Are We Headed for a Shipwreck?

Titus 1: Paul told Titus one of the character qualities of the elders was that they would “hold fast to the faithful message.” Today there are a plethora of “preachers” who are not holding fast to the doctrines of the church. Many are well known and say they are “comfortable “with those who live in a lifestyle that is contrary to God’s Holy Word. Many are well known and have a following. We need to be asking; Where will this lead?  And what should be our response? Jesus said: “Leave them! They are blind guides. If someone who is blind leads another who is blind, both will fall into a pit.” [Mat 15:14]

Why was Paul so adamant about the elders/overseers being able to hold fast?  Holding fast is a contrast to one who wavers or doubts  and “the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind.” [James 1]. If you don’t know the key points how you are able to refute those who come to tickle the ears of the unsuspecting sheep in your care? An elder must be “always be ready to given an answer to anyone who asks  about the hope they possess.” [1Peter 3] Titus was to appoint elders who could stand against the false Judaizers there on Crete. And today we need the same type of men in leadership or we will be shipwrecked!

So how does apply to us today? We must pray for our church leaders that they would be excellent students of the Word and be discerning. They must be able to defend the faith because just as on Crete there will be those who will profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him. That is why I endeavored to glean what the true doctrines of the faith is and who Jesus is which are listed in  1Tim 3:16. We must know them step by step. 

Speaking of Jesus Paul wrote: He was revealed in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

As I studied them last week my faith was strengthened. I was able to locate all the verses that reveal those truths. If someone read "he was revealed in the flesh" and asked you what that meant, would you be able to quote the verses that prove that truth? That is my challenge to you. Spend time here on Lumina Bible Study tool as well as find other writers that explain that concept. Google each phrase and find trustworthy resources to help you in this challenge.