Running the Race - Part 4 [Notes]

If you have ever run a race like a 5K, you understand the satisfaction of finishing well, but also the difficulty of the race. Similarly, living out the Christian faith brings profound joy and fulfillment, yet it comes with its own set of challenges—we can get tired, discouraged, and stumble along the way.

In this series, "Running the Race," we'll dive into the New Testament book of Titus and uncover five key truths that will help us navigate our spiritual journeys with strength and endurance.

We'll also continue to thank God for Pastor Tim's 40 years of faithfully running his race as our Founding and Senior Pastor and earnestly pray for Pastor Josh and our next generation of leaders as they receive the baton to lead our church into the next season ahead.
Takeaway: We want to be the kind of C.H.U.R.C.H. family that God intended.
We want to be a … 
  • Christ-centered
… church family
To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
– Titus 1:4 (HCSB)
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
– Matthew 16:18 (HCSB)
He is also the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He might come to have first place in everything.
– Colossians 1:18 (HCSB)
We want to be a … 
  • Christ-centered
  • Hope-sharing
    … church family
 While we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
– Titus 2:13 (HCSB)
Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.
– Peter 3:15 (HCSB)
So that having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.
– Titus 3:7 (HCSB)
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There's salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope.

– Phil Wickham, Living Hope
We want to be a … 
  • Christ-centered
  • Hope-sharing
  • Unity-pursuing 
    … church family
But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.
– Titus 3:9 (HCSB)
 “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
– Augustine of Hippo (354-430), John Wesley (1703-1791)
We want to be a … 
  • Christ-centered
  • Hope-sharing
  • Unity-pursuing 
  • Relationship-building
    … church family
Titus 2:3-8:
  • Titus 2:2 – Older men
  • Titus 2:3 – Older women
  • Titus 2:4 – Young women
  • Titus 2:6 – Young men
To Titus, my true son in our common faith.
– Titus 1:4 (HCSB)    
To Timothy, my true son in the faith.
– 1 Timothy 1:2 (HCSB)
We want to be a … 
  • Christ-centered
  • Hope-sharing
  • Unity-pursuing 
  • Relationship-building
  • Care-giving
    … church family
When I send Artemis or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, so that they will lack nothing. And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works for cases of urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful. All those who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.
– Titus 3:12-15 (HCSB)
Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.
– Galatians 6:10 (HCSB)
We want to be a …
  • Christ-centered
  • Hope-sharing
  • Unity-pursuing 
  • Relationship-building
  • Care-giving
  • Hands-and-feet of Jesus
    … church family
He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works.
– Titus 2:14 (HCSB)
We want to be a …
  • Christ-centered
  • Hope-sharing
  • Unity-pursuing 
  • Relationship-building
  • Care-giving
  • Hands-and-feet of Jesus
    … church family

Discussion Questions // 

  1. What is one of your favorite positive memories from growing up in church, if you have one? If not, is there a memorable experience you've had with church in your adult life?
  2. Christ-Centered (Titus 1:4, Matthew 16:18, Colossians 1:18): Why is it crucial for a church to remain Christ-centered rather than becoming rule-centered or personality-centered? How does focusing on Christ impact our daily lives and the church’s mission?
  3. Hope-Sharing (Titus 2:13, 1 Peter 3:15, Titus 3:7): What are some practical ways, in word and action, that we can share the hope we have in Christ with others in our community? 
  4. Unity-Pursuing (TItus 3:9): What are some common issues that can disrupt unity in a church? How can we as individuals contribute to maintaining unity, especially in a diverse church environment?
  5. Relationship-Building (Titus 2:3-8): How can we foster stronger relationships, including intergenerational ones, within the church? What are some specific actions you can take to connect with both older and younger members of our church family?
  6. Care-Giving (Titus 3:12-15, Galatians 6:10): In what ways can we be more intentional about caring for one another within our church family? Can you share an example of a time when someone’s care or support made a difference in your life?
  7. Hands-and-Feet of Jesus (Titus 2:14, 2 Corinthians 12:27) : How can we effectively extend our love and care beyond the church to those in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools? What are some practical steps we can take to be the hands and feet of Jesus in these areas?
  8. What is one step you can take this week to be the C.H.U.R.C.H.? Let's close in prayer, asking God to help us live out these qualities and to guide us in our next steps

Worship Setlist // 

This is Our God // Same God // Worthy of My Song // The Truth 

Devotional // 

Each week, a new devotional will be available. This devotional is based on the previous Sunday's message, and it aims to take the message further and help you dive deeper into the topic. You can find the devotionals at the link, or sign up to receive weekly emails.

Catch Up // 

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Give // 

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.
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