Middle School Week 4 (September 24): Surround Ourselves With Bold People
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: We can learn to live boldly by surrounding ourselves with others who are doing the same.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
How would you describe your friend group using only three words? (e.g., kind, funny, outgoing, 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.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 talks about the power of two. Why do you think we’re encouraged to have other people in our lives? What’s the danger of not having those relationships?
Think about your group of friends. How do they (or do they not) encourage you in your walk with God? Why is it important to have people around us who stretch us to be bold in our faith?
As important is it is to surround ourselves, it’s also important for us to BE friends who help other live with bold faith. What's one way you could encourage your friends toward boldness?
Pray: Jesus, thank You for placing people in our lives who encourage us and challenge us in our faith. Give us wisdom when it comes to choosing our friends. Help us to be a good friends to those around us so we can all grow bolder in our faith for you. In Your name we pray, amen.
Additional Questions
How have your friends influenced the way you live out your faith — whether by helping to call you higher or making it more difficult for you to live for God? Can you share an example?
How can you tell if someone’s being bold for God or just trying to get attention?
Read Proverbs 13:20. What does this passage mean to you? Who in your life challenges you to trust God more, and what’s one way you could follow their example?