Teenagers are starving for attention,
popularity, recognition, and notoriety. They believe their identity is found in
how their peers view them more than how Jesus views them. For too many young
people, their worldviews are based around what society says is socially
acceptable. Their “realities” and “truths” are based on false hope, the latest
fads, and trending topics. This three-lesson series will engage our students in
thought-provoking conversations about what it means to live a Jesus-centered
life and how to systematical prioritize what matters most. They’ll discover
God’s desire for them to rest in the truth that when they are in relationship
with Jesus, they are his children and their identity is found in him. They will
find liberation and freedom in knowing they do not have to please an audience
of many; they only have to please an audience of one.
Lesson One: The Freedom Factor | John 8:31-32 (10/25/17)
When we believe
Jesus is the truth and begin the journey of following him, we can experience
freedom—freedom that comes from being Jesus’ disciple, knowing truth, and
following a Jesus-centered path. This lesson will help teenagers discover that their
true identity is found in knowing that Jesus is the truth and he can set them
free from guilt, brokenness, judgment, shame, hurt, and pain. Jesus
offers a promise and reassurance for those who believe in him. He said that if we
are truly his disciples, we will know the truth, and the truth will set us
free. Jesus’ point is simple, focused, and all-encompassing. It leaves no room
for questioning or compromising. Remaining connected to or “dwelling” in Jesus
and his teachings is the true measure of discipleship. It is what separates
people who are really free from those who merely appear to be free. It also
speaks to how our identity is found in Jesus and not in the ways of the world.
Jesus is the pathway to truth and the only way to experience freedom.
Consider building your conversations around
these questions:
- Do you
find it difficult to believe Jesus’ love for you is unconditional? Why or
why not?
- What
does it mean to you to remain faithful to Jesus’ teachings?
- Have you ever felt like your
relationship with Jesus was based on your behavior or how good or bad you
were? If so, why have you felt that way? If not, how might you help a friend
who feels that way?
Lesson Two: Be Real with Yourself | John 8:33-37 (11/1/17)
“Honesty is the
best policy” is an age-old saying that reminds us that when we are candid and
truthful about our life situation, we can effectively begin to move toward a
better place. From a spiritual standpoint, we must be honest about who we are
and how much we need God, because when we are in denial about our sins, we
remain slaves to those areas of sin and struggle. This lesson will challenge
teenagers to see that they are sons and daughters who have been adopted by God
through Christ and that they have a right to experience all of the amazing
benefits and blessings he has for them. In this passage,
Jesus spoke about what being part of his family really looks like. Slaves have
no permanent rights in the home; those rights are reserved for the children of
that household. Jesus’ objective was to get people to understand the importance
of being a son or daughter who is adopted into God’s family.
Consider building your conversations around
these questions:
- What
does it mean to you to be part of our family? What are some of the
benefits?
- How can
you be adopted into God’s family?
- Once
adopted into God’s family, what do you think are the benefits to being
part of his family?
Lesson Three: Family Feud | John 8:38-47 (11/8/17)
Life is all
about choices. Teenagers struggle daily to make the right choices because they
want to identify with things they feel are right. Living the Christian life is
all about making the choice to follow Jesus. This lesson will help teenagers
discover how freedom and liberation can take place for those who are true
disciples and followers of Jesus Christ. In our final
lesson, we brought it all home by exploring John 8:38-47, where the
conversation between Jesus and the Jews escalated to the point where it became
pretty heated. It reached a place where Jesus drew a line in the sand and challenged
people to consider if they were legitimate children of God.
It is so important for teenagers to learn how
to choose well. The spiritual choices they make will determine whether or not
they spend eternity with Jesus. As we conclude this series, challenge and
encourage your teenager to understand the value and benefits of being part of
God’s family—and how the most important thing in life is passionately pursuing
a deep love for Jesus.
Here are some questions that can help fuel
your conversation this week:
- What people have shaped or
influenced your spiritual journey? How have they been like spiritual
fathers or mothers to you?
- What are some characteristics or
traits of Jesus that you’ve seen displayed in other people’s lives? Be as
specific as possible.
- What are some spiritual truths
God has been teaching you recently?
