Dear Brethren,
MEDITATION
For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are
lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— Titus 1:5

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

1. Ministry of the Apostle Paul
a) He had an extensive ministry
b) But he could not be in all the places at the same time

2. The Ministry of other pastors
a) Timothy was asked to minister in Ephesus 1 Timothy 1:1
b) Titus was asked to minister in Crete Titus 1:5

3. The work that was entrusted to Titus
a) The Church must be set in order
b) This is a necessity

4. If a church is poorly organized
a) It becomes weak
b) The work of God is hindered
c) It is vulnerable to attacks from false teachers
d) God’s name is dishonoured
e) Shame would be experienced by all

5. Set in order
a) This requires organizational ability

b) People need to be trained
c) After which, they may be appointed to serve
6. The things that are lacking
a) These things must be noted
b) The things that are lacking must be looked into

7. The word “elders”
a) It may describe a pastor
b) It may describe a senior and respectable leader
8. A commandment from the Apostle Paul
a) Paul was not just making a suggestion
b) He was a leading apostle
c) What he had written to Titus must be fulfilled (in obedience)

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. Bible School
a) Many learn only Bible doctrines
b) Few teach important pastoral skills

2. A challenge to keep learning
a) It is not too late to learn vital skills of organization
b) Let us make sure that we have a well-organized Church
c) Let us pray for the Lord’s grace to learn well
d) Let us look forward to a better organized Church set-up

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan