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"A lover of what is good..."

Text: Titus 1:8

CONTINUING LIST OF QUALITIES

The quality expected of stewards of God was very high indeed. Why was this the case? The simple reason is because of the nature of God’s work! His work demands the best that we can offer. The list of qualities expected of bishops/elders continues in this text.

“But hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded,
just, holy, self-controlled.”
Titus 1:8

1. “But”

a) There are many conjunctions in the Greek language.

b) The strongest one is used here (alla).

c) It is used here emphatically to emphasise the qualities that follow.

2. Qualities

a) “Hospitable”

i) Not just to family.

ii) But also to “strangers”.

b) “A lover of what is good”

i) This phrase translates one word (“philagon”).

ii) It may be translated “One who loves what is morally good”.

c) “Sober-minded”

i) It describes a person who is sensible.

ii) This person shows good sense.

d) “Just”

i) The essence is “righteousness”.

ii) Righteousness is his way of life.

e) “Holy”

i) Piety is in mind here.

ii) Devoutness is a great virtue.

f) “Self-controlled”

i) It describes a person who is strong.

ii) His strength (of character) enables him to exercise good self-control.