Finding Your True North: Lessons from Titus

Imagine a busy harbor, like one on the island of Crete long ago. Ships are coming and going, carrying goods and people. In the middle of all this activity, there’s a man named Titus. He was like a trusted ship captain for Paul, sent to make sure everything was running smoothly in the churches there.

Introducing Titus and Paul

Now, Titus wasn’t born into this role. He was Greek, not Jewish, and he came to know Jesus because of Paul. Think of Paul as a wise, experienced sailor who taught Titus how to navigate the seas of faith. Paul wrote him a letter, a sort of captain’s manual, which we call the Book of Titus.

Reading Titus 1:1-5 – The Need for Leaders

Paul told Titus, “You need to find good leaders for these churches.” He wasn’t looking for just anyone. He was looking for people who were like reliable lighthouses, shining a steady light for others.

Reading Titus 1:6-9 – Qualities of a Lighthouse Keeper

Paul described these leaders as “elders,” people who were like experienced guides. He listed some important qualities:

• Faithful to their family: Imagine a lighthouse keeper who takes care of their own home first, making sure their family is safe and sound.
• Slow to anger: Not someone who throws a tantrum when things go wrong, but someone who stays calm and collected, like a steady ship in a storm.
• Loves what is good: Someone who always chooses the right path, even when it’s hard, like a compass always pointing true north.
• Self-controlled: Someone who can manage their own emotions and actions, like a captain who keeps their ship on course.
• Holds firmly to the Bible: Someone who knows the map well and trusts it completely.
• Encourages others: Someone who can help others find their way, like a lighthouse keeper guiding ships safely into the harbor.

Relating to Everyday Life

Now, you might be thinking, “That sounds like a superhero!” But really, it’s about being a fully devoted follower of Jesus. It’s about letting Jesus shine through your life, like a lighthouse. Think about it, would you trust someone giving you advice if they themselves were always angry and shouting? Or would you rather listen to someone who is calm and collected?

Reading Titus 1:10-16 – Avoiding the Shipwreck

Paul also warned Titus about people who were like dangerous reefs, trying to lead others astray. These people were:

• Rebellious: Like someone who tries to steer the ship off course.
• Full of lies: Like someone giving false directions.
• Lazy: Like someone who talks a big game but does nothing.
• Corrupt: Like a compass that’s broken and points the wrong way.

Examples

It’s easier to grab that candy bar without paying than to save up for it. It’s easier to say something mean behind someone’s back than to say something kind to their face. But like a ship that takes a shortcut through dangerous waters, these easy choices lead to trouble.

Reading Titus 2:1-5 – Sharing the Light

Paul encouraged Titus to teach everyone, young and old, how to shine their light. Older men, older women, young men—everyone has a role to play.

Rewards of Sharing

Imagine you’re sharing a flashlight with someone lost in the dark. You’re not just helping them; you’re also making the whole area brighter. That’s what happens when we share our faith. We help others, and we make the world a better place.

Reading Titus 3:1-8 – Remembering Our Journey

Remember, we’ve all been lost at some point, like ships without a compass. But God, in his kindness, rescued us.

Reading Titus 3:9-15 – Staying on Course

When we’re unsure, when we feel lost, we need to trust God. He’s the true north, the steady light that guides us home.

Conclusion: Your Lighthouse

You are a lighthouse. You have the potential to shine brightly for Jesus. It might be through a kind word to a classmate, helping a sibling, or sharing a Bible verse with a friend. Don’t let the little devil on your shoulder tell you you can’t. You can.

Encouragement:

• Remember, even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
• You don’t have to be perfect to shine. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
• When you feel lost, remember God is your anchor and compass.
• Everyday you have an opportunity to be a lighthouse for others.

Final thought: Let your light shine!

Summary

This lesson uses the analogy of a harbor and lighthouses to explore Paul’s instructions to Titus about leadership and Christian living. Titus, like a trusted ship captain, was tasked with finding and training leaders who would guide the churches in Crete. These leaders, like reliable lighthouses, were to be characterized by qualities like faithfulness, self-control, and love for what is good. The lesson contrasts these positive qualities with the dangers of rebellion, deception, and laziness, which can lead to spiritual shipwreck. It emphasizes that every believer is called to shine their light for Jesus, sharing their faith and influencing others for good. Even when we feel lost or disconnected, we can trust God to guide us, just as a lighthouse guides ships safely into the harbor.

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