Introduction: Why This Matters for Teens
Teenagers often wonder what faith really means. Is it believing harder? Trying to be better? Hoping God notices? Romans 4 explains that true faith is trusting God completely—not our performance, not our goodness, and not our feelings. Paul uses Abraham as the example of someone who believed God even when the situation seemed impossible. This chapter helps teens understand that faith is about trusting God’s promises, not earning His love.
Bible Reading 1: Romans 4:1-8 (Righteousness Comes by Faith, Not Works)
“What then shall we say that Abraham… discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness… Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Faith, not performance: Abraham was made right with God because he believed, not because he was perfect.
- God gives righteousness: You don’t earn forgiveness—God gives it freely through faith.
- Real freedom: When your sins are not counted against you, you can live with peace and confidence.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why is it hard to accept that we can’t earn God’s approval?
- What does it mean that righteousness is a gift?
- How does forgiveness help you live with confidence and peace?
Bible Reading 2: Romans 4:9-17 (Faith Is for Everyone Who Believes)
“Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised?… Abraham received circumcision as a sign… So then, he is the father of all who believe… It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise… but through the righteousness that comes by faith.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Faith is for everyone: God’s promises are not limited to a certain group—anyone who believes can belong to God.
- Faith came before rules: Abraham believed God before any laws or rituals existed.
- God includes you: Teens can know that faith—not background or performance—is what brings them into God’s family.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why does it matter that faith is for “everyone who believes”?
- How does this passage show God’s inclusive love?
- Why is faith more important than rituals or traditions?
Bible Reading 3: Romans 4:18-22 (Abraham’s Hope in the Impossible)
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead… Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith… being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Faith faces reality: Abraham didn’t deny the facts—he just believed God was bigger.
- Faith grows stronger in challenges: Waiting and difficulty actually strengthened Abraham’s trust.
- Faith is being persuaded: Abraham was fully convinced God could do what He promised.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What impossible situation do you sometimes worry about?
- How can Abraham’s example help you trust God more?
- What does it mean to be “fully persuaded” about God’s promises?
Bible Reading 4: Romans 4:23-25 (The Promise Is for Us Too)
“The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead… He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- The promise continues today: God counts righteousness to everyone who believes in Jesus.
- Jesus completed the work: His death paid for sin; His resurrection proved the victory.
- Faith connects us to Jesus: We receive forgiveness, hope, and new identity through believing in Him.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why is Abraham’s story important for us today?
- How does Jesus’ resurrection strengthen your faith?
- What does it mean to have righteousness “credited” to you?
Youth Group Activity: “Faith vs. Feelings”
Objective: Help teens understand the difference between trusting God’s promises and trusting their emotions.
Materials: Two posters labeled “FEELINGS” and “GOD’S PROMISES,” sticky notes, markers.
Instructions:
- Ask students to write common emotional struggles on sticky notes (e.g., “I feel alone,” “I feel unworthy,” “I feel afraid”).
- Place all the sticky notes under the “FEELINGS” poster.
- Then have them write Scriptures or promises of God that address those feelings (e.g., Hebrews 13:5, Isaiah 41:10, Romans 8:1).
- Place those under the “GOD’S PROMISES” poster.
- Discuss how faith chooses to trust God’s promises over shifting emotions.
Key Takeaways for Teens:
- Faith means trusting God completely, not earning His approval.
- God’s promises are for everyone who believes—not just a few.
- Faith grows stronger through challenges and waiting.
- Jesus’ death and resurrection make righteousness possible for you.
Closing Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for the example of Abraham and for showing us what true faith looks like. Help us trust Your promises even when things seem impossible. Strengthen our faith, calm our doubts, and remind us that righteousness is Your gift, not our achievement. We choose to trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, amen.”