The Preacher's Attitude Toward "Preach the word...." (4)

In the book of Titus, Paul instructed a young man in the work of an evangelist.

1. Titus was to "...set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee..." (Tit. 1:5). This did not make him a "pastor." The modern idea of "pastoral oversight" is not in the word of God.

2. "...The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies...Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth" (Tit. 1:12,13). Rebuke is an obligation of the preacher who pleases God and is concerned about the eternal salvation of men (cf. II Tim. 4:1,2).

3. "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine..." (Tit. 2:1). Preaching is serious business. Only sound doctrine is to be taught. Anything else wastes man's time and takes him to torment. After Paul charged Titus to "...speak thou the things which become sound doctrine...," he told him what to teach (Tit. 2:1-10).

4. "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority" (Tit. 2:15). Preaching is to have the authority of Heaven ringing in it. Paul wrote, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." (II Cor. 5:11).

5. "Let no man despise thee" (Tit. 2:15). That Titus was a young man did not change the truth. He was not to be haughty, but neither was he to be looked down on. Proper conduct of an evangelist's affairs helps his credibility (I Tim. 4:12).

6. "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men" (Tit. 3:1,2). Remind the brethren of their obligations, teach them their duty.

7. "...these things I will that thou affirm constantly..." (Tit. 3:8). Some things must be preached and preached again. Like Peter, the evangelist must "...not be negligent to put you always in remembrance..." (II Pet. 1:12).

8. "But avoid foolish questions..." (Tit. 3:9). Sift out the wheat and throw the chaff away. It will take time and wisdom to do a good job of this.

9. "A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject..." (Tit. 3:10). Factious men, including false teachers, must be dealt with or they will destroy a congregation.

The Holy Spirit-inspired apostle Paul instructed Timothy and Titus to do their God-given work in God's way. If one follows Paul's instructions he will be a "...good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine..." (I Tim. 4:6) and will "Preach the word..." being "...instant in season, out of season;..." reproving, rebuking, and exhorting "...with all longsuffering and doctrine" (II Tim. 4:2).