Today, we’re diving into an exciting and vital topic for our faith journey: Prophecy and Fulfillment – Studying God’s Promises. As teenagers, you might often wonder about your purpose, the future, and the uncertainties of life. God’s promises and prophecies serve as a rock-solid foundation for our faith, assuring us that He is in control, and His plans for us are good!
In this lesson, we’ll explore how God has made promises throughout history and how He has faithfully fulfilled them. We’ll see how these prophecies are not just ancient words, but relevant and life-changing for us today. So let’s dive in and discover the incredible truth behind God’s promises!
Bible Reading 1: Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
6 For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Explanation For Teenagers:
- The prophet Isaiah spoke these words around 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Isaiah foretold that a child, a son, would be born, and He would bear significant titles, revealing His divine nature and role.
- This prophecy ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled these words perfectly as the Messiah, the Savior of the world.
Bible Reading 2: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- The prophet Jeremiah conveyed this message to the people of Israel during a time of exile and uncertainty.
- God reassured His people that despite their challenging circumstances, He had plans for their well-being and a future filled with hope.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How do God’s promises give us hope and confidence in the midst of uncertainties in life?
- Why is it essential to trust that God has a purpose for each of our lives, even when we might not fully understand it?
- Can you think of any promises from God in the Bible that have personally encouraged you?
Bible Reading 3: Acts 2:17-18 (NIV)
17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.'”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- On the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter quoted this prophecy from the book of Joel.
- This prophecy speaks about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on believers, enabling them to prophesy and participate in God’s work.
Bible Reading 4: 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him, the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
Explanation For Teenagers:
- In Christ, all of God’s promises find their fulfillment.
- As believers, we respond with “Amen” (meaning “so be it”) to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and bring glory to His name.
Youth Group Game: “Promise or Not?”
Divide into teams and prepare a list of statements. Some statements should be biblical promises, while others are not. Each team must identify whether the statement is a promise from God or not. The team with the most correct answers wins!
Discussion Questions Continued:
- How does knowing that all of God’s promises find their fulfillment in Christ deepen your faith?
- What are some ways we can actively participate in God’s work, as mentioned in Acts 2:17-18?
- How can we ensure that our responses to God’s promises are filled with faith and trust, just like saying “Amen”?
Closing Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing your promises to us through your Word. We are amazed by how you have fulfilled prophecies throughout history, assuring us of your faithfulness and love. Help us, as teenagers, to anchor our faith in your promises and find hope and purpose in your plans for us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we may actively participate in your work and bring glory to your name. In Jesus’ powerful and precious name, we pray. Amen.
Remember, God’s promises are like unshakable anchors for our souls, and as we study them, we grow in our understanding of His unfailing love. Keep seeking His promises in His Word and hold onto them as you navigate through the exciting journey of faith. Stay blessed, and see you next time!