High School Week 1: The Word

The Main Thing:

I can trust God enough to do what He says.

Start Talking (Conversation Starter):

What’s something small you know you probably should do but still have a hard time actually doing? (e.g., going to bed on time, saving money, cleaning your room, eating healthy, etc.)

Explore the Scripture:

Read James 1:22-25 together. Spend some time talking about the passage.

• What words, phrases, or actions stand out?

• What questions does this passage raise?

• What’s God showing you about the passage?

• What does this passage reveal about Jesus or people?

Now read Psalm 19:7-11 and Psalm 119:105. How do these passages add to what you read in James?

Unpack It:

Discuss what you read and what you heard.

• James makes a distinction between hearing God’s Word and doing what it says. Why do you think that distinction matters?

• What are some reasons we might know what God says but still choose not to do it?

• Which verses challenge or encourage you most? What about the message challenged or encouraged you?

Own It:

Make the Scripture personal.

• Where are you most tempted to pick and choose what you obey based on what you want, feel, or see other people doing?

• When God’s Word and your own feelings or opinions point in different directions, what makes it difficult to trust Him?

• How’s God calling you to apply what you read or what you heard?

Live It:

Take action to apply what you learned.

• This week, make a decision to do what Jesus says. Do at least one of the following!

  • Follow through on something you know you need to do but you’ve been delaying.

  • Obey God in an area where you’ve been making excuses.

  • Choose what God says when friends or culture point you somewhere else.

  • Read a passage of Scripture, identify one clear action you can take, and do it.

Prayer:

End your meeting by inviting someone to pray for the group to trust God enough to live out what He says.