As teenagers, it’s common to question our identity and purpose in life. We often seek validation and acceptance from our peers, social media, and society. However, the world’s standards can be fickle and unreliable. In times of uncertainty, it’s crucial for us to ground our identity in something unchanging and solid.
The passage we will explore today, 1 John 3:1-3, reminds us of our true identity as children of God. It speaks to our worth, purpose, and the incredible love that God has lavished upon us. Understanding and embracing this truth can transform our lives, giving us confidence, security, and a sense of belonging that surpasses anything the world can offer.
Bible Reading 1: 1 John 3:1-2 (NIV)
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”
Explanation:
- The apostle John emphasizes the incredible love that God has poured out on us, calling us His children.
- Being a child of God sets us apart from the world’s system of values and priorities.
- As children of God, our ultimate destiny is to be like Christ when He returns.
Youth Group Game: “Who am I?”
This game is designed to help teenagers reflect on their true identity as children of God.
Instructions:
- Write down the names of famous people or characters on individual sticky notes.
- Secretly stick a note on each teenager’s back, making sure they can’t see who they are.
- The teenagers mingle and ask each other yes or no questions to determine their identity.
- Encourage them to ask questions related to character traits, values, or purpose.
- Once everyone has figured out who they are, gather in a circle and discuss how this game relates to our true identity as children of God.
Bible Reading 2: 1 John 3:3 (NIV)
“All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.”
Explanation:
- As children of God, we have a hope in Christ’s return and the promise of being transformed into His likeness.
- This hope motivates us to live lives that reflect His purity and holiness.
- Our identity as children of God compels us to pursue righteousness and strive for personal growth.
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to be called a child of God? How does this truth impact your self-worth and identity?
- In what ways do you find it challenging to live as a child of God in today’s society? How can we support each other in staying true to our identity?
- How does knowing that we will be transformed to be like Christ when He returns influence the way we live now?
- How can we practically purify ourselves and strive for holiness in our everyday lives?
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for your great love that has made us your children. Help us to fully embrace our identity in Christ and to find our worth and purpose in you alone. Strengthen us as we navigate the challenges of living as children of light in a world that may not understand us. Fill us with hope and the desire to purify ourselves, striving to reflect your purity in all areas of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Remember that this lesson is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of understanding and embracing our true identity in Christ. Encourage the teenagers to dive deeper into this topic through personal Bible study, prayer, and seeking wise counsel from trusted mentors in their faith journey.
Sources:
- The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
- Louie Giglio: louiegiglio.com
- Lecrae: lecrae.com