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Turning anger to acceptance
What does Isaiah 2.1-5 say to our society about turning weapons into welcome signs?
Context
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Violence and oppression, or vision and opportunities? The recent Tommy Robinson rallies that have inspired some younger men in particular to explore Christianity raise questions:
- Are they doing this for the appropriate reasons? Or is there a sense of nostalgic nationalism at play here that has little to do with the the core principles of the Christian faith in Jesus Christ?
- Are people defending something they never had, simply because they fear what others might put in its place – i.e. faiths other than Christianity?
- In what ways are there opportunities here for the Church to genuinely encourage those exploring Christianity, without weaponising it?
- Whilst the Church should welcome all comers, so as not to detract potential faith explorers, how can it also protect those who are vulnerable to the vitriol of far-right politics? Advent 2025 might just be that opportunity to enable some people to glimpse the light in the darkness, to set aside weapons of anger and love their neighbour.
People in society in the UK are scared for all sorts of reasons. In particular they fear to lose an idealised model of society that they think once existed. But fear can lead to intolerance of other faiths and immigrants. Following his recent experiences of trying to walk the way of Christ amongst those at recent Tommy Robinson rallies, the Bishop of Kirkstall, Arun Arora, asked : “How can we disagree well?” How can we open the lines of communication with those who express extreme views about the people they share a country with?
Isaiah’s model of Kingdom building, which sits so well alongside Jesus’ teaching, does not seem to reflect the Tommy Robinson approach to Christmas. Robinson’s worryingly threatening approach to putting ‘Christ’ back into Christmas, seems to miss the point reflected in the light of the Gospels, of a Messiah who challenged powerful aggressive and oppressive national leaderships with a message of love! Isaiah tells the people of his day that they are taking the wrong approach and that they should be encouraging peace. They (and their use of the Temple) are missing the point, rather than trying to be the best example of God’s love that they can be. Isaiah’s famous call to transform weapons into farm implements, is a reminder to us that we still have a lot lot to do to fulfil his vision of Zion several thousand years later! As we once again begin the season of Advent we only have to glance at the place of Jesus’ birth, the so-called ‘holy-land’, to be reminded more than ever that we need to set aside weapons of war, to come together to take up the tools of tolerance and peace, and so to walk in God’s light!
Questions for discussion
- Bishop Ceirion Dewar (a bishop in the small, conservative, traditionalist Confessing Anglican Church) was invited to lead the start of Tommy Robinson’s rally in prayer. He accepted the request as he felt it was his "Christian duty”. He said he saw thousands there who sincerely felt that Great Britain was "founded on Christian principles and from the Christian faith" and that this was being “eroded". How does this view relate to the model of faith taught in Isaiah 2:1-5?
- Advent is about being ready, as we are reminded in Matthew 24:33-44. How ready or prepared was the person who discovered a valuable painting of the Madonna and child in their garage for what happened when it was sold at auction? How might your church use the discovery of such an unexpected Christmas gift to fund the building of relationships within diverse local communities?
- The Archbishop of Canterbury-elect Sarah Mullally recently described the UK as a divided society, warning "people are frightened for lots of reasons, and often that then presents in ways that, for other people, may feel threatening”. How can Isaiah 2:1-5 help us to address people’s fears for society and turn hatred into tolerance?
Tim Lowe is a minister of the United Reformed Church, serving in the Leeds URC Partnership. He lives with the challenges that narrow mindedness brings to the diversity of people within the city. However, he is yet to discover a valuable painting in his garage that will pay for repairs to his church’s leaking roof!
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Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
Wicked 2 has just been released grossing $225 million over its opening weekend, making it the biggest opening for a Broadway film to date. I will not write any spoilers in this piece. However, I can say that we see a struggle; a fight between good and evil; tension boils over; and all is in chaos. The plot line reflects real life globally with its wars; highly contentious peace negotiations; and tension boiling over in multiple locations; and, closer to home, in our own lives.
Isaiah describes a beautiful vision of peace and light. Yet, in the brief moments of ‘peace’ in our lives, who finds themselves becoming restless and seeking action? In Wicked they famously sing, ‘Because I knew you, I have been changed for good’ so let us come to know God, and prepare ourselves for peace so it doesn’t feel so awkward. Let us pause our storms and not engage with the chaos. Let’s swap the script by replacing doom scrolling with a prayer journal. And let’s create times of stillness where we can be by ourselves with God.
Lindsay Wright is a freelance writer and designer from Lancashire www.startswithabrew.co.uk
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 23 November 2025
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A refuge you can trust
God is our refuge (Psalm 46:1) in stormy times.
Context
Snow and ice hit parts of UK as some schools closed and travel disrupted.
Russian spy ship on edge of UK waters directed lasers at RAF pilots.
Andy Murray leads ecstatic reaction to Scotland's World Cup qualification.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Extreme weather tends to come as a shock. It's either completely unexpected or more severe than anticipated and can cause chaos for many people - schools are closed; travel plans are majorly disrupted; people are isolated; cars are abandoned. Warnings and sound advice are given but are frequently ignored. Is this just in cases of extreme weather or is it an allegory for the world we live in? The issues faced appear more acute and possibly closer to home but actually:
- many children in our world are deprived of education for all sorts of reasons;
- people are not always free to travel as they would like;
- many face loneliness and social isolation much of the time.
Into this world and these situations the words of the psalmist can offer stability, sanctuary and hope.
The reports of Russian spy ships close to UK waters remind us of the fragility of any peace. Ostensibly we live in a nation with a deep and lasting peace or do we? Situations can change rapidly and the actions of the Russians at times are deeply disturbing. Times change but God does not. God’s love is constant and solid and can always be relied upon.
The football match between Scotland and Denmark provided great excitement and a thrilling result for all Scotland supporters. The outcome was never a foregone conclusion as first one team and then the other seemed to have the advantage. Tennis player Andy Murray was quoted as saying that there was never any doubt that Scotland would win. Clearly he is a man of faith. He trusted (apparently) through thick and thin that his team would be victorious. Is this an illustration of the application of Psalm 46:1 to an international football match? Are there ways in which such confidence can be applied to other aspects of life?
Questions for discussion
- How has God helped you in times of trouble?
- What sorts of challenges do we face if we say that God is our refuge?
- A refuge is a place of sanctuary. How can Christians offer practical sanctuary in our communities?
Stuart Wild is the Superintendent Minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit in Lancashire.
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As I ponder what to write and share – and as you’re pondering what to share with your friends, family and those you meet on Sunday and beyond - I’m conscious that there will be a mix of emotions for all of those we meet this week.
For some of us, including myself, we can watch the news / read the newspapers / follow social media and think, "What on earth is going on in the world? Is God really in charge in the world?"
I’m also conscious that for some of us, we will be going through such personal heartache and trouble that we, too, will be shouting, screaming and crying through gritted teeth, ‘Where is God in this mess?’
- Where is God when my Dad’s got a terminal illness, my Mum’s had to take time off work to look after him and we’re now going to the food bank most weeks to help put food on the table?
And for many of us, we’ll be going about our daily lives knowing that situations like these are going on around us, somehow trusting that God is at work in and through us and those God calls His Church.
Today’s Psalm is a reminder that God is our refuge and strength; an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 NIV). God doesn’t take away our trouble for or from us but he does walk through the trouble with us.
As you ponder what to share or to bring with you to church on Sunday, maybe all you need to bring is yourself so that you can be with those who feel as if they’re going through a turning world. Maybe it’s a hug that someone will need. Or a smile. Or an offer of a coffee after church or work this week. Or a card (with a chocolate bar...) popped through their letterbox.
We don’t need to change the world – that's God’s job. But maybe we can be open to the Spirit’s prompting to see who we can be with today and over the coming weeks and months ahead.
Jonathan Buckley, Redevelopment Manager at St Paul’s Church and Youth Development Worker at YMCA White Rose.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 16 November 2025
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The Here and Now
How can we be more active in the kingdom of God on earth? (2 Thess 3:6-13)
Context
It is/was the Children in Need Appeal Show on Friday 14 November. Established in 1980, the charity has been raising money to support disadvantaged children and young people most prominently through the annual telethon featuring the much-loved Pudsey Bear.
Every year people take on amazing feats to raise money and 2025 is no exception. It’s been inspiring to watch Sara Cox covering 135 miles in just 5 days in her attempt to return Pudsey Bear to Pudsey.
But, along with feats of endurance and the annual silliness, the Friday night programme showcases many of the different projects supported by the charity. In many ways the whole event reminds us all of the requirement to support people to live well in the here and now. The projects paid for by Children in Need are a vivid example of giving children and young people reasons to live and thrive, not to have to sit and wait, or to languish in hopelessness. The charity invites disadvantaged children and young people into a full life now! It’s proactive, not passive; its industrious not inactive; it’s about starting things and not ceasing.
Paul’s memo to the Thessalonians warns his readers against inactivity or in some translations ‘idleness’. In many ways he is speaking into a similar idea of the call to action and transformation Children in Need is making. But we are called by more than a charitable endeavour. We are called by God to live and to act in the world we find ourselves in. It’s part of being in God’s family in the here and now as well as the world to come. As Paul comments, it’s about living according to our teaching: living life to the full, being agents of change and transformation and actively bringing the hope we have in Christ to wherever we are here and now.
Ideas for reflection
- Play the Rend Collective song ‘Build Your Kingdom Here’. Invite people to use both the lyrics and the following questions to reflect on their lives in the here and now.
- How do we live our daily lives as part of the kingdom on earth?
- Are we motivated by our faith towards action?
- Which situations require us to make a choice to be less passive and more active?
- Summarise all of the projects, events and different works people in the church are currently involved in day-to-day. Invite a couple of people to talk about the work they do as part of God’s active kingdom here on earth, or set up a series of mini interviews. Thank God and pray together for all that happens in your community.
Fiona Dorman is a freelance leadership consultant and mediator.
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Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
When Youthscape and Tearfund researched young people’s views on the environment they found that over 90% of young people are concerned about climate change and that over 90% thought their church was not doing enough about it. It also found that they wanted to act but wanted help from adults in church to do so. As COP30 (the latest UN conference on climate change) happens in Brazil this week, now is a good time to re-double our efforts to steward the good creation that God has given us to look after and to partner with the young people in our churches to do so.
But why haven’t we done more up until now? Why does it seem so difficult to look after the world God has given us? Yes, governments and corporations have responsibilities, and climate change will be difficult to halt without action from them but why haven’t we changed what we do personally and as churches? There are of course all sorts of reasons but one is that looking after the planet is inconvenient. The easy way is not normally the environmentally friendly way.
In our passage today Paul warns against those who are lazy, who tire easily of doing good. One thing about such people is that they become a burden on others. In that instance the issue was people not working and then expecting others to give them food. But it isn’t at all a stretch to also see not looking after God’s world as (in part at least) laziness. Paul sets an example of not taking food but paying his way. Young people are looking for us to set an example too by not giving in to convenience. Let’s give them the example they want and need - let’s never tire of doing good in this way.
Dr Gareth Crispin is Tutor for Youth and Children's Ministry at Emmanuel Theological College.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
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Fake news?
Paul writes, amongst other things, to correct fake news which has reached Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 2:2).
Context
Fake news seems to be all around us today. Almost any major event seems to prompt people to create fake news arguing that the culprit must be an immigrant. The national curriculum is to be changed to cover the identification of fake news and disinformation. Moreover, the way some use social media to disseminate such false narratives seems to be forcing police into giving more information to help dispel these stories.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
This week Roots focuses on Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica. It seems that fake news had reached the Thessalonians that ‘the day of the Lord is already here’ (2 Thessalonians 2.2).
It is hard to be sure who spreads fake news today, especially on social media. But those who leap to blame migrants for everything which goes wrong (like the Southport murders and last weekend’s train stabbings) do not rush to tell us all that the LNER staff member who saved many lives last weekend on that train has a foreign-sounding name! Many of those who spread such stories seem to have a very narrow view of Britishness (or is it Englishness?). Then there are people in the public eye who deliberately spread fake news. This link is several months old now but it seems that Musk still believes that ‘the fundamental weakness of western civilisation is empathy’. And some so-called Christians, at least in North America, seem to support this view. To my mind it is alarming that one of the world’s richest and powerful people takes a view which I think incompatible with Jesus' teaching that we are to love our neighbours. Jesus' teaching is that neighbours include despised foreigners (Luke 10:25-37; The Rift between Jews and Samaritans).
I find it striking that fake news existed even in New Testament times. I wonder who sent the news ‘as though from’ Paul. But perhaps even then it was just as difficult to be sure of the source of fake news as it is in this age of social media. It is easy to imagine that the issue of fake news is a new one, solely driven by social media; but clearly that is not true. How easy do we find it to distinguish fake news from the truth? Are we easily fooled?
To link these thoughts with Remembrance Sunday it may be useful to recall that fake news about war is also common. Many people seem to have forgotten that thousands of Hindu and Muslim troops, mainly from India, fought alongside the Allies in the Second World War (WW2). For some years we lived near a former WW2 airfield and, alongside several British war graves including a Women’s Auxiliary Airforce (WAAF) grave, the parish churchyard contained one Czech and one Polish war grave. Over 2000 Polish war graves are in the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Of course the UK also used fake news during the world wars; one example is the use of the ‘Dam Busters’ squadron to fool German radar into thinking that the D Day invasion was happening near Calais.
Questions for discussion
- Discuss your response to fake news and disinformation - how easy do you find it to distinguish it from the truth?
- Is the dissemination of fake news ever justified? And, if so, when might it be legitimate?
Dudley Coates is a local preacher in the Salisbury Methodist Circuit and a former Vice President of the Methodist Conference.
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There is a lot going on at the moment. This week alone has seen fireworks night all over the country and the switching on of Christmas lights (at least where I live!). Halloween happened a few days ago and, as soon as the pumpkins were sold out, the Christmas things started to appear. This weekend, and in the coming week, we will mark Remembrance – in memory of all those soldiers who have died defending our country. Put simply, there is a lot grabbing for our attention at the moment whether they are noble traditions (wearing our poppies) or newer cultural trends (trick or treat!).
Once we have remembered those who have died in war, the next big cultural date will be Christmas. But don’t let the shops and the lights and the excitement detract from our duty as Christians. St Paul in this week’s reading (2 Thessalonians 2.1-5,13-17) reminds us that Jesus has not yet returned after his ascension into heaven. In the same way, we do not mark his birth in November or early December or even until the night of Christmas Eve! First, there is Advent. A time of watching and waiting for the coming Messiah. There are lots of traditions in life – some important, some less so but still incredibly popular. As Christians we are not called to the popular but to the Christian. So, when you see the Christmas lights and start doing your Christmas shopping, do it knowing that Christ is coming, but he is not here yet.
Joe Allen is a PhD Theology candidate at St Mary’s University Twickenham. Holding BA and MA Theology Degrees from Exeter University, he combines study with ecclesiastical finance work for the (CofE) London Diocesan Fund alongside various freelance projects. He has worked across several Anglican dioceses and for a Roman Catholic Cathedral. He reads voraciously and lives in central London.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 2 November 2025
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Every Wo/man
Summary
Zacchaeus stands as all of us: Insignificant sinners in need of God’s grace (Luke 19:7).
Context
Saint Francis is the patron saint of insignificant creatures.
The most recent canonized saints could be you or me, but they aren’t celebrities.
Like little Zacchaeus, this man could have been easily overlooked.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
I live in France and I can imagine that Zacchaeus would have been thought of and treated in a similar way to the French citizens who collaborated with the puppet Vichy (Nazi) government in 1940-44. Zacchaeus collected taxes for the dreaded Roman occupiers. When I first started visiting France decades ago, I was warned never to ask anyone who had lived through The Occupation what he or she did during the war. There remained, and remains to this day, great bitterness towards those who served the Vichy government. Such would have been Zacchaeus’s predicament.
Notice that the very first words Luke’s Gospel has Zacchaeus say are a statement of his righteousness according to Jewish law (see Ex. 22:1 and Lev. 6:5). Despite the fact that Zacchaeus received Jesus “joyfully”, did he think that Jesus was as liable to condemn him as his fellow Jews? “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” (19:7). Well frankly, who isn’t a sinner — particularly with respect to the 613 laws found in the Hebrew Bible!? That is one of the ways in which Zacchaeus represents all of us. One infraction renders one a “sinner”. The story of Zacchaeus is not unlike the medieval morality play “Everyman”, as we are all in the same boat. However, for Jews, it is also the case that the number of laws reflects the magnitude of God’s grace. If there were only two or three laws and we broke them, then what hope for us? But no-one can break all 613 laws!
Questions for discussion
- If Mr Jesus pitched up at your house, what might be your first statement? Would you be aware of guilt and seek to justify yourself or might you have questions for Jesus? In either case, what would you say?
- “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham.” These are Jesus’ first words to Zacchaeus. Jesus doesn’t take Zacchaeus through the entire 613 laws to see how his behaviour matches up. What is Jesus’s mission as regards Zacchaeus?
Revd Dr Jack Lawson is a freelance writer and novelist: Doing Time, No Good Deed, Criminal Justice, The Woods and Dirty Business. His most recent novel, Joab, (Wipf & Stock) is based on the life of King David. For more information visit: www.jacknlawson.com; https://jacknlawson.com/blog; https://wingsepress.com/pages/lawson-jack-n
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Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
The World Health Organisation estimates that 4.1% of 10– to 14-year-olds and 5.3% of 15– to 19-year-olds experience an anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder causes excessive fear or worry which may be about something specific, or a broad range of everyday situations. Whilst the causes of anxiety disorders are complex, research indicates that using social media to get their news can lead to so-called ‘headline stress’ in young people.
As an adult watching the news, with its menu of racial injustice, climate change, political divisiveness, domestic terrorism, war and cost of living headlines, is anxiety inducing, even without experiencing any of the situations described. I can only imagine how it might feel as a young person.
This week Paul writes to the Thessalonian church to encouraging them to celebrate all that God is doing in their lives. It is a reminder of how easy it is to get caught up in the negatives of life, rather than watching for and celebrating where God is at work in our lives and the world.
Questions for discussion
- Where do the group get their news from?
- What news stories have they heard this week that are on their hearts and minds?
- Where do they see God at work in these situations?
- Where have they seen God at work in their lives this week?
You could encourage the group to keep a record of where they see God at work in their lives and the lives of others.
Victoria Etherington is University and Young Adult Chaplain in the York Methodist Circuit.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 26 October 2025
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Trust and its reward
Paul reflects on what has been and what is to come (2 Timothy 4.6-8,16-18)
Context
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
The AWS outage on Monday caused severe disruptions affecting services and apps used by millions. Whilst it was amusing to see social media users who were locked out of Snapchat being forced to take to TikTok to explain their plight, for many other users the outage was much more serious. People depend on the internet; they trust the servers; they rely on it being readily available. They are in dire straits when they are let down. Paul was not online; he had no social media; yet he knew he could trust, depend and rely upon God to sustain and support him.
Watching the news about the Great Parisian Jewel Heist, one began to wonder if the channel had mysteriously slipped and instead of watching the news, a crime thriller feature film was being shown instead. In less than 8 minutes the thieves had got away with some of France’s most valued treasures. They were quick and deliberate -they knew what they were there for. Paul did not steal jewels but he earned a crown, a crown of righteousness. He earned it in part through the same level of single-minded determination that the thieves showed. He too followed a plan but the plan he followed was God’s plan and he followed it despite all sorts of threats, difficulties and challenges.
Groundbreaking research at Moorfields Eye Hospital has restored reading vision to formerly blind eyes. In order to achieve this success the researchers needed volunteers to be brave enough to be part of the programme. One volunteer was quoted as saying that she wanted to take part in research to help future generations. Here we see courage, perseverance, trust and blessing. What do we notice in Paul’s reflections on his discipleship as he writes to Timothy reflecting that his life may soon be at an end.
Questions for discussion
- What do you think Paul meant by a crown of righteousness?
- Who or what do you absolutely depend upon?
- What sort of things distract you from being a single-minded disciple?
Stuart Wild is the Superintendent Minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit in Lancashire.
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Strictly Come and Evangelise?
Its Strictly season once again. Even if you are not a fan it is difficult to avoid the programme which exemplifies glamour and glitz. Every time I turn my computer on, the newsfeed bombards me with items about the programme, the judges, this year’s celebrities, celebrities of previous years, this year’s professionals and professionals who have retired or been sacked.
However I should confess I am a bit of a fan. I don’t so much like the early stages where those with two left feet and no sense of rhythm are rightly voted off by the public and the judges. I also get irritated by those who are too good too early as well. Week 3 is too early to be awarded a 10 out of 10. The only way is down!
I like the middle range - especially those in whom the judges identify potential. I enjoy watching those who make mistakes but listen carefully to the judges and learn from their mistakes and come back the following week - not perfect but much better. I support the dancers who are most improved.
A television dance programme may seem very different from the life story of one of the greatest evangelists and theologians of the early church but ask yourself what was it like for Paul? He struggled; he made mistakes; he had set-backs but he persevered. He kept on trying, knowing that victory was in sight.
That is the similarity but there are also two differences. Firstly, Paul was working with and for God and secondly, he knew that in the power of God he would win not a glitterball trophy but something much more valuable - a crown of righteousness.
Let's learn from Paul and keeeeep trying!
Revd Stuart Wild is a Methodist minister in Lancashire who achieved a bronze medal for Latin American dancing many, many years ago.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 19 October 2025
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Wrestling and Tools
The importance of the tools of prayer and God’s word in wrestling with big issues and discerning truth.
Context
- The story of Jacob wrestling has long been used as a metaphor for times when people of faith have felt as if they have been wrestling with God as they have prayed earnestly and persistently over deep issues. When finally those prayers have been answered, the senses of exhaustion, relief and gratitude have been powerfully visceral. For two years Jewish, Palestinian and many other people have been wrestling in prayer for the release of loved ones and for lasting peace and justice. On Monday the moment longed for by many came and the wrestling could stop, even if only temporarily.
- The issue of fake news is becoming ever more problematic. The BBC recently offered a little quiz to see how good we are at knowing the difference between real and fake news stories. As the problem becomes greater so does the need for the tools to discern what is true and in accord with God’s will, rather than following ‘teachers to suit our own desires' (2 Timothy 4:3).
- A highlight for many in the autumn TV schedules is Celebrity Traitors. In a picturesque Scottish castle nineteen well-known people are metaphorically wrestling with each other to discern who is telling the truth, who is being deceitful, who is a faithful and who is a traitor - all in the pursuit of £100,000 for their chosen charity. But who has the tools in their box to expose the ‘hypocrisy of liars’ as 1 Timothy 4:2 puts it? 1 Timothy 3:14 – 4:5 is remarkably similar to 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 - truth was a big issue!
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
You might like to reflect on the fragile but hopeful peace story in Israel and Gaza. Threads to weave together could include:
- What it feels like to wrestle in prayer and what it feels like when those prayers are eventually answered.
- The importance of persisting in prayer. When the Good Friday Agreement was signed two friends were going to their church - a church in which they had been praying for years for peace in Northern Ireland. One said "I can’t believe what has just happened. Peace in Northern Ireland at last.". To which their friend gently replied "Yes but should we be surprised? How long have we been praying about this?".
- Note the ending of the wrestling match in Genesis, when ‘the man’ blesses Jacob. From conflict to blessing - the need for prayers for Israel/Gaza continues.
- If you want to focus on the 2 Timothy reading and the Roots theme of A toolbox of faith, you might like to explore the BBC fake news quiz. Then explore how God’s Word and the faithful teaching of, and listening to, God’s Word are key tools in helping us to know what is true and what is false and so be ‘equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:17).
- As Paul makes consistently clear in his letters, God’s truth is embodied truth in the person of Jesus Christ. The Body of Christ (the Church) is called to live a godly life in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12). We learn how to do this best in community. It is significant that, in Luke’s idyllic portrait of the early Church in Acts 2, three of the first four practices, or Holy Habits, of the Church that he mentions are the apostles' teaching (which expounded God’s word), fellowship and prayer. The first believers were not left to their own devices to discern God’s truth and learn how to serve God in the world. They discovered these things in fellowship, in community, and in communion (the fourth practice is breaking bread). We are wise if we do the same.
Questions for discussion
- How have the past two years felt as you have prayed for Israel and Gaza? How did you feel on Monday when you saw news of hostages being released? How did you feel when you saw Gaza families returning to the ruins of their homes? How do we need to continue to pray for the blessings of true justice and peace for all? What other people or situations do we need to continue to wrestle in prayer for?
- What are the risks of fake news? For:
- The world?
- Younger people?
- Older people?
- Matters of faith?
- What tools has God give us to discern who is truthful and what is true?
- As a Christian community what opportunities do we offer for exploring God’s Word, praying together and a depth of fellowship that enables truth to be embodied amongst us? Might we need to refresh them or create some new opportunities?
Andrew Roberts is a husband, father, Methodist Minister and the author of Holy Habits. He enjoys watching football and cricket and once appeared on national TV dressed as a giant sunflower (BBC Get Your Own Back).
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
Who do you listen to?
2 Tim 4:3-5
3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations.
There was a great article this week about tiny premature babies’ brains developing much better if they listen to their mum’s voice.
The researchers recorded the mothers of the babies reading stories about Paddington Bear. They then played the recordings to the babies twice an hour every hour until the date they were supposed to be born and then checked the babies’ brains with an MRI scan.
The result??
The babies who had spent time listening to their mum reading Paddington Bear had more connected brains, particularly the bits of the brain that will help them understand language later in life.
The power of Paddington! Or more accurately the power of a parent. Perhaps the babies listening to their mothers tells us that what you hear is profoundly important. Tuning in and listening carefully to a trusted source can impact you in all sorts of positive ways. But of course, the exact opposite is also true. We can tune into words that actually do us damage, tell us things that are not true, put thoughts into our heads that are unhelpful, unpleasant and will ultimately make us very unhappy.
Paul talks about the power of tuning into words in 2 Timothy. He describes people who stop listening to the truth and instead start listening to untruth. He’s warning us that what we hear affects what we think about, what we hear affects how we see the world and what we hear ultimately affects how we behave. But the interesting thing about Paul’s warning is he explains that sometimes we only hear what we want to hear, even if it’s unhelpful or bad for us. We do the exact thing he talks about in the Bible reading – we tune our ears into all sorts of negative things even when it hurts other people and is filled with things that are not true. Paul describes it as only listening to what our itchy ears want to hear! It’s like Paul knew about the power of an algorithm on TikTok or Instagram, pushing us all sorts of unfiltered and often untrue words… It’s like he knew we have to work hard to fill our ears with the truth, with good things and listen carefully for words that will build us and others up.
Questions
- What do we listen to?
- Are we ‘itching our ears’ with words that damage us or hurt others?
- Do we try to hear words of truth and light?
- Who should we listen to?
Activity
Make a Paddington Bear style tag and write on the words of 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
'All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.'
Fiona Dorman is a freelance leadership consultant and mediator.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 12 October 2025
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues
Think! But set truth free!
Summary
Confrontational ‘wrangling’ (2 Tim 2:14) hurts but don’t hide behind bland words!
Context
A Manchester synagogue was murderously attacked last Thursday. In Peacehaven in Sussex, a mosque was set on fire two days later. Rallies have taken place in London and elsewhere:
The prime minister urged university students not to take part in pro-Palestine protests on 7 October.
Reflection
The message now seems to be, ’Don’t engage, by word or gesture!’ But by engagement we learn and move forward. I am grateful for a conversation I had as a teenager at the end of the controversial Six Days War. Cautiously, I asked my good Jewish friend how she felt. "My family are horrified. We are not Zionists." she replied. I understood. The trouble is this degree of two-way communication doesn’t transfer easily to wider exchanges.
Whilst typing the ‘Context’ paragraph above, I found myself picking my words extremely carefully. Was this ‘terrorism’ or just ‘violence’? Was that an ‘atrocity’ or merely an ‘attack’? I opted for blander terms than I might have chosen if talking to my friend. But on a local chat group was a message of sympathy and support for all affected by the Peacehaven mosque fire. It was scorned by some as ‘woke virtue-signalling’. What followed was hurtful:
- comments dismissive of honest concern;
- hostility towards Jewish and Muslim neighbours indifferently - none of it designed to build up.
Should we then, because of the risk of ruffling feathers, approach potentially controversial topics only with close friends, or within circles where concurrence is a given?
But 2 Tim 2:15 talks of ‘rightly explaining the word of truth’. To do this we need not only to think about what we are saying, where and to whom but also, sometimes, find the courage to reveal an opinion. I remember the picture shared by the local Imam in other troubled times for use in our agreed RE syllabus. Chosen to address the distrust between Islam and Judaism, it showed a group of Muslim clerics praying before the Auschwitz memorial captioned, ‘Such suffering must be lifted into the divine presence.’ Not controversial words, but well-chosen, and brave. Sometimes we need to address the ‘elephant in the room’.
Many accounts of the ‘rallies’ or ‘hate-marches’, the ‘attacks’ or ‘atrocities’, whilst recounting peaceable words dismissed as ‘virtue signalling’, also record demands for words to be replaced by actions. As negotiations begin on Trump’s latest peace proposals for Gaza many commentators point to their vagueness. Thus Trump avoids the opprobrium heaped on devoutly Christian David Lammy for just proposing the early recognition of a Palestinian state. If people are to be released into the freedom only justice and peace can offer, people of goodwill, whether they be national leaders or Joe on the neighbourhood chat, will have to find the right forums where entrenched and hostile views can be admitted and exchanged respectfully. Marches, despite the free speech question, are perhaps not the answer.
Sermon ideas
- Different denominations have different ideas as to how much conformity among members or communicants is desirable or necessary. But, to ‘unchain truth’, achieving some sort of consensus is usually desirable. What is the right approach from church leaders to dissentient voices? At what point does appropriate exploration and discussion descend into deplorable, ‘wrangling’?
- Given that social media plays such a large part in deepening divisions and whipping up vociferous dissent, should Christians be urged to keep clear of it? Can social media channels do good if properly used e.g. by setting people free to express themselves?
Questions for discussion groups etc
- Discuss ideas for events or activities to promote community cohesion/improve inter-faith understanding in your neighbourhood.
- Are you a marcher? A rally-goer? What sort of causes do you feel deserve support? Or not? Do you feel marches and rallies achieve good outcomes?
Brenda Vance is a URC Elder and retired university teacher living in Sussex.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
Let’s set the scene: the crowds are roaring, the stadium is full and all eyes are on you. Your team may be winning, but this is football - anything can happen. One more goal would ease the pressure of an opposition comeback. Then, in extra time, you find an opening, you pass to your team mate, they pass back, an opening happens and boom, the ball goes into the back of the net! It’s thrilling and even louder than before - yet you take this moment in front of thousands of people to drop to your knee and give that goal to God.
On the same day, in another country, another footballer scores a meaningful goal, creating a much needed equaliser for his team. Yes, he praises God on the pitch, but this time he takes it a step further by posting about it on social media.
This is what happened with Bukayo Saka for Arsenal and Senny Mayulu for PSG. These simple yet powerful actions, unshackle God’s words and place them in people’s minds. In a moment of glory observers can see how the real glory lies with God.
Although simple, these actions can be hard to do. So what can we do to help strengthen us and inspire us to take simple steps? If you like football, maybe follow Christian footballers, or channels such as Footballers for Christ to stop yourself from becoming shackled by fear.
Lindsay Wright is a freelance writer and designer from Lancashire www.startswithabrew.co.uk
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 5 October 2025
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues
A rich inheritance
Remembering others’ faith can help us hold on to its treasure ourselves (2 Timothy 1:1-14).
Context
Reflection and ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Relying on the power of God
Rather like the current Labour party leadership, Timothy had a challenging job as he ministered to a divided church in Ephesus (see Scripture in context). Paul’s imprisonment must have made him even more conscious of the opposition facing those living for Christ. It would be natural to feel anxious in this context. So Paul writes to prevent his younger colleague from falling prey to “a spirit of cowardice”
(2 Timothy 1:7).
Like Rachel Reeves reminding the Labour party faithful of past political achievements, Paul reminds Timothy of his rich history and inheritance of faith. He can draw on:
- the faith of his mother and grandmother before him, Eunice and Lois;
- the example of his father-figure Paul, who sees him as a “beloved child” (1:2);
- and of course on the “spirit of power and love” given by God through the Holy Spirit (1:7).
In this way, he can “Hold” (1:13) firm in the days to come.
This encouragement to focus not on reacting to troubles and wrongdoing, but instead on remembering God’s past faithfulness, and trusting in his ongoing purpose and grace, is also echoed in the readings from Psalm 37:1-9 (“Do not fret because of the wicked…” (v.1) instead “Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him…” (v.7)) and Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 (“…wait for it…” 2:3).
Guard the good treasure
We are all influenced by others around us to some extent, whether family, friends, school- or work-mates, celebrities, online influencers, or communities to which we belong. And when we love and treasure something, we tend to tell others around us about it. Combine these two things and sometimes a craze really takes off and spreads widely and rapidly, going “viral”, like the Labubus. At that point, others often decide they want some of that action but at lower cost and effort; or they decide to squeeze out some personal profit for themselves at others’ expense. That’s when the fakes and knock-offs proliferate.
It’s what happened with the fake Labubu toys and it’s perhaps part of what drove the troubles in the church in Ephesus. The call to “join with me in suffering for the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:8) is not an easy one to follow, after all. Against the false whispers, Paul urges Timothy, and by extension, us today, to “Hold to the standard of sound teaching” (1:13) and to “Guard the good treasure entrusted to you” (1:14). And how do we know the good treasure? Through remembering the rich history of our faith and relying on the “help of the Holy Spirit living in us” (1:14).
Questions for discussion
- A mother’s touch. Timothy benefitted from the example of his mother’s and grandmother’s faith. How many TV programmes can you name that are driven in part by exploring the influence of mothers, both good and bad? My own recently viewed list includes the varying mother-daughter pairs in Gilmore Girls and North of North, and the wide-reaching family drama surrounding Rebecca Pearson in This is Us. Younger audiences might know Bluey or The Simpsons. Why is it such a popular theme? What scenes might you hope to see in a TV drama following Lois, Eunice, and Timothy?
- Pass it on. Timothy is young (1 Timothy 4:12), at least for a leader, but it seems he valued the mentorship and guidance of his elders, whether his biological family like his mother and grandmother, or his church family, like Paul. In The I Paper print edition on Tuesday (subscription-only online), 23-year-old Kia-Elise Green wrote about the group of older friends she gained while dog-walking, in “What I learnt when I asked boomers for their life advice”. She talks about how she helps them with their smartphones while they in return offer her something “much more valuable… an abundance of life experience”, with tips on work-life balance, relationships, or the importance of working on communication skills and learning to cook from scratch. She concludes by saying that she hopes when she’s older: “Not only can I share my own advice, I can pass on what my new friends have taught me, too.” What are some of the tips about living in faith that you have learnt from older generations? What tips and “good treasure” would you like to pass on to those who come after you?
Rebecca Froley was the launch editor for the Roots website and has worked in digital publishing for 20+ years. She is currently volunteering while awaiting a start date for her new job. She worships at a Baptist church in the London Borough of Sutton where she helps with the young people and mission group.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
The headline news in recent days has been an attack on a Jewish synagogue in Manchester. A horrible and violent attack – it might leave us, whatever our religion, feeling nervous or worried. But we should not fear.
This might not be easy, but this week’s reading from Paul can help us. Paul reminds Timothy that he is part of a long line of faithful people – which in our day equals over 2000 years of Christian people, and even longer when we think of the Jewish people – our ‘older siblings’ in the faith of the Bible. Ours is a strong community – alongside our brothers and sisters of other faiths we should not be ashamed in the face of lone individuals. Moreover, we should remember the gift and treasure which is our faith in Jesus Christ. He walks alongside us to protect and comfort us no matter what happens in life.
In our lives we will experience all sorts of twists and turns – bad things among the good things. Jesus makes all things good in the end – and we should be confident and hopeful in this. Stand tall, stand firm – be confident and always pray to God through the good and the less good days – this is how we should pass on the faith to those around us.
Joe Allen is a PhD Theology Candidate at St Mary’s University Twickenham. Holding BA and MA Theology Degrees from Exeter, he combines study with ecclesiastical finance work for the (CofE) London Diocesan Fund alongside various freelance projects. He has worked across several Anglican dioceses and for a Roman Catholic Cathedral. He reads voraciously and lives in central London.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.