St. Luke Church Lexington – Sermons & Teachings

Legit Level Character | Brian Ebel

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Big Idea:

What we’re after this series: allowing God to do a bit of building our character. In fact, Paul says it today to Titus – he says that Titus is his true child in the common faith. The word “true” we can also translate as being genuine. In the ANE if you called someone a genuine or true child, it was to say that this person is a legitimate son/daughter of the family. Character matters because the people we are being called to reach for Christ are more Cretan than Christian.

Key Points

1. True Identity Starts With God

“Titus, you’re a legitimate son or daughter of God.”

• Paul calls Titus his true child — the word can also be translated as genuine or legitimate.
• Our character begins with a new identity: being children of God through faith in Christ.

2. Crete Isn’t That Different From Today

• Titus was sent to Crete — a place full of liars, lazy gluttons, and corrupt leaders — and tasked with bringing truth and character.
• Much like today, people are hungry for authenticity and transformation.

3. Character is Built by the Holy Spirit

“Your character comes from a deeper work that God wants to do in your heart.”

• We’re not called to perform or perfect ourselves, but to surrender to God’s shaping.
• Change begins with grace — justification in a moment — and continues with sanctification over a lifetime.

4. We’re Inspired By LEGIT Character

• We admire stories of sacrifice, courage, and integrity because we’re wired for character.
• These moments reflect Christ in us — Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).

5. The World Needs Christians With LEGIT Character

“Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people alive.”

Application Questions:

1. Where do I lack the character of Christ right now?
2. What grudge, habit, or mindset might the Holy Spirit want to transform?
3. Have I invited the Holy Spirit to not just save me, but to change me?
4. If someone were to observe my life, would they see a reflection of Christ?
5. What’s one step I can take this week to surrender to God’s forming work in my life?