Bible Lesson for Teens
Today, we’re diving deep into the exciting world of Biblical friendship. You might be wondering, “Why is this topic important for my faith?” Well, the teenage years are a crucial time of growth and self-discovery. The friendships you build during this time can greatly impact your faith, character, and future.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live in community and surround ourselves with godly influences. The Bible has a lot to say about friendship and how to build strong, meaningful, and Christ-centered relationships. Our friendships can either lift us up or bring us down, so learning how to navigate them according to God’s Word is essential for our spiritual growth.
Bible Reading 1: Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- God’s design for friendship is grounded in love and loyalty.
- True friends stand by you through the highs and lows of life.
- Jesus is the ultimate example of a friend who loves us unconditionally.
Youth Group Game: Friendships Unite!
Form small groups and play a game where each group collaborates to complete challenges. The challenges should emphasize teamwork, trust-building, and communication. Encourage the participants to discuss how these elements relate to building godly friendships.
Bible Reading 2: Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- Godly friendships sharpen and strengthen us spiritually.
- Friends can encourage and challenge us to grow in our faith.
- We need friends who will point us towards Jesus in all circumstances.
Youth Group Discussion:
- Why is it essential to have friends who encourage your faith?
- How can godly friendships help you become a better version of yourself?
- Have you experienced a time when a friend’s influence positively impacted your faith journey?
Bible Reading 3: 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- Scripture warns against spending time with negative influences.
- The company we keep can either build us up or lead us away from God.
- It’s essential to be discerning about the friendships we cultivate.
Youth Group Discussion:
- How do you discern whether a friendship is positively influencing you or not?
- Are there any friendships in your life that might be leading you away from God?
- How can you be a positive influence on your friends while maintaining your faith?
Bible Reading 4: Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- Surrounding ourselves with wise and godly friends leads to wisdom.
- Being with friends who make poor choices can lead to negative consequences.
- Jesus desires us to walk in the path of righteousness and surround ourselves with godly companions.
Youth Group Game: Wise or Otherwise
Prepare scenarios or real-life situations where teenagers must decide whether the characters are making wise or unwise choices regarding friendships. Encourage open discussions about the consequences of their choices and how to apply biblical wisdom to their own friendships.
Youth Group Discussion:
- What qualities make a friend “wise” in a biblical sense?
- How can you be intentional about seeking godly friendships?
- Share a time when being with wise friends positively impacted your decisions.
Closing Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the gift of friendship and for the opportunity to build godly relationships in our lives. Help us to discern the right friendships that will encourage our faith, challenge us to grow, and reflect your love. May we be wise in choosing our companions and strive to be positive influences on our friends. Guide us, Lord, as we navigate the challenges of friendship and bless us with strong, Christ-centered relationships.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, you are never alone in your journey of building godly relationships. God is with you every step of the way, and your church family is here to support and encourage you. Keep seeking friendships that honor God and help you grow in your faith. You are loved and cherished!