Titus Series: Chapter 2: 1-15 - Living in Truth | Pastor Gladys Nordlund

In this powerful message delivered by Pastor Gladys Nordlund at River City Church, the focus is on living a life that authentically reflects the teachings of the Bible, specifically drawing from Titus chapter 2. Pastor Gladys emphasizes the importance of not only internalizing God's word but actively living it out in practical ways, demonstrating godly character through surrendered living. The sermon challenges believers to avoid being self-absorbed with faith and instead become vessels of transformation who impact others through mentorship, teaching, and example.

Pastor Gladys unpacks the roles of different groups within the church—older men, older women, younger women, and young men—and the responsibility each has in promoting right living that reflects wholesome teaching. She highlights the danger of hypocrisy, stressing that godly character is not taught by words alone but modeled through a surrendered life. The message also addresses misconceptions about submission, clarifying that submission is strength under control and not silence or passivity.

The sermon further explores the concept that grace not only saves but trains believers, empowering them to live wisely and lovingly amidst a culture filled with counterfeit doctrines and sinful pleasures. Pastor Gladys calls for a shift from merely receiving blessings and spiritual power to cultivating a deep intimacy with God through surrender and obedience. She encourages believers to embrace the presence of God, be patient with their spiritual growth, and actively mentor others, ultimately leaving a legacy of faith.

The message concludes with a call to break free from past failures and limitations through the grace and power of Jesus Christ, urging the church to live the truth boldly and with integrity both in private and public life. Pastor Gladys reminds the congregation that transformation comes through the Holy Spirit, and nothing is wasted when offered at the altar of God.

 Highlights  

- The importance of living a life that reflects wholesome teaching as instructed in Titus 2.  

- Godly character is modeled through surrendered living, not just taught by words.  

- Older generations have a vital role in mentoring and training younger believers, turning ministry into legacy.  

- Grace not only saves but also trains believers to live with wisdom, love, and self-control.  

- Submission is strength under control, not silence or passivity, especially in the context of women’s roles.  

- Authentic Christian living requires both the presence and power of God, emphasizing intimate relationship over mere ritual.  

- Integrity in private life builds credibility and influence in public ministry, underscoring the need for consistency.

 Key Insights  

- Living the Word vs. Hearing the Word: Pastor Gladys highlights a common pitfall in Christian life—hearing the Word of God without living it out. This disconnect leads to spiritual stagnation and counterfeit faith, where external appearances do not align with internal transformation. The call is for believers to embody the truth in actions, making faith visible and credible to others.

- The Role of Mentorship and Intergenerational Discipleship: Titus 2 instructs older men and women to actively mentor younger generations. This intentional passing down of faith is crucial for sustaining healthy churches and communities. It transforms ministry from a task into a legacy, emphasizing relational discipleship over mere attendance or surface-level involvement.

- Grace as Both Salvation and Training: Grace is often understood only as the means of salvation, but Pastor Gladys points out that grace also functions as a teacher, training believers to turn from sinful living and develop godly virtues such as patience, love, and self-control. This dual role of grace encourages believers to depend on God’s power for ongoing transformation.

- Clarifying Submission: The message carefully distinguishes between submission and silence, a topic often misunderstood or misrepresented. Submission is described as “strength under control,” an active choice to yield in love and respect. This empowers women to express themselves respectfully and resist passivity, thus fostering healthy relationships and godly influence.

- Faith in the Unseen and Spiritual Discipline: Trusting God requires faith in the unseen, which is difficult but essential for spiritual maturity. Pastor Gladys encourages believers to cultivate a quiet, intimate space with God—sometimes in silence and stillness—rather than merely engaging in external religious activities. This spiritual discipline is key to experiencing God’s presence and power.

- Authenticity and Integrity in Christian Leadership: The sermon stresses that true leadership and spiritual influence stem from integrity behind closed doors. Without a surrendered heart and consistent private life, public ministry can ring hollow. The transparency of failure, repentance, and grace-filled growth models a relatable faith that draws others closer to Jesus.

- Breaking Free from Past and Cultural Counterfeits: Many believers struggle with feelings of inadequacy or being trapped by past failures or cultural false teachings. Pastor Gladys reassures the congregation that God’s grace and power can overcome these barriers, reminding them that their identity and capacity to live out the truth are defined by God’s word and Spirit, not by their history or present struggles.

Pastor Gladys' message is a compelling call to authentic Christian living marked by integrity, mentorship, and grace-driven transformation. Rooted deeply in Titus 2, the sermon challenges believers to embody the Word of God in every aspect of life, fostering godly character that cannot be criticized. It highlights the importance of intergenerational faith-building, the empowering role of grace, and the need for a sincere relationship with God that goes beyond ritual into real-life surrender and obedience. Ultimately, the message inspires the church to break free from counterfeit living, embrace their calling to disciple others, and live boldly as examples of Jesus Christ in a world desperately in need of truth.