Godliness for Officebearers
Vanoverloop's article examines Paul's instructions to Titus regarding the godliness expected of church officebearers, drawing on Titus 2:7-8 to show how sound doctrine must be accompanied by a righteous lifestyle. The article argues that the godly conduct of officebearers serves as a powerful witness that silences critics of the gospel and demonstrates their worthiness to lead the church with the authority God has granted them.
". . . exhort . . . shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." Titus 2:7, 8 Paul has noted frequently in his instructions to Titus that the acknowledging of the truth is to be accompanied with godliness. Faith and acknowledging of the truth "is after [accords with, is in harmony with] godliness" (Titus 1:1). He...
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