“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:15 ESV).
The Apostle Paul summarized his pastoral mentoring, in the immediate context, to Titus with four imperatives. Paul’s directives were to be obeyed for they ultimately came from the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).
Declare these things. This present active imperative pertains to all that Paul had previously stated to Titus. It concerns the qualifications of church elders (1:5-9), false teachers (1:10-16), multigenerational ministry (2:1-10), and godliness (2:11-14). Proclamation!
Exhort! To exhort (παρακαλέω; parakaleō) means to urge and implore. This second present, active imperative transitions from declaring truth to the application of God’s declared truth. Application!!
Rebuke! Pastors not only have the responsibility to declare God’s truth, and urge believers in Christ to apply God’s truth, but also to rebuke those who do not comply with God’s truth. To rebuke (ἐλέγχω; elenchō) means to expose, reprove and convict someone of wrong. Pastor are to rebuke those within the church who do not obey God’s Word. Confrontation!
The pastor’s responsibility to exhort and rebuke God’s people is due to his God-given authority. This does not mean that pastors are unaccountable to anyone. However, God calls pastors to exhibit great care in ministering in the church.
Let no one disregard you. To disregard (περιφρονέω; periphroneō) means to look down on or to be condescending. Pastors are to presently and actively not allow anyone to despise the position of pastor (Hebrew 13:7, 17).
“Declare . . . exhort . . . rebuke. These three verbs identify the need for proclamation, application, and correction by the word. “Authority” to command people in the spiritual realm comes only from God’s word. Cf. Matt. 7:28–29. Rebellion against the truth has to be dealt with. Cf. Matt. 18:15–20; 1 Cor. 5:9–13; 2 Thess. 3:14–15,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
“First Timothy 4:11–16 is an important parallel passage, demonstrating along with Titus 2:15 the significance of the teaching office in the church. In fulfillment of the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18–20), all believers have a role in instructing others; however, the church’s appointed teachers have special authority to teach biblical doctrine, exhort and encourage others to believe it, and rebuke professing Christians who reject it. This authority is not inherent in the teacher but is based on the Word of God (15:1–9; 18:15–20), and his teaching is not binding if it violates Scripture,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.
Pray for your pastor(s) and church elders to be faithful in obeying these biblical commands set forth in today’s text. Pray for your congregation that they will be respectful of their pastor(s) and church elders. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 