Hey there, awesome teenagers! Welcome to today’s Sunday school lesson. Today, we’re diving into a powerful passage from the book of Romans that talks about freedom in Christ. As teenagers, it’s crucial to understand how our faith impacts our daily lives and how we can break free from the chains of sin. In a world that often tempts us to conform, this passage reminds us that we have the power to live victoriously in Christ. So, let’s jump right in and explore Romans 6:12-23 together!
Bible Reading: Romans 6:12-14 (NIV)
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
Explanation:
- Sin should not have control over our lives because we have been made alive in Christ.
- We are called to offer ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness, living a life that honors Him.
- Through Jesus, sin no longer has dominion over us. We are under grace, not under the law.
Youth Group Game: “Sin vs. Righteousness Challenge”
Divide the group into two teams. Designate one team as “Team Sin” and the other as “Team Righteousness.” Provide each team with a list of scenarios that reflect choices teenagers often face between sin and righteousness. Teams should discuss and determine which choice aligns with sin or righteousness. Afterward, have each team present their answers and discuss why they made those choices.
Examples:
- Skipping school to hang out with friends (Sin/Righteousness)
- Gossiping about a classmate (Sin/Righteousness)
- Helping a friend in need (Sin/Righteousness)
- Cheating on a test (Sin/Righteousness)
Bible Reading: Romans 6:15-18 (NIV)
“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”
Explanation:
- Being under grace does not give us a license to sin. We are called to live obedient lives.
- Our actions show who we serve and obey—sin leads to death, but obedience leads to righteousness.
- We have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness through Christ.
Youth Group Discussion Questions:
- How does it feel to know that sin no longer has power over your life because of Christ’s sacrifice?
- Why is it important to actively offer ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness?
- How can our actions and choices reflect whether we are slaves to sin or righteousness?
- What are some practical ways we can live out our allegiance to God on a daily basis?
- How can we help and encourage one another in our journey to live for Christ?
Bible Reading: Romans 6:19-23 (NIV)
“I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Explanation:
- Paul uses the analogy of slavery to illustrate our transformation from serving sin to serving righteousness.
- When we were slaves to sin, we were free from the control of righteousness, and the outcome was death.
- But now, as slaves of God, the benefit we reap is holiness and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, thank You for the freedom we have in Christ. Help us to continually offer ourselves to You, living as instruments of righteousness. Guide us in making choices that honor You, and remind us of the incredible gift of eternal life through Jesus. Empower us to support and encourage one another in our faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Remember, teenagers, you have the power to live victoriously in Christ. Let His love and grace transform your lives as you walk in obedience and righteousness. Stay strong, stay faithful, and keep growing in your faith!