Has the Lord prohibited all titles of courtesy and honour? Some now say, ‘Yes. If not what is forbidden here?’ But we should notice first of all that this is limited to the religious sphere (verses 2-4). It is about religious leaders. It is to be applied chiefly to his brethren (verses 8-11). Elsewhere we are told that civil rulers do earn respect – ‘Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour’ (Romans 13:7). Servants are to recognise their masters as worthy of respect in this world (1 Timothy 6:1). Paul uses earthly titles – ‘O king Agrippa’, ‘Most noble Festus’. And even in giving this address, Christ continues to use their titles in addressing his hearers as scribes and Pharisees (verses 2, 13). Therefore if Sir John is in your church, don’t worry about it. No one thinks it is a religious term of authority. Similarly, terms of rank from the forces - General, Major, Captain – do not come under come under Christ’s prohibition.
All the banned titles conferred religious authority on the individual. No names are to be used which imply authority over our faith. Scribe was acceptable because it described a function, not an authority; Pharisee described his character. But Rabbi was an exalted term and meant Master, implying a position of superiority and domination over another. Father is a very authoritative term, especially in the east. In Australia some years ago, there was a group of Reformed churches where elders were called ‘Sir’. That was especially bad in Australia where Jack is as good as his master.
What about ‘Pastor’? It is used in Scripture (Ephesians 4:11) – a servant of the word – and identifies a function. The term ‘Reverend’ gives you a turn – Reverend John Smith. Similarly, ‘Most Reverend’, ‘Right Reverend’, but for 400 years it has not meant the person is to be revered. If it implies authority over the faith of others, it is wrong, but in nonconformist churches it does not imply authority. Charismatic churches use the term ‘apostle’. That implies real authority and anyway should not be used today because the Biblical definition of an apostle allows no more than twelve, plus Paul. It is a direct infringement of the rule of Christ. So a title is wrong if it implies authority over another’s faith, or to tell others what to do, but a title of function, respect, position is allowed. The only problem then is the pride problem.
Titles of courtesy are to be dealt with as anything else. You can’t take titles and gifts and strengths away, but cultivate humility, approachability – accepting reproof, regularly reviewing your deficiencies, and give thanks for others. In that way you mount a testimony. When believing Sir John moves in the world, people notice his naturalness and manner all the more, because he is Sir John.