Hey there, awesome teenagers! Today’s Sunday School lesson is going to dive into a powerful passage from Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16. This passage is not just a historical account; it’s a message that speaks directly to you as young people navigating your faith journey.
Why This Topic is Important for Teenagers
As teenagers, you are at a crucial point in your lives where you are forming your own beliefs and values. Understanding the promises of God and how they apply to your life is essential for building a strong foundation of faith. In Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, we see God’s covenant with Abraham, a promise of blessing and a reminder of God’s faithfulness. This passage serves as a reminder that God’s promises are enduring and applicable to each of us today.
Bible Reading: Genesis 17:1-2
“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.'”
- God reveals Himself as Almighty and calls Abram to walk faithfully and blamelessly.
- God promises to make a covenant and multiply Abram’s descendants.
Explanation
- At the age of ninety-nine, Abram encounters God in a profound way. Despite his old age, God’s promise remains unwavering, demonstrating His faithfulness and power.
- God’s call to walk faithfully and blamelessly emphasizes the importance of living a life aligned with God’s ways, even in the face of challenges or doubts.
Discussion Questions
- How do you think Abram felt when God made such a significant promise to him at the age of ninety-nine?
- What does it mean to “walk before God faithfully and be blameless” in our daily lives as teenagers?
- How can we trust in God’s promises despite facing doubts and uncertainties in our lives?
Bible Reading: Genesis 17:15-16
“God also said to Abraham, ‘As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.'”
- God changes Sarai’s name to Sarah and promises to bless her with a son who will become the mother of nations and kings.
Explanation
- The renaming of Sarai to Sarah signifies a new beginning and a transformation brought about by God’s promise. This transformation reflects God’s ability to bring about fulfillment, even in situations that seem impossible.
- God’s promise of a son to Sarah reinforces the magnitude of His blessings and His ability to bring forth life from what seems barren.
Discussion Questions
- How do you think Sarah felt when God promised her a son at such an advanced age?
- What does the renaming of Sarai to Sarah symbolize in terms of God’s ability to bring about transformation in our lives?
- How can we apply the lesson from Sarah’s story to our own lives as we navigate challenges and uncertainties?
Youth Group Game: “Faithful Promises Relay”
In this game, teams race to complete challenges that symbolize the journey of trusting in God’s promises. Each challenge represents an aspect of faith, such as perseverance, trust, and patience. Through this fun and interactive game, teenagers can experience the theme of God’s faithful promises in a tangible way.
Closing Prayer
Let’s close our time together in prayer.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the inspiring story of Abraham and Sarah, reminding us of Your unwavering promises and faithfulness. As we journey through life, help us to trust in Your promises and remain faithful to Your call. May we find strength in knowing that Your promises endure through all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Remember, God’s promises are not limited by age or circumstance. You are part of His story, and His promises are for you, today and always.