Middle School (January 21) Clean Slate
Series Overview:
There’s something special about a fresh start. A new year can bring new habits, new goals, and the hope of becoming a better version of ourselves. But Jesus offers something deeper than self-improvement. He doesn’t just help us try harder. He makes us new.
Scripture tells us that in Jesus, we are washed, set apart, and made right with God. That isn’t just a belief we hold but an identity we live from. Being made new means our past no longer defines us, and grace doesn’t just forgive what was — it forms who we’re becoming.
In this catalog, we’ll explore what it means to live out a new identity in real, everyday ways. As we look at what it means to be washed, we’ll see how a changed heart leads to changed choices — shaping how we lead, how we respond, and how we live on purpose as people made new in Christ.
Memory Verse:
“But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11
Discussion Goal:
To help students understand that the identity Jesus gives us helps us choose to live for Him.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter):
It’s a new year! What’s one new thing you want to accomplish in 2026? What are some steps you’re going to take to make it happen?
Optional activity: What’s New?
Have everyone think of one thing they want to leave behind and one thing they want to step into this year — something that reflects being made new. They’ll have 20 seconds or less to share.
It could be:
a habit, attitude, or mindset they want to change
a new way they want to respond at school or with friends
a word that describes the kind of person they want to be this year
a small change to be mentally or physically healthier
a goal that’s more about who they want to be as an adult
Go around the group and let each student share both parts:
“I’m leaving ______ behind.”
“I’m stepping into ______.”
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.
Leader Say: “Think about the start of a new year. A lot of people set goals or make resolutions. But for followers of Jesus, change isn’t just about willpower or habits — it starts with who Jesus says we are. This week, we’re kicking off a one-week study called ‘Washed’ that dives into what it means to be made new in Jesus and how that changes the way we live. Today, we’re going to talk about how our identity in Christ (who Jesus says we are, not just what we do or how we feel) isn’t just something we believe. It actually shows up in the decisions we make and how we live every day.”
Read 1 Corinthians 6:11. When we have a relationship with God, Jesus changes how we live – we’re not who we used to be, we’re made new. What do you think it means to be made new in Christ? (e.g., in the way you think, the choices you make, or how you treat people, etc.)
When you hear “Jesus made you new,” what first comes to mind — freedom, forgiveness, change, something else?
⬆️ Bible Bite: In this verse, Paul is telling us three things God has done for believers. 1. We are cleansed — God has removed our guilt and stain of sin (washed). 2. We are set apart for God (sanctified). 3. We are declared righteous and forgiven and accepted by God (justified).
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17.Because Jesus made us new, we don’t have to live like our old selves anymore. What does it mean that we’re “a new creation” in Jesus? How is that different from just trying to do better or be better?
Where do you see the “old self” still trying to show up in your life? (This could be things like your attitude, how you react when you’re upset, or how you treat others.)
How does knowing God loves and accepts you change how you see yourself?
When you think about school or home or your friend group, what’s one real situation where your new identity could change the choices you make? (Need encouragement this week? Start each day by reading Ephesians 4:22-24!)
Pray: Jesus, thank You for making us new. Because of You, we are made new, and that helps us make better choices that glorify Your name and encourage those around us. Help us see who You say we are and live from that truth this week. We love You! In Your name we pray, amen.
Additional Questions:
Being made new doesn’t mean we won’t mess up sometimes. How can we respond when our actions don't match who we are in Christ?
Read Ephesians 2:8. One of the definitions of “grace” is “approval.” How does knowing God approves of you (not because of your actions, but because of grace) change how you see yourself?
Who or what has the biggest influence on your daily choices? (e.g., friends, family, social media, your faith, etc.) What adjustments could you make to those influences to help you live “new”?
What’s an area where you want to change this year but haven’t yet? What’s the first small step you could take this week — and how does remembering your identity in Jesus help you take it?