Is the culture around us shaping our faith, or are we influencing others for Jesus?
In “Titus: Culture Changers,” Ps. Mark Missenden begins our Titus series by exploring Paul’s call to build a church grounded in truth and marked by godly character. Through Titus 1, we consider how worship shapes us, why spiritual maturity matters for every believer, and how hospitality creates opportunities to share our faith.
This message invites us to let Jesus shape our everyday lives, find freedom from past shame, and welcome others into a community that reflects Him.
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Scripture: Titus 1:1 to 16
Paul leaves Titus in Crete to complete the work and appoint elders. The church faces false teaching and a culture that is shaping its character. Paul’s response is to establish a people who know God’s truth and live differently.
Which way is influence flowing?
Mark asks whether the church is influencing the culture around it or allowing that culture to shape its life.
A healthy church shares a message of truth and hope through both its teaching and its actions.
We become like what we worship
What receives our attention and affection gradually shapes our character.
Mark names status, career, possessions, self indulgence and outrage as things that can draw our hearts away from Jesus. We need to examine what is forming us.
Maturity is a calling for every believer
Titus 1 describes leaders who are faithful, hospitable, self controlled, honest and committed to what is good.
Leaders carry additional responsibility to teach and correct, but all disciples share the call to godly character. Following Jesus is a daily way of life.
Hold firmly to the truth
False teachers were turning whole families away from the gospel. Paul calls leaders to hold firmly to the trustworthy message and protect the church.
Mark encourages us to read Scripture daily so we can recognise distorted teaching and help others with their questions about faith.
Guard the truth and open the door
Hospitality sits alongside the call to protect God’s household.
We can hold firmly to Scripture while welcoming people into our homes and lives. Warmth, prayer, kindness and practical goodness help others see what following Jesus looks like.
Live free from condemnation
Mark reminds parents that godly parenting does not guarantee their children’s faith. Salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit. Keep praying, keep loving and keep your door open.
He also encourages those carrying shame about past mistakes. Romans 8:1 reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Our past does not have to prevent us from growing in maturity and helping others.
Questions for the week
1. What am I carrying that Christ has already carried?
2. Where is the culture around me shaping my life instead of Jesus?
3. What am I anchored in?
4. Is my home marked by warmth and hospitality or by anxiety and lectures?
5. Who in my life is watching how I live, and what are they seeing?
Read Titus 1 again this week. Ask the Holy Spirit what He wants to show you and how He wants you to respond.
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