As teenagers, you’re at a stage in life where friends, social media, music, and culture can have a big impact on your decisions and beliefs. Whether you realize it or not, you are influenced every day. It’s important to recognize who or what is leading you and whether those influences align with God’s plan for your life. In this lesson, we’ll explore how to be aware of the voices that guide us and how we can make sure God is our primary influence.
Bible Reading 1: Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- The world tries to shape our thinking, behaviors, and desires through trends, opinions, and peer pressure.
- Paul urges us not to conform to the world’s ways but to allow God to transform our minds so that we can see clearly what His will is.
- When we let God influence us instead of the world, we begin to live differently and make choices that align with His good and perfect plan.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What are some examples of influences that try to conform you to “the pattern of this world”?
- How do you think you can let God “renew your mind” in your daily life?
- What are some things that have helped you recognize God’s will for your life?
Bible Reading 2: 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- The people we spend time with can have a huge impact on who we become. If we surround ourselves with negative influences, it’s likely we’ll start acting and thinking like them, even if we don’t realize it.
- This verse warns us to be mindful of the friends and relationships we allow to influence us.
- Choosing friends and mentors who share your faith and values can help you grow closer to God and make better decisions.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever noticed how your attitude or behavior changes based on the people you’re around?
- What are some qualities you should look for in friends who help you stay strong in your faith?
- How can you balance being a light to others without letting negative influences change you?
Bible Reading 3: Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- This verse highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with wise, godly people. When you spend time with those who are wise and follow God, you learn from them and grow in wisdom yourself.
- On the other hand, hanging out with people who are reckless or who reject God’s ways can lead you down a dangerous path.
- Seeking wise counsel, whether from parents, mentors, or godly friends, helps you make better decisions and avoid unnecessary harm.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Who are some wise people in your life that you look up to? What have you learned from them?
- How do you think you can “walk with the wise” more in your daily life?
- What does it mean to you to be wise in today’s world?
Bible Reading 4: Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- As followers of Jesus, we’re called to be influencers too! We’re meant to shine God’s light into the world, standing out in a way that brings people closer to Him.
- Instead of letting the world influence us negatively, we can be the ones to influence others for good.
- Our actions and words can reflect God’s love and truth to others, and by doing so, we help lead them toward God.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to you to be the “light of the world” in your school or community?
- Have you ever experienced a time where your faith or actions influenced someone else in a positive way?
- What are some ways you can let your light shine more in your daily life?
Youth Group Game: “Influencer Challenge”
- Objective: To illustrate how easily we can be influenced, and how we can influence others.
- How to Play: Have one person in the group serve as the “influencer” and instruct them to start doing something simple but random, like tapping their foot, humming a song, or stretching. Gradually, other people in the group should start copying their actions without telling them to do so. Once a majority of the group is mimicking the action, stop and discuss how easily we can follow others, even without realizing it.
- Debrief: Talk about how this mirrors the way we are influenced in real life. Just as people followed the “influencer” without thinking, we often pick up habits and attitudes from the world around us without realizing it. Ask the group what kind of influence they want to have on others, and how they can follow God’s lead rather than the world’s.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for being the ultimate guide in our lives. Help us to be aware of the influences around us and to choose wisely who we follow. Give us the strength and wisdom to stand firm in our faith and to be a positive influence on others. Let Your light shine through us so that we may lead others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.