Introduction: Why This Matters for Teens
By the end of January, the “new year” energy usually starts to drop. School gets busy, stress builds, and it’s easy to feel like, “I already messed up—why even try?”
But spiritual growth isn’t powered by hype. It’s built through small, faithful steps with Jesus—especially when you don’t feel motivated. Tonight’s lesson is about learning how to keep going, get back up when you fall, and stay steady when life is loud.
What I’ve Learned about Staying Steady When the New Year Slows Down
Everyone makes New Year’s resolutions. The hardest part of New Year’s resolutions, however, is sticking with them. I have done this so many times that I tell myself “I am going to do ____ the whole year” and then a week in I give up. Consistency in your walk with Christ is so important, and we can practice building good habits in our daily lives, especially as we advance further in the year.
Youth Group Game: “Next Step Challenge”
Goal: Help students practice choosing a wise “next step” instead of spiraling, quitting, or hiding.
Supplies: Index cards, markers, a bowl/bucket (or a box), and a timer.
Prep (5 minutes): Write one scenario per card. Use realistic teen moments like:
- “I missed Bible reading for a week and feel like a fake.”
- “I’m getting pulled into drama and gossip.”
- “I’m stressed and I’m snapping at my family.”
- “I keep falling into the same temptation.”
- “I’m comparing my life to people online.”
- “I feel distant from God.”
How to Play (10–12 minutes):
- Split students into small groups (or 2 teams).
- Each round, a leader draws one card and reads it out loud.
- Groups have 30 seconds to write down a “next right step” response.
- Examples: pray honestly, confess to God, talk to a leader, set a boundary, apologize, open Scripture, delete a trigger app, text an accountability friend.
- Have 2–3 groups share. Give points for answers that are biblical and practical.
Debrief (2 minutes): “You don’t have to fix your whole life tonight. You just need the next right step with Jesus.”
Bible Reading 1: Philippians 3:12-14 (Keep Moving Forward)
“Not that I have already obtained all this… but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me… forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.”
Explanation For Teenagers
- Paul admits he’s not “there” yet: Strong Christians aren’t perfect—they’re persistent.
- Press on means you don’t let a bad week define you: You can restart without shame.
- Jesus already took hold of you: Your growth isn’t about earning God’s love—it’s responding to it.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What usually makes teens quit habits or goals by late January?
- What’s the difference between “I failed” and “I’m finished”?
- What would it look like for you to “press on” this week?
Bible Reading 2: Galatians 6:9 (Don’t Quit Too Early)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Explanation For Teenagers
- Getting tired doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human: God’s Word prepares you for that moment.
- Most people quit right before growth shows up: Harvest comes later, not instantly.
- Faith is a long game: Small obedience stacks up and becomes a changed life.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What’s something good you’re tempted to give up on right now?
- What does “weary” look like in your life—mentally, emotionally, spiritually?
- What’s one way your group can help you not quit?
Bible Reading 3: Psalm 119:9-11 (What You Store Shapes You)
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word… I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Explanation For Teenagers
- God’s Word isn’t just for church—it’s for real life: anxiety, temptation, loneliness, anger, all of it.
- What you feed grows: If you feed your mind nonstop noise, it’ll be hard to hear God clearly.
- Scripture in your heart becomes strength in the moment: You can’t rely on “later” when temptation is “now.”
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What’s been filling your mind the most lately?
- When do you feel temptation hit hardest—late at night, stressed, bored, lonely?
- What’s one realistic plan for getting Scripture into your week?
Bible Reading 4: John 15:4-5 (Stay Connected to Jesus)
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you… apart from me you can do nothing.”
Explanation For Teenagers
- Jesus doesn’t say “try harder”—He says “remain”: real change comes from relationship.
- Disconnection happens quietly: not one huge choice—just small drift over time.
- Remaining is daily: prayer, Scripture, worship, and community keep your heart alive.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What pulls you away from Jesus the most (busyness, friends, phone, stress)?
- What helps you feel connected to God in a real way?
- What’s one “remain” habit you can do even on your busiest day?
Bible Reading 5: James 1:22-25 (Live It, Don’t Just Hear It)
“Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.”
Explanation For Teenagers
- Hearing truth is good—obeying truth is transforming: obedience turns knowledge into growth.
- Faith isn’t a mood: it’s choices that match what Jesus says is true.
- End-of-January win: don’t aim for perfect—aim for faithful.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What’s one area where you know God is calling you to obey?
- What’s a “next step” you can take in the next 24 hours?
- Who can help keep you accountable (friend, leader, parent) without judging you?
End-of-January Challenge: One Simple Commit
Pick one simple commitment for the next 7 days. Keep it realistic.
- Option 1: Pray honestly for 3 minutes a day.
- Option 2: Read 10 verses a day (start in Philippians or John).
- Option 3: Text an accountability friend twice this week: “How can I pray for you?”
Write it down: “This week, my next step is __________.”
Closing Prayer
Jesus, thank You that our faith isn’t held together by motivation—it’s held together by You. Forgive us for where we’ve drifted, and give us the strength to take the next right step. Help us remain in You, love Your Word, and keep going when life feels heavy. Build consistency in us, give us courage to obey, and surround us with people who help us walk with You. We trust You with the rest of this year. In Jesus’ name, amen.