Church elections are coming up and we’ve been reminded to elect only those who are qualified. We shall be electing elders – those appointed to have spiritual oversight and rule of our lives; and we need to voluntarily submit ourselves to them. Often, it’s a tough and thankless job. It’s also very laborious – not only do they spend countless hours in meetings making decisions, but on more needful things like comforting, instructing, shepherding, admonishing, praying, and soul-winning. It takes a special and prepared man to perform these tasks.

But one of the more difficult tasks of the elder is the control of false teachers. And when one sees the characteristics of the false teacher, one understands why such specialized characteristics are needed for the elder.

When Paul wrote to Titus, he addressed the problem of false teachers in Crete. Because there was no suitable leadership in place, the number of false teachers mushroomed and they caused division in the church. Paul revealed in Titus 1:10 that "there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision." These characteristics were enumerated more than 500 years earlier by Epimenides, a Cretian poet, whom Paul quoted in v.12, "The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies."

Stubbornness: They were described as unruly – this speaks of their stubbornness. In other words, they were unwilling to submit to control. Though they professed to know God, they were not meek. Thus they refused any authority over them. Like unruly children, they did not desire to be made to obey.

Useless Eloquence: They were also described as vain talkers. Though eloquent, their talk led to no real constructive good. Calvin states that this characteristic "is contrasted with useful and solid doctrine, and therefore includes all trivial and frivolous speculations, which contain nothing but empty bombast, because they contribute nothing to piety and the fear of God. And such is all the scholastic theology that is found, in the present day [then], in Popery."

Conmen: They were also described as deceivers and liars. Literally "mind" deceivers, they enticed and fascinated people’s minds by their teaching. And in those days, these deceivers came mainly from within the Jews, who would’ve no doubt claimed superior lineage as God’s people to their own ends. And so they had corrupted many churches.

Ferocious Gluttons: They were also described as evil beasts. This shows their ferocity, especially in their speech. What is more, they were well known for their "slow bellies" – they were gluttonous. Their motivation was filthy lucre, literally "shameful gain." They had selfish motives rather than true zeal for God. They hoped to influence people by their teachings, to sway them for their own bellies. They were after gain; fame is also a gain. Some do it for the lust of the flesh, others for the lust of the eyes, and others for the pride of life.

Majoring on the Minors: The false teachers in Crete, according to v.14, gave "heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth." The word "fables" literally means "hidden" – these were obscure things. They were majoring on the minors. They paid attention to minute details that had no larger bearing on the faith – such as endless genealogies or ceremonial purity. These would do more to turn from the truth than contribute to it, as Titus 3:9 asserts, "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain."

So from these verses, we see that false teachers focused on peripheral things; resorting to lies in the fierce propagation of their doctrine, because they ultimately wanted something from it – be it money, fame, or influence. All this was made worse by their refusal to submit. And the problem was this – they thought they were right and their doctrine became a mark of purity.

Self-Righteous: The reason for their stubbornness was their conviction that they were right and everyone else was wrong. But they missed the point! They couldn’t see that their lack of virtues was a mark of impurity – they were stubborn and ferocious liars; but they had the audacity to brand everyone else as impure. This is the meaning of v.15, which says, "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."

A Christian doesn’t need these trifles to have purity in faith – purity comes from a life lived in obedience to God’s Word. But when we reject the Biblical standard for holiness, we reject the Word. Hence we have no standard to compare against, which is why we’d have to make an artificial standard – like the Pharisees. As Romans 10:3 says, "For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." The false teachers weren’t holy, so they relied on their doctrines as marks of holiness. Indeed, the false teachers professed to know God, but their works were contrary to this. And though they could’ve appeared to be logically correct, they were inwardly wrong.

As Spurgeon says, "There are always plenty of thorn about, and there are certain professors who spend half their lives in fighting about nothing at all. There is no more in their contention than the difference between Tweedledum and Tweedledee; but they will divide a church over it, they will go through the world as if they had found out a great secret – it really is not of any consequence whatever – but having made the discovery, they judge everybody by their new-found fad, and so spread a spirit that is contrary to the Spirit of Christ."

And so because of this, elders had to be appointed to deal with these false teachers. In each church, there needs to be strong leaders to discipline, rebuke, and silence such men; leaders with understanding and maturity.

Mouth Muzzlers: One of the more difficult tasks an elder is responsible for is to muzzle these false teachers. In Titus 1:11, Paul instructed that the false teachers’ "mouths must be stopped." Since these men, by nature, won’t stop themselves because of their incorrigibleness, they must be silenced. The word for "stopped" literally means "to put something into the mouth." An elder must therefore be on the watch, not to give permission to dangerous or even peripheral doctrines – as these may make gradual progress. These people had already subverted whole houses – families, sectors of the church, and even house churches. Many were therefore disturbed and stumbled. This led to sectarianism and fractures in the church. This was caused by teachings that shouldn’t have been taught.

Cut Them Off: In muzzling the mouths of the false teachers, the elder should also rebuke them sharply. Titus 1:13 says, "Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith." The word "rebuke" means "to convict." And this, they were to do so sharply – like how a knife cuts – these words of reproof are to be words of discipline. John Calvin says that "we must not deal with obstinate and unruly persons in the same manner as with those who are meek and teachable; for, in instructing the latter, we ought to use mildness as is suitable to their teachable disposition, while the stubbornness of the former must be severely corrected." And these men were seriously obstinate and unruly in attitude.

This was to be done in order that they may be sound in the faith. But this sounds impossible! How could they be sound in the faith when they were all that Paul described them to be? Would they really change their ways? It’s not likely, but through the strong and cutting rebuke, these deceivers would no longer be able to propagate their ideas as freely. And so by so doing this, they’d be strictly kept within the confines of what is accepted as sound faith.

What man is sufficient for such a task? Indeed, no man is – which is why we need to pray for our elders. And also importantly, we are to select men who meet the mandatory qualifications God has laid out in His Word (Titus 1:6-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-7). Here, we take a look at some of the qualifications in light of the control of false teachers.

Familial Qualifications: We’re told that an elder must rule his own house well; if he has children, they should be in subjection with all gravity. And his children should be faithful – meaning, those who profess to be believers in Christ. These children must not be accused of riotousness or of being unruly. The first refers to an uncontrolled life – of gluttony – the prodigal son had such a life. The second refers to a life of disobedience and insubordination.

Interestingly, the false teachers were characterized by unruliness and gluttony. And so, an elder who is unable to deal with the stubbornness and wild living of his children would not be very effective in his dealings with the false teachers.

Positive Qualifications: In order for the elder to be on guard against false teachings, he must be vigilant. This refers to his alertness, always being on the watch. He must be sober; meaning that he is prudent and sensible, having his passions regulated and controlled – not given to emotions like the false teachers. He must be of good behaviour, meaning that he must be of decent gentlemanly conduct – courteous and modest. And he is also temperate, meaning that he is self-controlled. These are his personal characteristics.

But what about his dealings with others? He must be patient, meaning that he must be gentle – "to patiently bear all reproaches and injuries, to put up with affronts, and to give up what is his right and due, rather than contend, quarrel and strike; who is patient towards all men, and does not bear hard on those that have offended, but is moderate and mild, and gentle in his censures, reproofs, and admonitions" (John Gill). He must also be a lover of good things. As a promoter of virtuous things, he loves to see people growing in love and to see them developing virtues. He is also just, which means that he is equitable in his judgment of others – he doesn’t over scold or under scold – being righteous and wise in this regard.

So here, we see a gentleman who has tremendous discernment and self-control, is patient towards others, delights in good things, being righteous in judgment, and self-controlled. We may be tempted to think of him as being very insipid; but far from it, he is actually very firm when he needs to be. He must be apt to teach and especially by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince others. This means that he understands the Word and is able to instruct the head, he is able to exhort the heart, and he is able to rebuke the stubborn will.

Negative Qualifications: Although he can be a disciplinarian, he is however not a striker. He’s not a pugnacious or quarrelsome person. These characteristics belong to the fierce false teachers. A contentious person is not a gentleman. He must not be given to filthy lucre, meaning that he’s not greedy for gain or influence – not like the false teachers. Furthermore, he’s not a brawler, meaning that he’s not disposed to striving with people. He must not be covetous, meaning that he must be far removed from worldly affections.

He must not be self-willed either; this refers to arrogance – he must not be stubborn, always clinging on to his own will and not listening to others, a characteristic of the false teachers. He is also not soon angry; this refers to quick temperedness. He must not be easily provoked or incensed, as the fierce false teachers.

What man is a delicate balance of all these characteristics? Who can find such a man? A self-controlled gentleman who delights in people and good things, who is wise in judgment – firm when necessary but also gentle – controlled in his responses, humble, and moderated; such a man is difficult to find. But when we find him, we know that this is the man that God has called. They’re in all ways different from the false teachers, and thus able to deal with them.

Let us remember to pray for our leaders and to know the great pressures upon them. Let us pray that they remain close to the Lord and have His righteousness in all their dealings, for no man is sufficient for these things. —Mark Chen

Lifers are to make every effort to be present at the ACM at 10:45 am next Sunday where the church’s annual report, treasurer’s report, and this year’s budget will be presented. The Church Constitution requires 50% of all resident communicant members of good standing to be present before it can legally proceed. Please pray for the election of the new Session to serve and lead the congregation for the next 3-year term.
—Pastor

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All members of Life B-P Church are reminded to attend this meeting. The combined English worship service begins at 9.00 am.

Besides bringing the agenda and other documents, voting members please remember to bring along your Member’s card.

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1) New Appointment: Dn Tan Cheow Hock has been appointed as Church Operations Manager (COM) and will be under the full-time employment of Life B-P Church with effect from 1 May 2008 and authorised to provide active support in the mission, administrative affairs and general operations of the church.

2) Family Worship at the home of Mr & Mrs Soon Wee Boon, Friday 25 Apr 08, 8 pm. Address: 20 Holland Dr #21-405, S271020, Tel: 6778-8065. Speaker: Rev Colin Wong.

3) Youth Gospel Rally - Highlight: A Video featuring John MacArthur on the ‘Gospel of Jesus Christ’. Date: 17 May 2008. Time: 2.30 - 7 pm. Venue: Chinese Service Hall. All youths are encouraged to attend and bring friends. Dinner will be provided. Contact: Caleb (94388889) or Luke (91453667)

4) Far Eastern Kindergarten’s Registration for 2009 is now open for children born in 2005 (Nursery) and 2006 (Pre-Nursery). Please call 6251-3676 or log on to www.lifebpc.com/fek/ for more information.

5) VBS 2008 (28-30 May). "The King and I" Registration opens for all 4-9 year old children. Closing date: 11 May. Teachers and helpers are still needed. Please register now. Drop the form in the VBS box at front entrance or register online www.lifebpc.com/vbs . Contact: Keng Khwang @ 98293292 or vbs at lifebpc dot com.

6) Life BPC Bible Camp: 9-13 Jun 08 at Awana Genting Highlands, Malaysia. Theme: "Living Like Citizens of Heaven on Earth" by Prof William Harding. To register, please submit one camp registration form and one photocopy of passport details per person to the Camp Registration Office. Closing date: 25 May 08.

7) Turkey Bible Study Tour (23/5 - 3/6/08). Closing date today. Details and forms at front counter.

Preaching appointment: Rev Seet in Batam.