Middle School Experience #2
Discussion Goal: Our identity is in God, and He wants us to be honest with Him.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
Day 2 is in the books! What was the best moment from yesterday?
Frankie’s was a blast! What’s the craziest thrill-seeking activity you’d be willing to try? (e.g., skydiving, cagediving with sharks, hangliding, bungee jumping, rock climbing, etc.)
Akash is from our Toronto campus. Everyone take a guess at how many miles our Riverwalk campus is from our Toronto campus (driving distance). Closest guess wins! (Answer: 907 miles)
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.
What are some things you see teenagers trying to find their identity in? Why do you think that is?
Akash was consumed by the approval of others. How can you relate to that? What does it look like to be focused on others’ approval instead of knowing your identity is in Jesus? (What kind of approval are teenagers looking for? Why?)
Read Isaiah 41:9-10. In this passage, God is telling us our identity. What are some things other than Jesus that you find yourself searching for your identity in? (Leaders, encourage your group to be honest: Akash’s identity was in performance. What things are they chasing after to try and define themselves? Sports? Relationships? Grades? Social circles?)
Look back at the passage in Isaiah again. What does God promise us because our identity is in Him? What are some steps we can take to embrace that our identity is in Him?
Pray It Out
Dear God, we’re so grateful that You want us to be rooted in You — that You want us to know we belong to You and that You will always have our best interest at heart. Help us live every day walking confidently in this truth so we can show the world who You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Additional Questions
Read 1 John 1:9. Akash asked, “What would it look like to make an altar where you are and get honest with God?” On a scale of 1-10, how honest would you say you are with God? (1 is not honest, 10 is very honest.) Why is it important for us to be honest and ask Him for help with the battles we fight?
“My God is not afraid of my mess.” How does that encourage you? What things might keep us from believing this truth?
Stuart talked about “the whisper of God.” Have you ever felt like you heard God speaking to you? What happened?
“Home isn’t a place. Home is a person, and His name is Jesus.” It’s easy to think God’s presence is only in places like church or YTHX. How can we seek His presence no matter where we are so we can always hear from Him?