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"A steward of God..."

Text: Titus 1:7

ANOTHER TERM

We have a third synonym that gives added understanding to the ministry of the elder/bishop in this text.

“For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God,
not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine,
not violent, not greedy for money.”
Titus 1:7

1. “As a steward of God”

a) The word “steward” (Greek: “oikonomos”) is used in literature in a number of ways.

b) A short list:-

i) A person placed in charge of a large household

ii) The treasurer of a city

iii) A trustee

c) In application he is one who helps to manage God’s house.

i) He may function as a respected elder.

ii) He may function as an overseer.

iii) Often the good spiritual leader finds himself fulfilling more than one set of duties.

2. Understanding the Comparative lists (Titus 1:7-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-7)

a) We have two similar lists of qualities.

b) The list of qualities in 1 Timothy seems even more stringent.

c) However it does not mean that the expectations for leaders in Crete are lower!

d) Greater demands of ministry often see more qualities included!

e) Both lists are difficult to fulfil!

3. The qualities are all affixed with the prefix “not”

a) Not self-willed

b) Not quick-tempered

c) Not given to wine

d) Not violent

e) Not greedy for money

These qualities are so obvious they are self-explanatory!