Summary

Whether we realize it or not, we are being shaped every day.

The people around us, the conversations we have, the content we consume, and the voices we listen to all influence who we are becoming. Jesus reminds us in Luke 6:40 that when a student is fully trained, they become like their teacher.

That makes an important question worth asking: Who is teaching us?

We can live on autoplay, allowing algorithms, habits, relationships, and other voices to shape us without much thought. Or we can become intentional about what we allow to form us.

Following Jesus is not about avoiding every outside influence. It is about recognizing what is shaping us and making room for Jesus to become the primary influence in our lives. One of the ways God does that is through close relationships with other people who are following Him.

This week, we’re invited to pay attention to what is forming us and take one intentional step toward becoming more like Jesus.

Intro Prayer

Jesus, thank you for bringing us together.

As we talk about the people and influences shaping our lives, help us be honest with ourselves and with each other. Show us what we may not have noticed and where you are inviting us to become more intentional.

Holy Spirit, lead our conversation. Help us listen well, encourage one another, and become more like Jesus together.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is something you have picked up from someone else without realizing it—a phrase you say, a habit, a hobby, or even the way you do something?

Key Verses

Luke 6:40

Romans 12:2

Proverbs 13:20

Hebrews 10:24–25

Questions

Jesus said, “Everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” When you hear that, what stands out to you? Why does it matter who or what we allow to teach us?

Think about an average day. What voices receive most of your attention? This could include people, social media, podcasts, news, entertainment, or other influences. What do you think those voices are forming in you?

The message compared living without intention to autoplay. Where are you most likely to live on autoplay instead of intentionally choosing what shapes you?

Social media and technology are designed to hold our attention. What have you noticed about the way the content you consume affects your thoughts, emotions, priorities, or relationship with Jesus?

Not every influence in our lives is unhealthy. Who has had a positive influence on the person you are becoming? What is it about their life that you want to learn from?

The people closest to us can shape us in ways we do not always recognize. Who currently has permission to speak honestly into your life? What makes that kind of relationship valuable?

Close Christian community gives us something a social media feed or podcast cannot: people who actually know us. What makes it difficult to develop honest relationships where we can be known, encouraged, and challenged?

Influence works both ways. You are also helping shape the people around you. What do you hope people experience or learn about Jesus through the way you live?

Life Application

This week, pay attention to what is forming you.

Take a few minutes to look honestly at where your attention goes. Consider your screen time, the content you consume, the people you spend time with, and the voices you trust most.

Then ask Jesus one simple question:

“Is this helping me become more like You?”

Choose one intentional next step based on what you notice.

Maybe that means changing what you reach for first in the morning. Maybe it means creating a boundary with content that consistently leaves you anxious or distracted. Maybe it means spending more time in Scripture or prayer. Or maybe it means reaching out to someone who can encourage you, challenge you, and help you follow Jesus.

You do not need to change everything at once. Start with one intentional choice.

Key Takeaways

We are always being formed. Our habits, relationships, conversations, and the things that receive our attention are continually shaping who we are becoming.

We become like our teachers. Jesus reminds us that who we learn from matters. The voices we consistently allow into our lives can shape what we value, believe, and pursue.

Attention deserves intention. We do not have to let an algorithm or our habits decide what receives our attention. We can intentionally make room for influences that help us become more like Jesus.

Community is part of our formation. We were not designed to follow Jesus alone. Close relationships give us opportunities to be known, encouraged, challenged, and formed alongside other people following Him.

Jesus is the teacher we want to become like. The goal is not simply healthier habits or better influences. The goal is becoming more like Jesus as we make room for His presence, His Word, and His people to shape us.

Ending Prayer

Jesus, we want to become more like You.

Help us recognize the voices and influences shaping us. Give us wisdom to know what deserves our attention and courage to change what is leading us away from You.

Thank you for the people You have placed around us. Help us build relationships where we can be honest, encourage one another, and grow together.

Holy Spirit, continue Your work in us. Show each of us one intentional step we can take this week, and help us respond to You.

Shape our lives so that the way we live increasingly reflects Jesus to the people around us.

In Jesus’ name, amen.