Middle School Week 2 (April 9): Chase The Kingdom
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: Chase the kingdom to grow your faith.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
What’s something that currently gets a lot of hype, but you don’t really get it? (e.g., a clothing piece, a TikTok trend, a tv show, an app, 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.
Last week, we talked about committing to our faith, and this week, we’re going to talk about how chasing the right things can grow our faith. Have you ever chased after something? (e.g., a person, a grade, a position, an award, etc.)
Did you get it? If so, was it all you thought it would be?
What do you think it looks like to chase after Jesus?
Do you think it’s possible to fit in with culture and follow Jesus at the same time? What are some things God encourages that the world doesn’t?
Read Matthew 6:33. This verse tells us to chase God’s kingdom, aka, chase after the things God cares about. What are some things you think God cares about?
What would it look like to chase these things in your own life?
How does chasing God’s kingdom help us grow our faith?
Pray: God, help us understand how to chase after Your kingdom and seek You first. Show us how to set an example for those around us in the way we love, speak, and act. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Additional Questions
The world tells us we should be accepted, but God tells us we should be the exception. What’s one area of your life where you really want to fit in with the world, but God is calling you to be different?
Read 1 Timothy 4:12. What are the five areas listed where you can “set an example” of chasing
God’s kingdom?What do each of these areas mean? Give some examples of each.
Which of these areas are easier for you to set an example in? Which are harder?
⬆️ LEADER TIP: Here are some quick definitions for these terms to help you discuss them with
your group:
1. Speech: the spoken, written, and typed words you use
2. Conduct: actions that are pleasing and honoring to God
3. Love: how you treat others — loyalty, goodwill, responsibility, care, kindness, etc.
4. Faith: belief in, trust in, and loyalty to God
5. Purity: living a life that reflects God's holiness, even when no one is looking
Who is someone in your life who’s “set an example” of chasing God’s kingdom with how they live? What’s something they do that you’d like to do in your own life?