Middle School Experience #3
Discussion Goal: To understand that faith in Jesus should move us to action and that we must fan the flame of our faith.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
What are you most excited about for today?
Jet talked about a plaid shirt his mom gifted him that he didn’t want. What’s the best gift you’ve ever gotten?
Haley shared about a moment in Colorado that she never wanted to end. What’s a moment from your life you wish could last forever?
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.
“You are not the fire, and God is not a feeling.” How does that challenge or encourage you? Why is it sometimes easy for us to confuse our feelings with God’s presence?
Read 2 Timothy 1:6-9. Haley said sometimes we might feel like we’re far from God, but: “You’re not far from God, you’re just fanning the wrong flame.” What are some “wrong” flames we can fan that make us feel farther from God?
Haley gave us three ways to fan the flame of our faith: teaching (Bible), meeting (eGroup), and being (prayer). Which of these is easiest for you when you don’t feel close to God, and which of these do you need to work at more? How can you practice this when you get home?
Pray It Out
Dear God, thank You for sending us Jesus. We didn’t earn it, but You did it anyway. Help us accept that gift and use it to fan the flame of our faith. We want to burn bright so that through our faith the world can see You and know You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Additional Questions
Sometimes we have a hard time receiving things because we don’t feel like we deserve it. Have you ever felt that way about receiving something from God? (e.g., love, forgiveness, grace, etc.) What are some things we can remind ourselves of to help us when we feel like that?
Read Mark 2:1-5. “Just because you’re in the room doesn’t necessarily mean your life will change. Jesus moved when He saw their faith.” What does it look like to show Jesus your faith? What are some ways or where are some places in your life where you can show Jesus you trust and believe in Him?
“The mat the man had once carried out that had identified him as broken was now evidence of his healing.” The man’s mat went from a painful part of his story to something that showed what Jesus did in his life. What are some parts of your story that show what Jesus has done for you, or what are some things you hope Jesus could make a part of your story in the future? (e.g, a mistake you made, a tough relationship, an insecurity, etc.)