As teenagers, it is important to develop a strong foundation of faith that is relevant to our lives. One critical aspect of our faith is understanding God’s justice and mercy. In today’s lesson, we will explore Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 and Psalm 25:1-9 to discover how these passages help us understand God’s character and how it applies to our lives.
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-4
“The word of the LORD came to me: ‘What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: “The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge”? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son—both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.'” (Ezekiel 18:1-4, NIV)
Explanation:
- In these verses, God confronts the people of Israel who were blaming their ancestors for their current situation and their sinfulness.
- God reminds them that every individual is responsible for their own actions and will be held accountable for their choices.
- This passage emphasizes personal responsibility and the importance of individual repentance.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever tried to shift blame to someone else for your mistakes? Why do you think we tend to do that?
- How does it feel to know that we are responsible for our own actions and cannot blame others?
- What are some ways we can take ownership of our actions and make positive changes in our lives?
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 18:25-32
“Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear, O house of Israel: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin, he will die for it; because of the sin he has committed he will die. But if a wicked man turns away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life. Because he considers all the offenses he has committed and turns away from them, he will surely live; he will not die. Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?” (Ezekiel 18:25-32, NIV)
Explanation:
- In this passage, God addresses the Israelites’ misconception that His ways are unjust.
- God emphasizes the importance of personal choice and repentance.
- He assures them that if they turn away from wickedness and live according to His commands, they will be saved.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think people sometimes perceive God’s ways as unjust?
- How does this passage challenge our understanding of justice and mercy?
- What does it mean to truly repent and turn away from our sins? How can we apply this in our lives?
Bible Reading: Psalm 25:1-9
“To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” (Psalm 25:1-9, NIV)
Explanation:
- In this psalm, the psalmist expresses their trust and hope in God.
- They seek God’s guidance and ask for forgiveness, acknowledging His mercy and love.
- The psalmist recognizes God as the source of instruction and guidance for those who are humble and seek His ways.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How does this psalm reflect the psalmist’s trust in God despite difficult circumstances?
- What does it mean to have hope in God? How can we rely on Him in our daily lives?
- How can we apply the psalmist’s prayer in our own lives?
Youth Group Game: “Path of Trust”
Materials needed: None
Instructions:
- Divide the group into pairs or small teams.
- Set up a course with various obstacles, such as chairs or cones, in a designated area.
- One person from each pair/team will be blindfolded, while the other person guides them through the course using only their voice.
- The blindfolded person must trust and rely on their partner’s instructions to navigate through the obstacles and reach the finish line.
- After each round, switch roles so that everyone has a chance to experience both guiding and being guided.
Discussion Questions:
- How did it feel to be blindfolded and have to trust your partner’s guidance?
- What challenges did you face during the game? How did you overcome them?
- How does this game relate to the concept of trusting God’s guidance in our lives?
Closing Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for revealing your justice and mercy through your Word. Help us to understand the importance of personal responsibility and repentance. Guide us in your truth and teach us your ways. We lift up our souls to you and place our trust in you alone. May we continually seek your guidance and have hope in your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, amen. Remember, God is just and merciful. Let us strive to walk in His ways, taking responsibility for our actions, seeking His forgiveness, and trusting in His guidance.