The Misuse of Titles
Biblical warning regarding titles assigned to
many men and women of God
But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers Matthew 23:8
The misuse of titles such as "apostle," "prophet," "psalmist," and "doctor."
INTRODUCTION
A PHENOMENON THAT IS ON THE RISE
We are living in a time when, in much of the Christian world, a worrying phenomenon is occurring: the proliferation of spiritual titles that, according to the Bible, do not ordain, shape, or prioritize the true character of a person called by God for His service. This trend is visible in churches, social media, conferences, digital platforms, and emerging movements.
Today we find leaders who prefer to present themselves as:
Apostles
Prophets
Psalmists
Doctors
Ambassadors
And at the same time, a noticeable decrease is observed in the use—and appreciation—of titles that are consistent with Scripture:
Servant and minister of Christ
Pastor and Spiritual Leader
Evangelist or Preacher
Teacher of the Word
Brother in Christ
A visible change in Christian leadership
This change is not accidental. It is the result of a spirit of self-exaltation, This is mixed with modern personal branding culture, the need for recognition, ministerial competition, and the pursuit of authority without accountability. It's not that studying is bad, or that excellence is contrary to God; on the contrary, the Bible promotes diligence, preparation, and wisdom.
The problem, as always, it is the heart behind the title, and the use that many are giving it:
- Titles that elevate a man.
- Titles that replace service with status.
- Titles that seek admiration rather than edification.
- Titles that create human hierarchies that Christ never established.
Today we see churches where titles have become a kind of “spiritual rank,” a stepping stone to feeling superior, a personal brand that impresses more than faithfulness to the gospel. Instead of presenting themselves as “servants of Jesus Christ,” many have opted for titles that—although they sound spiritual—do not constitute a model of leadership for the church anywhere in the New Testament.
This phenomenon has led to confusion, division, spiritual abuse, doctrinal distortion, and the displacement of the simplicity of biblical leadership. For this very reason, The Bible warns us. clearly and directly about this trend:
leaders who seek to be seen
who love being in first place
who desire honorary titles
who proclaim themselves without being called
who promote themselves to the people
This is a spiritual problem that did not begin in this century: Jesus had already confronted him openly. (Matthew 23:8-10), Paul reported him. in his letters (2 Corinthians 11:12-13; Galatians 1:1), and Peter warned about leaders who would exploit the people for their own gain (2 Peter 2:1–3).
Jesus warns against seeking religious titles.
One of Jesus' most confrontational passages was not directed at the common sinner, but at the religious leaders who loved recognition more than obedience. Matthew 23:5–12The Lord exposes the hidden motivation of the human heart when ministry becomes a platform for pride.
A. Jesus Christ denounces the leaders who used the ministry as a public showcase
“They do all their works to be seen by men…”
— Matthew 23:5
The problem wasn't the work—it was the motivations.
They preached, they taught, they helped… but the goal was not to glorify God, but to be seen, admired, and respected.
Jesus reveals here the eternal danger of turning ministry into a spectacle and leadership into an exhibition.
B. Jesus expresses a desire for titles, honors, and positions
“They love… the front seats…”
and that men call them: Rabbi.”
— Matthew 23:6–7
In Jesus' time, being called "Rabbi" was equivalent to a prestigious and socially superior title, as today we use “Doctor”, “Apostle”, “Prophet”, or any other that indicates a high spiritual rank.
What was the problem?
They were not seeking to serve, but to rise up.
They were not trying to build, but to impress.
They were not seeking God's glory, but their own.
Jesus makes it clear that when the heart is moved by applause, the ministry ceases to be for God.
C. Jesus literally forbids the practice of seeking titles of spiritual superiority.
“But you no be called Rabbi…”
— Matthew 23:8
It's not a suggestion.
It is not a cultural opinion.
It's a Christ's direct command.
Jesus did not forbid teaching.
What he did do was prohibit working with titles that place man above others.
Here Jesus establishes a universal principle:
In the Kingdom, no one is greater than anyone else.
Christ alone is the supreme Master.
We are all brothers and sisters.
No one can take spiritual glory for themselves.
D. The Lord Jesus establishes the central rule of Christian leadership
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled”
and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
With this phrase Jesus destroys:
religious hierarchies
rank leadership
ostentatious titles
the culture of spiritual celebrities
every human effort to rise above others
Jesus restores the original design:
Greatness in the Kingdom is not measured by titles, but by service.
Not by how high they call you, but by how low you are willing to stoop.
E. The theological principle behind the passage
The passage not only corrected the Pharisees… It also corrects us today.
Jesus knew that the human heart:
She loves recognition
He wants to feel superior.
seeks external validation
He desires authority without compromise
He tries to take for himself what belongs only to God.
That is why Jesus cuts off at the root any structure that puts a leader in place. on a spiritual pedestal.
F. In the Kingdom there are no ranks… there are servants
Jesus completely reverses human logic:
Men want:
titles
honors
insignia
thrones
applause
But Jesus said:
“It won’t be like that among you.”
— Matthew 20:26
In other words:
There are no elite apostles.
There are no superior prophets.
There are no spiritually untouchable doctors.
There are no "generals" or "apostolic coverings" as a hierarchy.
There are no ranks that place one above another.
A CALL TO RETURN TO THE MODEL OF CHRIST
Upon closer examination of the current landscape of Christian leadership, it becomes clear that the problem is not ministry itself, nor the gifts God has given to His church. The real conflict arises when the human heart begins to seek recognition, authority, and status, instead of obedience, humility, and service.
Jesus was clear, direct, and forceful: The Kingdom of God does not operate under the same principles as the world system.While modern culture promotes self-exaltation, image building, and personal positioning, Christ calls His followers to a completely different path: the path of the servant.
Spiritual titles, when they become a tool for human exaltation, end up displacing the essence of the gospel. Instead of reflecting Christ, they begin to reflect ambition. Instead of building up the body, they create hierarchies. Instead of pointing to the Lord, they direct attention to the individual.
That is why Jesus warned so strongly against the pursuit of honorary titles. Not because teaching, leading, or serving is wrong, but because Spiritual pride is one of the most dangerous threats to the health of the church.Unbroken leadership may have influence, but it lacks genuine spiritual authority.
Scripture reminds us that true greatness is not measured by what men call us, but by how we walk before God. Biblical leadership is not established by rank, but by character. It is not sustained by titles, but by fruit. It is not imposed by position, but recognized by a life surrendered to Christ.
Today more than ever, the church needs to return to the simplicity of the model established by Jesus: men and women who, before seeking to be called something, are willing to to be servantsLeaders who prefer anonymity with faithfulness to recognition without obedience; believers who understand that the only name that should be exalted in the church is the name of Christ.
Because in the end, when all human titles lose their value, only one eternal question remains:
Did we reflect Christ or did we promote ourselves?
The call remains the same:
humility, service and total surrender to the Lord.
There—and only there—is true spiritual authority found.
Let us surrender the throne of our hearts to the Lord
Read Also: You Are Blessed
To study more on this topic: Matthew 23:8–10 (Bible Gateway)