Entrusted with God's Work
Words of Faith 8-25-2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2023
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Titus 1
[7] Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.

Paul also designated that there was to be an overseer working in the church. This word is not plural. The word here is episkopos from which we get the word "Episcopal" but literally means "one who sees over" or has the "high view." This word is often translated as "Bishop."
While there are many ways in which churches can be organized, it seems that a plurality of "elder leaders" along with a single "overseer" is what Paul described for the churches in Crete. The specific name given to such a leader is perhaps not as important as the character and function of this person. Today we use terms like Pastor, Senior Pastor, or Lead Pastor to identify one who is called to oversee and discern, and articulate vision in the local church.
The overseer seems to fall within the group of "elder leaders" and probably would be known as Pastor or Pastor-Teacher in the framework of Ephesians 4. The significance of the description is huge. This person is entrusted with God's work. This person is not an "employee" of the church or an elder board, they are a servant of God. While they may exemplify "servant-leadership" following the example of Christ, they are not "servants" of the congregation.
Regarding character, this overseer must be blameless. This is a huge order to fill since no one is truly blameless. The description must refer to a person who walks in God's grace. The overseer is not a perfect pastor or preacher but is one who keeps a very short list of unconfessed sins. An overseer is a person who is being "sanctified" by the word of the Holy Spirit, that is, they are constantly growing in grace and being shaped to be more like Jesus.
There are specifics regarding the character of the overseer. They should not be overbearing. The Greek here means "self-pleasing, arrogant, or self-willed." Some have great oratory skills but the force of their personality precludes any discussion or gained understanding. Others grasp the shape of ministry and mission but it becomes apparent that everything is about them. These people are not suited to serve as overseers.
The overseer should not be quick-tempered. The word literally means "soon angry." There are leaders, pastors, teachers, and preachers who do a marvelous job in the spotlight but who are irritable and quickly angered. This is not the standard set by scripture. The goals of the overseer should be to grieve over the things that grieve God and be angered over the things that anger God.
The leader of the congregation should not be "given to drunkenness." Literally, "staying near wine" or "given to wine." This text does not forbid drinking wine but warns of the danger and compromise that comes with addiction or being known for staying close to alcohol.
The overseer must not be violent, literally, not a striker. They should not be in pursuit of dishonest gain. The words here are "filthy" or "greedy" lucre. The overseer should not be searching for ways of lucrative gain or easy money.
Where shall we find such leaders? Only by the grace of God and the mercy of His calling.

Father God, I pray for you to raise up those leaders that would oversee. I pray for the raising up of Pastors and Teachers to lead in your church with the support of those who are older in life and faith. I pray for congregations willing to receive leadership, challenge, comfort, and strength through the leadership You are raising up. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2023 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.