Don’t Look Down
This Sunday in our Everyday Impact series, we’re looking at Timothy. You may know his name, but maybe not his story. What we will see is how God used ordinary people to shape Timothy as a young man, and then used Timothy to shape the church. We will use his story to ask ourselves the question: What does it take to see the next generation transformed by the gospel? If you’ve ever thought God can’t use you because you’re too young, too old, or too busy, this one’s for you.
Acts 16:1-5
16 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Who is one person who invested in your faith when you were younger? What did they do that stuck with you?
2. Fill in the blank honestly: “God can’t use me because I’m too ________.” Where has that belief kept you from investing in someone God put right next to you?
3. Read 2 Timothy 1:6–10. Paul calls our faith “the gift of God,” given “not because of anything we have done.” How does knowing the fire was lit by God, not you, change the pressure you feel to be “enough”?
4. Who is one “Timothy” you could encourage or invite this week?
For Families with Kids
1. Read Acts 16:1-5 together.
2. Who taught Timothy? Who are the people in your family or church who help you learn about Jesus?
3. Timothy grew up in a home where his dad didn’t believe in God, but his mother did. How does Timothy’s story show that God can use you no matter what your family background looks like?
4. Verse 5 says the churches were “strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.” What are some daily habits (like prayer, reading Scripture, or serving) that help our own faith grow stronger?
5. Pray the Lord’s Prayer together.