High School Week 1 (April 2): Keep The Faith
Series Overview – Turn Away From The World
We’re not going to grow our faith and live “built different” by simply believing something — we’ve got to do something.
Each one of us is called to teach with our life, and nothing sends a louder message than turning away from the influence of the world and embracing the kingdom.
How? By making a commitment to your faith and chasing after God’s kingdom. And for the next two weeks, we’re going to break down what that looks like.
Series Verses:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (Psalms 1:1-3)
“You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” (Deuteronomy 14:2, NLT)
Discussion Goal: Faith takes commitment.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
What’s something you’ve started but failed to finish? (e.g., a book, a show, a project, 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.
Faith is a word we hear often but might not understand what it really means. Read Hebrews 11:1. How would you define faith based on this verse? How can understanding what faith is impact the way you live?
⬆️ Bible Bite: Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "confidence" and "assurance." Think of it like this:
Confidence is believing you'll ace a test after studying hard. Assurance is trusting in things
you can't see, like believing there's oxygen in the air you're breathing. Essentially, faith is a
strong belief without needing physical proof.
Matthew 24:4-13 talks about people turning away from the faith. What are some ways people might “give up on their faith”?
Have you ever experienced a time when you struggled or felt like giving up on yours? Talk about it with the group.
Faith takes commitment. Read Romans 12:2. This verse urges us not to conform to the world. What does it mean to have a “renewed” mind? How can a “renewed” mind help us make choices that might differ from culture but help us commit to our faith?
Pray: God, thank You for helping us understand that faith takes commitment and for guiding us to stand firm in it, even when the world around us pulls us in different directions. Strengthen us to keep the faith and live according to Your truth, no matter what challenges we face. Amen.
Additional Questions
As believers, we are set apart from worldly influences and called to reject cultural norms (e.g.,chasing money and fame, living for yourself, doing what everyone else does, etc.). What is one practical way you can reject the world’s influence and focus on becoming “the exception” instead of “the accepted”?
Read James 1:2-3. What kinds of trials might we face when we turn away from the world and choose the kingdom? (e.g., “missing out” on things others are doing, not making choices based on what’s “easy,” feeling left out, etc.)
How does this passage encourage you for when you might face those trials?
Read 2 Timothy 4:7. What does this verse tell us about commitment and keeping the faith? How can understanding faith as a commitment — not just an idea — help us do what Paul did and finish our race?