Today, we’re diving into an incredibly important topic that is crucial for your journey of faith: fellowship with God. As teenagers, you’re navigating through so much – school, relationships, social media, and trying to figure out who you are and what you believe. In the midst of all this, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters – your relationship with God.
In 1 John 1:1-2:2, we find John’s passionate message about walking in the light, experiencing fellowship with God, and the power of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Let’s explore why this message is so relevant and essential for you as teenagers.
Bible Reading: 1 John 1:1-2:2
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- The Word of Life: John emphasizes the tangible reality of Jesus, whom they had seen, heard, and touched. This wasn’t just a story but a lived experience.
- Fellowship with God: Through Jesus, we have the opportunity to have fellowship with God Himself. It’s not just knowing about God but experiencing Him in a deep and personal way.
- Walking in the Light: God is light, representing His purity, holiness, and truth. To walk in the light means to align our lives with God’s character and truth, living in openness and authenticity.
- Confession and Forgiveness: When we acknowledge our sins and confess them, God forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness through Jesus’ sacrifice. This is the heart of the Gospel.
- Our Advocate, Jesus Christ: Jesus stands as our mediator before God, advocating for us and making atonement for our sins. He is our ultimate hope and assurance of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to you personally to have fellowship with God?
- How does the concept of walking in the light apply to your everyday life as a teenager?
- Why is confession important in maintaining a healthy relationship with God?
- How does knowing that Jesus is our advocate affect the way you view your relationship with God?
Youth Group Game: “Light and Darkness”
- Divide the group into two teams: Team Light and Team Darkness.
- Set up a playing area with obstacles and boundaries.
- Give each team a flashlight (representing light) and a blindfold (representing darkness).
- The objective is for Team Light to guide their blindfolded teammates through the obstacle course using only the flashlight. Meanwhile, Team Darkness tries to distract the blindfolded players.
- After a set time, switch roles and continue the game.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of fellowship with you through Jesus Christ. Help us to walk in the light, living lives of honesty, purity, and truth. Teach us the importance of confession and forgiveness, knowing that Jesus is our advocate before you. May we experience your love and grace in deeper ways each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Remember, teens, as you go from here, carry the light of Christ wherever you go and shine brightly in the darkness!