1. Appoint elders in every town (5)

A church needs spiritual order; so there must be leaders. Strong spiritual leaders make an environment in which God's people can grow and do God's work. Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders in every town. The selection of elders was not a popularity contest; they were to be appointed by God's servant, on the basis of spiritual qualifications.

2. Qualifications for leadership (6-9)

A leader's personal life is important. He should be faithful to his wife and he should discipline his children. (See 1 Sa 3:13.) He should not give in to anger nor should he use violence. He should not use his position to lord it over others, nor to get personal gain. He must open his heart and his home to all of God's people. Above all, he must study and obey God's word, and encourage others by teaching the Bible as it is.

Application: Father, raise up 10,000 Bible teachers who love the Bible and know that it is your word of truth, and teach it diligently to others.
One Word: Shepherds for God's flock