It's not given to me to judge others but to know you are in the right place of worship you must be a fruit inspector (Mt 7.16) regarding the "overseer" also known as "bishop" or your pastor.
Paul tells Titus (Titus 1.5-9) that a
- "bishop must be blameless, - "above suspicion" would be another way to phrase this directive - while he may have his private life, his public life must be above reproach. It is a given there will be naysayers and false accusers but in the end he will live the virtuous, untarnished life to any who would accuse him.
- the husband of one wife,(not one wife at a time!) - too many verses to count regarding remarriage when one has a living mate. It is enough to say he is not a wife swapper! He will remain as true and faithful to one woman as he is to his Lord.
- having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly... - he is expected to "Train up a child in the way he 'should' go..." (Pro 22.6) - same as any other believer with children should do. This does not mean his children won't stray but he will have the peace of knowing he "raised them toward the Lord."
- must be a (good) steward of God, - A steward is one who oversees the needs of others, according to Webster's 1838 dictionary. Your "bishops" primary focus should be to see that his congregants have all the spiritual food he can give. He may also oversee physical needs as brought to his attention. Has your pastor ever paid specific attention to the details of your life? How are you? Then, listened, patiently, as you expounded your woes. Be mindful of his time, he has burdens too!
- not self-willed, - He will put his personal comfort aside when studying the Word to give to you each time he is in the pulpit.
- not soon angry, - He should react angrily to sin but never the sinner and the trouble they are in because of living "loose." More often, his heart will break because of the trouble a believer is in due to "unruly, disobedient" behavior.
- not given to wine, - Pretty clear here, he doesn't drink any form of liquor! This includes wine.
- no striker, - He doesn't present as an angry man, except when sin has ruined ones life.
- not given to filthy lucre;... A real, godly Pastor/Bishop, IS NOT in it for the money and it shows. Others may afford him suits, new car even but he has never sought these things out.
- a lover of hospitality, - He will always say, "call me if you need me."
- lover of good men, - His hero's and personal mentors will be godly men. The godly men will be the influences in his life
- sober, - this isn't just referring to not drinking. This blogger also believes it applies to his behavior. He may tell a funny thing from time to time but he understand the seriousness of living right before God in himself as well as those he oversees.
- just, - One will never feel accused at his Holy Ghost filled preaching but convicted which is the far better conclusion.
- holy, - He will never be found in the places of the world for personal pleasure. He might take his young family or grands to a park for recreation but will not spend time in pleasure filled days.
- temperate; - He is very balanced in his judgments. He may not always be right, according to those he must discipline but will exercise control when dealing with adverse believers or unbelievers.
- holding fast the faithful Word...that he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and to convince the gainsayers - He will NEVER compromise the truth of scripture to fit a personal agenda.
This list is not conclusive but thorough enough to use when deciding and praying whether
you are sitting under sound preaching.
you are sitting under sound preaching.
God bless is my prayer. Ps 57.7
