Middle School Week 1: The Word

The Main Thing:

I can trust God enough to do what He says.

Start Talking (Conversation Starter):

What instructions are you most likely to ignore: instructions for building something, directions for getting somewhere, rules for a game, or the directions on your homework?

Need some movement-based icebreakers for your group? Find some options here!

Explore the Scripture:

Read James 1:22-25, Psalm 19:7-11, and Psalm 119:105 as a group. Help students start talking about it together. What stands out? What doesn’t make sense? Are there things that confuse them or words they don’t understand?

Unpack It:

Discuss what you read and what you heard.

• James says we're supposed to do what God's Word says, not just listen to it. Why do you think he tells us that?

• James compares God's Word to looking in a mirror. What do you think that comparison means? What do you think he’s trying to get us to realize?

• Think back to the message you heard. What takeaways did you have?

Own It:

Make the Scripture personal.

• Sometimes, we trust God until He tells us to do something we don't want to do. What are some reasons middle school students might know what God says but choose not to obey? (e.g., wanting to fit in, thinking their way is better, feelings, friends, choosing what's easier, etc.)

• Why should we trust and obey God? What's an area where you're tempted to ignore what God says? 

• What makes trusting God difficult in that area?

• Share something from the message that challenged how you think about trusting God and doing what He says. Now that you know what God says, how will you live it out?

Live It:

Take action to apply what you learned.

• This week, do something in the Bible! Pick one:

  • Hear It: Read a few verses from the Bible each day.

  • Think About It: Ask yourself, “What is God showing me?”

  • Do It: Choose one specific way to live out what you read.

• At the next group meeting, be ready to share something you did!

Prayer:

End your meeting by praying and asking God to help your group trust Him enough to obey, even when what He says isn't what they would naturally choose.