SERIES TITLE
At The Movies Air
At The Movies Week 4
sermon summary
The movie AIR invites us to explore the biblical concept of living by faith. Through Sonny Vaccaro’s pursuit of Michael Jordan for Nike, we see three key aspects of faith: seeing potential that others miss, taking decisive action based on what we see, and persisting through opposition. Just as Sonny had the vision to recognize Jordan’s greatness when others couldn’t, God calls us to live by faith rather than sight, taking bold steps even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Faith without action is dead, and like the biblical heroes who stepped out in faith despite uncertainty, we’re called to trust God’s strength rather than our own.
SERMON TITLE
Air
ice breaker
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken that turned out well? It could be anything from trying a new food, moving to a new city, a new relationship or making a career change.
DISCUSSion
Select 5-6 questions from the list below to guide your discussion time.
- Seeing with Faith’s Eyes: In the movie, Sonny saw greatness in Michael Jordan that others missed. The sermon mentions how God often uses “unlikely people” like Moses, David, and Mary. Where might you be overlooking potential – in yourself, your children, coworkers, or others in your life? Take a new look at Hebrews 11:1 and discuss how can we can develop “faith eyes” to see what God sees in others.
- From Vision to Action: James 2:17 tells us that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Sonny didn’t just believe in Jordan – he acted on it. What’s something you believe God is calling you to do, but you’ve been hesitating to act on? What’s holding you back from taking that step of faith?
- Playing It Safe vs. Taking Risks: Phil Knight had become successful but lost his edge, choosing to “play it safe” rather than take bold risks. How do success, comfort, or fear sometimes steal our willingness to step out in faith? Read Numbers 20:12. Share about a time when playing it safe prevented you from experiencing what God might have wanted to do.
- Faith Through Opposition: The sermon emphasizes that faith ALWAYS faces opposition, just like Sonny faced in his pursuit of Jordan. Looking at examples like Joseph, Nehemiah, and Paul, how do we “summon the will to rise and fight again” when we encounter obstacles in our faith journey? What helps you persevere when following God gets difficult?
- Mustard Seed Faith: Jesus said in Matthew 17:20 that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. What’s one specific area where God might be calling you to take a “mustard seed” step of faith this week? How can our group support and pray for each other in taking these steps?
PRAYER PROMPT
- Vision: Pray for God to give us spiritual eyes to see potential opportunities that others might overlook, both in ourselves and in those around us.
- Courage: Ask for boldness to act on what God is showing us, even when it feels risky or uncertain, trusting His strength rather than our own abilities.
- Perseverance: Pray for endurance and faith to continue following God’s calling even when we face opposition, setbacks, or discouragement.
- Wisdom: Request discernment to know when God is calling us to step out in faith versus when we should wait, and for clarity about the specific steps He wants us to take.