We move into Paul’s letter to Titus, which echoes the same themes as 1 and 2 Timothy, and it’s all pretty clear. I like the bang-bang opening:

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness… (Titus 1.1, NIV)

It’s always “truth that leads to godliness.” There is no commendation in scripture for merely studying or teaching “truth.” Jesus was clear on that in his parable on the wise and foolish builders.

The same is true for the people who deliver the teaching. Almost ALL the emphasis is on character and lifestyle, not, as we sometimes value today, a potential pastor’s education. (Jesus himself wouldn’t qualify for some advertised pastoral positions.)

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— 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. 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, but 
• hospitable, 
• a lover of good, 
• self-controlled, 
• upright, 
• holy, and 
• disciplined.  
• 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. (Titus 1.5 – 9, ESV, bulleted for clarity)

There’s more, but I think I’ll save it for another day…