“Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” Titus 2:15

Let’s do a quick review. Paul starts off his epistle to Titus outlining the qualifications for elders. We know that, above all, godly leaders are to be blameless. They are to hold fast to sound doctrine, and thus be an example.

Why? Because there were believers in Crete who were out of line and causing problems. There were people spreading false teachings and causing disorder in the body.

 Paul contrasts this situation at the beginning of Chapter two saying, “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.” He then describes how a church should be, and qualifies it all as a response to God’s grace.

This brings us to today’s verse. Here Paul is reenforcing this idea of “speak these things”.

As I read this, I can’t help but think of some of the sad things that are going on in some, not all, churches today. Some “pastors” would rather tickle people’s ears than teach them sound doctrine. And while the church attendance climbs upwards, the spiritual condition of the flock is abysmal at best. You have church-goers, but not genuine believers who are grounded in the scriptures and actively deny ungodliness and worldly lusts.

This type of situation is unacceptable, and Paul makes it very clear to Titus that the unruliness in Crete needs to stop.

“Speak these things”. Don’t sugar coat it. Teach them God’s ways. Teach them what it means to be godly and righteous. Teach them to live soberly and blameless before God and men.  Teach them about God’s grace and how that should affect how we live our lives.

“exort”. The greek here is “parakaleo” and means to urge, beseech someone to pursue some course of conduct. The root of this word is the same as the word used in some texts to describe the Holy Spirit. There is this idea of coming alongside, not in a domineering way but with the intent of building them up and encouraging them.

“rebuke with all authority” The new testament has three verbs for the word “rebuke”. One of them is used simply as a means of pointing out one’s alleged wrongs whether deserved or not. The word used here “elencho ” is used as a means to convict someone clearly in the wrong. As a leader responsible for the church in Crete, Titus is called to correct those who are in obvious transgression. The authority comes in light of sound doctrine. It is inarguable and is done not to tear the offender down, but as explained before, to encourage and build up.

 

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