else pleases him and he cares to please nobody… The Greek ethical writers had much to say about this fault of authadeia. Aristotle set on the one extreme the man who pleases everybody (areskos), and on the other extreme the man who pleases nobody (authades), and between them the man who had in his life a proper dignity (semnos). He said of the authades that he was the man who would not converse or associate with any man. Eudemus said that the authades was the man who “regulates his life with no respect to others, but who is contemptuous.” Euripides said of him that he was “harsh to his fellow citizens through want of culture.” Philodemus said that his character was compounded in equal parts of conceit, arrogance and contemptuousness. His conceit made him think too highly of himself; his contemptuousness made him think too meanly of others; and his arrogance made him act on his estimate of himself and others. Clearly the man who is authades is an unpleasant character. He is intolerant, condemning everything that he cannot understand and thinking that there is no way of doing anything except his. Such a quality, as Lock said, “is fatal to the rule of free men.” No man of contemptuous and arrogant intolerance is fit to be an office-bearer of the Church. (Daily Study Bible Series) - PA

Not quick tempered - An elder must be the one who exemplifies the fruits of the Spirit, and it is not that a man will never get angry, but he must have self control. It would be a rare instance for him to lose it, and he must be the first to repent in such a case. Our culture has an idol of this in people who are glorified for their fits of rage and violence that streams from their uncontrolled seething. It is another thing that has to be met and battled with in the heart, where the thoughts form.

…16A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. 17A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a devious man is hated. 18The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.… Proverbs 14: 16-18

…17Better a dish of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred. 18A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute. 19The way of the slacker is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.… Proverbs 15: 17-19

…8The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one. 9Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool. 10Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this.… Ecclesiastes 7: 8-10

19My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. 21Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.… James 1: 19-21

Not addicted to wine - I have been alive too long and around too many church people, some that are so acquainted with drink that it is their rising thought. They never seem to understand that this is a disqualifier, of both men and women. You cannot rightly disciple if you are drunk. This is a standard for both shepherds of the church and also government, as Lemuel's mom wrote to him. I have been a drunk and worked for many a drunk; they always think they are good at their job, but they always make bad decisions and their mood is up and down. When they really thirst they become useless, just waiting out the clock, sweating, or hiding a bottle at work. It destroys so many families, how can an overseer be an example when he is ruled by this?

…3Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings. 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, 5lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice.… Proverbs 31: 3-5

…7These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments. 8For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth. 9Whom is He trying to teach? To whom is He explaining His message? To infants just weaned from milk? To babies removed from the breast?… Isaiah 28: 7-9

…17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,… Ephesians 5: 17-19

Not pugnacious - Literally to punch. I have never seen a pastor or elder that beat people into submission, but I have seen shows about the cults where this is quite common. Might does not make right. I believe in self defense, defense of the sheep, defense of women and children, but I have taught my kids that you don't fight because you know you are going to win, you fight because it is the right thing to do. We are not called to be bullies, neither by fist or by mouth. 

The Greeks widened the meaning to include not only physical violence, but also "violence" in speech so that plektes came to mean one who "browbeats" others -- isn't it true that words often strike harder than fists! It is possible to hurt a person more deeply and permanently with cruel words than with a fist. So true!

The man who abandons love and resorts to violence of action or of speech is not fit to be an overseer. The overseer is to be a man who avoids retaliation, no matter how cruelly provoked, instead seeking to settle all conflicts peacefully, reasonably, and without animosity. Paul's instruction is to be his byword so that “if possible, so far as it depends on" the overseer, he is to "be at peace with all men” (Ro 12:18-note). - PA

Not fond of dishonest gain - Follow the money. I have seen in the church a lot of people who used it as a place of business. This is the foundation of prosperity teachers and the thing that allows them to find a handle in the souls of their followers. They say everyone has a price, but an elder and deacon should not. Wasn't this Judas's issue? The deacons and elders are often those responsible for taking up the offering. I have noticed a cooperate sort of world develop in the church as well. Shepherds not looking to stay with their sheep, but to find greener pastures for themselves. Always looking for a better financial situation.

…5“Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” 6 Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it. 7“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial.… John 12: 5-7

…9Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 11But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.… 1 Timothy 6: 9-11

V. 8 Hospitable - The do's. Macarthur points out that this is not a dinner party kind of guy, that always has his friends over, or else this would be more about extroverts. The extension here has an evangelical tinge to it, and also the kind of hospitality that invites in those who can do nothing for you in return, like the widow and the orphan. It's not the guy who throws the best Super Bowl parties, and definitely not the one looking for reciprocation. 

Steven Cole - The Greek word means, literally, “a lover of strangers.” Again, this is a quality that every Christian must strive for (Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9), but it is especially incumbent on elders. If elders are not friendly and warm towards others, the entire church will reflect that indifference and selfishness. Hospitality means taking a genuine interest in others and making them feel welcomed and at ease. It should be begin here when the church gathers. If you’re talking with someone you know and see a visitor all alone, don’t keep talking to each other. Go to the visitor and make him feel welcome!. (Read the full sermon) - PA

Loving what is good - The fellowship of believers, the beauty of nature, the sanctification of others. He is not occupied with evil, dwelling on his former lusts. He is a heavenly minded sort, knowing that eternity is an incomprehensible trade. 

7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy— think on these things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.… Philippians 4: 7-9

Sensible - Logical and reasonable, well balanced in his approach. He is slow to speak, profound, not petty in his thinking. 

MacArthur adds that this man "does not allow circumstances or the immorality or foolishness of the world to distract him and gain his attention and interest. He not only does not become involved in things that are outright immoral and unspiritual but also avoids things that are trivial, foolish, and unproductive. He knows his priorities and is devoted to them." (MacArthur. Titus: Moody Press)

Righteous, Holy - He is just and fair minded. He does not say one thing to the rich and another to the poor. Holy means to be set apart. This is not a look like the Pharisees had, not outward adornment, but a man inwardly ruled by the Spirit. It becomes evident in his life.

…15But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, 16for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 17Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.… 1 Peter 1: 15-17

Self controlled - He disciplines himself, sets aside time for reading and study of God's word. He fights his laziness not only here but at work and at home as well. He is not ruled by his appetites or by feeling and emotions. This man owns his mistakes and works hard to be rid of them.

Paul uses this word (1Co 9:25+) to refer to an athlete who exercises self-control in all things so that he may win the wreath. He doesn’t do anything that would hinder him from his goal. An elder must have control over harmful desires or habits that would interfere with knowing Christ more deeply or with being an effective shepherd of God’s flock. He will be disciplined about spending time alone with God in the Word and prayer. This word is the last of the fruits of the Spirit (Ga 5:23-note), which grow in us as we walk daily by means of the Spirit (Ga 5:16-note). (You may access my message from December 31, 2006, “Learning to Control Yourself,” which deals with this single topic.)

There has been terrible damage to the church of Jesus Christ because unqualified men have been put into leadership. The pastor of the church that I grew up in was a quick-tempered man who tried to control the deacons (that church did not have elders) through intimidation. My dad served on that board and often was the object of the pastor’s anger, because he wouldn’t go along with things that were not in line with Scripture. It all came to a head when it came to light that the pastor was using church facilities for his private counseling practice. He was illegally channeling the income he received through a fund labeled “Youth Camp Fund,” to dodge the IRS. When my dad confronted him privately, he blew up. So, my dad confronted him at a church meeting. When the church would not correct the situation, we left the church. Within a few months, the pastor had left his wife and five children to run off with a counselee.

We then started attending another church. We hadn’t been there very long until it came out that the pastor was carrying on wrongful relationships with several women in the church, including the wife of one of his staff members. That staff member and his wife subsequently divorced. The pastor left the church, but the denomination, rather than removing him from ministry, moved him to a large church in another state! He later moved back to California. A few years ago, I saw in a publication from that denomination that the governor of California had named a day to honor him! Somehow I think that God’s view will be a bit different! Whenever these things happen, many people are wounded. Some, who were shaky in their faith, leave the church and sometimes leave the faith. Unbelievers mock God and the church and find justification to go on in their sins. So it is imperative that we, as a church, only put into leadership men who are spiritually mature, as seen in their home life and in their personal character. - Steve Cole

Exhort in sound doctrine and reprove those who contradict - I have unfortunately been to a lot of churches that hate doctrine, that do not know or understand it. They like impressions and overall good feeling. My dad's church was started in order to have a place where no one was offended and everyone felt comfortable, so they didn't preach much against sin. I have heard the old reformers say, that if you want to find and remove the goats, then go back preach the old doctrines of Paul, Peter, and Jesus, especially that of election. If you are an enabler and a people pleaser then this is not the job for you, and if you actually loved people then you would want to tell them the truth because whether they like you or not they will have to face God one day. 

…14To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter. 16Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope,… 2 Thessalonians 2: 14-16

12For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day. 13Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.… 2 Timothy 1: 12-13

2Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. 3Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints. 4For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.… Jude 1: 2-4

…10Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name.… Revelation 3: 10-12