High School Week 1 (April 23): Think It
Series Overview – Focus On What You Can’t See
Our faith is critical in helping us live “built different.”
… but why?
It’s not just because we believe something the world doesn’t. It goes beyond that. We live built different because faith changes things about us. It changes how we think. It changes how we see. And it changes what we do. For the next three weeks, we’ll take those one at a time. When we focus on what we can’t see, our faith grows us from the inside out — and we’re able to influence a world that wants to influence us.
Series Verses:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (Psalms 1:1-3)
“You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” (Deuteronomy 14:2, NLT)
Discussion Goal: To think about what you’re thinking about.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
“What’s on your mind?”: Choose one person to pick a category out loud — like food, animal, movie, sports team — and then silently choose something specific within that category. (e.g., pizza, dog, Minecraft, etc.) The rest of the group has up to 10 yes or no questions to figure out what they’re thinking.
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
Leader Tip: Choose questions that resonate with your group’s age, experiences, and current understanding. There’s no pressure to cover all the questions — pick the ones that fit your group the best.
Read Proverbs 4:23. What does it actually look like to “guard your heart”? Why is doing that so important?
⬆️ Bible Bite: In Proverbs 4:23, the Hebrew word for "heart" is "lev" (לֵב), and it means way more than just the thing that pumps blood. In the Old Testament, lev refers to your inner self — your thoughts, emotions, and the core of who you are. Basically, it’s like the control center for your life. That’s why the verse says to guard your heart, because everything you do starts there. Fun fact: Lev (or its longer version, levav) shows up about 850 times in the Bible, often meaning both heart and mind — which shows just how important our thoughts are in shaping who we become!
1 Samuel 16:6-7 tells us that people value what’s on the outside, but God cares about our hearts. How does that encourage or challenge you? How can focusing on your thoughts and intentions help you follow God’s will?
Read Colossians 3:2. What “earthly things” distract you in your thoughts? (e.g., money, popularity, comparison, etc.) What are some daily ways you can focus on “things above”?
If every action starts with a thought, how should that shape our mindset and faith? (e.g., Are you letting in more hopeful thoughts or fearful ones? Kind thoughts or judgmental ones?)
Pray: God, help us guard our hearts and focus on what honors You. Transform us from the inside out so our actions reflect You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Additional Questions
Read Matthew 23:25-28, Jesus called out the Pharisees for looking good on the outside but being full of sin on the inside. Do you ever feel pressure to have it all together, even when you’re struggling on the inside?
Why is it easier to focus on appearances instead of true spiritual growth?
Our thoughts shape our actions. Can you think of a time when a thought — good or bad — led to a decision you made? How did that choice impact you?
⬆️ LEADER TIP: Here's an example of a thought leading to an action. You think, “No one really likes me," so you start ignoring texts from friends and isolating yourself — when in reality, they care about you.
What’s one thing you can do this week to pay more attention to your thoughts?