Middle School Week 1 (September 3): Open Our Eyes
Series Overview – In Jesus’ Name
What exactly is “bold faith”?
Standing up to someone at school (friend or teacher or classmate) who tells you one thing to believe but you tell them the truth…
Sharing your testimony…
Talking about the gospel with a stranger…
All great examples. At its core, bold faith is about living our lives focused on Jesus — trusting Him in our decisions and following Him in our actions.
It doesn’t necessarily mean big or loud, but it does mean getting intentional. So let’s talk about what it takes and challenge ourselves over the next few weeks to develop a faith that’s bold!
Series Verses:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16-17)
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… ” (Ephesians 3:20)
Discussion Goal: Learn what bold faith is and how to look for opportunities.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
If you could suddenly become really brave in one area of your life, what would it be and why?
Optional activity: Bold Charades
Give each student a “bold activity” they’ll need to act out for the rest of the group, and see who in the group can guess the activity the fastest. Some prompts to give them: skydiving, surfing on a huge wave, wrestling a bear, planting a flag on a tall mountain, walking on the moon, crossing a wobbly rope bridge, fishing and catching a shark, etc.)
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.
What do you think “bold faith” means? Describe what that looks like in real life.
Can bold faith be quiet and small, or does it always have to be big and loud? Why or why not?
Read Joshua 1:9 and Hebrews 11:1. What do these verses say about the kind of courage and faith God wants for us? Why do you think God wants us to have that?
What are some things that can make it tough for students to have or even show bold faith? What are some ways we can grow in having bold faith and look for opportunities to use it? (e.g., how we speak, how we love others, how we act, standing up for what’s right, etc.)
Pray: God, open our eyes to what bold faith is and the chances we have every day to be bold for You. Help us recognize when You’re calling us to speak, love, act, or stand up for what’s right. Give us courage and a faith that stands out boldly. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Additional Questions
What’s something that makes you nervous about having bold faith? Why?
Read Daniel 3:14-26. What’s bold about Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego’s response to the king? What does this teach us about trusting God no matter the outcome?
Think about your day-to-day life — school, home, sports, online, etc. Where do you think you have some opportunities to live boldly for Jesus?