Middle School Week 4: My Thoughts

The Main Thing:

God's Word changes what I think about.

Start Talking (Conversation Starter):

You have to get one song stuck in your head for an entire week. Which would you rather it be: a nursery rhyme, a Christmas song, a commercial jingle, or a song your parents love?

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

Explore the Scripture:

Read Philippians 4:8, Proverbs 4:23, Colossians 3:2, and 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 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.

• Philippians 4:8 gives us a list of things to think about. Which word from the list stands out to you most? Why? What does it mean to you?

• Why does God care about what happens in our minds even when nobody else can see our thoughts?

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

Own It:

Make the Scripture personal.

• What are some things that shape the way middle schoolers think? What things are you allowing to shape the way YOU think?

  • How does what we watch and listen to affect what we think about?

• We can't always control the first thought that enters our minds, but we can choose what we continue to focus on. What are some thoughts that can be easy to get stuck on?

  • Is there anything you need to spend less time focusing on? What's something true or Godly you could intentionally focus on instead?

• Share something from the message that challenged the thoughts you allow in your head. Now that you know what God says, how will you live it out?

Live It:

Take action to apply what you learned.

• This week, focus on your thoughts!

  • Choose one part of Philippians 4:8 to memorize.

  • Pay attention to what you're watching and listening to. Ask, “What is this putting into my mind?”

  • When you catch yourself stuck on a thought that isn't helping you follow Jesus, replace it with something true from God's Word.

  • Before bed, think of three things from your day that were good, and thank God for them.

Prayer:

End your meeting by giving everyone a quiet moment to think about what's been filling their minds lately. Ask God to help students recognize what’s shaping their thoughts and to help them intentionally focus their minds on what is true, good, and pleasing to Him.