STUDY FOUR: LIVING ABOVE REPROACH

THEME: FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH

TEXT: TITUS 1:1-16

28TH JANUARY, 2024

AIM:

1. To teach that every Christian is called to live above reproach
2. To teach that grace is not a license to sin but to live above it

 INTRODUCTION:

The dictionary defines reproach as “shame or disgrace or that which brings rebuke or censure upon a person.” The Bible speaks of being “above reproach” or “blameless” as one of the distinctive marks of those who aspire to the office of elder or deacon within the church (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6–7). Their work for the church, as well as their interactions with others, are to be of such moral quality that they do not bring shame or in any way disgrace the body of Christ or the name of Jesus. This holds true not only within the church but outside it as well.

Above reproach means that the overseer’s life is free from sinful habits or behaviors that would impede his setting the highest Christian standard and model for the church to emulate (Hebrews 13:7; 1 Peter 5:3). Similarly, the overseer must not give cause for those outside the church to impugn its reputation. Being above reproach means that no one can honestly bring a charge or accusation against him (Acts 25:7; 1 Peter 3:16).

In our text, Paul briefly described some qualifications that the elders or overseers should have. Paul had given Timothy a similar set of instructions for the church in Ephesus (1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:22). Notice that most of the qualifications involve character, not knowledge or skill. A person’s lifestyle and relationships provide a window into his or her character. Consider these qualifications as you evaluate a person for a position of leadership in your church. It is important to have leaders who can effectively preach God’s Word, but it is even more important to have those who can live out God’s Word and be examples for others to follow.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:

1. In line with the text, highlight and explain issues that can bring reproach to the body of Christ.
2. How do you think the Churchcan tackle the menace of immoralities within its borders? (1 John 1:7, Eph. 5:11-14, Proverbs 27:5-6)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:Purity is the diamond of the soul.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Timothy 5:7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.