How does Titus 1:7 address the issue of arrogance in leaders? Canonical Setting of Titus 1:7 Paul’s letter to Titus instructs a young apostolic delegate on the island of Crete to “appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5). Verse 7 belongs to the first of two qualification lists (1:6-9; cf. 2:1-10). The qualifications are presented as non-negotiable, Spirit-inspired criteria for any church leader acting “as God’s steward” (1:7). Exact Wording and Key Term Titus 1:7 : “As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.” Greek: “… μὴ αὐθάδη, μή ὀργίλον …” The adjective αὐθάδης (authadēs) combines αὐτός (“self”) and ἡδονή (“delight”) and denotes a person “pleased with himself,” stubborn, self-willed, or arrogant. The NASB renders it “self-willed,” ESV “arrogant.” The word appears elsewhere only in 2 Peter 2:10, describing false teachers. Why Arrogance Is Singularly Disqualifying 1. Stewardship vs. Self-Will. A steward (οἰκονόμος) manages another’s property. Arrogance flips that paradigm: self-interest replaces God-interest. 2. Corporate Health. Arrogant leaders create cultures of fear or flattery, corroding unity (Philippians 2:3-4). 3. Witness Before the World. Paul links “above reproach” with outsiders’ perception (1 Timothy 3:7). Arrogance projects the antithesis of Christ’s meekness (Matthew 11:29). Biblical Cross-References on Pride in Leaders • Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction.” • Ezekiel 28:17: King of Tyre’s “heart became proud.” • 2 Chronicles 26:16: King Uzziah’s pride led to leprosy. • Mark 10:42-45: Jesus forbids domineering leadership, elevates servant-hood. • 1 Peter 5:3-5: Elders must not be “lording it over” the flock; “God opposes the proud.” These passages, in harmony with Titus 1:7, form a canonical consensus: arrogance and godly leadership are mutually exclusive. Christological Pattern of Humility Philippians 2:5-8 presents Christ’s kenosis—voluntary self-emptying—even to the cross. The resurrection (2:9-11) vindicates humility, showing divine power works through self-sacrifice, not self-exaltation. Leadership that ignores this pattern denies the gospel it proclaims. Historical Illustrations of Arrogant Leadership Old Testament: • King Saul’s self-willed sacrifice (1 Samuel 13) cost him the kingdom. • Hezekiah’s pride (2 Chronicles 32:25-26) nearly invited wrath until he humbled himself. Early Church: • Diotrephes “loves to be first” (3 John 9-10) and is censured by the apostle John. • 1 Clement 14 warns Corinthian believers against “arrogance and pride” that deposed legitimate elders. Guardrails to Prevent Arrogance in Elders 1. Plural Leadership (Acts 14:23). Shared authority diffuses ego. 2. Transparent Accountability (Galatians 2:11-14; 1 Timothy 5:20). 3. Doctrinal Saturation—regular study of Christ’s humility. 4. Spiritual Disciplines: prayer, fasting, confession. 5. Congregational Involvement in Selection and Review (Acts 6:3-6). Application for Today’s Church When assessing potential elders, churches must treat “not self-absorbed” as seriously as “husband of one wife.” Charisma, credentials, and strategic skill are secondary; humility is primary. Candidates should demonstrate: • Eagerness to receive counsel (Proverbs 12:15). • Track record of serving unseen. • Emotional self-regulation, especially under criticism. Consequences of Overlooking the Command Tolerating arrogant leadership invites: • Doctrinal drift (2 Peter 2:1-10). • Moral scandal (Proverbs 18:12). • Evangelistic paralysis—unchurched observers cite hypocrisy. Judgment begins “with the household of God” (1 Peter 4:17). Obedience to Titus 1:7 is thus essential to the church’s holiness and mission. Summary Titus 1:7 excludes arrogance from Christian leadership by grounding ministry in stewardship, modeling it after Christ’s humility, embedding it in tested manuscript tradition, and affirming it through behavioral evidence. Leaders who ignore this standard not only disqualify themselves but imperil the very gospel they claim to advance. |
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