Why This Topic Matters for Teenagers

Hey there, amazing young people! Welcome to today’s Sunday school session. We’re diving into a topic that might seem abstract but is incredibly relevant to your lives – the Kingdom of God. Now, you might wonder why understanding this concept is essential for teenagers like you. Well, let’s break it down:

1. Foundation for Faith: Understanding the Kingdom of God is like unlocking the heart of Jesus’ message. It’s the foundation upon which our faith stands.
2. Guidance for Life Choices: As you navigate the tricky path of adolescence, knowing what Jesus meant by the Kingdom can provide guidance for your decisions, friendships, and priorities.
3. Hope and Purpose: Discovering the Kingdom of God gives you a sense of hope and purpose beyond the here and now. It’s a reminder that there’s more to life than what meets the eye.
4. Sharing Your Faith: When you can explain this central message of Jesus, you’ll be better equipped to share your faith with friends and peers who may have questions about Christianity.

So, buckle up! We’re going on a journey to uncover the Kingdom of God and why it’s crucial for your faith.

Bible Reading 1: Matthew 6:9-10

Matthew 6:9-10 (NIV):

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.'”

Explaining the Passage To Teenagers

• When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He emphasized the arrival of the Kingdom of God.
• The Kingdom of God represents God’s reign and rule, where His will is done perfectly.

Youth Group Discussion Question 1

• What does it mean to pray for God’s Kingdom to come on earth?
• How does this impact the way you view prayer and God’s plan for the world?

Bible Reading 2: Mark 1:14-15

Mark 1:14-15 (NIV):

“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'”

Explaining the Passage To Teenagers

• Jesus’ ministry began with the announcement that the Kingdom of God had come near.
• Repentance and belief were key responses to this message.

Youth Group Discussion Question 2

• How do you think people responded to Jesus’ announcement that the Kingdom of God had come near?
• What does repentance and belief mean in the context of the Kingdom of God?

Youth Group Game: “Kingdom Builders”

Objective: To reinforce the concept of the Kingdom of God through a fun activity.

Instructions:

• Divide into teams and provide each team with building blocks or Legos.
• Each team is tasked with building a tower or structure as tall as they can in a limited time.
• However, there’s a twist: Only one person per team can build at a time. The others can only give verbal instructions.
• After the game, discuss how teamwork, communication, and leadership relate to building God’s Kingdom.

Bible Reading 3: Luke 17:20-21

Luke 17:20-21 (NIV):

“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, “Here it is,” or “There it is,” because the kingdom of God is in your midst.'”

Explaining the Passage To Teenagers

• Jesus clarifies that the Kingdom of God is not a physical place or event.
• It’s a spiritual reality that’s already present among believers.

Youth Group Discussion Question 3

• How does knowing that the Kingdom of God is “in your midst” change your perspective on your faith?
• What are some practical ways you can experience and advance the Kingdom in your daily life?

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for revealing the incredible truth of your Kingdom to us today. Help us to understand that the Kingdom is not just a distant future event but something we can experience right now. May we be Kingdom builders, spreading your love, grace, and truth to those around us. Guide us in our decisions and actions so that we may align with your will and bring your Kingdom closer to those who need it. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Remember, teenagers, you are an integral part of God’s Kingdom. As you go about your week, carry this understanding with you, and let it shape your interactions and choices. See you next Sunday!

The Lord's Prayer Booklet (Matthew 6:9-13)