Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Titus 1:5-9.

 

“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, namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.  For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 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 refute those who contradict.”  Titus 1:5-9.

 

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It is humbling to read these qualifications to be an elder.  There are so many qualifications in the category of what an elder should not be, and there are so many qualifications in the category of what an elder should be.  And, each qualification is tough to fulfill.  

 

But, there is hope!  God will provide.  

 

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.  There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”  1 Corinthians 12:4-7. 

 

“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;  until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”  Ephesians 4:11-13. 

 

Therefore, let us be diligent to employ those gifts in serving one another.  “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  1 Peter 4:10.        

 

As one example, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15.   

 

As another example, “Be hospitable to one another without complaint.”  1 Peter 4:9.     

 

As a final example, “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God;  whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies;  so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 4:11.