Series Overview:
We are all being shaped and
molded by many thoughts, systems, pressures, influences, and situations; but
what into? As we think about what we want our lives to be known for we have to
think about the sculpting needed to get us there. With God as the blacksmith,
and us on the anvil, we have to know that we are in good hands. We have to
trust that His pounding is for our good and the purpose He has for us is great,
but anvil time is needed. God doesn’t want us forever; He want’s Himself in us
for eternity. He is shaping us to the likeness of His Son. In this series we
are going to look at the character of Jesus, the character He taught, and ask
God’s perfect hands to mold them into us.
1. Character of Eternity (June
20th)
Bottom Line: We are shaped by our values. Valuing
God’s plan and putting that which has eternal impact over the temporal is a
great investment. We can live in today
for the kingdom to come. In a world that
is about instant gratification and happiness being defined as having more
stuff, we as Christians need to have a different perspective. In this lesson we look at Luke 12:15-40 where
Jesus teaches us to not define ourselves by material things or live for earthly
pleasures, but trust God in all things, living for the things that matter. We
are encouraged to have our hearts set on what Jesus’s heart is set on, to live
for the Kingdom. With our eyes on Jesus we can make a difference that lasts for
eternity. The Character of eternity is
having an eternal perspective in everything you do.
I’d encourage you to find
a few minutes this week to talk with your child about the importance of having
an eternal perspective. Here are some questions you could incorporate into your
conversation:
- Do you want your life to matter, make difference, leave legacy? How do you think this happens?
- How has your character been shaped by your values?
- How does keeping Jesus as the treasure of your heart help make an eternal difference with your life?
Memory Verse: For where your treasure is, there your
heart will be also. (Luke 12:34)
2. Character of Humility (June 27th)
Bottom Line: Humility says we need Jesus, we need
others, and we are confident in our role in God’s story. We are all equal at
the cross in our sin and ability to serve. One of the struggles in this life is thinking we are better than we
are or thinking we are less than we are, both are a form of pride. One says
look at me I’m great, the other says feel bad for me I am no good, either way
the focus is on me. In Philippians 2:5-11 and Luke 18:10-14 we learn humility
put’s the focus where it should be, on Jesus: the savior we desperately need,
our example in putting others before ourselves, and the one who invites us to
play a role in His story. The Character
of Humility is realizing it’s not about my story, it’s about God’s story, and we get to be a part of it.
I’d encourage you to find
a few minutes this week to talk with your child about the characteristic of
humility. Here are some questions you could incorporate into your conversation:
- Why is one who confesses their need for Jesus an attractive thing? Or is it? Is this hard or easy for you to do?
- Why is one who is confidence in the grace of God and His purpose for them an attractive thing? Or is it? How are you at this?
- How does humility affect the way we treat others?
Memory Verse:
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to
walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
No Wednesday Night Alive (July 4th) Happy Independence Day!
3. Character of Integrity (July
8th)
Bottom Line: We
all want to be known for who we really are, to not have to put on false fronts.
We also want to be trusted at our word and be ones who keep promises. This isn’t easy in world where there are lies, broken
vows, and hypocrisy. Add to this the many pressures teens face while wanting to
be accepted, belong, and get ahead and thinking the only options are to compromise,
lie, and do whatever it takes to get by.
On top of that are the influences of selfishness and laziness. This all can
result in not trusting others, being let down, and even questioning ourselves. While
we want to have integrity we can think integrity is a dying trait. We want to
help our students to have uncommon sense to make wise choices. We learn from
Jesus in Matthew 5:33-37 that letting your actions speak for themselves so your
word is reliable is not just an old saying but possible for today. The Character of Integrity is being
consistent in who you say you are and character, and what you say you will do
and action.
I’d encourage you to find
a few minutes this week to talk with your child about having integrity. Here
are some questions you could incorporate into your conversation:
- How would you say the world around you treats promises, commitments and vows? Do you think integrity is a dying trait?
- How might the pressures of family, friends, and school affect your integrity?
- What role does integrity play in trusting others and them trusting you? How is your integrity?
Memory Verse: Simply let
your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the
evil one. (Matthew 5:37)
4. Character of Service (July
11th)
Bottom Line: Everyone
has a problem with selfishness in others, it’s personally we don’t see an issue;
which is our problem. Service goes counter to that. Service is such a part of
being identified with Christ it can’t be overlooked as believers. Jesus
has set us an example John 13:1-14 when he washed the disciples’ feet and then
encourages us to do the same. He
further emphasis the point in Matthew 25:34-45 where He explains that the way
we treat others and serve others is a reflection on how we treat and serve Him. We have been given the love of Christ
so we can give it away, and by doing so live the life we are meant for. The Character of Service is putting others
interests before yourselves, not just to pay it forward but to truly live.
I’d encourage you to find
a few minutes this week to talk with your child about the importance of
serving. Here are some questions you could incorporate into your conversation:
- Why do you think washing their feet is one of the last things Jesus did with His disciples?
- How does it make you feel to know that way we serve and treat others has a direct correlation to how we treat and serve Jesus?
- What ways do you think God is calling you to serve?
Memory Verse: Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have
washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. (John 13:14)
5. Character of Responsibility (July 18th) Last Wednesday Alive of the Summer
Bottom Line: No one has trouble accepting the fact
that no one is perfect, the issue here is what do you do with your failures?
God is less interested in what we’ve done, and more interested in how we
respond to our mistakes, bad decisions, and failures. God can do amazing things in those moments of responsibility for our
sins.
One of the greatest things we can instill in our children is responsibility,
especially in regards to failure. As much as we all want to avoid failure, it’s
what we do when we fail that matters. We learn from the story of Zacchaeus in
Luke 19:1-10 that a person of great character isn’t one without failures but
one who takes ownership of their failures and learns from them. The Character of Responsibility
is about owning up to our failures and doing right by them.
I’d encourage you to find
a few minutes this week to talk with your child about being responsible. Here
are some questions you could incorporate into your conversation:
- Rate how much you fear failure on a scale of 1 to 10? Why did you pick that number?
- Does God expect perfection? What do you think He wants from us when we fail?
- How does taking responsibility for our actions help build relationships?
Memory Verse: If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:9)
6. Character of Generosity (July
29th)
Bottom line: It’s not what you have; it’s your
attitude towards what you have. Giving is worship and expressing your gratefulness
for what you have been given. To understand blessing is to understand giving. In 2
Corinthians 9:6-8 we are encouraged to think about what it means to give our
tithe and offerings to God as an act of worship. In this lesson we will discuss
the challenges and the difficulties that people have when it comes to giving,
and ultimately it is a demonstration of our knowledge that God is able to
supply all our needs. The Character of
Generosity is a cheerful giver.
I’d encourage you to find
a few minutes this week to talk with your child about the principle and
importance of giving. Here are some questions you could incorporate into your
conversation:
- Why do you think God wants us to give our tithe and offerings? Do you think God needs the money to grow the church, or is there some other reason?
- How can giving help you mature in your faith?
- If you don’t give cheerfully, does that mean God doesn’t honor your giving? Why or why not?
Memory Verse:
You must each decide in your heart how
much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God
loves a person who gives cheerfully.
(2 Corinthians
9:7)
7. Character of Faithfulness (Aug.
5th)
Bottom line: Are you doing as little as possible to get by, when
Jesus wants to do immeasurably more? It’s about believing God, that if you are
faithful with a little, you can do a lot. We need to persevere, not just exist
but thrive. As a believer I run after
and look forward to hearing those words someday from my savior “Well done my
good and faithful servant.” Do you?
Looking at Matthew 25:14-30, and Hebrews 12:1-3 we will talk about being
faithful with what we have been given, being faithful in our convictions, and being
faithful to the work of God in our lives and through our lives. We will learn
that a relationship with Jesus is less of a sprint and more of marathon
requiring perseverance. The Character of
Faithfulness is fixing your eyes on Jesus and choosing this day and every day
to run after Him.
I’d encourage you to find
a few minutes this week to talk with your child about being faithful. Here are
some questions you could incorporate into your conversation:
- What are the things in life you can count on?
- Why is faithfulness an everyday choice? What can make this choice easier? And what can make it harder?
- How would it feel to hear from Jesus, “Well done my good and faithful servant”? Does this motivate you?
Memory Verse: Let love and faithfulness never leave
you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then
you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs
3:3-4)
