Youth Sermon: Focus on the Good

Introduction

Today we're going to talk about focus. You know, like when your teacher tells you to stop daydreaming and pay attention in class. But we're not talking about algebra or history, we're talking about life and our relationship with God.

Let's be real, there's a lot of stuff out there trying to grab our attention. Social media, video games, drama at school, you name it. It's easy to get lost in all the noise and forget about the good stuff.

It's easy to get lost in all the noise and forget about the good stuff.

Main Verse

Our main verse today is Philippians 4:8. It's all about what we're thinking about. If we're always thinking about the bad stuff, we're going to miss out on the good.

Object Lesson

See this glass of water? It's like our minds. When we fill it with dirt (negative thoughts), it gets all murky and gross. But when we focus on the good, it's clear and refreshing.

Remember when you were little and your parents taught you right from wrong? It's the same with our thoughts. We need to filter out the bad and focus on the good.

Ephesians 4:29

Let's look at Ephesians 4:29. It says our words should build others up. That includes ourselves too. If we're always talking trash about ourselves, we're going to believe it.

Changing Our Thoughts

So how do we change our thoughts? We need to get into the Bible. Psalm 1:2 says that meditating on God's Word day and night brings delight and transformation.

And Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the world, but to renew our minds. That means replacing the bad thoughts with good ones.

Accountability

But we can't do this alone. We need our friends to keep us accountable.

Challenge

So here's the challenge this week: Spend some time each day reading the Bible. Write down any negative thoughts you have and replace them with what God says about you. And find a friend or mentor to talk about what you're learning and pray together.

It might be tough at first, but trust me, it's worth it.

Prayer

God, help us to focus on the good. Help us to filter out the negative thoughts and replace them with Your truth. Give us the courage to be honest with our friends and to keep each other accountable. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. Can you share a time when negative thoughts affected you?

2. How can focusing on the good change your perspective?

3. What are some practical ways to replace negative thoughts with positive ones?

4. How can accountability help us to focus on the good?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Thought Bubble
• Group Activity: Scripture Scavenger Hunt
• Youth Challenge: Positive Thought Journal