Titus 1:10

Titus 1:10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.

Truth:

• Paul had some specifics in mind when instructing that elders should instruct and rebuke.
• Various motivations for "teaching what they ought not teach": insubordination, empty talkers, deceivers, shameful gain, devoted to myths, following others who turn away... in some ways, opposite of those qualified to be elder.
• Purpose of the rebuke is that they may be sound in the faith (same purpose as church discipline). Reminds me of Titus 2:15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
  
• Although these instructions are for Titus, I imagine they are intended for the elders as well. Titus is setting up the elders in every town...

Application:

• Pray for the leaders of the church that they would know the Lord and his word well to do this job.
• Are any of these things true in me: insubordination, empty talkers, deceivers, shameful gain, devoted to myths, following others who turn away?
• Know the word. Be sound in the faith.
  

Titus 1:5

5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Truth:

• Appointing of elders was part of the original plan ("as I directed you"), not an afterthought.
  
• Overseer is God's steward - has authority to take care of things in God's place. As such, he needs to be above reproach (as an example?, to assist in the people's acceptance of them as leaders?, as representing God to the people?)
• Most of these characteristics are true of all believers
• Teaching and rebuking - upholding sound doctrine - comes from holding firm to the trustworthy word.

Application:

• Hold firm to the trustworthy word as it was taught. Know the Bible to know sound doctrine!
• Allow God's power to conform me into a godly man. Pursue righteousness. Don't know how? Keep seeking until you find out. Focus on Christ to become like Christ.
  
• Be a lover of good.