Sermon Notes
Follow along with the latest sermon with engaging
discussion questions and challenging truths.
discussion questions and challenging truths.
Raise The Sails
Sunday, September 14th
Summary
This sermon from the "Raise The Sails" series focuses on spiritual empowerment and community support, drawing from 2 Timothy 1:1-9 and the relationship between Paul and Timothy. The pastor emphasizes that just as Timothy needed others to help "raise his sail" - through Paul's prayers, love, and guidance, as well as the faithful influence of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice - we all need spiritual community to thrive. The central metaphor compares the Holy Spirit to wind in our sails and fire within us that needs constant tending. The pastor argues that we don't need more of God's power (the fire), but rather need to offer more of ourselves as "kindling" - more of our life, heart, and will. He stresses that spiritual growth happens in community, where believers help raise each other's sails through prayer, encouragement, and accountability, and where the flame of faith naturally spreads from person to person.
Discussion Questions:
1. Community Support: Paul, Lois, and Eunice all helped "raise Timothy's sail." Who has helped raise your spiritual sail throughout your life? How can you actively help raise someone else's sail this week?
2. Spiritual Inheritance: The sermon mentions how some godly kings had sons who didn't follow their faith. What factors do you think contribute to successfully passing faith to the next generation? What challenges might prevent this?
3. Fanning the Flame: The pastor says we don't need more fire from God, but need to offer more kindling (our life, heart, will). What specific areas of your life could you offer as "kindling" to strengthen your spiritual fire?
4. Fire Spreads: How have you experienced the truth that "the flame in you ignites the flame in me"? Can you think of a time when someone else's spiritual passion encouraged your own?
5. Church as Village: The sermon describes fellowship as "joining hands together on the rope" rather than just coffee and cookies. How can your church or small group become more intentional about this kind of mutual spiritual support?
6. Personal Application: If you were to honestly assess your spiritual "sail," would you say it's fully raised, partially raised, or lowered? What would help you raise it higher?
This sermon from the "Raise The Sails" series focuses on spiritual empowerment and community support, drawing from 2 Timothy 1:1-9 and the relationship between Paul and Timothy. The pastor emphasizes that just as Timothy needed others to help "raise his sail" - through Paul's prayers, love, and guidance, as well as the faithful influence of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice - we all need spiritual community to thrive. The central metaphor compares the Holy Spirit to wind in our sails and fire within us that needs constant tending. The pastor argues that we don't need more of God's power (the fire), but rather need to offer more of ourselves as "kindling" - more of our life, heart, and will. He stresses that spiritual growth happens in community, where believers help raise each other's sails through prayer, encouragement, and accountability, and where the flame of faith naturally spreads from person to person.
Discussion Questions:
1. Community Support: Paul, Lois, and Eunice all helped "raise Timothy's sail." Who has helped raise your spiritual sail throughout your life? How can you actively help raise someone else's sail this week?
2. Spiritual Inheritance: The sermon mentions how some godly kings had sons who didn't follow their faith. What factors do you think contribute to successfully passing faith to the next generation? What challenges might prevent this?
3. Fanning the Flame: The pastor says we don't need more fire from God, but need to offer more kindling (our life, heart, will). What specific areas of your life could you offer as "kindling" to strengthen your spiritual fire?
4. Fire Spreads: How have you experienced the truth that "the flame in you ignites the flame in me"? Can you think of a time when someone else's spiritual passion encouraged your own?
5. Church as Village: The sermon describes fellowship as "joining hands together on the rope" rather than just coffee and cookies. How can your church or small group become more intentional about this kind of mutual spiritual support?
6. Personal Application: If you were to honestly assess your spiritual "sail," would you say it's fully raised, partially raised, or lowered? What would help you raise it higher?