Middle 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)
“Thought Bubble”: Have everyone write a thought (silly or serious) on a sticky note or piece of paper. Collect them, and read them aloud one at a time, and guess who wrote what. (Online eGroups: Have everyone message you their thought.)
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.
Why do you think our thoughts matter to God?
Read Proverbs 4:20-23. In Hebrew, the “heart” (lev) isn’t just about emotions. It’s the core of your inner life: your mind, will, wants, intentions, and thoughts. So when Proverbs tells us to guard our heart, it’s calling us to be careful about what we think, believe, desire, and dwell on — because those inner behaviors shape everything else. How do our thoughts affect what we do or say?
What are some ways we can guard our thoughts?
Everything we’ll ever do — both good and bad — starts with a thought. Read Colossians 3:1-2. What do you think it means to “set your mind on things above”?
What does it mean to “think about what you’re thinking about”? Why is it important for us to do that?
Pray: God, help us guard our hearts and think about things that are true so we can follow You and Your will. Help us bring our thoughts to you so our faith can change how we think. We love You. Amen.
Additional Questions
Read 1 Samuel 16:6-7. In these verses, what does the Lord tell Samuel about the heart, or thoughts? (💡Remember, the Hebrew word for heart means more than emotions; it’s about our mind, will, wants, intentions, and thoughts.)
Can you think of a time someone judged you by how you looked — or when you judged someone else that way? What do these verses say about these kinds of thoughts?
What do you think God is looking for when He looks at your heart (your thoughts, beliefs, and desires)?
Read Matthew 23:25-28, Jesus challenges the Pharisees, saying they look good on the outside but are unclean on the inside. Have you ever felt like you were doing the “right things” on the outside but struggling with your thoughts on the inside? What can we do when we notice our thoughts aren’t honoring God?
How can focusing on our thoughts change the way we live and help us live “built different” as Romans 12:2 calls us to live?