As teenagers, it’s easy to feel like the world is against us. We face a lot of pressure from school, friends, and social media, and it can be hard to know how to handle it all. But the truth is, we are not alone in our struggles. The Bible tells us that we will face trials and persecution, but we have hope in Christ. In this lesson, we will dive into 1 Peter 4:12-14 and 5:6-11 to learn how we can endure hardships and grow in our faith.
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-14
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Explanation
- We should not be surprised by trials and persecution. It’s a normal part of the Christian life.
- We can rejoice in our sufferings because we know that we are sharing in Christ’s sufferings.
- If we are insulted because we are Christians, we should consider it a blessing because the Holy Spirit is with us.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever faced persecution or insults because of your faith? How did you respond?
2. Why do you think it’s important to remember that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life?
3. How can we find joy in our sufferings?
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 5:6-11
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Explanation
- We should humble ourselves before God and trust that he will lift us up in his timing.
- We can cast all our anxieties on God because he cares for us.
- We need to be alert and resist the devil, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles.
- After we have suffered for a little while, God will restore us and make us stronger.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
1. Why is it important to humble ourselves before God? How does it help us endure trials?
2. How can we cast our anxieties on God? What does that look like practically?
3. How can we resist the devil when he tries to bring us down?
4. How can we encourage others who are going through similar struggles?
Youth Group Game: Lion’s Den
In this game, one person is the “lion” and the rest of the group must try to avoid being caught by the lion. Set up an area that serves as the “den.” Players must run around the designated area and avoid being touched by the lion. Once a player is caught, they become a lion as well and join in the hunt. The game ends when everyone has been caught or when time runs out.
Closing Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the hope we have in Christ. Help us to endure trials and persecution with joy, knowing that we are not alone. We ask that you give us strength to resist the devil and cast our anxieties on you. Thank you for your grace and for restoring us when we are weak. Amen.