Transformed by Grace: Transformed for Impact

Imagine standing before a narrow two-by-four stretched across the floor. You could walk it easily, eyes fixed on the path, step by steady step. Now picture that same board suspended ten stories high between skyscrapers, wind howling, a crowd watching below. Suddenly, your focus wavers—your heart races, you’re thinking about the fall, the noise, the stakes. That’s the power of focus.

Coach Jimmy Johnson shared this illustration with his Dallas Cowboys before the 1993 Super Bowl, facing intense pressure from the crowd, media, and a formidable opponent. He told them, “Don’t get distracted by the hype or fear of failure. Treat each play like practice, one step at a time.” They listened, stayed focused, and dominated, winning 52-17.

In Titus 3, the Apostle Paul delivers a similar message. In a world buzzing with distractions—divisive arguments, cultural pressures, and the temptation to blend into Crete’s corrupt society—he urges believers to keep their eyes on God’s grace, good works, and unity in Christ. Like those Cowboys, we’re called to walk the path God has laid out, undeterred by the chaos around us. When we anchor ourselves in His grace, we can live confidently, no matter how high the stakes.

The Purpose of Titus: Living Transformed Lives

Throughout our series, Grace that Transforms, we’ve seen Paul’s emphasis on right living in his letter to Titus. He’s passionate about Christians in Crete representing King Jesus well. This requires competent leaders teaching sound doctrine, awareness of false teachers, and an understanding that right living flows from right teaching. Each group—older men, older women, younger men, younger women, slaves—has a role in reflecting God’s grace. The core truth? We are people transformed by grace, and this transformation carries a responsibility to steward God’s gift faithfully.

Paul wrote this letter to bolster Titus’s authority as his apostolic representative in Crete, equipping him to preach, teach, and organize the churches. Titus wasn’t a pastor or bishop but Paul’s delegate, tasked with ensuring the churches lived out the gospel. This final chapter ties it all together, showing how grace transforms us to live for impact.

Examining Titus 3: Living Out Grace

Verses 1–2: Living as Good Citizens
Paul calls believers to represent King Jesus in two directions: toward the state and toward others. As citizens of God’s kingdom, we might think earthly authorities don’t apply to us, but Jesus, Paul, and Peter all teach otherwise. We’re to pay taxes, obey laws, and live in ways that benefit society, as Jeremiah instructed the exiles. With those outside the church, we’re to treat them kindly, avoid conflicts, and foster good relations. Takeaway: Christians should live in a way that makes as few waves as possible, building bridges through respect and service.

Verses 3–8: The Gospel of Grace
Paul reminds us of our past: foolish, disobedient, enslaved to sinful desires, full of envy and hatred. But God’s kindness and love intervened—not because of our works, but through His mercy. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and the Spirit’s work in baptism, we’re washed clean and given new life. This early creed (v. 8, “This is a trustworthy saying”) underscores that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously, with confidence in eternal life. Takeaway: God’s grace saves us and enables us to live transformed lives, guided by the Spirit.

Verses 9–11: Avoiding Divisive Disputes
Crete’s false teachers stirred pointless debates over genealogies and Jewish law, distracting from the gospel and hindering good works. Paul instructs Titus to warn divisive people twice, then exclude them if they persist. Unity is critical—divisive behavior undermines our witness and shows a heart uninterested in following Jesus. Takeaway: Unity in the church is vital; we must address divisive behavior firmly yet graciously to protect our mission.

Verses 12–15: Supporting God’s Work
Paul closes by urging Titus to support missionaries like Zenas and Apollos and to encourage believers to meet urgent needs. Whether through giving, loving neighbors, or praying, everyone has a role in God’s mission. Takeaway: The church thrives when we actively support mission and serve practical needs, reflecting God’s grace in action.

Connecting to Today’s World

Like Crete, our world is divided—politically, socially, and even within churches. Social media and news amplify slander and disputes, tempting Christians to either join the fray or retreat. Titus 3 offers a third way: living out God’s grace through kindness, service, and unity. How? First, focus on what you can control—how you treat others. Practice “benevolent detachment,” letting go of the need to win every argument. Second, treat people with respect, avoiding slander. Third, remember you represent King Jesus in every interaction.

The grace that saved us (vv. 4–7) empowers us to live differently. Just as God showed kindness when we were “foolish” and “enslaved” (v. 3), we’re called to show compassion to those who don’t yet know Jesus. Instead of seeing the world as an enemy to defeat, see people as enslaved to sin, needing our love, help, and prayers.

Applying to Life: Representing God’s Grace

Paul’s message is clear: how we live matters. Our right living, rooted in God’s grace, extends beyond the church to how we engage the state and the world. We’re to love and respect others, remembering we were once lost in sin, just as they are. Our lives should extend God’s mercy, showing that His love and grace are real.

Big Idea: How we live gives credibility to God’s love, mercy, and grace. We can’t proclaim forgiveness and new life if our actions are marked by arrogance or hatred. People trapped in sin need to see that following Jesus makes a difference—that His love transforms lives.

Challenge: Ask God to help you represent His grace well. Your life—how you treat others, what you believe—may be the closest someone gets to the gospel. Live in a way that draws them to Jesus.

Final Thought: Gandhi once said, “One man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department. Life is one indivisible whole.” This truth applies to following Jesus. We can’t love fellow Christians while slandering or fighting the world. We’re called to love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, and represent King Jesus in all we say and do. May this reality guide our lives, transforming us for impact.

Source for Gandhi quote: Stephen Covey, First Things First (Simon & Schuster, 1994), p. 121, citing Eknath Easwaran, Gandhi, the Man (Nilgin Press, 1978), p. 145.

Transformed by Grace: The Power of God’s Grace

In a world increasingly driven by self-interest, where kindness and humility often take a backseat, God’s grace stands as a transformative force, calling us to a higher standard of living. In his 2023 article, “How America Got Mean,” David Brooks observes a troubling shift in American culture, what he calls the “de-moralization” of society. He cites a 2012 study showing that words tied to virtue—like bravery (down 65%), gratitude (58%), and humbleness (55%)—have faded from books over the 20th century. Meanwhile, life goals have shifted: in 1967, 85% of college students sought a “meaningful philosophy of life,” but by 2015, 82% prioritized wealth. This change in motivation shapes behavior. If our aim is fame or riches, we may justify harming or ignoring others to get ahead. But as followers of Jesus, our motivation is rooted in faith and duty, shaped by the transformative power of God’s grace, which calls us to live differently—reflecting the character of our King.

The Context of Titus

Our series on the book of Titus has emphasized the importance of right living for the Christians in Crete, a Mediterranean island known for its moral laxity (Titus 1:12). Written around AD 62–64, after Paul’s first Roman imprisonment, this letter was sent to Titus, Paul’s apostolic delegate, to guide the young churches in a challenging mission field. Crete’s diverse population of Jews and Gentiles, combined with the influence of false teachers, threatened the faith of new believers. Paul’s instructions were clear: appoint blameless leaders (1:5-9) who could teach sound doctrine and confront false teachings (1:10-16). Right living, Paul stresses, flows from right teaching, and at the heart of this teaching is the transformative grace of God, revealed through Jesus Christ. This grace empowers believers to represent King Jesus well in a world that desperately needs to see His love.

The Power of God’s Grace (Titus 2:11-15)

In Titus 2:11-15, Paul unpacks five key truths about God’s grace, showing how it reshapes our lives and motivates us to live for His Kingdom.

1. Grace Revealed for All (v. 11)
   God’s grace has appeared to all people through Jesus. For Gentiles in Crete, grace resembled “royal compassion”—a king or deity providing what people couldn’t achieve on their own. For Jews, it echoed God’s covenant love, freely given and unearned. This grace fulfills God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12, extending His blessing to all nations, not just Israel. It’s a universal gift, laying the foundation for evangelism, as it invites everyone—regardless of background—to experience God’s love and salvation.
2. Grace Teaches Godly Living (v. 12)
   Grace is more than a gift; it’s a teacher. It instructs us to reject anti-God living—behaviors that fail to reflect God’s character—and worldly desires that align with the world’s values rather than God’s. Instead, grace empowers us to live with self-control, righteousness, and godliness, even in a world marked by evil. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we overcome fleshly desires and reflect God’s gracious, loving character. This enables us to live respectably, using our gifts to build God’s Kingdom.
3. Hope in Christ’s Return (v. 13)
   Grace motivates us to live for King Jesus because of the hope of His return. Described as “our great God and Savior,” Jesus will come again to bring justice, restore creation, and rescue His people. This hope fuels patience, endurance, and passion for Kingdom work. We strive to be ready—living rightly—when He appears, eager to reflect His character in all we do.
4. Redemption and Purification (v. 14)
   The cost of this grace was immense: Jesus freely gave His life to redeem us from slavery to sin and purify us from its defilement. In the Old Testament, sin rendered people unworthy to be part of God’s family, but Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses us, making us worthy to be His people. God’s plan from the beginning was to have a people fully committed to Him, partnering in His mission to rule over His good creation.
5. Teach with Authority (v. 15)
   Paul charges Titus to teach these truths with authority, encouraging believers to follow Jesus and correcting wrong beliefs or behaviors that dishonor Him. When Titus lives and teaches faithfully (vv. 7-8), his ministry is above reproach. We, too, are called to live out these truths, holding one another accountable to represent Jesus well in our words and actions.

How Does This Apply to Us?

First, immerse yourself in God’s Word. Titus 2:11-15 shows that understanding grace—seen in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—and living with hope for His return equips us to say “no” to sin and “yes” to righteousness. We’ve been redeemed and cleansed to be God’s people. Regularly studying Scripture and meditating on these truths shapes our character and actions. Don’t neglect the Bible—it’s the foundation for a life transformed by grace.

Second, embrace your identity. Individually, you are saved by grace, a reminder of God’s personal love for you and your value as His image-bearer. Collectively, we are God’s people, tasked with representing Him well. This identity gives us purpose: to live in a way that reflects His character and advances His Kingdom, showing a watching world the power of His grace.

Third, live with purpose. Grace doesn’t just save us; it calls us to action. We’re to be zealous for good works—acts of love, service, and justice that point others to Jesus. Whether it’s forgiving a wrong, helping a neighbor, or standing firm against temptation, our actions should flow from the grace we’ve received.

Living Transformed by Grace

Paul’s message in Titus 2:11-15 is a call to action: God’s grace, revealed through Jesus, offers salvation and teaches us to live righteously. It’s not enough to believe the right truths—our beliefs must shape our lives. Grace transforms us into God’s people, eager to do good works and await Christ’s return with hope.

Challenge: This week, live as someone transformed by grace. Begin each day thanking God for His unearned gift of salvation. Take one practical step to reflect that grace—perhaps forgiving someone, serving your community, or resisting a temptation. Study God’s Word daily to root yourself in your identity in Christ, and let that truth guide your actions. As God’s people, let’s be zealous for good works, showing the world the power of His grace.

Final Thought: Theologian Lewis Smedes beautifully captures the wonder of grace: “Grace is amazing because it works against the grain of common sense. Hard-nosed common sense will tell you that you are too wrong to meet the standards of a holy God; pardoning grace tells you that it’s all right in spite of so much in you that is wrong… Grace promises that you can trust God to have a better tomorrow for you than the day you have made for yourself.” Grace defies logic, yet it’s the catalyst for life change, motivating us to live for God’s glory.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your amazing grace—Your love, forgiveness, and provision through Jesus. Empower us by Your Spirit to live as Your people, reflecting Your character in all we do. Help us study Your Word, embrace our identity in Christ, and be zealous for good works. May our lives show the world the transformative power of Your grace. Amen.

Transformed by Grace: A Life That Speaks

The Misadventure of Father Justin

Imagine a Catholic organization launching an AI chatbot named “Father Justin.” Picture him: a middle-aged avatar with a clerical collar, set against a serene Italian backdrop, designed to answer questions about faith. At first, Father Justin seemed promising, offering digital spiritual advice that mostly aligned with Catholic teaching. But then, things took a bizarre turn. This AI priest started claiming he was a real clergy member living in Assisi, Italy, even offering to hear confessions. And the advice? Outrageous—like suggesting babies could be baptized with Gatorade or endorsing marriage between siblings.

The backlash was swift. Complaints flooded in, and the organization had to pull the plug. They “defrocked” Father Justin, stripped his clerical identity, and relaunched him as plain old Justin, now dressed like a regular guy. Their high-tech priest experiment had spectacularly crashed.

Why share this story? Because it’s a vivid picture of what the Apostle Paul warns against in Titus 2. In a world obsessed with shortcuts and imitations, Paul calls us to something real—authentic lives shaped by sound doctrine, marked by integrity, love, and good works that make the Gospel attractive. Father Justin could mimic the role of a priest, but he couldn’t live the reality. And we, too, can fall into the trap of performing faith instead of living it. Real discipleship can’t be faked—it’s lived out in community, guided by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in truth.

In our series, Grace that Transforms, we’re exploring the letter to Titus, and today’s passage, Titus 2:1-10, shows us how to live lives that speak, reflecting the grace we’ve received through Jesus.

Setting the Stage: The Context of Titus

The letter to Titus, written by Paul around AD 62–64, was sent to his trusted partner serving on the island of Crete. Crete was a challenging mission field, with a diverse population of Jews and Gentiles and a reputation for moral laxity. Paul and Titus had preached the Gospel there, planting churches, but false teachers soon emerged, threatening these young congregations with empty words and hypocritical lives.

Paul wrote to empower Titus to organize the Cretan churches by appointing blameless elders—leaders upright at home, in the community, and in their teaching (Titus 1:5-9). These leaders were to confront false teachings and guide God’s people in truth (1:10-16). Now, in Titus 2, Paul shifts to what Titus should teach the believers: sound doctrine that leads to right living.

The heart of our series is this: We are people transformed by God’s grace. Because of this, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of that gift, living lives that represent King Jesus well. As we’ll see, the way we live is evidence of the grace we’ve received.

What Does a Life that Speaks Look Like?

Let’s dive into Titus 2:1-10 to see how Paul instructs different groups to live out their faith.

1. Older Men: Lives Worthy of Respect (Titus 2:1-2)

“You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” (Titus 2:1-2, NIV)

Paul begins by urging Titus to teach in a way that contrasts with the false teachers, whose words were meaningless and lives denied God. Titus’ teaching must be doctrinally sound—because what we believe matters—and it must promote right living. He starts with older men, respected in Cretan culture. Paul calls them to qualities society prized—temperance, dignity, self-control—but goes further. Their lives must be founded on Christian character: strong faith (complete loyalty to God), love for others, and endurance through life’s ups and downs.

It’s not enough to reflect the best of the culture; older men are to live lives worthy of respect because they reflect Jesus. Their character becomes a testimony of God’s grace.

2. Older and Younger Women: Lives that Teach and Honor (Titus 2:3-5)

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” (Titus 2:3-5, NIV)

Older women have influence, so Titus must teach them to reject cultural norms like gossip and drunkenness, embracing reverence and self-control. Their mission? To be examples, teaching younger women how to live godly lives. In the ancient world, marriage was often based on duty, not love, so Paul urges younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, kind, and to fulfill cultural expectations like submission—not to conform blindly, but to avoid giving critics a reason to attack the Gospel.

Why? So the word of God won’t be maligned. Paul wants their lives to make the Gospel attractive, showing the beauty of God’s grace at work.

3. Younger Men and Titus: Lives of Good Works (Titus 2:6-8)

“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:6-8, NIV)

Younger men, like the others, are to be self-controlled—a key quality Paul emphasizes, both a discipline and a gift of the Spirit. This keeps them out of trouble and earns respect. Titus himself is the model, living a life of good works—serving and loving others—with teaching so full of integrity and sound doctrine that even opponents can’t find fault. They might disagree with his message, but they can’t attack his character or handling of Scripture.

The goal? To keep the Gospel from being discredited. Titus’ life must speak, showing what it means to live for Jesus.

4. Slaves: Lives that Draw Others to Christ (Titus 2:9-10)

“Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” (Titus 2:9-10, NIV)

In the Roman world, slaves were common. Paul urges them to obey their masters, work diligently, and prove trustworthy—not to make life harder, but to reflect integrity. Why? So their masters won’t say, “Once a slave becomes a Christian, they’re ruined.” Instead, their transformed lives should make the Gospel attractive, showing that following Jesus makes them better, more productive people.

This is profound: it’s not about demanding rights, but about serving King Jesus to expand His kingdom, even in tough circumstances. Their lives become a testimony of God’s grace.

Applying Titus 2:1-10 Today

So, how do these teachings apply to us? Paul’s instructions reveal two key truths:

1. How we live is crucial to making disciples. The false teachers lived in ways that denied God, but Paul wants us to live in a way that makes the Gospel attractive. Take a moment to reflect: Am I reflecting the Gospel by the way I live? We need to represent King Jesus in everything we say and do, drawing others to Christ.
2. Doctrine must shape our living. True Christian teaching isn’t just about believing the right things; it’s about living the right way. What we believe about God’s love, our sin, the world, and the hope we have in Jesus should transform how we act. Let’s encourage each other to align our lives with Scripture’s truth.

But here’s the challenge: in a world obsessed with appearances, it’s easy to settle for something fake.

The Trap of Spray-on Faith

Consider a real product called Spray-on Mud. It’s sold for city folks with shiny SUVs. For $15 a can, you can spray your 4x4 to look like it just tackled a muddy wilderness trail, even if it’s only shuttled kids to soccer practice. The inventor, Colin Dowse, says it’s a hit in places like London, where muddy roads are scarce in upscale areas like Chelsea. “If they want an authentic look,” he says, “there’s not a lot else they can do.” People buy it to project an image of adventure without leaving the pavement.

That’s a picture of what we sometimes do with our faith. We might project the image of Christianity—using the right words, symbols, or appearances—without a life truly transformed by Jesus. It’s spiritual spray-on mud. But Paul calls us to something real: lives of love, self-control, purity, and good works that make the Gospel attractive. When we live this way, we don’t just look the part—we show the world who Jesus is.

Living a Life that Speaks

In Titus 2:1-10, Paul urges us to teach and live out sound doctrine that shapes every part of our lives—whether we’re older or younger, male or female, free or in challenging circumstances. The goal isn’t just correct beliefs, but lives that speak, showing the beauty of the Gospel through integrity and character.

Big Idea: The way we live our lives is evidence of the grace we have received. We need to know God’s love, our sin, the world we live in, and the hope we have in Jesus. Those truths should shape how we live, and our lives should testify to our faith.

Challenge: This week, examine one area of your life—your words, work, relationships, or how you handle challenges. Ask, “Does this reflect the grace I’ve received from Jesus? Is it making the Gospel attractive?” Then, commit to one specific action to align that area with Titus 2. Maybe it’s choosing patience over frustration, serving someone selflessly, or speaking with integrity. Let your life speak by living out God’s grace.

Final Thought: In a world full of spray-on solutions and fake appearances, God calls us to something real—a life that speaks louder than words. When we live with integrity, love, and good works, as Paul teaches in Titus 2, we don’t just profess the Gospel; we display its transforming power. Let’s be living proof of God’s grace, so everyone we meet might catch a glimpse of Jesus through us.

Transformed by Grace: Guarding the Truth

Imagine someone selling industrial bleach as a miracle cure—promising it could heal everything from COVID-19 to cancer. It sounds outrageous, but that’s exactly what Mark Grenon and his sons did. Under the banner of a fake church called the “Genesis II Church of Health and Healing,” they made over a million dollars selling this toxic substance, cloaked in spiritual-sounding language. Despite government warnings, they kept going, leaving behind hospitalized victims and grieving families.

It’s a disturbing story, but it reveals an important truth: deception is often dressed in religious language. What promises healing can instead bring destruction. And while most of us won’t fall for a bleach-based cure, we are vulnerable to a different kind of danger—spiritual deception. False teachers, just like the Grenons, peddle false ideas wrapped in religious packaging. The consequences are just as serious: broken faith, disrupted communities, and spiritual harm.

That’s the challenge Paul addresses in Titus 1:10–16. Writing to his trusted companion Titus, Paul warns about the danger false teachers posed to the young churches on the island of Crete. These weren’t abstract theological threats—they were real people teaching real lies, causing real damage.

Recognizing the Threat (Titus 1:10–11)

Paul pulls no punches. He describes these teachers as “insubordinate, empty talkers, and deceivers,” especially those pushing Old Covenant legalism. They didn’t just have bad theology; they were rebellious (refusing to submit to the authority of the Scripture or the Apostles), spreading confusion, and motivated by greed. Their teaching lacked substance, offered false hope, and created division—upsetting entire households, perhaps even dismantling house churches.

Paul’s command is clear: “They must be silenced.” Not through violence or censorship, but through strong, sound teaching that exposes error and explains Scripture. Truth must be louder than deception.

Application: Our world is full of spiritual noise. Not every podcast, sermon clip, or viral quote is rooted in truth. Some voices are driven by money, influence, or ego, not the gospel. Discernment begins with Scripture. A healthy skepticism isn’t a lack of faith—it’s a shield of wisdom in a world full of false promises.

Confronting Error with Courage (Titus 1:12–14)

To drive home his point, Paul quotes a Cretan poet who called his own people “liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” Paul doesn’t shy away from cultural critique—he uses it to illustrate just how urgent the problem is. These false teachers were promoting “Jewish myths” and human commands instead of God’s Word. They weren’t just off-base; they were pulling people away from Jesus.

Paul tells Titus to “rebuke them sharply.” That might sound harsh, but it’s a form of loving correction. Titus wasn’t picking fights over small differences—he was protecting the church from teachings that distorted the gospel and undermined grace.

Application: Confronting error is an act of love. Truth matters, and when someone teaches a gospel that leads people away from Jesus, we can’t afford to stay silent. But we must correct with humility, not arrogance. As Paul says in Ephesians 4:15, we “speak the truth in love.”

Exposing False Faith (Titus 1:15–16)

Paul contrasts authentic faith with the hypocrisy of the false teachers. “To the pure, all things are pure,” he writes, “but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.” He’s pointing to the obsession some had with purity laws and religious rituals. Instead of resting in the cleansing power of Christ, they clung to rules, judging others and separating themselves from those they deemed “unclean.”

The irony? Their actions betrayed their message. “They profess to know God,” Paul writes, “but they deny him by their works.” Their lives were marked by greed, disobedience, and corruption—not the grace they claimed to preach.

Application: Right doctrine must lead to right living. What we believe should be evident in how we live. If our lives don’t reflect the love, purity, and truth of Jesus, then we’ve missed the heart of the gospel. As Jesus said, a tree is known by its fruit.


Guarding the Truth by Grace

How do we stay grounded in truth in a world so full of noise and deception? Paul’s words offer us a few practical ways to remain faithful:

1. Have a trusted teacher.

God gives the church pastors and elders to shepherd His people. Know who you’re learning from. I approach the Bible with three principles: (1) The Bible is for us but not written to us—so I study commentaries to gain understanding about the original context. (2) I interpret Scripture through the lens of God’s covenants. (3) The Kingdom of God is the heartbeat of the gospel. Knowing your teacher’s approach builds trust.

2. Watch how Scripture is handled.

If someone cherry-picks verses without context, be cautious. A good teacher explains not just a verse but the whole passage—what it meant then and what it means now.

3. Consider the focus of the message. 

Are they always telling personal stories but rarely digging into doctrine or Scripture? Are their messages more about themselves than about Jesus? That’s a red flag.

4. Test every “revelation.”

Some teachers constantly claim direct revelations from God, using phrases like “God told me…” as conversation stoppers. But Scripture tells us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). God’s Word is the standard, not someone’s feelings or visions.


Final Thoughts: Truth in the Fog

In 2016, The Economist published a cover story titled “Yes, I’d Lie to You: The Post-Truth World.” It explained how modern censorship doesn’t always come through suppression—but through distraction. Some governments flood social media with so much noise that truth gets buried under an avalanche of nonsense.

That’s our spiritual challenge, too. In a world full of TikTok theology and algorithm-approved preachers, truth can get lost in the shuffle. But here’s the good news: grace gives us clarity. The gospel shines like a lighthouse through the fog. God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His people to guide us.

So let’s guard the truth—not just in what we believe, but in how we live. Let’s be people who speak with clarity, live with integrity, and shine with grace. In a post-truth world, that’s what it means to follow the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Big Idea: Grace transforms us to love the truth and reject lies.

Challenge: Practice reading Scripture with discernment. Try the COMA method:

Context – What’s happening around this passage?

Observation – What stands out?

Meaning – What does it teach us about God and His people?

Application – How should it change us?


Need help? I’d love to walk through Scripture with you.

Let’s be people who not only know the truth—but who live it for the glory of King Jesus.

Transformed by Grace: The Foundation of Godly Leadership

Introduction

Imagine this: you’re feeling under the weather, so what do you do? A recent survey revealed a startling trend—over half of Americans turn to the internet, social media, or even AI for medical advice before consulting a doctor. Even more surprising? 73% believe they know more about their health than their physician! While curiosity and research are great, the issue boils down to trust. People are placing their faith in TikTok doctors and Reddit threads over trained professionals.

This same pattern creeps into our spiritual lives. Instead of turning to God’s Word or seeking godly counsel, many of us scroll through social media, watch YouTube theologians, or follow influencers with no accountability or questionable theology. Pastors are fact-checked in real time, and the world’s trends often overshadow God’s truth. Questions are healthy, but when we trust fleeting opinions over the eternal Word, we risk our spiritual health.

In Titus 1:1-9, we see a similar challenge in Crete 2,000 years ago. False teachings were spreading, and the new churches lacked leadership. Paul commissioned Titus to establish godly leaders—elders—to guide God’s people with truth and integrity. Today, we’ll explore two crucial elements for living as God’s people: God’s truth and godly leadership.

Context

Paul and Titus had planted churches across Crete, but Paul left before appointing leaders. Without guidance, false teachings took root, and the churches struggled. Paul’s letter to Titus served as both encouragement and a public endorsement of Titus’s apostolic authority to preach, teach, and organize the churches. Read aloud in the churches, this letter affirmed Titus’s role and provided clear instructions for establishing leadership.

Let’s dive into Titus 1:1-9, where Paul outlines two foundations for God’s people: God’s truth (vv. 1-4) and godly leadership (vv. 5-9).

Two Foundations

1. The Importance of God’s Truth (Titus 1:1-4)

Core Message: God’s truth transforms us, giving hope and purpose. It changes not just what we do but who we are.

Scripture Points:

• Verse 1: Paul’s identity is rooted in God—he’s a “slave” to God’s will and an “apostle” of King Jesus, carrying the authority to share the Gospel. His mission is to serve God’s elect, those chosen to live by faith and honor Jesus.
• Verses 2-3: The Gospel offers confidence in eternal life, a promise God made before creation. God, who never lies, sent Jesus at the perfect time, fulfilling His plan. Paul was entrusted with sharing this life-changing message.
• Verse 4: Paul calls Titus his “true son,” united by their shared faith. This faith binds all believers together, blessed with God’s grace and peace.

Applications:

• Find your identity in Jesus: Like Paul, see yourself as a servant of God with a purpose—to make disciples.
• Build hope on God’s promises: Spend time in Scripture through personal study, group discussions, meditation, or worship.
• Prioritize Christian community: Our faith unites us with other believers, strengthening us for the mission.

2. The Call for Godly Leadership (Titus 1:5-9)

Core Message: Godly leaders represent Jesus with integrity and truth, guiding the church in its mission and teaching sound doctrine.

Scripture Points:

• Verse 5: Titus’s task was to appoint elders to bring order to Crete’s churches. Paul had left before establishing leadership, leaving the churches vulnerable.
• Verse 6: Elders must be blameless, with personal integrity—a good reputation, faithful in marriage, and children of good character. This reflects their ability to lead well, especially in house churches.
• Verses 7-8: Elders are stewards of God’s household, requiring moral integrity. They must avoid arrogance, anger, drunkenness, violence, or greed. Instead, they should be hospitable, love what is good, live wisely, and pursue holiness.
• Verse 9: Elders must be doctrinally faithful, holding to the truth, teaching sound doctrine, and refuting error. Their lives add credibility to their teaching.

Note on Scope: Paul’s instructions weren’t a rigid blueprint for church governance but a call for leaders to embody Jesus’s truth and character. The specifics varied (e.g., Timothy’s instructions in Ephesus differed), but the principle remains: the church needs godly leaders to make disciples.

Applications:

• Pray for and support church leaders: Lift up your elders, pastors (like Jenny and me), Superintendent Carl Brannon, Bishops Keith Cowart, Kaye Kolde, Kenny Martin, and your church board and teachers.
• Lead with integrity: All believers lead somewhere—home, work, or community. Live blamelessly to point others to Jesus.

Conclusion

Summary: As Christians, we’re called to be transformed by God’s truth and to follow and support leaders who represent King Jesus. We trust God’s promise of eternal life and embrace our mission to make disciples. Living with integrity ensures we don’t discredit Jesus or cause doubt. We encourage each other to grow in maturity and represent Jesus in the world.

Big Idea: God’s Word transforms lives and calls for godly leaders to represent King Jesus. To take the Bible seriously, we must mature in our discipleship, becoming more like Jesus daily, and hold our leaders accountable to reflect Him well.

Challenge: Pray for our church leaders—Bishops, Superintendent Carl Brannon, Jenny and me, our board, and Pastor’s Cabinet member Sue. Your prayers are vital for godly leadership.

Final Thought: We live in the age of the influencer. With 3.4 billion people on social media, influencers shape culture without titles or offices—they lead through their voice and life. Jesus called us to be influencers for His Kingdom through the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples.” Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about living blamelessly in belief and action, inviting others to follow Jesus. As an African proverb says, “He who thinks he leads and has no one following is only taking a walk.” So, who are you influencing, and where are you leading them? If you follow Jesus, you’re called to lead.