The Domino Effect

  • Pastor Josh Smith
When was the last time you thought about the legacy you’re leaving? Every day, you’re either passing on the message of Jesus to others or keeping it to yourself. What if your life was meant to be a domino piece, falling into others with the hope and love of Christ?

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The Domino Effect

Message Summary
When was the last time you thought about the legacy you’re leaving? Every day, you’re either passing on the message of Jesus to others or keeping it to yourself. What if your life was meant to be a domino piece, falling into others with the hope and love of Christ?
Key Scripture
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Day 1: The Legacy You’re Leaving

Scripture

2 Timothy 1:3-7

Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Devotional

Paul’s words to Timothy reveal something profound about legacy: faith is meant to be transferred from generation to generation. Timothy’s faith didn’t appear out of nowhere—it was cultivated by his grandmother Lois, nurtured by his mother Eunice, and mentored by Paul. He was the recipient of a spiritual domino effect that had been falling through his family line.

But here’s the critical question: What happens when that domino reaches you? Does it stop, or does it continue falling into others?

Paul reminds Timothy to “fan into flames” the spiritual gift within him. This imagery suggests that faith isn’t static—it’s either growing or dying, either being passed on or being hoarded. The faith that was handed down to Timothy wasn’t meant to end with him; it was meant to flow through him to “other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”

Think about your own spiritual journey. Someone, somewhere, invested in you. Maybe it was a parent, a friend, a pastor, or even a stranger who shared Jesus with you. They were a domino piece that fell into your life. Now the question is: Are you falling into others? Are you intentionally passing on what was given to you?

God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear that holds back from sharing our faith. He’s given us power, love, and self-discipline—everything we need to be effective domino pieces in His kingdom. The legacy you’re leaving isn’t just about what you accomplish; it’s about who you invest in and what you pass on.

Response Questions

  1. Who were the “domino pieces” in your life—the people who passed faith on to you? What specific things did they do or say that made an impact? How can you honor their investment by doing the same for others?
  2. If someone were to describe the legacy you’re currently leaving, what would they say? Would they mention your faith in Jesus, or would other things (career, hobbies, possessions) define your legacy more prominently?
  3. Paul says God has given us power, love, and self-discipline—not fear. What fears are currently holding you back from being more intentional about passing on your faith? What would it look like to replace those fears with the power, love, and self-discipline God has given you?

Prayer Points

  • Gratitude: Thank God for the specific people who invested in your spiritual life. Pray for them by name, asking God to bless them for their faithfulness in being domino pieces in your life.
  • Boldness: Ask God to remove any spirit of fear or timidity that keeps you from sharing your faith. Pray for the power, love, and self-discipline to be intentional about leaving a legacy of faith for others.

Day 2

Day 2: Soldiers Don’t Get Entangled

Scripture

2 Timothy 2:1-4

Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.

Devotional

When you enlisted in God’s army—the moment you said “yes” to Jesus—your allegiance shifted. You no longer belong to yourself, your culture, or your preferences. You belong to your commanding officer, Jesus Christ. And like any good soldier, your primary concern is pleasing the one who enlisted you.

But here’s where it gets challenging: soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life. This doesn’t mean we withdraw from the world or become irrelevant. Rather, it means we don’t get entangled in the same things that consume those who don’t know Jesus. We don’t get stuck in the same anxieties, the same pursuits of comfort, the same obsession with self-preservation.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy is clear: be strong through grace. Notice he doesn’t say “be strong through your own willpower” or “be strong through your discipline.” He says be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. Grace isn’t permission to stay comfortable; grace is the power to live obediently even when it’s hard.

The question we must ask ourselves is this: What civilian affairs have entangled us? Is it the pursuit of the American dream? Is it anxiety about our reputation? Is it comfort and convenience? Is it political allegiances that supersede our allegiance to Christ? Is it the approval of others?

Soldiers on active duty understand that their commanding officer’s orders take precedence over everything else. They don’t get to pick and choose which orders to follow based on their preferences. When we’re riddled with anxiety, consumed by cultural battles, or paralyzed by the opinions of others, we’re showing that we’ve gotten entangled in civilian affairs rather than staying focused on our mission.

Your mission is clear: teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Don’t let the affairs of this world distract you from that calling.

Response Questions

  1. What “civilian affairs” have you allowed to entangle you? What consumes your thoughts, time, and energy more than your mission to make Jesus known? Be brutally honest with yourself.
  2. How does understanding grace as “power to obey” rather than “permission to stay comfortable” change the way you approach your relationship with Jesus? Where have you been using grace as an excuse rather than as strength?
  3. If Jesus is your commanding officer, what orders has He given you that you’ve been ignoring or delaying? What would it look like to prioritize His orders over your own preferences this week?

Prayer Points

  • Confession: Confess the specific civilian affairs that have entangled you and distracted you from your mission. Ask God to help you untangle yourself from these things and refocus on what matters eternally.
  • Strength: Pray for grace-empowered strength to live as an active-duty soldier for Christ. Ask God to help you hear His orders clearly and obey them immediately, even when it’s uncomfortable or costly.

Day 3

Day 3: Athletes Follow the Rules

Scripture

2 Timothy 2:5, 15-16, 22-23

And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules… Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior… Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

Devotional

Every Olympic athlete understands a fundamental truth: you cannot win the prize unless you follow the rules. It doesn’t matter how talented you are, how hard you train, or how badly you want to win—if you break the rules, you’re disqualified. The same principle applies to our faith journey.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy emphasizes both endurance and self-discipline. Athletes don’t become champions by accident; they become champions through rigorous training, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the rules of their sport. They say “no” to things that would compromise their performance. They structure their entire lives around their goal.

But here’s where we often stumble: we want to follow Jesus on our own terms. We want to accommodate our comfort, our preferences, our appetites. We add rules that make us feel spiritual while ignoring the clear instructions God has already given us. We want heaven and our desires, when God says heaven and living for Jesus should be our desire.Paul’s words cut through our self-deception: “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval.” This isn’t about earning salvation—that’s already secured through Jesus. This is about living with such discipline and intentionality that when you stand before God, you hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The rules aren’t arbitrary restrictions meant to steal your joy. They’re guardrails meant to keep you on the path toward the prize. Run from anything that stimulates destructive desires. Pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Avoid foolish arguments that lead nowhere. These aren’t suggestions—they’re the rules of engagement for anyone who wants to finish the race well.

The question isn’t whether you’ll face temptation or struggle. The question is: Will you follow the rules even when it’s hard? Will you maintain your discipline even when no one is watching? Will you pursue holiness even when culture says you’re being too restrictive?

Athletes train in obscurity long before they compete in the spotlight. Your daily choices—the ones no one sees—are your training ground. The discipline you practice in private determines whether you’ll finish strong in public.

Response Questions

  1. What “rules” have you been trying to modify or ignore to accommodate your own comfort or desires? Where have you been trying to follow Jesus on your own terms rather than His?
  2. Athletes are known for their discipline and sacrifice—what they say “no” to in order to say “yes” to their goal. What do you need to say “no” to in order to say “yes” to following Jesus wholeheartedly? What specific appetites or habits are compromising your spiritual performance?
  3. Paul says to “enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” Who are the people in your life who are helping you stay disciplined in your faith? If you can’t name anyone, what steps do you need to take to find that kind of community?

Prayer Points

  • Discipline: Ask God to give you the self-discipline of an athlete training for the prize. Pray for the strength to say “no” to things that compromise your walk with Him and “yes” to the practices that strengthen your faith.
  • Accountability: Pray for God to bring people into your life who will help you follow the rules—people who will encourage you, challenge you, and hold you accountable to living faithfully for Jesus.

Day 4

Day 4: Farmers Trust God for Growth

Scripture

2 Timothy 2:6-7, 24-26

And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things… A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

Devotional

Farming requires a unique combination of diligence and faith. A farmer can plant the seed, water it, fertilize the soil, and protect it from weeds—but the farmer cannot make it grow. Growth is God’s work, not ours. This is perhaps the most important lesson for anyone who wants to pass on their faith to others.

We live in a culture that values immediate results and measurable outcomes. We want to see the harvest the moment we plant the seed. But that’s not how farming works, and it’s not how faith-sharing works either. Sometimes you plant a seed in someone’s life, and you won’t see the harvest for years—maybe even decades. Sometimes you’re the one who waters what someone else planted. Sometimes you get the joy of harvesting what others have faithfully cultivated.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy reveals the farmer’s heart: be kind to everyone, be patient with difficult people, and gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Notice the gentleness, the patience, the kindness. These aren’t the tactics of someone trying to force growth. These are the practices of someone who understands that “perhaps God will change those people’s hearts.”

Perhaps. Maybe. Possibly. This is the language of faith, not control.

Here’s where many of us do damage: we try to force growth in people. We argue, we pressure, we manipulate, we guilt. We think if we just say the right thing or make the right argument, we can convince someone to follow Jesus. But that’s not our job. Our job is to plant seeds, water them with kindness and truth, and trust the Holy Spirit to bring growth in His timing.

The reward for the hardworking farmer isn’t just the harvest—it’s also the joy of watching God work. When someone you’ve been praying for, investing in, and gently pointing toward Jesus finally says “yes” to Him, the joy is indescribable. You get to witness the miracle of spiritual birth. You get to see what God has been doing behind the scenes all along.

But you have to be willing to do the hard work without seeing immediate results. You have to be willing to plant seeds that someone else might harvest. You have to trust that God is working even when you can’t see it.

Response Questions

  1. Think about someone you’ve been trying to “force” toward faith rather than gently planting seeds and trusting God for growth. How might your approach need to change? What would patience and gentleness look like in that relationship?
  2. Paul says farmers should be “hardworking”—this isn’t passive. What’s the difference between working hard to plant and water seeds versus trying to force growth? Where do you fall on that spectrum in your relationships with people who don’t know Jesus?
  3. Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone trying to force spiritual growth in you? How did that feel? How does that experience inform the way you should approach others with the gospel?

Prayer Points

  • Patience: Pray for the patience of a farmer who plants seeds and trusts God for growth. Ask God to help you release control over the timing and outcomes of people’s spiritual journeys, trusting that He is working even when you can’t see it.
  • Gentleness: Ask God to give you a gentle, kind spirit toward those who don’t yet know Jesus or who oppose the truth. Pray that your words and actions would plant seeds of hope rather than creating barriers to faith.

Day 5

Day 5: Finishing Well

Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Scripture: As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

Devotional: Paul wrote these words from house arrest, knowing death was imminent. Yet there’s no regret, no panic, no desperate scrambling to accomplish more. Instead, there’s peace, confidence, and eager anticipation. Why? Because Paul lived with the end in mind. He fought the good fight as a soldier, finished the race as an athlete, and remained faithful as a hardworking farmer. He lived a life of legacy.

The most sobering question we can ask ourselves is this: If today were my last day, could I say the same? Have I fought the good fight, or have I been fighting for my own comfort? Have I finished the race, or have I been running in circles chasing things that don’t matter? Have I remained faithful, or have I compromised when it was convenient?

The beautiful promise is that the prize isn’t just for spiritual giants like Paul—it’s for “all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” That includes you. That includes the messy, imperfect, still-growing version of you reading this right now. Jesus Himself will personally place the crown of righteousness on your head. Not an angel. Not a delegate. Jesus.

But here’s the challenge: are you living like someone who actually believes that moment is coming? Are you eagerly looking forward to His appearing, or are you so entangled in this world that His return would be an inconvenience? The legacy you leave will be determined by how you answer that question with your life today.

Response Questions:

  1. If you were to stand before Jesus today, what would you want to hear Him say about how you lived? What changes need to happen in your life to align with that desired outcome?
  2. Looking at the three illustrations Paul uses (soldier, athlete, farmer), which one challenges you most right now, and why? What specific action can you take this week to grow in that area?
  3. Of the seven names you wrote down, which one is God specifically calling you to reach out to this week? What will you do, and when will you do it?

Prayer Points:

  1. Thank Jesus for the promise of the crown of righteousness and ask Him to help you live each day with eternity in mind, making decisions that honor Him and build His kingdom.
  2. Commit the seven names you wrote down to God, asking Him to prepare their hearts, create divine appointments, give you boldness and wisdom, and use you as a faithful domino piece falling into their lives with the hope of the gospel.

GrowGroup Guide

A weekly guide to carry the conversation beyond Sunday morning.

The Domino Effect: Living a Legacy of Faith

Opening Prayer (2-3 minutes)

Begin by asking God to open hearts and minds to His leading. Pray specifically that each person would hear from the Holy Spirit about how they can be more intentional in passing on the faith to others.

Ice Breaker (5-7 minutes)

Question: Share about someone who had a significant spiritual impact on your life. How did they “fall into” your life with the message of Jesus?

Watch or Recap the Sermon (5 minutes)

If your group didn’t attend together, take a few minutes to recap the main points:

  • We are called to pass on a legacy of faith to others
  • Our lives should be like dominoes falling into others with the gospel
  • Paul encouraged Timothy to be a soldier, athlete, and farmer in the faith
  • We need to write down names and be intentional about sharing Jesus

Discussion Questions

Question 1: The Legacy We’re Living (10 minutes)

Question: The pastor asked, “How often do you think about the legacy you are leaving?” and “Are others even aware that you live for Jesus?” How would you honestly answer these questions about your own life right now?

Context from Sermon: The pastor defined legacy as “anything handed down from the past” and challenged us to think about how intentionally we are passing Jesus on to others. He noted that every place our feet go, we’re supposed to leave a legacy of Jesus. He asked directly: “Do you extend Jesus? Is the life of Jesus seen through you to others?”

Leader Tip: Create a safe space for honest answers. Some may feel convicted that they haven’t been intentional. Affirm that this message is a fresh start and opportunity to grow.

Question 2: The Domino Effect (10 minutes)

Question: The pastor used the domino illustration to show how faith should transfer from person to person. He mentioned three reasons dominoes stop falling: (1) we run out of dominoes (all have heard), (2) we’re too close together (groupthink/religious bubble), or (3) we’re too far apart (distant from community). Which of these three do you think is the biggest challenge in your life right now?

Context from Sermon: The pastor demonstrated with actual dominoes how the gospel should fall from one person to the next. He explained that when we get too comfortable in our church bubble and only use religious jargon, we become unrelatable (dominoes too close). But when we’re distant from people in our daily lives, the message can’t transfer either (dominoes too far apart). He emphasized we need to live in close proximity both to Jesus and to the people around us.

Leader Tip: This is a great opportunity to discuss practical ways your group can engage with people outside the church. Encourage specific examples rather than general statements.

Question 3: Soldiers, Athletes, and Farmers (12 minutes)

Question: Paul gave Timothy three illustrations: soldiers (don’t get entangled in civilian affairs), athletes (follow the rules with discipline), and farmers (plant seeds and trust God for growth). Which of these three resonates most with where you are in your faith journey right now, and why?

Context from Sermon:

  • Soldiers – The pastor emphasized that we’ve been enlisted in God’s army and our allegiance is to our commanding officer (Jesus), not to culture. He asked, “How good of a soldier for God are you living if you are riddled with anxiety?” and challenged us not to get tied up in the affairs of this world.
  • Athletes – This is about endurance and self-discipline. The pastor said, “Athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules” and challenged us about how many rules we’ve added to accommodate our own comfort.
  • Farmers – This is about diligence and faith. We plant seeds and water them, but we can’t make them grow—that’s God’s work. The pastor warned against trying to force growth in people rather than trusting the Holy Spirit.

Leader Tip: Allow people to share which illustration speaks to them. Some may need to hear they should stop trying to force spiritual growth in others. Others may need to embrace more discipline or commitment.

Question 4: The Greek Word Challenge (8 minutes)

Question: The pastor taught us the Greek word “sunkakopatheo” (endure suffering together). Who in your life right now needs you to “sunkakopatheo” with them—to walk through suffering alongside them?

Context from Sermon: The pastor made this fun and memorable by having everyone try to say this long Greek word together. He explained that “endure suffering along with me” is actually one Greek word that means leaning into others during hard times. He gave the example of a friend showing up spontaneously at your doorstep or sending a timely text—that’s sunkakopatheo. He emphasized we’re all going to endure suffering together, and we shouldn’t face it alone.

Leader Tip: This is a practical application moment. Encourage the group to think of specific people and specific actions they can take this week. Consider having the group commit to checking in on each other throughout the week.

Question 5: The Seven Names (12 minutes)

Question: During the message, we were challenged to write down seven names of people we’ll be intentional with in 2026. Did you write down names? If you’re comfortable, share one or two names and why they came to mind. What’s one practical way you can “fall into” their life this month?

Context from Sermon: The pastor challenged everyone to write down seven names (seven being a perfect number) of people they would commit to praying for regularly in 2026 and looking for opportunities to drop seeds of the gospel into their lives. He emphasized this isn’t just about physical engagement but spiritual warfare—we’re “suited up domino pieces” falling into their lives. He encouraged putting these names somewhere visible as a regular reminder. The pastor said not to be surprised when God divinely crosses your path with theirs.

Leader Tip: This is the most important application question. Encourage specificity. If someone says “I’ll pray for them,” ask “When will you pray? How often?” If they say “I’ll reach out,” ask “What will you do specifically?” Consider having the group share their lists with an accountability partner.

Question 6: Grace and Strength (8 minutes)

Question: The pastor said, “Be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus” and clarified that “grace is supposed to strengthen us to carry out the orders we’ve heard. Grace is not to be like, ‘Oh, He understands why I’m not doing this.’” How have you misunderstood grace in your own life? How does this correct understanding change things?

Context from Sermon: The pastor emphasized that we often get “pretty cush with God’s grace” and use it as an excuse rather than as strength. He said grace is supposed to strengthen us to do what we wouldn’t ordinarily do. He also reminded us that when we’re running out of strength or energy, that’s an indicator we need to be waiting and resting in God’s presence. He referenced Jesus’ words: “If anybody is tired and weary, come to him and he will lighten that load.”

Leader Tip: This can be convicting. Help people see that grace isn’t permission to stay comfortable but power to live obediently. Balance conviction with encouragement.

Closing Application (5 minutes)

Action Steps for This Week:

  1. Put your seven names somewhere visible – on your phone lock screen, bathroom mirror, car dashboard, or refrigerator
  2. Pray daily for those seven people – set a specific time
  3. Reach out to at least one person on your list – call, text, handwritten note, or show up at something in their life
  4. Ask God for divine appointments – pray that He would cross your path with theirs in unexpected ways

Leader Challenge: Consider having your group create a shared document or group chat where you can update each other on how God is working with your seven names throughout the year.

Closing Prayer (3-5 minutes)

Pray specifically:

  • For the names that were written down by group members
  • For boldness to be domino pieces falling into others’ lives
  • For sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading
  • Against the enemy’s whispers that we’re not worthy or qualified
  • For divine appointments and opportunities to plant gospel seeds

Optional: Have each person pray for the person on their right, asking God to make them an effective domino piece in 2026.

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