Change in Our Thinking
Preached to: Middle School Students
Speaker: Pastor Amanda Hahn
True Change Starts Within
Change is more than just looking different on the outside—it starts with a transformation of the heart and mind. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the world but to let God renew our thinking. Too often, we try to “fix” ourselves with temporary solutions, but true change only comes when we surrender to Him. This week, challenge yourself to reflect on what’s shaping your thoughts and allow God to guide your transformation. Real change isn’t about appearance—it’s about becoming who God created you to be!
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STARTER: The sermon begins with an introduction to the topic of change, emphasizing that real transformation happens within us, not just externally. A fun, interactive game is used to illustrate competition, frustration, and desire—highlighting how our mindset influences our actions.
MESSAGE: The focus shifts to the power of our thoughts and how they shape our actions and spiritual growth. Using a caterpillar-to-butterfly analogy, the sermon teaches that true transformation comes from God, not from our own superficial efforts. Romans 12:1-2 is highlighted, emphasizing the need to renew our minds and allow God to guide our lives instead of being conformed to worldly influences.
DIG DEEPER: A dramatic reading of a self-reflective prayer illustrates how our thoughts and motives can shift when we align with God’s will. The discussion explores common temptations—such as gossip, lying, and distractions—that keep us from focusing on God, reinforcing the need for daily surrender and intentional spiritual habits like Bible study and prayer.
APPLICATION: The message concludes with a personal reflection exercise where students identify their biggest temptations and write action steps to overcome them. The challenge is to actively shift focus toward God by making better choices, committing to spiritual disciplines, and supporting one another in prayer.
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Romans 12:1-2
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."Romans 8:5-6 (Referenced but not quoted in full)
"Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace."Luke 9:23 (Paraphrased in the sermon)
"Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.'"
Joshua 1:8
"Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do."
These verses reinforce the sermon’s themes of transformation, renewing our minds, resisting temptation, and daily commitment to following God.
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1. The Power of Our Thoughts
Discussion Starter: Romans 12:2 says that we should let God transform us by changing the way we think. What are some things you think about most during the day? Are they helping you grow closer to God?
Follow-up Questions:
How do you think our thoughts influence our actions?
What are some practical ways we can shift our thoughts toward God during the day?
Can you think of a time when changing your mindset helped you make a better decision?
Application Challenge: Encourage each family member to choose one area of their thinking that they want to improve this week (e.g., less negativity, more gratitude, filtering entertainment choices).
2. Recognizing Temptations
Discussion Starter: The sermon mentioned different temptations like gossip, lying, and distractions. What are some common temptations that teenagers (or adults) face today?
Follow-up Questions:
Why do you think temptations can feel so strong sometimes?
How can we resist temptations when they come up?
What are some Bible verses or prayers that could help when facing temptation?
Application Challenge: Have each family member pick one personal temptation they want to work on. Pray together for strength to resist and make better choices.
3. True Transformation vs. Surface Change
Discussion Starter: The caterpillar in the sermon tried to turn himself into a butterfly by taping leaves to himself, but real change had to come from within. What does this teach us about how God changes us?
Follow-up Questions:
Why do people sometimes pretend to be something they’re not (like a Christian on the outside but not truly transformed inside)?
What are some ways we can allow God to work in our hearts instead of just “looking” like a Christian?
How can we encourage each other as a family to grow spiritually?
Application Challenge: Each family member can choose one habit this week (prayer, Bible reading, gratitude, kindness) that will help them grow spiritually from the inside out.
These discussions will help families apply the message of change and transformation in a real and meaningful way!
