Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s super important for your faith journey: grace. We’re going to explore Ephesians 2:8-9 and what it means to be saved by grace through faith. This is crucial for teenagers because understanding grace can change how you see God, yourself, and others. It helps you realize that you don’t have to earn God’s love—it’s a gift!
Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Explanation For Teenagers
- Grace: Unmerited favor from God. It’s like getting a gift you didn’t earn.
- Saved by Grace through Faith: Your salvation isn’t something you can achieve on your own; it’s given to you by believing in Jesus.
- Not by Works: No matter how good you are, you can’t earn God’s love or a place in heaven by doing good things.
- Gift of God: Salvation is a free gift. You just have to accept it.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What does grace mean to you personally?
- Can you think of a time when someone showed you grace or forgiveness?
- How does understanding grace change the way you view your relationship with God?
Bible Reading: Titus 3:5
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Explanation For Teenagers
- Mercy: God’s compassion and forgiveness shown to us.
- Rebirth and Renewal: When we accept Jesus, we are spiritually reborn and our lives are renewed by the Holy Spirit.
- Not Because of Righteous Things: Again, it’s not about what we do but about God’s mercy.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think it’s important to know that we are saved by God’s mercy and not by our good deeds?
- How can understanding mercy and grace affect the way we treat others?
Bible Reading: Romans 11:6
“And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”
Explanation For Teenagers
- Grace vs. Works: Grace is completely separate from our actions. If we had to earn it, it wouldn’t be grace.
- Unconditional: God’s love and salvation are unconditional.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- How does this verse help you understand the true meaning of grace?
- What are some ways people might try to earn God’s favor today?
Youth Group Game: The Grace Race
Objective
To illustrate the concept of grace being a free gift.
Materials
- A small prize (candy, a small toy, etc.)
- Obstacles (chairs, cones, etc.)
Instructions
- Set up an obstacle course.
- Explain that the prize will go to the winner.
- After a couple of participants run the course, stop and announce that the prize will be given to someone who didn’t even participate, to illustrate grace.
- Discuss the feelings and thoughts of the participants.
Debrief Questions
- How did you feel when someone got the prize without running the race?
- How does this game relate to the concept of grace?
Closing Prayer
Let’s close with a prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the amazing gift of grace. Help us to understand that we are saved by your love, not by our own efforts. Teach us to accept your grace and to show it to others in our daily lives. Bless each of us as we grow in our faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I hope this lesson helps you understand how incredible God’s grace is. Remember, it’s a gift that’s always available to you, no matter what!