Where Every Student Belongs

This week wraps up Your Story/God’s Story, focusing on redemption and restoration through Jesus. Rom. 3:21-26 shows us the tension at the heart of the gospel: God is perfectly just and can’t ignore sin, yet He’s perfectly loving and desires to save sinners. The cross is where justice and mercy meet - Jesus pays our debt so we can be declared righteous. Students need to see that the gospel means we are more sinful than we thought and more loved than we imagined.Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:What things make you feel like you don’t measure up? (school, sports, social media, family expectations, faith, etc.). What makes you feel that way?Read Romans 3:21-23. What does this passage teach us about our need for salvation?Read Romans 3:23-26. Why does sin have to be paid for (Romans 6:23)? Why can't God just overlook sin? Why couldn’t God “forgive & forget” without the cross?Before today, what did you think “Jesus is my Savior” meant? Has your understanding of this changed today? If so, how?The Bible reminds us God accepts us because of Jesus’s sacrifice. What’s different between trying to earn God’s favor and obeying Him because He already accepts us?What is something Jesus has saved you from? What is something you think Jesus has saved you for? What would it look like this week to live like you’re accepted by God?Close in prayer, asking your Group to pray for you to live in this acceptance this week.

In Genesis 3, we see how sin enters the world through misplaced worship and disordered love. Adam and Eve chose their autonomy over trust in God. They believed a lie about God rather than resting in His goodness. Their rebellion fractures their relationship with God, with each other, and with creation itself. We are just as guilty today—but even in judgment, God offers a promise of rescue.Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:· When you think about the story of Adam and Eve, what parts have always seemed confusing or strange to you? (Talking snake? Forbidden fruit? God’s reaction?)· Read Genesis 3:1. The serpent starts by questioning God’s Word. Why do you think doubt is such a powerful temptation? Where do you see similar doubts about God show up in your life today?· The serpent suggests that God is holding out on Adam and Eve. Why is that lie so easy for humans to believe? Can you think of a time when you believed God’s way would “cost you too much”?· Michael talked about sin being more than “messing up,” but a problem of worship or misplaced love. What are some things students today are tempted to love, trust, or depend on more than God?· After they sin, Adam and Eve hide from God and blame each other. How do shame and blame still show up in our lives when we mess up or feel exposed?· Genesis 3 shows that sin affects everything—our relationship with God, others, and even creation. Where do you see the brokenness of sin most clearly in the world or in yourself?· Even in the middle of judgment, God promises a future Rescuer (Genesis 3:15). Why is it important to see both the seriousness of sin and the grace of God together?· How can this group pray for you to trust God more this week amid temptations and struggles?

Tonight introduces the idea that our lives unfold within the grand story of God’s Kingdom. We can’t truly understand ourselves, our identities, or our purpose if we don’t understand what God is doing in the world. God created men and women out of love - we are His prized creation! We were made to know, love, and enjoy Him, and to partner with His children on a mission to multiply disciples of Jesus and expand the dominion of God’s Kingdom.Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:Read Genesis 1:26-27. What do you think it means to be made “in the image of God”? How is humankind similar to God? How are humans dissimilar?Read Gen. 1:28. Why do you think God wanted humans to fill the earth? God commands Adam and Eve to “subdue the earth”. What does that tell us about the earth God made? What does it tell us about God? About ourselves? What did God mean when He told Adam to “have dominion” over the earth? What do you think it looked like for Adam to have dominion over Eden? What do you think it means for you to have dominion today? Do you think you exercise any dominion right now? In what areas could you begin to exercise dominion?Adam partnered with Eve to fulfill his calling. What do you think your “calling” from God is today? What does “partnership” look like now? What partnerships are necessary for you to fulfill your calling?Practically, how can you partner with other believers or grow in discipleship or dominion?Pray together, asking God to help us become people He can trust with His Kingdom.

Tonight we discuss how idols promise satisfaction but always leave us spiritually empty and restless. Through Jeremiah 2 and John 4, Students are invited to see Jesus as the only true source of life, rest, and meaning. The goal is to help Students move beyond intellectual belief toward heart-level trust, repentance, and rest in Christ.Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:When you hear the phrase, “You are what you love,” what stands out to you most?  How do your habits and pursuits reveal what you truly value? Why do you think we keep choosing “broken cisterns” (lesser things) even when we know they won’t satisfy us? What makes our idols feel so convincing in the moment? Read Jeremiah 2:13. What do you think God means when He says His people have “forsaken the fountain of living waters”? How does that verse describe the heart of idolatry?Turn to John 4:5-26. What idols do you see operating in the Samaritan Woman’s life before she meets Jesus? How does Jesus lovingly expose her heart without shaming her?What does Jesus offer the Samaritan Woman that her relationships never could? How does this show us what Jesus offers us today?What’s the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly trusting Him to satisfy you? Where do you think most Students struggle with this difference?How can this group pray for you as you trust and obey that Jesus is better than your idols this week?

Tonight introduces the idea that idolatry isn’t just about ancient statues but about what our hearts love, trust, and depend on most. Students are challenged to see how good things can slowly become ultimate things that promise life but eventually disappoint and enslave. In order to keep from sliding into the spiral of sin our idols create, we have to learn the lies our idols tell (and how to fight them).Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:Read Romans 1:21-25. What do you think it means to “become futile” in your thinking? What does it mean for someone’s heart to be darkened? Why does choosing to follow idols rather than God lead to these things? Read 2 Sam. 11:1-5. What was David’s first mistake in this story [stayed home]? Why is that a problem? What’s an example of how we can make that same mistake in our lives?David’s worship of the Idol of Comfort led to death and destruction. Why did he continue walking in sin? What lies do you think he believed that kept him from repenting sooner?What are common idols among your peers? What lies do they tell? Think through what would happen if you fell for those lies long enough. What would the consequences be?Read 2 Sam. 12:13. What hope do we have when we realize we’ve fallen into sin? What steps can we take to create relationships with each other like Nathan and David had?Why does Joy override the power of idols in our lives? What things has God given you to enjoy in your own lives? How can you practice contentment in these things this week?Pray together, asking God to help us keep Him enthroned in our hearts & find joy in Him.

Tonight introduces the idea that idolatry isn’t just about ancient statues but about what our hearts love, trust, and depend on most. Students are challenged to see how good things can slowly become ultimate things that promise life but eventually disappoint and enslave. The goal of this discussion is not guilt, but awareness—helping students begin naming the idols of their hearts and seeing why Jesus is better.Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:• In your own words, how would you define an idol after tonight’s message? Why do you think idols usually start as good things instead of bad ones?• What are some signs that something good might be becoming too important in your life? How does it affect your emotions, time, thoughts, or reactions?• Read Exodus 20:1-6. Why do you think God starts the Ten Commandments by reminding His people that He rescued them before giving them commands? What does that say about God’s heart toward us?• When you’re stressed, afraid, lonely, or feeling like a failure, what do you instinctively turn to for comfort or security before you turn to God? What does that reveal about what you’re trusting to save you in that moment?• How is Jesus different from your idols in the way He treats you when you fail or fall short?• If you’re comfortable sharing, what is one thing you wrote down on your card tonight that you tend to run to instead of God?• If Jesus truly is better than your idols, what would repentance actually look like this week—not just in words, but in action?• How can this group pray for you to surrender your love, trust, and obedience to Jesus rather than your idols?

Isaiah describes a people stumbling in darkness because they looked everywhere except to God for guidance—much like Students today navigating fear, pressure, and confusion. John 1 shows that Jesus is the promised Light who doesn’t wait for us to find Him but enters our darkness to reveal truth, offer grace, and make us children of God. As Students discuss, help them see that Jesus rescues us from darkness and leads us into a life that reflects His glory.Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:• Read Isaiah 8:19-9:7. Isaiah describes people “walking in darkness.” What do you think that looks like for Students today? Where do you see “darkness” in your world, school, or own heart?• Isaiah 9:2 says, “A light has dawned,” not “A light has been turned on.” What’s the difference between a light dawning and a light being switched on? What does this teach us about God being the one who comes to us, rather than us finding Him?• Read John 1:1-13. John describes Jesus as the Light, but also says, “the darkness has not overcome it.” What does it mean that darkness can’t win against Jesus? How does that give you confidence in your faith, your struggles, or the world around you?• John 1:10-11 says the world did not recognize or receive Jesus. Why do you think people resist the Light? What are some ways Students today reject Jesus without always realizing it?• John 1:12 says we can become “children of God.” In your own words, what does it mean to move from darkness into God’s family? How have you seen Jesus bring real hope, change, or clarity into your life?• Where are you tempted to wander in the dark instead of trusting Jesus with something? (A habit, a relationship, a fear or insecurity, a pressure at school?) What would it look like to bring that area into His light this week?• If a Great Light has truly dawned, we can’t live the same way anymore. What’s one concrete step of obedience, repentance, or trust you feel called to this week? Close in prayer by asking God to help you with this!

The Colossians were infiltrated by false teachers who intended to misdirect the believers away from the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These teachers sought to enslave the Colossians with legalism and asceticism. But Paul teaches that true freedom comes from a mind set on things above and a willingness to put to death the things that are earthly in us. Here are some discussion questions to further guide your discussion: Read Colossians 3:1-4. What does Paul mean when he says “Seek the things that are above”? What’s the difference between setting our minds on things that are above vs. things that are on earth? How can we practically set our minds on/seek things above?What does it mean that the believer’s life is “hidden with Christ in God”? How does this fact change the way we ought to approach this life on earth? Read Col. 3:5-11. Why do you think Paul says we should “put to death” earthly things rather than simply telling us to “stay away from them”? What are some “earthly things” in your life that you know you need to put to death or lay aside?Why might lying to one another about our sin keep us from actually getting rid of it? How do we tend to lie about sin? How does honesty create room for real relationships?Read Col. 3:12-17. How can we “let the peace of Christ rule (have authority) in our hearts”? What rules your heart now? What would it look like if peace ruled your heart?What does it mean to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”? What would it look like to teach and admonish each other? How might these things lead to thanksgiving?Pray together, asking God to help us seek the things that are above.

Paul’s words in Colossians 2:16–3:4 call believers to resist every form of “Jesus + something else” religion. Legalism, mysticism, and asceticism all promise control and spiritual superiority, but they lead only to pride and exhaustion. The Gospel tells a better story — that Jesus’s finished work on the cross has already justified us. Our identity and worth are secure in Him. Paul urges the Colossians to hold fast to Christ, remembering that they’ve died with Him to self- justification and been raised with Him to new life. Our role now isn’t to prove ourselves, but to rest in what He’s done and live in gratitude, freedom, and joy.Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:Read Colossians 2:16–23. Paul says not to let anyone “judge” or “disqualify” you. What kinds of things make people today feel like they’re not spiritual enough or “good Christians”?• Why do you think we’re so tempted to add extra rules or routines to our faith just to feel more spiritual or more accepted by God? How have rule-keeping (legalism), seeking deeper spiritual experiences (mysticism), and humility (asceticism) given you a sense of self-righteousness (pride) or caused you shame in the past? How do both pride and shame prevent you from genuinely loving God and others?• Legalism, mysticism, and asceticism were the Colossians’ “self-justification projects.” What might those look like in our world (or student ministry) today?• Read Colossians 3:1–4. According to these verses, what should be our focus now that we’re united with Christ? How does this change the way we see ourselves and others?• The Gospel states that Jesus’s work on the cross completely justifies us before God. How does believing that free you from comparison, performance, or guilt?• What’s one specific way you can “hold fast to Jesus” this week instead of trying to prove yourself or earn approval — from God or others?• Pray, asking God to help you see where you’re relying on your works to justify yourself instead of trusting in what He has done for you.

The Colossians were infiltrated by false teachers who intended to misdirect the believers away from the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The same risk of delusion is prominent in our culture today. A faith that is built solely on a few loosely held ideals won’t stand the test of time or the pressure of our increasingly antagonistic culture. For faith to last, it must be rooted in the truth of Christ’s resurrection, built up in Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit, and established in the practice of a relationship with Christ.Read Colossians 2:1-3. Why do you think Paul said that riches could be found in “full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ”? Why would full assurance be a treasure for the believer?Read Col. 2:4. Has anyone ever challenged your faith? What are some “plausible arguments” you have heard that attempt to convince you that the gospel is incomplete or incorrect? How can we have “full assurance” in Jesus in spite of those arguments? Read Colossians 2:6-7. As you’ve grown in your faith, how has your understanding of Jesus changed over time? What does it look like for you to “walk in Jesus” today? What can you do regularly to be “rooted and built up” in Jesus? What practices might help you become established in your faith (not just “borrowing” it from your parents)? What is something you can do tomorrow to strengthen your faith?Pray together, asking God to do the work of rooting, building, and establishing our faith.

The Colossians were tempted to give Jesus prominence but not preeminence—to include Him among other influences rather than enthrone Him as Lord. We often do the same when we make faith about what Jesus can do for us instead of living fully for Him. Jesus isn’t just part of the story; He’s the center of it all. True peace and purpose come when we surrender every part of our lives to His supremacy!Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:• When have you experienced being “the best” at something—even for a short time? How did it feel when that moment passed?• Why do you think people (including us) crave attention, validation, or success that fades so quickly?• Read Colossians 1:15-20. What do these verses reveal about who Jesus is and what He has done for us? How is this good news for people who often feel like they’re not good enough or who struggle to stay in control?• What’s the difference between giving Jesus prominence (importance) and giving Him preeminence (first place)? Which do you think better describes your life right now? How does remembering what He’s already done for you on the cross help move Him from “important” to “ultimate” in your life?• Paul says Jesus “holds all things together.” How could believing that truth change the way you handle stress, anxiety, or uncertainty?• What’s one area of your life where you’ve been trying to stay in control or earn your worth, and how could surrendering it to Jesus actually bring you more freedom and joy?• How can this group pray that you would rest in who Jesus is and what He’s done, instead of striving to be enough on your own this week?

This week, Michael Winstead will be bringing the message to help students see that God is the Creator of sex and sexuality, and that His design is good. When we reject God’s design and follow our own desires, it leads to brokenness and loss of shalom. But through Jesus, God restores what sin has broken, inviting us to live in holiness, freedom, and wholeness under His loving rule.Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:• You heard tonight that “if the Church stays silent about sex, the world will teach us what to believe about it.” What are some of the ways our culture teaches you about sex and sexuality (through music, shows, friends, social media)? How can we begin to recognize and filter those messages through God’s truth?• We used the illustration of “fire in the fireplace vs. fire in the kitchen.” Why is that a helpful picture for understanding God’s design for sex? What happens — in relationships, emotions, or identity — when we take something good that God made and use it outside of His design?• You heard that sin is choosing our way over God’s way. In what ways do people (including ourselves) often believe the lie that “God is holding out on us”? How can recognizing God’s goodness and authority help us trust Him with our desires?• In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul reminds us that our bodies belong to God — they are temples of the Holy Spirit, bought with a price. What does that mean for how we think about our bodies and sexual choices? How does knowing that Jesus restores shalom and gives us a new identity help us live differently from the culture around us?• Romans 12:1–2 calls us to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice” and not be “conformed to the world.” What might it look like for a follower of Jesus to live this out at school, online, or in dating relationships? What are some ways we can encourage one another to pursue holiness and trust God’s design together?• If Jesus came not only to forgive sin but to restore shalom, what’s one area of your life where you want Him to bring healing and renewal? Let’s close by praying for each other about this.