Titus 1:8–9
But a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Paul continues describing the kind of man who should lead God’s people. His character is steady. He is sober minded, just in his dealings, holy in his walk, and disciplined in his life. But then Paul comes to something that stands at the center of it all.
He must be a man who is “holding fast the faithful word.”
Not loosely attached to it. Not casually familiar with it. Holding fast to it.
That phrase brings to mind a story from the life of David’s mighty men. One of them was named Eleazar. When the Philistines pressed in and the Israelite army began to retreat, Eleazar did something different. Instead of running, he planted his feet and fought.
The account says he fought so long and so fiercely that his hand “clave unto the sword.”
2 Samuel 23:10
He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the Lord wrought a great victory that day.
His hand clung to the sword so tightly it could barely let go.
That is the picture Paul is painting here.
A spiritual leader must be a man whose life is wrapped around the Word of God. He carries it with him. He returns to it daily. When life becomes confusing or difficult, he does not reach for opinions or trends. He reaches for the Scriptures.
The Word becomes the sword he holds onto.
Think about that.
There is an old saying that a Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t. When the Word of God is opened regularly, it steadies the heart. It sharpens judgment. It anchors the soul when the winds of culture begin to blow.
Paul says this is necessary for a reason. A leader who knows the Word will be able to do two important things. First, he will be able to encourage people with sound doctrine. The truth strengthens believers and gives them direction.
Second, he will be able to answer those who oppose the truth.
Every generation faces voices that challenge or distort the gospel. New arguments appear. New ideas circulate. But the answer is not found in clever rhetoric. The answer is found in the faithful Word.
A man who stays rooted in Scripture will have what he needs when those moments come.