As teenagers, it is essential for you to continually grow in your faith and develop a strong foundation in God’s Word. The passage we will explore today, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18 and Psalm 1, addresses the importance of living a holy and righteous life in a way that is engaging and relevant to your age group.
Bible Reading 1: Leviticus 19:1-2
“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'”
Explanation:
- God is calling His people to be holy because He is holy.
- Holiness means being set apart for God’s purposes and living in accordance with His commandments.
Bible Reading 2: Leviticus 19:15-18
“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD. Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”
Explanation:
- These verses highlight specific commands given by God to the Israelites concerning their conduct towards one another.
- God emphasizes fairness, justice, and love for others.
- We are called to treat others with kindness and respect, avoiding hatred, gossip, and seeking revenge.
Bible Reading 3: Psalm 1
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”
Explanation:
- This Psalm contrasts the righteous and the wicked.
- The righteous person finds delight in God’s Word and meditates on it constantly, resulting in a fruitful and prosperous life.
Youth Group Game: “Fruitful or Withered”
Divide into teams and give each team a set of fruits (real or pictures). Each fruit represents a different action or attitude mentioned in the Bible readings (e.g., kindness, fairness, gossip, hatred). One team member will act out the action or attitude without speaking, and their team must guess which fruit represents that behavior. This game reinforces the importance of living a life that bears good fruit instead of withering away.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think holiness is important for teenagers?
- What are some practical ways we can live out the commands given in Leviticus 19:15-18 in our daily lives?
- How does meditating on God’s Word help us to be fruitful and prosperous spiritually?
- Can you share a personal experience where you have witnessed the impact of living a holy and righteous life?
- What challenges do you face in trying to live according to God’s standards, and how can we support one another in overcoming them?
Closing Prayer
Dear God, thank You for calling us to live holy and righteous lives. Help us to be a generation that seeks after Your heart and delights in Your Word. Empower us to treat others with kindness, fairness, and love, and grant us the strength to resist the temptations of this world. May our lives bear good fruit that brings glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.