High School Week 4: My Thoughts
The Main Thing:
God’s Word changes what I think about.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter):
If you could see a report of everything that got your attention this week, what do you think would be at the top?
Explore the Scripture:
Read Philippians 4:8 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 Proverbs 4:23, Colossians 3:2, and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20. How do these passages add to what you read in Philippians?
Unpack It:
Discuss what you read and what you heard.
Look at the words Paul uses in Philippians 4:8. What would it look like to use those words as a filter for what gets your attention?
How can what we repeatedly watch, listen to, scroll through, or dwell on eventually shape us?
Which verses challenge or encourage you most? What about the message challenged or encouraged you?
Own It:
Make the Scripture personal.
What’s been getting the most space in your mind lately? How is it affecting how you think, feel, or act?
What influences are helping you focus on what’s true and good? Which ones might be pulling your thoughts somewhere you don’t want them to go?
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, pay attention to what you’re allowing to shape your mind, and intentionally redirect your focus. Do at least one of the following!
Replace some scrolling time with time in God’s Word.
Step away from content you know is pulling your thoughts in an unhealthy direction.
When comparison or worry takes over, identify what’s true, and intentionally focus on it.
Choose something from Philippians 4:8 and give it more of your attention this week.
Prayer:
End your meeting by inviting someone to pray for God to help the group recognize what’s shaping their minds and intentionally focus their thoughts on what honors Him.