Read Titus 2:1-10.

1. Can you think of someone who has been a positive influence on your life? How about someone who was a negative influence? What made them influential?

2. In the video, Chip Ingram said before he followed Jesus, his initial encounter with Christians had been very negative. What do you think he meant by that? Was the church being the positive influence in his life that it was supposed to be?

3. How did you feel when you heard the Gandhi quote, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians look nothing like your Christ.” What does this say about the influence of Christians in the world today?

4. Paul mentions the need for “self-control” three times in this short passage. Why do you think Paul is so focused on self-control? What happens without self-control?

5. What does this passage teach us about the importance of mentors? Do you have any mentors? Do you mentor anyone?

6. Ingram comments that “little things make a huge difference,” and he uses being 1 degree off course on a trip to Hawaii as an example. How might the current state of affairs in the world be the result of generations being just a little off course?

7. Why is it so important to do little things in the right direction (do the next right thing)? What are some little things you can do in the right direction to have a positive Christian influence in the world?

8. Ingram discusses David Kinnaman’s book, “Unchristian,” and how it reveals a rather negative view of Christianity by the unchurched world. How might the book of Titus be a blueprint for us to change this narrative?

9. What can you do to make the teaching about God our Savior not only attractive (v. 10), but down right irresistible? How can you be a positive influencer for Jesus?

Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, we know that the gospel has the power to transform lives, congregations, communities, cultures, societies and even the whole world. We also know that such transformation begins with each and every one of us. Help us to be the influencers you call us to be. Help us to change the current narrative out there in the world by living like Jesus. May our daily lives reflect your eternal goodness to the world around us, making you absolutely irresistible to everyone, even those who don’t know you yet. Remind us, Lord, that little things make a huge difference. Help us to always do the next right thing, for the sake of the Gospel, that its transformative power may be unleashed across the street and around the world. We ask all of this in the name of the One who makes it possible, our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.