TITUS 1 Introduction Role of Church Leaders

Transcription

1 TITUS 1 Introduction Role of Church Leaders vv. 1-4 INTRODUCTION: THE FAITH & GLORY OF ETERNAL LIFE [1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, 3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; 4 To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.] Paul begins his letter to Titus on a very humble note. He calls himself a bondservant. In the Greek this word [1401 doulos (doo'-los)] refers to the lowest form of a servant, a slave, one who has virtually no hope of ever gaining his/her freedom and who has no choice but to serve. Paul is also quick to call himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. The word apostle literally means sent from and the idea here is one who is sent forth from God. Therefore, he associates himself with having his feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace {Ephesians 6:15}. Paul says that his ministry is for the furtherance of the faith of the saints. His concern was to build up faith of believers to the point where they would acknowledge the truth. This acknowledgment will lead to living a godly life. Paul mentions the blessed hope eternal life which is a sure thing (because God cannot lie) and which was promised before the world began. The scriptures repeatedly testify to this truth: just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love Ephesians 1:4. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. 1 Peter 1:20. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:8. Therefore as the Gospel is preached and taught, the truth of eternal life is manifested. Since this life with God is eternal, it is also certain that the Gospel will never be permanently silenced the Gospel is also eternal! 1

2 And so it is for John tells us Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth-- to every nation, tribe, language and people. Revelation 14:6. Paul reminds us that the ministry of preaching the truth of God s word was committed to him according to a commandment of God our Savior. Note that Jesus Christ is the Savior {e.g., verse 4} and Paul here equates Jesus Christ with God! We see that Paul explicitly addresses this letter to Titus whom he calls [.a true son in our common faith ] a Gentile [Greek] he has led to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Evidently, Titus was someone that Paul personally ministered to and led to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ 1. Paul s salutation continues with the greeting triad: [Grace, mercy, and peace]. Grace [charis] was the typical Greek greeting while peace [shalom] was the typical Jewish greeting. GRACE is God s Riches At Christ s Expense it s GETTING SOMETHING WE DON T DESERVE. On the other hand MERCY is NOT GETTING SOMETHING WE DO DESERVE. Paul s greeting demonstrates that God satisfies the needs of all ethnic groups and all spiritual needs! Note also that he greets Titus in the name of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ but not the Holy Spirit. Why? Because of the nature of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, He does not speak on His own authority: However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-14 vv. 5-9 QUALIFICATIONS & DUTIES OF AN ELDER {BISHOP} [5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you 6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, soberminded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.] Here we are told directly that Paul left Titus on the island of Crete for the express purpose of bringing order to a situation that had very little of it [For this reason ]. This was to be accomplished by following the command of Paul to appoint or arrange elders in every city on the island. 1 Timothy was another person that Paul addresses this way. [See 1 Timothy 1:2 where we learn that he was also Paul s true son in the faith ]. 2

3 Note that Paul commanded this, Titus did not have a choice. The very integrity and survival of the churches on Crete demanded it. Note that elders were to be appointed not voted into office. In churches today, because we are so accustomed to a democratic process, we vote on both deacons and elders. However, the scriptural model is that spiritual men choose those who should be ordained as elders. In verse 5 Paul refers to church leaders as elders and then in verse 7 he calls them bishops. What is the difference? The word elder is [4245 presbuteros (pres-boo'-ter-os)] from where we get our word presbyter. The Presbyterian Church is primarily ruled by elders, not a single senior pastor. The term refers usually to a senior member of the church community who by their very years of life experience, proven faithfulness and spiritual maturity makes them first of all qualified for oversight of the church. This term is usually applied to the INDIVIDUAL. The word bishop is [1985 episkopos (ep-is'-kop-os)] and can refer to a superintendent, i.e. Christian officer in charge of a church. This word is sometimes translated overseer. That is, one who oversees the functioning of the church. This term is usually applied to the OFFICE and is used as a title for an elder 2. Elders are men then, who have oversight of the affairs in a church. This would include responsibility for the spiritual growth, protection and stability of the congregation. Paul now begins to describe the general qualifications of an elder. Note that there is a parallel passage in Paul s letter to Timothy another young man who was led to Christ by Paul and also instructed regarding the qualifications of an elder. {See 1 Timothy 3:1-7}. First, he begins by stating that an elder must be blameless. What does this mean? It does not mean that no one accuses him of anything. But it does mean that any accusation will prove untrue. It means that the integrity and reputation of elder is such that any question of moral or ethical behavior or any charge of misconduct will lack credibility and be totally absurd. Such character is forged in faithful obedience to the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ. An elder then, was to be above reproach. Since polygamy was common at this time, but not an ideal relationship [God said that two, not three or more, will become one flesh: Genesis 2:24], elders were required to be married to only one wife, they are to be monogamous. Additionally, to demonstrate that he had the character to lead by example and demonstrate order and discipline, an elder was to have children that respected their father and were themselves individuals of faith. The two Greek words used here to describe negative behavior in children both begin with a which signifies anti or instead of. The two action words in the Greek are safe/protected and obedience/subordinate. The children of an elder were not to behave in literally an unsafe or unprotected manner. Neither were they to be disobedient. 2 As a historical note, the office of the Roman Pope originates from the office of the bishop of Rome. However, the bishop of each city was autonomous and bishops in the early church shared in common authority. This office was expanded completely out of scriptural context in power and prestige in the papacy. 3

4 An interesting thought regarding the word translated wild or immoral is that children who behave in such a manner are partially the fault of a father who has neglected to teach them safe and protected behavior. Note Paul s exhortation in 1 Timothy 3:4,5: A bishop then must be..one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?) An elder s children were to behave 3 in such a way that no charge of immorality or insubordination could be legitimately made against them. In other words, an elder could not have children that were wild and defiant out of control and rebellious. Paul characterizes a person holding the office of bishop as a..steward of God. In other words, an elder will acknowledge that what he has is given to him by another, God, and will also recognize his responsibility as a caretaker of what God owns, including the souls of those who are in Christ Jesus. Perhaps there is no more distinctive example of a steward than a shepherd responsible for a flock of sheep. Peter tells us The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 1 Peter 5:1-4. A bishop must therefore be a shepherd of his flock. One who feeds them on the Word of God and protects them from predators such as false teachers. Jesus gives a wonderful description of a true shepherd in John 10:1-5, 11-15: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers..i am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 3 The various translations render the two Greek words for negative behavior as: dissipation/insubordination (NKJ); dissipation/rebellion (NAS); riot/unruly (KJV); wild/disobedient (NIV, TLB, TEV); profligate/insubordinate (RSV). 4

5 In 1 Peter 2:25 Jesus Christ is called the Shepherd and bishop of our souls and in 1 Peter 5:4 He is referred to as the Chief Shepherd. So Jesus is the model an elder/bishop must follow. Jesus said he came not to be served but to serve. A bishop then must also be a servant and a good steward faithful to what God has entrusted him with. {Refer also to Psalms 23}. Paul now in rapid-fire succession gives both the negative and positive character traits of an elder. First, he repeats the charge that an elder must be blameless that is, it is rare for anyone to bring a charge against him and any accusations against him will be proven false. It would be like someone charging Billy Graham with cheating on his wife it borders on stupidity just to say this because no one would believe it and such a person would be called a false witness. Billy Graham is an example of a blameless life. Next are five negative traits elders are not to have: [not self-willed] = not seeking his own way; not self-pleasing, not arrogant, not insistent on doing things his way but God s way {he will be humble}. Ronald Reagan had on his desk in the Oval Office a plague which read: THERE IS NO LIMIT TO WHAT A MAN CAN ACCOMPLISH IF HE IS WILLING TO LET OTHERS TAKE THE CREDIT FOR IT. [not quick-tempered] = not easily angered, not quick to react, patient, thoughtful, deliberative [not given to wine] = not addicted to alcohol/drugs, not a drunkard. [not violent] = doesn t settle disputes by getting physical or physically threatening, not contentious, not quarrelsome. [not greedy for money] = not desirous of dishonest gain or willing to make money under questionable circumstances, i.e., not a gambler, content with the things he has in Christ. An elder will not love money which is the root of all evil according to 1 Timothy 6:10. Finally, Paul lists six positive qualities elders are to have: {hospitable} = literally a lover of strangers/foreigners, sociable, courteous, in Hebrews 13:1,2 this is associated with loving the brethren. {a lover of what is good} = literally a lover of goodness, pure, seeking after righteousness. Refer to Philippians 4:8. {sober-minded} = having a sound mind, exercising wisdom, curbing one s desires & impulses, rationale and reasonable. {just} = striving to serve justice, being on God s side, doing what is right and honorable. {holy} = setting one s self apart for God, dedicated to godly pursuits. {self-controlled} = strength to be patient, under control both in thought, speech and action, deliberate and confident. {holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught} = persevering, unshakable in one s belief, maintaining consistency of doctrine, adhering to God s Word. 5

6 Paul states the purpose of all this: that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. To Timothy he puts it this way: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15. Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2. Thus, an elder above all must be well grounded in the Word of God. Understanding it and applying the knowledge with wisdom, tact and precision so that those who contradict the teaching of the Word of God are exhorted and convinced. Some wonderful examples of this are found in John 8:3-9; Acts 4:8-14; 7:2-54 vv a FALSE TEACHERS ARE IDENTIFIED BY THEIR DEEDS [10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true.] Now Paul explains to Titus why he is to (1) appoint elders in every city and (2) remain steadfast and faithful in proclaiming God s Word. He is to do this because of false teachers and those who oppose sound doctrine. He describes their character as: Disobedient and out of control, putting forth empty talk and meaningless chatter, mis-leaders of the mind. The Judaizers {Jewish activists} were the worst because they sought to impose legalism upon the Christians forcing them under a works based relationship with God {Galatians 2:1-5; 4:4-11; Colossians 4:4-10}. This would take them from God s grace and put them under the bondage of the works of the flesh {Galatians 5:1-9}. In the book of Revelation God has a stern word for them He calls them those of the synagogue of Satan {Revelation 2:9; 3:9}. We have our own version of Judaizers today. There are some that teach that it is a sin for a church leader {pastor, priest} to be married. But the book of Hebrews teaches us that, Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. {Hebrews 13:4}. Paul actually prophesies a warning in his letter to Timothy that there would come those that would forbid marriage and describes their trademarks {1 Timothy 4:1-5}. Likewise, others say that this day or that day is the only legitimate day to worship. These insist that setting aside any other day than Saturday for worshipping God is an abomination to the LORD. 6

7 They site Old Testament passages but they do not realize these were commands given explicitly to Israel and are part of the Law which was made obsolete by the sacrifice and priesthood of Jesus Christ. See for example 4 Exodus 31:16,17; Leviticus 24:8. They forget that the punishment for breaking the Sabbath was death by stoning! Praise God that Jesus sacrifice has set us free from the bondage of sin & death. It is interesting that Jesus taught that, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath. {Mark 2:27,28}. But to these commandments of men Paul answers, So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths {Colossians 2:13-17}. Others say that you shouldn t partake of this or that to which the scriptures answer: Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle, which all concern things which perish with the using according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. {Colossians 2:20-23}. Praise the LORD that we do not come to a Mount Sinai,..that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.. {Hebrews 12:18,19}, but we have come to.mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect.. {Hebrews 12:22,23}. Still other false teachers promote a name it and claim it doctrine also referred to as positive confession. This teaching has also been called the health and wealth gospel, which is no Gospel at all {Galatians 1:6,7}! These false teachers claim that if you visualize what you want from God and pray for it, He is obligated to give it to you. They would teach that the reason a person has not been healed by God is because of unforgiven sin in that person s life. But all these false teachings pervert the nature and power of God. Paul uses strong language here. These false teachers must be made to shut-up! Paul is telling them that their mouths need to be stopped from moving, like putting a gag or bridle in their mouths. We would say that they need to, Put a sock in it! Notice that their antics and false teaching affect entire households, not just individuals. The false teachers know better than to teach deceptive doctrine, but their greed and the lure of easy money at the expense of exploiting others causes them to continue. This is describing an epidemic of spiritual corruption. Examples of this are the name it and claim preachers. 4 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed. {Exodus 31:16,17}. Every Sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. {Leviticus 24:8}. 7

8 The people of Crete at this time were even denounced by one of their own prophets 5. (However, since this prophet was also a Cretan and a liar by his own admission is his statement to be believed? This is a foolish question for the prophet is speaking as an outsider looking in. So the statement is to be believed.) Notice that the Cretans were not just liars, beasts and gluttons. No. The adjectives used indicate they are always liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons. A much worse than average condition. This is the society that Titus was to establish the churches in. Paul testifies that the culture in Crete produces individuals who lie, act like evil beasts and overeat to the max is true (greed is what drives them). In contrast to this, Christians are to be the salt {convicting and healing} and light {bringing truth and understanding} in changing the culture that is mostly driven by greed and materialism. vv. 13b-16 REBUKE OF FALSE TEACHERS [13b Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.] Therefore, Paul says [rebuke them sharply]. A spiritual leader will always inquire of the facts before making accusations and decisions regarding misconduct and false teaching in the church. However, once that it has been established that someone is teaching false doctrine to the saints, that person must be rebuked sharply. This means abruptly, firmly and without any reservation. To some this kind of rebuke seems rude. For example, those who go door-to-door preaching another gospel and are firmly corrected and rebuked sometimes complain that this is not the spirit of Christian kindness. They take exception that they are witnessing for God, but in fact are promoting false teachings. But of course rudeness is not what Paul is advocating at all. Paul uses this same expression with the saints at Corinth because he does not want to speak this way to them even though they might have deserved it. Listen as Paul lovingly warns the Corinthian saints regarding their insubordination against himself: Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction. 2 Corinthians 13:10. False teachers ARE to be sharply corrected, without guilt or apologies, because the eternal souls of people are at stake. 5 Probably refers to one Epimenides who was priest, bard, and seer of Gnossus, born at Phaestus on the Island of Crete, about 659 BC. He was known for his wisdom and was one of the seven wise men of Greece. It is said that he lived to the age of 157 and many fabulous tales are told about him which can be traced to the creative imagination of the Cretans to put it kindly. Ironically, these are the kinds of lies they were infamous for. The quote here is probably from his treatise concerning oracles. 8

9 So an elder (church leader) must swiftly and firmly deal with false teaching for several reasons. (1) It has destructive and divisive consequences, (2) the idea is always to instruct and correct the false teacher { that they may be sound in the faith } and (3) that the clear distinction is made between that which is false and that which is true. The word used for sound here carries the idea of being healthy and whole, faith working properly as God intended it. This speaks of SPIRITUAL MATURITY growing up out of the milk stage of spiritual life. Note that false teachers are themselves prone to more error if not quickly and firmly corrected. First, they will be susceptible to Jewish folk tales = myths and second, they would assign credibility to those who have turned away from the truth and are teaching the commandments (or traditions) of men. Both myths 6 and fables 7 are propagated from generation to generation. Myths are turned to when people no longer are willing to hear the truth and they can be cunningly devised to deceive even the mature saint 8. That is why the LORD has given the gifts of wisdom (the proper application of knowledge), teaching and discernment to many in the church such individuals make excellent elders and protectors of the congregational flock. The word translated fables here in many translations should really be translated myths or folk tales for so it is in the Greek 9. A myth is a story that may be based on some factual material, but in essence is false, misleading and therefore incapable of communicating real truth. The Greeks understood this word as relating to the initiation into a particular philosophical system through the use of fictional stories. {See the note below}. This same word [muthos] is also used 10 by Paul in 1 Timothy 1:4; 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:4 and by Peter in 2 Peter 1:16 where it should also be translated myths. 6 myth: a traditional story of alleged historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a culture or explain a practice, belief or natural phenomenon; an ill-founded belief held uncritically especially by an interested group. [Webster s New Collegiate Dictionary] 7 fable: a fictitious narrative or legendary story of supernatural happenings intended to enforce a useful truth. [Webster s New Collegiate Dictionary]. 8 The difference between a fable and myth is this. A fable is a story or parable that has the power to provide insight and teach important principles of life through illustration. For example, Aesop s fables are stories that use insightful illustrations to teach worthwhile principles. This should be distinguished from a myth that is also a story but usually does not teach an important message but seeks to promote false history and/or a religious or philosophical system of thought. For example, the story of Evolution would technically be classified as a myth. Greek and Roman mythology teach reliance on false gods. 9 fable [3454 muthos (moo'-thos)] Similar to 3453 [mueo, to initiate] and from the base of 3466 [musterion, a secret/mystery, from muo= to shut the mouth (mute)]; Thus, through the idea of initiation into a philosophy; a tale, i.e. a fiction ("myth") Timothy 1:4: nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 1 Timothy 4:6,7: If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 2 Timothy 4:3,4: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Peter 1:16: For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 9

10 [ who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled]. Those who engage in promoting false teaching and myths are rotten from the inside out. The unbelievers are defiled, unholy and therefore to them they mock truth and nothing is pure. There is no absolute truth or God for the promoter of false doctrine even their mind and conscience are defiled. Evidently, such false teaching (based superstitious beliefs or promoting anti-scriptural philosophy) was common in the early church as it is today. Both then and now false teachers need to be dealt with sternly by those appointed as spiritual shepherds the elders. [ They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him ] False teachers are marked by a lifestyle that contradicts their profession of faith in God. Their lives are characterized by pride, disobedience and unrighteous actions {i.e., idolatry including envy of big churches, quest for prestige/power and money}. Another distinguishing mark of false teachers is that although they profess to know God their works demonstrate otherwise. The word for PROFESS here is an interesting Greek word [3670 homologeo (hom-ol-og-eh'-o)] homo = the same and logos = a word or communication. Thus, profess here means TO OPENLY SAY, DECLARE OR CLAIM THE SAME THING AS ANOTHER, THAT IS, TO AGREE WITH, TO ASSENT, TO CONCEDE. The idea here is that false teachers assume a different meaning for a given word. For example, some false teachers may say that Jesus is savior but to them this word does not imply uniqueness, i.e., Jesus is one of many saviors such as Buddha or Krishna. Or the words are spoken in hypocrisy they are not really believed by those mouthing the words. But Jesus said You shall know them by their fruits. Such false teachers deny the LORD by their works and thus can be identified. Since Jesus also said, Thus shall all men know that you are my disciples that you love one another, false teachers do not really love or care for the saints. They are described by the hireling shepherd, a THIEF, who is willing to abandon and sacrifice the flock of God for personal gain {Refer to John 10:10-13}. False teachers may claim to speak on God s behalf His same truth, but in works they deny Him. They are wolves in sheep s clothing. They are as Paul says here, disobedient, abominable and disqualified (not credible) for any good work! Elders (church leaders) are to deal with false teachers swiftly and firmly so that they are corrected and properly instructed. When they have a healthy faith the church will be edified and honor Jesus Christ. These false teachers are disqualified for any good work of spiritual service. Spiritually speaking they are good for nothing. Paul uses the same word but in the context of an exhortation to not become disqualified through laziness and lack of spiritual discipline. He reminds us that the stakes are high the preaching of the Gospel saves men s souls. See 1 Corinthians 9: