The Order Of Things That Are Wanting

Paul instructed Titus to “set in order the things that are wanting.” Because “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Cor 14:33). He is a God of perfect order, timing, and balance – He upholds “all things by the word of His power” (Heb 1:3). No one can set things in order like God (Isa 44:7). Therefore, we must yield to His orders according the scriptures, so that we may follow Him accordingly (Ps 37:23)! There were numerous things that were not being “done decently and in order” (1 Cor 14:40), that Titus needed to straighten up.

 He was appointed to “ordain elders in every city” of Crete. They were to become leaders of the local churches that were planted (1 Tim 5:17), and “overseers, to feed the church of God” (Acts 20:28). Elders are not some ruling bodies that run the church and the pastor, as some denominations have today. The terms pastor, elder, and bishop describe the same office in the assembly, which refer to three different aspects of the church leader’s work. The most common and preferred title that we use for the leader in the local church is “Pastor” (Eph 4:11); it refers to the church leader’s ministry of shepherding, teaching, and nurturing the flock (1 Pet 5:2).

“Elder” refers to the church leader’s maturity in being an example “to the flock” (1 Pet 5:3). While the term “bishop” refers to the church leader’s authority in having “the rule over” (Heb 13:17), them. These three terms are not separate offices, but are used to describe the same person. Paul gave Titus a list of qualifications (v. 6-9), to make the right decision in selecting the men that he would ordain. If they did not meet these criteria then there would be no exceptions, revisions, or addendums. And there is no reason to consider them at all. That’s the order of “things that are wanting!” God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera