Little Letters: Titus, Chapter 2
We continued our journey through the “Little Letters” series last weekend by picking up in Chapter 2 of Paul’s letter to Titus, where we discover a powerful message about how followers of Jesus can become beacons of light in a world that often feels shrouded in darkness.
Imagine a culture obsessed with fantastical myths, not unlike the Cretans of Titus’ day, who believed a giant lizard battled Zeus to create an island. Sound familiar? Even today, we encounter strange ideas and teachings, but as Pastor Sean pointed out last Sunday, just as the prophet Elijah decisively challenged the prophets of Baal, we don’t need to get drawn into those distractions.
So, how do we truly stand out in a world captivated by the sensational? Titus challenges us to live differently. Does your life exemplify qualities like respect, humility and self-control? These are the hallmarks of a follower of Jesus.
The message of Titus 2 is clear: Rather than conforming to cultural norms, our lives should be a reflection of our faith. As Sean pointed out, our society bombards us with mixed messages, from sitcoms that portray fathers as buffoons to reality shows that distort healthy relationships. It’s easy to get swept up in the current.
This is where we, as believers, have a crucial role, just as Paul points out to Titus. We have a responsibility to live lives that embody Christian principles, serving as role models for the younger generation and demonstrating what it truly means to follow Jesus. This isn’t about waging a cultural war; it’s about letting the transformation within us shine through in our actions.
And the beauty is, this approach works. People notice when we are honest, kind and dependable, when our words and actions align in ways that suggest authenticity in our faith rather than hypocrisy.
Ultimately, following Jesus isn’t about blending in with the crowd – it’s about becoming a radiant light, even amidst the most challenging circumstances. Let’s embrace this calling and illuminate the world with the message of Christ.
Reflection Questions
- Strengths and Weaknesses: Titus focuses on specific qualities that should be evident in the lives of believers. Consider your own spiritual strengths and weaknesses. What areas of your faith are you particularly strong in? Where could you use some growth? How can you develop a plan to strengthen your walk with Christ?
- Discerning Culture’s Influence: There’s no denying that culture can deeply influence our beliefs and behaviors. Think about specific messages you encounter in your daily life (through media, social interactions, etc.). How do these messages align with your faith? What steps can you take to ensure Jesus remains the primary influence in your life?
- Living Out the Gospel: Pastor Sean reminded us that following Jesus isn’t about blending in, but about actively living out the Gospel message. Consider how you can more actively share your faith with others, whether through your words, actions or participation in your church community. What practical steps can you take to be a light in the world?
- Overcoming Hypocrisy: Sean mentioned the danger of hypocrisy, where our actions contradict our beliefs. Think of a situation where your actions might not have fully reflected your values. What can you learn from this experience? How can you ensure your actions are a consistent reflection of Jesus into the world?
- Intergenerational Impact: How can you actively mentor or support younger believers at Freshwater or in the Church at large? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from June 16th
- “Where I’m Standing Now”
- “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”
- “The Solid Rock”
- “What A Beautiful Name”