The Character of the People Who Equip the Saints
Titus 2:1-8
November 26, 2023
When the Lord revealed His plan for leaders in the church, He did the opposite of what the world typically does — He called the church to identify leaders on the basis of character more than competency. Look at the lists in 1 Timothy 3 for deacons and elders. The same emphasis is in Titus 1 and 1 Pt. 5.
And when God identifies what it means for any believer to be mature, He again identifies character quality over ministry ability (e.g., Eph. 4:1-3; Col. 3:8-11; 1 Pt. 5:5-8ff; Gal. 5:16-24). This was also true in the OT (e.g., Psalm 15).
This emphasis on the growing spiritual character of God’s people led one pastor to write, “Character matters — not so we look good, but so Christ is praised and His church is made beautiful.” [Character Matters] God wants all His people to grow in Christlikeness. And that is especially true for those who will disciple others.
This year our theme for ministry has been “Equipping the Saints” — it has been a reminder to continue pursuing excellence in preparing one another for ministry. As we finish the year, we’ve been thinking about the topic more directly — we’ve talked about the goal in equipping and the people who equip (redeemed sinners). Today we are considering the question, “what are the standards of character for those who will do the work of equipping?” What are the biblical qualifications for the people who will build up others? And what we are going to find in Titus 2 is —
All of God’s people are saved to serve Him.
All God’s people will serve Him well when they exemplify His character.
More could be said than what we will cover, but this morning, let’s give attention to five characteristics of those who will equip others in the church body (in our church body). What kind of equippers are we looking for?
- Equip Others from “Healthy” Doctrine (v. 1)
- Equip Others with Self-Control (v. 2)
- Equip Others from and to Love (v. 3-5)
- Equip Others in an Exemplary Manner (vv. 7-8)
- Equip Others in Every Stage and Status of Life (vv. 1-10)
Download the rest of this sermon on Titus 2:1-8.
The audio will be posted on the GBC website by tomorrow.
Words of Grace 