Leading Like Jesus – Part 2

Tonight we’re continuing our study in Titus. Our series is Leading Like Jesus, and we’re covering this in seven parts. This is part two. Last week we covered the commitments of a faithful leader and the character of a faithful leader.

Remember, Titus’ purpose in Crete (Titus 1:5) was to set in order the things that were wanting and to ordain elders in every city. His job was to train leaders who could replicate the ministry. So as we move through this short book—verse by verse—we’re learning leadership from Scripture.

Look with me at Titus 1:10; we’ll finish chapter 1 tonight and deal with the concerns of a faithful leader. We’ve seen the commitments and the character; now, the concerns. Leadership requires prudence and foresight. “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” We need discernment—acquired and used.

[Reading/Context in Titus 1:10–16]
Paul describes people Titus would face: unruly, vain talkers, and deceivers—especially of the circumcision—whose mouths must be stopped because they subvert whole houses, teaching things they ought not for filthy lucre’s sake. One of their own said, “The Cretans are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.” Paul then says, “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth… Unto the pure all things are pure… They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him…”

We must react differently than the flesh would. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Retrain your mind to respond spiritually, not carnally.

1) The Struggles Leaders Encounter (vv. 10–13)

Trouble from many men: “Many unruly…” They can’t be taught, won’t be disciplined by the Word, and are led by fleshly desires. Scripture tells us to separate from the unruly and disobedient. We’re to “mark them which cause divisions” (cf. Romans 16:17) and avoid them.
Trouble from mouthy men: “Vain talkers”—speaking nonsense and emptiness. Paul warned Timothy to avoid profane and vain babblings (cf. 1 Timothy 6:20).
Trouble from misleading men: “Deceivers.” They lead others astray with “another gospel” (cf. Galatians). This happens even in fundamental Baptist circles: some are leading churches away from the King James Bible, deceiving God’s people.
Trouble from moral-looking men: “Especially they of the circumcision.” They appear to know the law and look put together, but haven’t trusted Christ.
Trouble from mutinous men: “Whose mouths must be stopped; who subvert whole houses.” They teach things they shouldn’t—contrary to the apostles’ doctrine—for filthy lucre’s sake.
Cretan context: “Alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies” (idle gluttons). Crete was a hard field. True leaders see the problems but don’t stop there; they keep leading.

2) The Solutions Leaders Exercise (vv. 13–14)

The right must be preached: “Rebuke them sharply.” This isn’t softness. Church discipline is sometimes public, sometimes private (cf. Matthew 18; 1 & 2 Thessalonians; 1 Timothy 4–6). Handle matters biblically and appropriately.
The purpose of rebuke: Restoration. “That they may be sound in the faith.” We reprove and rebuke so people can be restored to what God calls them to, with longsuffering and doctrine. Rebuke is not hate; it is love obeying God.
The result promoted: Soundness in the faith—minds restored to truth.
The response practiced: “Not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men.” Don’t run after trends, personalities, or camps on social media—stand with the Word of God. Align with Scripture, not reputations. When we hitch ourselves to people instead of principles, we risk turning from the truth.

We’re seeing men compromise—leaving the King James Bible, relaxing music and standards, moving away from biblical positions. Be prudent. See the red flags. Don’t trade golden shields for brass ones.

3) The Success Leaders Experience (vv. 15–16)

Purity principle: “Unto the pure all things are pure.” The pure speak without guile; the defiled twist even good things because their mind and conscience are defiled (cf. “conscience seared with a hot iron”).
Profession vs. practice: “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him.” They have a form of godliness but deny the power. They are abominable, disobedient, and to every good work reprobate (disqualified). Qualifications for leadership matter—blamelessness for pastors, one-woman men, ordered homes for deacons—God’s standards still stand.

A Leader’s Ongoing Posture

Three ongoing necessities in ministry:

Be aware—see the needs and the spiritual pulse of the church.
Be active—develop God’s people; call men to step up (ushers, choir, service).
Be aligned—with Scripture in spirit and method.

Christlike Leadership (John 13:1–17)

Jesus models leadership:

Submissive spirit to the Father.
Sensitive spirit to needs (He washed their feet). Attentive, available, active.
Sacrificial spirit—no task beneath Him; authority is not an excuse to avoid service.
Satisfied spirit—“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

Let’s keep the right spirit and lead like Jesus.