NOV 30 

Titus 1:5
Memorise 1 Corinthians 14:40
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

The pastoral epistles consist of First and Second Timothy, and Titus. Unlike the other Pauline epistles, these are personal, each addressed to two individuals rather than churches or a group of believers. Written by the Apostle Paul – the senior, experienced pastor – to two young pastors Timothy and Titus whom he considered dear spiritual sons. These epistles center on the office of the pastor, as the under-shepherd of God’s flock. Hence the term, ‘pastoral epistles’.

In the pastoral epistles we witness the transition of the early church from the days of Acts led by the itinerant apostles and their disciples, to a time when the church was becoming a more established institution. Paul left Titus in Crete for a specific purpose: to put in order things in the church, and appoint elders in the other cities in the island of Crete to oversee the churches. This task and responsibility rested with Titus. The pastoral epistles are like an ‘instructional manual’ for pastors as to how the local church should be administered, from the appointment of leaders, to the conduct in public worship, teaching and rectifying false doctrine, and dealing with sin. One of the most important tasks is the appointment of spiritually qualified leaders to aid the pastor. A church governed by spiritual men will be a spiritually ordered one.

The same specific pastoral responsibilities appointed to Timothy and Titus are given to pastors today, just as the pattern for how local churches should function remains unchanged. The church is a spiritual institution and the Bible prescribes how it should be run and by whom. In the Presbyterian church, pastors play a critical Biblical role in their selection of the elders and deacons who will stand for election. Nevertheless, we also play a part in how our church is run when we vote for these leaders. Let us take this role seriously, as we are accountable to the Lord also!

The pastoral epistles also give us a basis to assess our churches. What is the focus and conduct of your pastor like? Is there order in your church today as prescribed by the pastoral epistles? Does spiritual order, un- spiritual chaos, or worldly inclinations prevail? Is the church fulfilling the purpose Christ intended? As we delve further into the pastoral epistles the answers to these questions will become apparent.

Thought: How do you evaluate whether the pastor and leadership are ‘good’?
Prayer: May the pastor and leadership of my church govern the church in accordance with Your Word.