Encouragement Entrusts

Today, we continue our study to answer the question: “How is the church supposed to function Biblically?” Over the last few weeks, we have looked at Titus 1:9 understanding our need to engage, elevate, and explain God's word as we encourage and edify others. Today, we see the command to entrust God's word to capable men. Paul writes, “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” In this verse, we find a clear call to raise up faithful men capable to teach God's word, exhort in sound doctrine, and refute those who contradict. We see this concept developed in greater detail in 2 Timothy 2:2. In this verse, we understand the call to entrust God’s word, the character of faithful men, and the importance of a man’s ability to teach God’s word.

Entrust: What is it? 

In Timothy 2:2, Paul encourages the young pastor Timothy to entrust the mission of the church to faithful men. The word for entrust literally means to "lay alongside of" or "set before." In this context, the word conveys the idea of giving over the mission of the church for safekeeping. These are special men. They are given the privilege to guard God’s truth. They are the last line of defense against the attacks of this world. 

Therefore, they are primarily defenders of God’s word, not innovators, not popular speakers, not politicians. They stand for the truth; not more or less. In ancient Rome, this term was a legal device used to entrust an object into another’s keeping. The law demanded the object was “kept free, unused, and undamaged until restored to the original owner.” The process of entrustment ensures one receives the mission of the church without the intention to change or challenge it, but simply to communicate it to others. The future success of any church depends on how serious one takes this call. Entrustment is not a straw poll or vote. Instead, this is an involved and personal process to understand one’s commitment to the truth.  

Character: Entrust to Faithful Men

For this reason, the men must be of a certain caliber. They are not fair weather sailors. Paul describes their character with the phrase “faithful men.” First, the word “men” speaks to their gender—leaders must be men (1 Tim 3:1). Second, the word “faithful” addresses their depth of commitment. They must be trustworthy, expected and able to stand under the harshest criticisms and attacks. A faithful man has a lion’s heart wrapped in a rhino’s skin. He will not be moved one inch from God’s truth—for he is faithful. Moreover, he must be faithful in his character and conduct. He strives to exemplify Godly behavior in all he does (1 Tim 3:1–7).

Ability: Entrust to Capable Teachers

Yet, one’s character is not the only qualifier for the process of entrustment to take place. The man must be a capable teacher (Titus 1:9; 2 Tim 2:2). In various Scriptures, Paul says the man must be able to exhort, refute, and teach. This is a well rounded individual capable of imparting God’s word, so others may understand. In Timothy 2:2, Paul writes, “entrust…to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” The word for “able” pertains to one who meets a standard or is qualified. This speaks to a competent teacher. He is able to deliver God’s word and the mission of the church from a sincere heart, but also with the ability to convince others. 

Next, the word “teacher” refers to his method. The word for teach is to instruct or tell. This person provides teaching in both formal or informal settings. He is not primarily a motivational speaker, a talk therapist, a communicator, a networker, or relationship builder. He is a teacher. He gives the information of the Scriptures to God’s people in a way they understand. 

Entrustment is Essential

How we entrust God’s word and who we entrust God’s word to remain topics of critical importance for any church. The Scripture is clear. Entrustment is a process involving time and personal knowledge of another. Moreover, the process is seeking very specific individuals. Men faithful to God’s word, pure in character, and able to teach others. If this mirrors our church’s process of entrustment, then we will grow according to God’s will.