Hope and Unity Through Christ's Resurrection

Devotional

Day 1: You Have a Purpose Where You Are Today

No matter where you find yourself—whether in a season of transition, uncertainty, or routine—God has placed you there for a reason. Like Titus, who was left in Crete not by accident but with a divine purpose, you are called to seek and fulfill God’s purpose right where you are, rather than waiting for some future moment or place. Don’t let the temporary nature of your circumstances cause you to miss the opportunities God has for you today; instead, ask Him to reveal how you can serve, love, and grow in this very season. [46:19]

Titus 1:5 (ESV)
"This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally serve or encourage someone in your current environment this week, trusting that God has a purpose for you right where you are?

Day 2: Biblical Community Is God’s Will for You

God never intended for you to walk the Christian life alone. Scripture teaches that every believer is a vital part of the body of Christ, called to live in authentic, accountable community. In a culture that prizes individualism, God’s Word reminds us that we are members of one body, belonging to each other, and that spiritual growth and health happen best in the context of biblical community. [53:28]

1 Corinthians 12:27 (ESV)
"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it."

Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to encourage, support, or pray for, strengthening your connection to the body of Christ?

Day 3: Healthy Leaders Lead to a Healthy Church

The health of a church is deeply connected to the spiritual health and character of its leaders. God calls church leaders to high standards—not just in their teaching, but in their families, character, and ability to handle God’s Word—because their example shapes the entire community. As you pray for your leaders, also examine your own life, asking God to grow in you the same qualities of integrity, hospitality, self-control, and faithfulness that He desires in all His people. [01:07:35]

Titus 1:6-9 (ESV)
"If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it."

Reflection: Which quality of a healthy leader from Titus 1:6-9 do you most need to grow in, and what is one step you can take this week to pursue it?

Day 4: Forgiveness and Healing from Church Hurt

Church hurt is real and painful, but God offers healing and restoration when we bring our wounds to Him. Whether you have been hurt by a leader, a fellow believer, or by unmet expectations, Jesus calls you to forgive—not to excuse wrongdoing, but to release bitterness and find freedom in Him. As you forgive, you open your heart to the healing and peace that only Christ can give, remembering that our hope is not in perfect leaders, but in the perfect Savior. [01:30:19]

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Reflection: Is there a specific person or situation from your church experience that you need to forgive today? What would it look like to begin that process with God’s help?

Day 5: Only Jesus Makes Us Truly Righteous

No one can live up to God’s high standards in their own strength—not pastors, not leaders, not any of us. The only way to become the people God calls us to be is through the new heart and righteousness that Jesus gives. When you trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross and His resurrection, God sees you not in your failures, but clothed in the righteousness of His Son. This truth frees you from striving and shame, and empowers you to pursue holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit. [01:28:14]

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Reflection: Where do you find yourself striving to earn God’s approval or feeling weighed down by failure? How can you rest today in the truth that Jesus’ righteousness is enough for you?

Sermon Summary

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our hope and the reason for our celebration, no matter what circumstances we face. In a world that constantly feeds us fear and uncertainty, the reality that Jesus is alive means we have nothing to fear—He is reigning, and everything will ultimately be okay. Our worship and celebration are not just outward expressions but begin in the heart, rooted in the truth that Christ’s victory over death changes everything for us, both now and for eternity.

As we gather as a church, we are reminded that biblical community is God’s will for every believer. We are not called to live out our faith in isolation but as members of the body of Christ, connected and accountable to one another. The health of our church is deeply tied to the health of its leaders, and Scripture gives us clear qualifications for those who shepherd God’s people. These standards are not arbitrary; they are designed for the flourishing of the church and the protection of its members.

Leadership in the church is not about status or personal ambition but about serving with humility, godly character, and a commitment to sound doctrine. Healthy leaders are marked by integrity in their families, self-control, hospitality, and a life set apart for God. They are not immune to failure, but their lives should be worthy of imitation, pointing others to Christ rather than themselves. The process of raising up leaders is intentional and slow, ensuring that character, not just competence, is the foundation.

Yet, these qualities are not just for pastors or elders—they are a call to every follower of Jesus. We are all invited to pursue holiness, to forgive those who have hurt us, and to commit ourselves to the health and unity of the church. Our ability to live out these standards does not come from our own strength but from the new heart given to us through Christ. In Him, we find both the example and the power to become the people God calls us to be.

Key Takeaways

1. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate reason for celebration and the antidote to fear. In a culture saturated with anxiety and bad news, the living Christ assures us that even the worst the world can offer is transformed into hope for those who follow Him. This truth is not just for Easter but for every day, shaping our worship and our outlook on life. [32:19]
2. God has placed each of us where we are for a purpose, not by accident or mere circumstance. Like Titus in Crete, we are called to seek God’s purpose in our current season rather than waiting for some future assignment. Our calling is to be faithful and attentive to what God has put before us today, trusting that He will reveal when our purpose in a place is fulfilled. [46:19]
3. The health of the church is inseparable from the health of its leaders. Scripture gives clear qualifications for those who shepherd God’s people, emphasizing character over charisma or competence. Healthy leaders are essential not only for organizational success but for the spiritual well-being and protection of the entire church body. [43:05]
4. Every believer is called to live in unity with church leaders, supporting them with prayer, encouragement, and a commitment to peace. This unity is not blind allegiance but a shared pursuit of Christlikeness, where leaders and members alike strive for joy, mutual respect, and accountability. Such unity frees leaders to shepherd with joy and helps the whole church flourish. [57:00]
5. The standards for church leadership—integrity in family life, godly character, and sound doctrine—are not just for pastors but for all followers of Jesus. While no one can meet these standards perfectly, they point us to our need for a new heart and the transforming power of Christ. Our failures remind us to place our hope not in human leaders but in Jesus, the only perfect shepherd. [88:55]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Sound Check & Opening Praise
[26:12] - Celebrating the Resurrection
[31:33] - What Kind of Church Are We?
[32:19] - Fearless Because Jesus Lives
[33:44] - Prayers of Celebration
[35:43] - Gathering as God’s People
[37:38] - Introduction to Titus
[40:37] - Trusting Leadership: The Airplane Analogy
[43:05] - Why Church Leadership Matters
[46:19] - Purpose in Your Place
[49:33] - Titus’ Mission: Order and Elders
[53:02] - Why Leadership Qualifications Matter
[57:00] - Unity with Church Leaders
[59:12] - Imitating Faith, Not Just Teachings
[61:23] - The Danger of Unhealthy Leaders
[65:27] - Healthy Leaders Draw Us to Christ
[70:46] - Healthy Marriages and Families
[73:52] - Godly Character in Leaders
[81:05] - Able to Teach God’s Word
[82:36] - Raising Up Leaders at Impact
[86:54] - These Qualities for All of Us
[88:14] - Only Possible with a New Heart
[90:19] - Forgiveness and Commitment
[92:18] - Prayer and Response
[94:18] - Communion and Giving
[94:58] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Titus 1:5-9 (ESV) — 5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—
6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.
7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Observation Questions

According to Titus 1:5, what were the two main tasks Paul gave Titus to do in Crete?
What specific character qualities does Paul list for church leaders in Titus 1:6-9?
In the sermon, what reason was given for why the health of church leaders is so important for the whole church? [[43:05]]
How does the sermon describe the difference between outward celebration and true worship? [[32:48]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul emphasizes character qualities over skills or charisma when describing church leaders?
The sermon says, “Healthy leaders lead to a healthy church.” What are some ways unhealthy leadership can impact a church community? [[50:41]]
The pastor mentioned that the standards for leaders are not just for pastors, but for all believers. Why might God want all Christians to pursue these qualities? [[01:26:54]]
The sermon talks about being placed “where you are for a purpose.” How does this perspective challenge the way people often view their current season of life? [[46:19]]

Application Questions

The resurrection of Jesus is described as the antidote to fear and the reason for celebration. What is one fear or anxiety you are facing right now, and how does the truth that Jesus is alive speak to that situation? [[32:19]]
The sermon says that God has placed each of us where we are for a purpose, not by accident. What is one area of your life right now where you might be overlooking God’s purpose? How can you be more attentive to what God wants to do through you in this season? [[46:19]]
The qualifications for church leaders include things like self-control, hospitality, and being a lover of good. Which of these qualities do you find most challenging, and what is one step you could take this week to grow in that area? [[01:19:15]]
The pastor shared that the process of raising up leaders is slow and intentional, focusing on character over competence. In your own life, do you tend to value skill or character more—in yourself and in others? How might you shift your focus? [[01:25:36]]
The sermon calls everyone to pursue forgiveness, especially if you’ve been hurt by a church leader or another believer. Is there someone you need to forgive, or a hurt you need to bring to God for healing? What would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness this week? [[01:30:19]]
Supporting church leaders with prayer and encouragement is described as a way to help the whole church flourish. What is one practical way you can encourage or pray for a leader in your church this week? [[57:00]]
The only way to live out these high standards is through the new heart given by Christ. Where do you need to rely less on your own strength and more on Jesus’ power in your daily life? [[01:28:14]]

Sermon Clips

In a world where we have been fed through our TikTok streams and our news cycles that we should be afraid. We should be very afraid. Well, church, I'm here to tell you you have nothing to fear. Because Jesus Christ is alive. And if he's alive, he's reigning. And if he's reigning, it's all gonna be okay. It's all gonna be okay. [00:32:13] (21 seconds) #FearlessInChrist

Paul didn't just leave Titus in Crete. Paul appointed Titus with a purpose in Crete. So here's what we know. What we pull from this is that we are where we are for a purpose. Like, you're not just passing through. And if we're not careful, like, guys, we live in Northern Virginia, a very transient area. People are in and out. Military, community, government workers, like, college students. Like, people are in and out. If we're not careful, we'll treat this entire season of our life like it's just purposeless. It's just a blip on the radar. Like, I don't know why I'm here. I don't know why I'm in Fredericksburg. And then sometimes people will pull out. Well, I only plan to be here for another year. Or, I only plan to be here for another couple of years. And so we start to use that as an excuse not to fulfill the purpose that God has on our life. But listen, Paul left Titus in Crete. Titus didn't know how long he was supposed to stay there, but yet Paul gave him a purpose. [00:46:12] (69 seconds) #PurposeWhereYouAre

It is God's will for you to be a part of biblical community. Listen to what First Corinthians 12:27 says. Now, you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And guys, we live in an individualistic culture that would tell us, that would rewrite that scripture. Now, you are the body of Christ and individually, you're just individuals, right? You got to fight for your personal freedom, for your individualism. And guys, the New Testament fights against that. The New Testament teaches us that, yes, you're an individual. You don't get to heaven because you went to a church. You don't get to heaven because your family believes in Jesus. Like you're an individual, but you are an individual member of body. And it's not just anybody. There's not an impact church body and a blah, blah, church body and another church body. There's one body, and it is not our body. It is the body of Christ, the one we worship, the one that saved us. We get to be members of his body. [00:53:11] (73 seconds) #LeadersAccountability

Ways to encourage us that bring us joy is follow Jesus with all your heart, read your Bible every day, pray without ceasing, do everything you can to smash, gossip, and live in unity with each other. Those things will help your pastor sleep at night more than anything else you could do for us. [00:58:29] (27 seconds) #ImitateFaithNotForm

If you have faced abuse, verbal abuse, spiritual abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, if you have been under someone who has had anger issues, someone who has run you ragged, not cared for your soul, only what they can get out of you instead of what they can help you with, like, church hurt is a real thing. And it's not just real for church members. Real for pastors, too. Pastors face church heard every day. And I just want you to hear me say this. And I can't speak for anyone who may have done that, but I want to, as a pastor, I want to tell you I'm so sorry. Like, I deal with that, of having to look people in the eye and hear their stories. And I want you to know it's genuine when I say I'm really sorry. It should not be that way. And I'm not perfect. And if I've done something to cause harm or hurt to you or our relationship, like, I want to publicly right now apologize and ask you to give me the opportunity to seek forgiveness. Because I want you to know that is not how we should live as the family of God. [01:03:53] (69 seconds) #ReturnToJesusHealing

The qualities the Bible tells us us about what make a leader will transition and will transfer to any job that you have. So this will make you a healthy leader whether you're a pastor or not. If you have a job, if you have a group of people that you influence, if you have a family that you're a part of, then you are a leader. And the Bible's going to help us become more healthy leaders. Notice I didn't say better leaders leaders because who even knows what a better leader is? Just whatever your preference is. But the Bible wants us to be healthy leaders. [01:06:33] (36 seconds) #HighStandardsInChrist

If you're discouraged about leaders in the church failing, I got some more good news for you. That's by design so that you can't worship any leaders in church, but only the perfect one who is Jesus. Look at it. King David, he was awesome. He let us down like Moses. He wrote a bunch of the Bible that dude, God killed him like he let us down. Maybe it's so that we won't put our hope in men or other leaders, but we'll put our, our hope in the perfect one who is Jesus. [01:31:05] (35 seconds) #HealthyOverFamous

Will you commit today to being a church that wants healthy leaders more than famous ones? Will you commit to be a church today that wants to be healthy more than it wants to be enormous? Will you commit today to say, I want to be a godly follower of Jesus more than I want to be one that's hyped up because godliness doesn't get posted on social media. Concerts do. Godliness is hard heart work over many months and many years in which we are made more like Jesus. But it's worth it. I want that. Will you commit to join me in that? [01:31:43] (41 seconds)

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