Life as a teenager can feel like a race—full of challenges, obstacles, and moments when you want to give up. Whether it’s school pressures, friendship struggles, or questions about your future, the journey can be exhausting. But God has called us to run the race of faith with perseverance, keeping our eyes on Jesus. This lesson will encourage you to keep going when life gets tough and focus on the ultimate prize: a life lived for God’s glory.
Main Teaching: Running the Race of Faith
Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Explanation for Teenagers
- Life is like a race, and God has a specific course mapped out for you.
- “Throwing off everything that hinders” means letting go of distractions, bad habits, and sins that slow you down.
- Keeping your eyes on Jesus helps you stay focused on what matters most, even when the race gets hard.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What are some things in your life that might be slowing you down in your faith race?
- How does focusing on Jesus help you persevere through challenges?
- Who are some examples of people who inspire you to run your race well?
Bible Reading: Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Explanation for Teenagers
- Paul reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect to keep running. What matters is pressing forward.
- Forgetting what’s behind means not letting past mistakes or failures hold you back.
- The “prize” is a closer relationship with Jesus and living out your purpose for Him.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Is there something from your past that you need to let go of to run your race better?
- How can you “press on” when life feels overwhelming?
- What does the prize of knowing Jesus mean to you personally?
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Explanation for Teenagers
- Just like athletes train for a competition, we need to prepare ourselves spiritually.
- Training for your faith race means spending time in God’s Word, prayer, and worship.
- The crown we’re running for isn’t temporary—it’s eternal life with Jesus.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- How is training for a sport or hobby similar to growing in your faith?
- What are some “training habits” you can start to strengthen your walk with God?
- How does thinking about eternity motivate you to keep running your race?
Youth Group Game: “Obstacle Course Race”
Materials Needed: Chairs, cones, ropes, and other obstacles to create a physical course.
Instructions:
- Set up an obstacle course that challenges balance, agility, and teamwork.
- Divide the group into teams. Each team runs the course, one person at a time.
- Add distractions, like throwing soft foam balls, to simulate “hindrances.”
- The team that finishes the course the fastest wins.
Debrief:
- Discuss how the obstacles and distractions felt like real-life challenges.
- Relate the experience to how perseverance and focus on God help us overcome life’s difficulties.
Conclusion: Running for the Prize
Life’s race isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. God has called you to run with perseverance, letting go of distractions and focusing on the eternal prize. You’re not running alone—Jesus is with you every step of the way. Keep your eyes on Him and trust that He’ll give you the strength to finish strong.
Closing Prayer
“Lord, thank You for setting the race of faith before us. Help us to throw off distractions and run with perseverance, keeping our eyes on Jesus. Strengthen us when we feel weak and remind us of the eternal prize You’ve promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”