Titus 1:7, “Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless -- not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.”

Interesting points:
1. Building on the previous verses concerning straightening out unfinished work and appointing elders to lead new believers on the island of Crete, in this verse Paul advises Titus to select men of good character who did not possess certain character faults unsuitable to the ministry and shepherding the Church.
2. The term "overseer" adds depth to the responsibility elders carry. Their role is to direct the congregation according to God's principles. To do this properly, they need to be what Paul calls "blameless", which he further developed (in this verse) with five other traits.
3. The first of these traits is humility instead of having an overbearing, condescending and arrogant attitude. By teaching, explaining and respectfully (but firmly) correcting others, they could be more effective in guiding, equipping and discipling others for God’s glory.
4. The second trait is patience and wisdom. Those who become angered easily would have a difficult time in leading others and could actually do more harm than good for the spreading of the Gospel.
5. The third trait is moderation or self-restraint in drinking alcohol -- the elder should not be known as a "drunkard." Before refrigeration, almost everyone drank a certain amount of alcohol. Drunkenness, however, was unacceptable for a church leader. Those who become drunk demonstrate poor judgment, dependence on something other than Christ, or a hedonistic lifestyle. All of these are incompatible with a Christian leadership.
6. The fourth trait is gentleness (sensitivity to the needs of others) versus violence. Violence indicates a person is quick to lash out instead of finding all the facts and applying discernment and wisdom to better resolve a situation. The elder understands that “God makes right” instead of “Might makes right”!
7. Lastly, an elder should seek fairness, honesty or abandoning God’s ways for worldly wealth, fame or influence.

Application.
Brothers, this list in selecting elders is particularly useful in ensuring that only people with the right temperament, values and spiritual maturity are appointed to servant-leader positions in the body of Christ. It prevents the body of Christ from being harmed and from developing a bad reputation with non-believers. As we look at this list today, let’s lift up the areas where we still need work to the Lord in prayer.
May He continue to transform us and assure us that the day is coming when we can stand before our Lord as truly “blameless”!