1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
Introduction: Why This Matters for Your Faith Journey
As a teenager, you might feel like people underestimate you just because you’re young. But the Bible shows us that age doesn’t limit the impact you can have on others. God has given you unique opportunities right now to live boldly and make a difference. This lesson will challenge you to set an example in everything you do—your words, your actions, your love for others, your faith, and your purity.
Living boldly for Christ isn’t just for adults; it’s for you today. Let’s dive into how you can be an example and lead the way.
Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Paul encourages Timothy, a young leader in the church, to live in a way that silences any doubts about his age.
- Speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity are areas where you can be a living example of what it means to follow Jesus.
- God uses people of all ages to lead and inspire others—don’t wait until you’re older to start making a difference.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How does this verse challenge your view of being young and following Jesus?
- Which of these areas (speech, conduct, love, faith, purity) do you find easiest to live out? Which is the hardest?
- Have you ever felt underestimated because of your age? How did you respond?
Bible Reading: Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Your words can either build people up or tear them down. As a follower of Christ, your speech should reflect His love.
- Speaking life into others encourages them and shows God’s love in practical ways.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How do you think your words affect people? Can you think of a time when your words either helped or hurt someone?
- What are some practical ways you can speak life into your friends, family, or classmates this week?
Bible Reading: 1 John 4:19
“We love because He first loved us.”
Explanation for Teenagers:
- Our ability to love others comes from God’s love for us. When you live boldly for Christ, your love for others should be noticeable.
- Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice to put others first, to be kind, patient, and forgiving, just as Jesus is with us.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to love others the way Jesus loves you?
- How can you show love in a real and practical way at school or at home this week?
Youth Group Game: “Example Challenge”
- Objective: Test how well students can demonstrate speech, love, faith, and purity in a fun, interactive way.
- Divide the group into two teams.
- Set up scenarios where students must act out situations related to speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (e.g., someone being bullied, needing help with homework, dealing with peer pressure).
- Each team will act out the scenario twice: once in a way that doesn’t reflect Christ’s example and once in a way that does.
- After each round, discuss how the students handled the situation and what changes reflected a Christlike attitude.
Bible Reading: Matthew 5:14-16
“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:
- You have the chance to be a light for Jesus in your school, on your sports teams, or wherever you are.
- Being a light means living in such a way that people see Jesus in you.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to “let your light shine”?
- Where do you think God is calling you to be a light for Him right now?
Closing Prayer
Let’s close in prayer:
“Lord, thank You for reminding us that we don’t have to wait until we’re older to be examples for You. Help us to live boldly in our speech, our actions, our love for others, our faith, and in purity. Show us how to shine Your light in a world that needs hope and truth. Empower us to make a difference right now, even while we’re young. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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