Summary

All of us are being shaped by something. The question is whether we are being intentional about what is shaping us.

In Romans 12:1–2, Paul invites us to present our lives to God and resist being shaped by the patterns around us. Instead, we can make ourselves available to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds. The truth at the center of this message is simple: we become what we behold. Where we place our attention helps shape who we become.

If we want to become more like Jesus, we need to intentionally turn our attention toward Him. Prayer, reading the Bible, being present on Sundays, and sharing life with others in a small group can all help create space for God to form us.

Transformation does not mean changing everything overnight. Our part is to make ourselves available to Jesus and take the next step He is inviting us to take. As we do, we trust the Holy Spirit to do the transforming work in us.

Opening Prayer

Jesus, thank You for bringing us together. As we open the Bible and talk about what is shaping our lives, help us quiet the noise around us and pay attention to You.

Give us the courage to be honest with You and with one another. We do not want to simply talk about transformation. We want to become more like You.

Holy Spirit, show each of us what You are inviting us into today. Use this time to draw us closer to Jesus and closer to one another.

Amen.

Icebreaker

What is one hobby or activity you can get lost in for hours without realizing how much time has passed?

Key Verses

Romans 12:1–2

Discussion Questions

The message made the point that we do not simply drift into becoming more like Jesus. Growth requires intentional choices. How have you seen that to be true in your own life?
The Facebook experiment showed how the content people consumed began influencing their emotions and behavior without them necessarily realizing it. Have you noticed something similar in your own life? What was influencing you, and how did it affect you?
Romans 12:1 invites us to present ourselves to God as living sacrifices. What could it look like to make yourself available to Jesus in your everyday life?
Paul contrasts being conformed to the patterns of this age with being transformed through the renewal of our minds. Where do you feel pressure to become someone different from who Jesus is forming you to be?
We become what we behold. What consistently has your attention right now? How do you think those things are shaping who you are becoming?
Transformation is not something we accomplish by ourselves. We make ourselves available to God, and the Holy Spirit does a work in us that we cannot do on our own. How does that change the way you think about spiritual growth?
The message highlighted four practices that help turn our attention toward Jesus: prayer, reading the Bible, being present on Sundays, and joining a small group. Which of these already feels natural for you? Which one might be your next step?
You do not have to change everything at once. What is one thing you sense the Holy Spirit highlighting for you right now? What could it look like to take one intentional step this week?

Life Application

This week, choose one practice that will help you intentionally turn your attention toward Jesus.

It could be prayer, reading the Bible, being present on Sunday, or connecting with a small group. Do not try to change everything at once. Choose one step and practice it consistently for the next seven days.

At the end of the week, reflect on what you noticed. Did your attention begin to shift? Did it change the way you thought, responded, or related to the people around you?

Come back ready to share what God showed you.

Key Takeaways

We are all being formed by something. Intentional formation begins by paying attention to what is shaping us.
We become what we behold. Where we consistently place our attention influences who we become.
Romans 12:1–2 invites us to make ourselves available to Jesus rather than simply being shaped by the patterns around us.
Transformation involves both our response to God and the work of the Holy Spirit within us.
Prayer, reading the Bible, being present on Sundays, and meaningful community help create space for Jesus to form us.
Transformation does not require changing everything at once. One intentional step, practiced consistently, can begin to change the direction of our lives.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You that You are still forming us.

It is easy to let the noise around us shape our thoughts, desires, and attention without realizing it. Today, we choose to turn our attention toward You.

Jesus, we make ourselves available to You. Show us what You want to shape in us and what You are inviting us to release.

Holy Spirit, renew our minds and help us become more like Jesus. Give each of us the courage to take the next step You are showing us and the grace to keep walking with You one day at a time.

Help us keep our eyes on Jesus and allow His life in us to shape the way we love the people around us.