YOUTH GROUP GAME ON WISDOM
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON WISDOM
Bible: Proverbs 15:14 NLT
Bottom Line: Seek the things of God and you will become wise.
SUPPLIES
• Long table
• Two chairs
• Timer
• Paper and a pen (to keep score)
GAME PREP
Set up a long table at the front of your space.
Place a chair at each end of the table.
Divide students into two teams of equal size.
Have a person on hand that will keep score and use the timer throughout the game – it might be easier to have one person keep score and another keep time.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: Today, we are going to test your knowledge on a variety of things.
We have divided you into two teams.
Next, I would like you to form a single file line with your team and choose one person to be the first to play our game.
Assign an end of the table to each team and have the nominated person from each team sit in that chair at the table.
Our game is simple… I will read a category and then say “GO.”
The answers for each category will have two words.
For example, the category might be “Names of people in this room.”
The first person would say “Mark Smith.”
Then, the next person would use the first letter of the second word to begin their answer.
So, the second person would say, “Sam Jones.”
Then, the first person would say, “John Parker.”
And so on.
Make sure that the students understand the pattern for the game.
We will put 45 seconds on the clock and you will take turns giving as many answers as you can.
For each correct answer your team gives, you will earn a point for your team.
If you get stumped and can’t think of another answer, you can say PASS, the timer will be paused, and another person from your team can take your place.
However, if you PASS, then your team will lose one point.
The team with the most points at the end of the game – wins!
CATEGORIES FOR THE GAME
- FAMOUS PEOPLE (first and last name)
- CITY AND STATE
- MOVIE TITLES (These answers can be more than 2 words. Students will use the last word of the movie title to start the next answer.)
- TYPES OF FOOD (For example: Hot Chili, Candy Bar, Bacon Burger....)
- ANIMAL DESCRIPTIONS (Fat Cat, Mean Dog, Fuzzy Bear....)
- FAVORITE THINGS (Answers can be anything as long as it's 2 words. (For example: Long Naps, No Homework, Best Friend....)
After the game, tally the points announce the winner, and have students return to their seats.
TEACH
Ask: Do you think that game really tested your “knowledge”? Why or why not?
Allow a few responses from students.
The definition of “knowledge” is facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education.
Everything that you learn, whether on intentionally or just by observing and soaking up everything around you, becomes part of what you know and can affect who you are.
“You are what you eat.”
Most of us have heard that and understand that what we put into our bodies impacts our health.
Healthy food enables your body to perform to its best capability.
If you eat whatever you want, then you will also feel the effects of those choices.
But what about this… “You are what you think.”
Ask: Do you agree with that statement? What do you think it means?
Allow a few responses from students.
Read Proverbs 15:14.
A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
We can actually have an appetite for knowledge, but not just learning whatever we can get our hands on.
The kind of knowledge that this verse is referring to comes from seeking God and the effect is that you become “wise.”
You see, a person can have a ton of knowledge, and still not be wise.
This verse in Proverbs has something to say about the choices we make as far as what we “feed on.”
Ask: How do we “feed on” things?
What types of things do we “consume” that affects how wise we become?
Allow a few responses from students.
I think we can all agree that wisdom is something that we strive for – we want to be wise.
People who are wise make good decisions, have the ability to positively influence others, and refrain from reaping the consequences of bad choices.
But true wisdom only comes from God.
Proverbs 16:25 says, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”
If we do what seems right in our eyes, by using our own wisdom, then we might find ourselves doing the wrong things.
We gain real wisdom by following God’s ways, reading His Word, listening to His voice, spending time with others who are wise, and asking for God’s direction.
It means that we humble ourselves and realize that even if we know a lot, we really don’t know anything if we only rely only our own knowledge – we need God’s help.
Today, I want to encourage you to seek God in everything you do.
Instead of trusting what you know, which is limited, turn to God who has unlimited wisdom and desires to give you everything you need to live a fulfilled life in Him.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON JOY
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON JOY
Bible: John 15:11
Bottom Line: God’s joy dwells in you as you dwell in Him.
SUPPLIES
- Index cards
- Timer (optional)
GAME PREP
Before students arrive, write down a variety of items on index cards.
Be sure to choose things that can be easily described.
Some words you might consider using are: candy, kitten, tornado, cheeseburger, elephant, etc.
Divide students into two teams of equal size.
Choose one person from each team to be the “contestant.”
Both people will stand facing each other at the front of the room.
Have a leader stand at the front and hold a timer/stopwatch.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
In this game, students will race against the clock to come up with as many descriptive words as they can to describe an animal, food, object, etc.
When the game begins, the leader will put 10 seconds on the clock and then call out the word on a card.
Each contestant will take turns saying one word that describes the word on the card until one contestant can no longer describe the word or time’s up.
For example, if you call out "trash" one contestant would say, "smelly" and the other would say "gross," etc.
The winner of each round will be the contestant that can call out the most words to describe the word on the card before time’s up.
Descriptive words must not be duplicated for the same card.
The winning contestant will add one point to his or her team.
Then, two more contestants will be chosen, and the next round will begin.
The team with the most points at the end of the game will win!
TEACH
Say: As we played that game, some of you sounded like you would explode as you were coming up with answers - you wanted your team to win!
Ask: Have you ever been so happy that you felt like you would burst?
What occasion or event caused you to feel that way?
Allow a few responses from students.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could continuously feel that kind of happiness?
Ask: Have you ever experienced a disappointment that left you feeling like all happiness was sucked out of your life?
What caused that feeling?
Allow a few responses from students.
Did you notice that everyone’s answers were different?
Why? Because our experiences and lives are all different from each other.
One thing all of us have in common is a desire to be happy.
In 2017, Time Magazine conducted a survey that found only 33% of the American population says they are happy.
So, that means that if I look around this room about 3 out of every 10 people would say they feel happy.
Ask: If you don’t feel happy, then how you do feel?
What do you think people would say who don’t feel happy?
Allow a few responses from students.
Unfortunately, happiness is a fleeting feeling – it doesn’t last forever because it’s a feeling.
The Bible makes a significant distinction between joy and happiness.
When the word “happy” or “happiness” is mentioned, it’s referring to a feeling, like we just mentioned.
Romans 12:15 (NLT) says… “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.”
2 Corinthians 7:16 (NLT) says “I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you.”
But joy is not a feeling or emotion; it goes much deeper than that.
Read John 15:11. (NLT)
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Do you think of God/Jesus as being joyful?
Because in this scripture we read that God desires that His joy will dwell in you and become part of who you are.
It’s actually an extension of God’s joy that lives in you.
Joy can overcome anything and everything in this world if it's allowed.
If it's chosen.
With joy, there is hope.
With joy, hardship offers growth and opportunity.
Joy is a state of being, a state of peace and content.
Let’s also think about this… God always does everything to the fullest.
He doesn’t partially save and redeem you – He completely redeems your life.
He doesn't give you partial peace; He gives you total peace in your heart, soul, and mind.
So, of course, God wants your joy to be “full.”
Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought this before – “I could be happy if _______.”
Maybe the “blank” in your life is….
If I had a best friend or someone to talk to…
If my parents didn’t fight…
If my family had more money…
If I made better grades in school…
The difference between happiness and joy is that you can have empty blanks in your life and still feel peace, hope, and joy.
How? Because God doesn't leave you with empty blanks – He fills them and makes you complete.
Even if everything in your life isn’t perfect, God’s joy can dwell in you as you dwell in Him.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON GENEROSITY
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON GENEROSITY
Bible: 1 Timothy 6:18
Bottom Line: You are truly rich when you share with others.
SUPPLIES
- Painter’s or masking tape
- 2, Two-liter bottles of soda
- 100, 8-oz Styrofoam cups
GAME PREP
Create two circles out of painter’s/masking tape – one at each end of your youth space.
The circle should be about the size of a large hula hoop.
Use the tape to make two small X’s in the middle of each circle.
Place a two-liter bottle on one of the Xs in each circle.
Divide your students into two teams of equal size.
Assign each team to a circle and have the team stand near their circle.
Give each team 50 Styrofoam cups and have them distribute them equally among their teammates.
Have each team choose one person from their team that will stand on the other X in the middle of their team’s circle.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: In life, sometimes you give and sometimes you receive.
In this game, your goal is to give more than you receive.
Each of your teams has been assigned a circle.
You have chosen one person from your team to stand in the middle of your team’s circle.
During the entire game, that person must keep one foot on the X in the middle of the circle - otherwise, they can move around as needed.
Your teams have been given 50 Styrofoam cups.
When I say, GO, your goal is to begin placing your team’s Styrofoam cups inside of the other team’s circle without being tagged by the person standing inside of the circle.
If you can place a cup in the other team's circle, you must run back to your team's circle and back again before you can try to add another cup.
The person inside the circle will try to tag the people that are placing cups in the circle.
If you are tagged, you have to run back to your team’s circle, sit down (outside of the circle) and wait for someone on your team to successfully place a cup in the other team’s circle.
Then, that person can come back and tag one person from the team (who is sitting down) to go back into the game.
Also, in each team’s circle is a 2-liter bottle.
If at any point, a team can "steal" the 2-liter bottle out of the other team's circle, here's what will happen.
You will bring the 2-liter back to your team’s circle, remove all of the cups that the other team has placed in your circle, and then put the 2-liter back in the other team’s circle.
That means that the other team is essentially starting over with no cups in the other circle.
Here are a couple of other things to note…
When you are placing cups in the other team’s circle, feel free to stack them… but remember that one person can only add one cup at a time.
The person inside the circle can’t remove cups that have been placed in their circle – they can only tag people.
There is no pushing or shoving allowed.
It is to your advantage to try and distract the person in the middle of the circle so one of your teammates can try to grab their 2-liter bottle.
You cannot have people from your team guard your team’s circle.
Instead, they should try to place cups in the other team’s circle.
At the end of the game, the team with the most cups in the other team's circle wins the game.
Play the game as long as time allows.
TEACH
Say: Sometimes people spend money on really crazy things.
Tell me something you have purchased that someone else might consider a waste of money or really extravagant.
Allow a few responses from students.
Share a personal story of an instance when you spent money on something “extravagant.”
I did a little research and found a couple of examples of extravagant spending…
Beyonce spent $100,000 on a pair of gold Balenciaga leggings – she wore them one time.
A British man grew tired of his imaginary friend, so he sold him on eBay… for $3,000.
An Australian man paid $1.3 million to have a roll of gold toilet paper made for him.
I think we can probably agree that none of those things would be considered a “necessity.”
It’s very difficult to live in our world without money.
Ask: What types of necessities do we use money for? What do we need to buy in order to survive?
Allow a few responses from students.
Practically everything requires money – it's essential in our society.
So, God has something to say in the Bible about how we use our money.
Read 1 Timothy 6:18.
Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.
The apostle Paul wrote the Book of 1 Timothy as a letter to a young preacher named, Timothy.
He is encouraging Timothy to instruct the people in his church in what it means to be genuinely generous.
The first thing we read in this scripture is that if God is telling us to “do good” with our money, then there must be the potential to do bad, as well.
Whether you have a lot or a little, there is always the possibility that you can become stingy, greedy, hoard what you have, or even be tempted to steal from others.
So, Paul tells Timothy one of the keys to making sure that we use our money to do good – be generous.
A generous person gives more than anyone would expect… and it isn’t just limited to money.
Generous people share their time, possessions, and even their knowledge and wisdom, with others.
Raise your hand if you are good at “sharing with others.”
If you have any younger siblings or have ever had a babysitting job, you might know that toddlers aren't very good at sharing.
In fact, toddlers think like this…
If I want it, IT'S MINE!
If I give it to you and change my mind later, IT'S MINE!
If I can take it away from you, IT'S MINE!
If it's mine, it will never belong to anybody else, No matter what.
If we are building something together, All the pieces are mine!
If it looks just like mine, IT'S MINE!
If it breaks or needs putting away, IT'S YOURS!
(Poem by Dr. Burton L. White)
Ask: None of you are toddlers, but is there anything you own that would be difficult for you to share with someone else? Why?
Allow responses from students. Be careful to encourage conversation, rather than make them feel guilty for their honesty.
We tend to love the things we own because they have meaning to us.
Maybe you own something you worked really hard for, or someone you really love gives you something priceless to you.
So, imagine how much sharing and being generous with those things that have significant meaning to you reflects the heart of God.
God gave us Jesus, His Son, who was very valuable to Him – but He held nothing back because of His love for us.
Giving and sharing with others teaches us to trust God to continue to provide for us.
If you give something away, you have to trust that God will also give and take care of you.
Ask: Can you think of a time someone was generous towards you? What did they give to you?
Allow a few responses from students.
Some of the things you mentioned were valuable, and some were not as valuable, but very sentimental.
It's not about how much you can give because even when we can't give much, God can do much with it.
When you think about what you have, it might not seem like you have a lot, but whatever you have, God can use it.
It’s more about the heart behind giving – whether it's giving to God or others.
And God wants you to be generous.
To see other’s needs and ask, “how can I help?”
To think about your needs last, and those around you first.
And to be ready to serve others generously with your time and resources.
Because of what God has done for us we know that we are truly rich when we share with others.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON CHARACTER
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON CHARACTER
Bible: Philippians 1:11 (NLT)
Bottom Line: Your actions demonstrate your true character.
SUPPLIES
● 2 Handheld mirrors
● List of expressions (listed below)
● Paper and pencil
GAME PREP
Divide students into two teams of equal size and have them form straight lines.
Have a leader stand up front with the list of expressions.
Choose someone to keep score throughout the game.
LIST OF EXPRESSIONS
- Sad turtle
- Angry baby
- Surprised cat
- Embarrassed rabbit
- Exhausted cow
- Confused frog
- Bored fish
- Confident chicken
- Happy grandma
- Frightened monkey
- Guilty teenager
- Suspicious bear
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: We’re about to play a fun game that’s all about expressions.
As we start our game, I’m going to ask one person from each team to come forward.
I will give each person a mirror to hold in front of their face.
Next, I will read an expression for you to display.
For example, I might say, “funny bird.”
You will look into your mirror and practice making a “funny bird” face.
Then, I will count "3-2-1," and you will pull your mirror down from in front of your face and look directly at each other.
The goal is to be the last person to break from your expression and earn a point from your team.
If you laugh or change your expression, then the other team will earn a point.
After everyone has taken a turn, we will tally the points and find out which team has the most points.
After the game, have the students return to their seats.
TEACH
Say: You definitely demonstrated your ability to show expression… some of you are real characters!
Being a character is different than having character.
Ask: What does it mean when someone has “bad” character?
What does “good” character look like?
Allow a few responses from students.
Your “character” is who you are on the inside - your morals, and the qualities that guide the decisions you make and your behaviors.
It’s easy to observe each other’s facial expressions, but it’s also easy to recognize someone’s character.
Ask: So, how would you describe your character?
Here are some words to get you started: honest, loyal, brave, stubborn, humble, responsible, compassionate…
Would others describe you the same way?
Allow a few responses from students after each question.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
Say: Tell me what you think Abraham Lincoln was trying to say about a person’s character.
Allow a few responses from students.
Here’s what the Bible has to say about our character…
Read Philippians 1:11.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation – the righteous character produces in your life by Jesus Christ – for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Ask: Do you think someone can have good character if they don’t follow Jesus?
Why or why not?
Allow a few responses from students.
If you don’t follow God, you could still have good, even great character, but it wouldn’t be righteous – meaning that it brings glory to God.
Most people have a “public face” and a “private face.”
Think about the game we played… that was an example of your public face - it was what you wanted everyone to see.
Hopefully, that face was different than what you were trying to keep under control and hidden, which represents your private face.
Each of us have things we have done, or thoughts we have had, that would cause us to be embarrassed or ashamed if they were on display for everyone to see.
When we seek after God, those things should become less, and He should become more evident in our actions.
So, what can we do to help our “private face” match our “public face”?
We can start with being aware of the things that are influencing us and think about these questions:
- Do those around me have the kind of character I want to possess in my life?
- Am I negatively influenced by other people or do I demonstrate strong character that influences others?
- What actions am I taking to allow God to affect my character? Do I spend time study the Bible and learning from others who have good character traits?
While you can’t always control who the people are in your life, you can decide how you will let their character impact yours.
It’s important to desire “righteous character.”
Ask: What does it mean to have “righteous character”?
Allow a few responses from students.
To have righteous character means that you are becoming more like God - in your words, thoughts and actions.
The righteousness of God is created in you as you grow in your relationship with Him.
In the Bible, we read about men and women who made good and bad choices based on their character.
In the New Testament, we read that Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples betrayed Him for a bag of silver coins.
Judas lied, he was sneaky and conniving, and his poor choices lead to Jesus’ death, and his own death as well.
We also read about Peter – a man who often reacted irrationally and then had to repent for his actions.
But as he followed after God, he became more like Him and less like himself.
Peter allowed God to help his character become more righteous.
Your character is a representation of the individual choices and decisions you make every day.
You will make mistakes, and at some point, even demonstrate bad character qualities.
Don’t become discouraged by your poor choices, but realize that God is working in your life and He will never give up on you.
And as you seek God, your actions will become more like His and less like your old ways.
Then, your actions will demonstrate the character of someone who desires to bring glory to God through the way they live.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON EASTER
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON EASTER
Bible: John 11:25-26 (NLT)
Bottom Line: Easter is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made and to celebrate His resurrection.
SUPPLIES
- Two stopwatches
- Peeps marshmallow bunnies or chicks (one per student)
- Bowl
- Small table
- A piece of paper and pen
GAME PREP
Have two leaders with stopwatches stand at the front of the room.
Divide students into two teams of equal size.
Have each team form a straight line and sit down, facing the front of the room.
Open the packs of Peeps and place them in a bowl, on a small table, at the front of the room.
Have the pen and paper on hand to record each team’s scores throughout the game.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: The game we are about to play is all about time.
I’m going to ask the first person in each team’s line to come and stand in front of this table.
I've asked two leaders (one for each team) to hold stopwatches throughout the game. They have a super important job.
After each team has sent a representative to the front, I will call out a specific amount of time and say GO! For example, I will say “15 seconds!”
The leaders will begin timing on the stopwatches, and you will wait until you think that 15 seconds have passed, stick a Peep in your mouth, and say, "STOP!"
Your team’s stopwatch will be stopped immediately.
After each person has made their time guess, we will see which team is the closest and award a point to that team.
Then, everyone on each team will take a turn, we will tally the scores, and declare a winner!
Note: You can choose any amount of time that you wish but try to keep it under a minute for each round, so the game is not too long.
TEACH
Say: You all have a great sense of time – that was awesome!
During this season, of every year, we recognize a specific holiday – Easter.
All around the world, Easter is celebrated with candy, hiding, and hunting eggs, and of course, the Easter bunny.
It is celebrated by Christians and non-believers alike.
But at its core, Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
It’s a Day of Remembrance for the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross and a celebration of His resurrection from the dead.
Days of remembrance are important.
We remember birthdays because we are grateful for someone’s life.
We celebrate graduations to recognize the academic accomplishments and achievements that someone has made.
Remembering a day or event helps us appreciate what has happened and take time to reflect on what it means to us.
That is the purpose of Easter – to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made and the benefits we enjoy because of His resurrection.
Read John 11:25-26.
Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life.
Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”
Let’s talk about this story…
Martha’s encounter with Jesus took place after her brother, Lazarus, died.
Mary and Martha had sent for Jesus when Lazarus was ill.
They had asked Jesus to come and heal their brother, but He didn’t.
Instead, Lazarus died.
Now, Jesus has arrived four days after Lazarus’ death to visit Mary and Martha.
In our scripture passage, Jesus asked Martha if she believes that anyone who believes in Him will never die.
Martha responded and told Jesus that she does believe.
Several verses later, we read that Jesus had the stone of the tomb rolled away, He called to Lazarus who was dead inside of the tomb, and Lazarus was raised back to life.
This was an incredible miracle and word of what Jesus had done traveled quickly.
Ask: If someone you knew was raised from the dead, who would you tell?
Allow a few responses from students.
The story of Lazarus is important for several different reasons.
First, Lazarus and those who loved him experienced an incredible miracle.
But as the news of this miracle traveled throughout the land, a series of events came into play that resulted in Jesus’ death on the cross.
The Pharisees and Jewish leaders were not thrilled when they heard what had happened.
John 11:53 says, “So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death.”
At this point, Jesus stopped his public ministry and went into the wilderness with His disciples to pray, followed by His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey when the crowds waved palm branches and celebrated Him as the “King.”
If Jesus had healed Lazarus from his sickness the way He had healed many others that had called upon Him, the Jewish leaders would have most likely remained simply annoyed with Jesus for the time being.
But this miracle was different, and it had a significant impact on the community.
We also know from Jesus’ encounter with Martha that He was predicting His death.
How could Jesus be the “Resurrection” if He was never resurrected?
Not only did Jesus ask Martha if she believed, but Martha's sister Mary was one of the women who saw Jesus first when He rose from the dead.
If Jesus had not come back to life, we would not have the assurance that He would also be able to bring us back to life.
Jesus’ resurrection confirms everything He ever said about life in and through Him.
More than just eggs, candy, and the Easter bunny, Easter provides the opportunity for each of us to reflect on what we believe about Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Do you believe?
Do you have assurance and peace in your life that Jesus is who He said He was and that includes giving you eternal life?
Take a moment this Easter to reflect on your relationship with God and to examine the areas of life where perhaps you don’t believe.
Ask God to strengthen your faith and help you trust in Him like never before.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON MATERIALISM
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON MATERIALISM
Bible: 1 John 2:16 (NLT)
Bottom Line: We should crave the things of God more than material possessions.
SUPPLIES
- Timer
GAME PREP
Students will play this elimination game as individuals.
There are no needed supplies for the game besides a timer that the leader will use throughout the game.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: I think we’re a pretty observant group of people, but we’re about to test ourselves to see if that’s true or not!
You will play this game as individuals; there are no teams.
When the game begins, I will put 20 seconds on this timer, which is not a very long amount of time.
I have a list of things that you will have to look for, find, and place your hand on before time is up. For example, I might say, “a red shoelace.”
Only one person can touch each item, so you will want to be the first person to get to that item.
For example, there might only be two red shoelaces in this room.
You want to be the first person to put your hand on it.
If you are touching the item I called out at the end of the 20 seconds, you stay in the game.
I will need to take a look at each thing you’re touching, so stand still until I can verify that you are touching a legitimate item.
If you are still running around, trying to find something, or are the second person to reach for an item, then you are out of the game.
The last person left in the game is the winner!
LIST OF ITEMS
- Something shiny
- Something that can be tied
- Something with the letter “E”
- Something that makes noise (other than people)
- Something you can eat
- Something you can stand on
- Something expensive
- Something that costs less than a dollar
- Something you can carry
- Something you can plug into the wall
- Something blue
- Something made of metal
TEACH
Say: Until we started playing that game, some of us might not have realized how many “things” are in this room.
But, when we started to look around, it became evident that there is a lot in here!
Say: Raise your hand if you have ever heard of the tv show, “Hoarders.”
There have been over 100 episodes of this reality show that features people who have accumulated so many things that they are no longer able to function in their own homes.
Typically, each episode begins with an intervention from a family member or friend who is concerned for the “hoarder’s” well-being.
Unfortunately, as the show follows-up with people a few months or years down the road, many times, these people have fallen back into the same life patterns.
Hoarding is a disorder in which someone cannot control the desire to collect “things.”
The problem of “hoarding” is relatively new as we have become a society where even those who are not financially wealthy can still collect so much stuff that their lives are negatively impacted.
Studies have shown that 6% of the American population can be considered hoarders.
That is over 19 million people!
If we are honest, most of us own more than we will ever need and use—even people your age.
Think about how many clothes you own or how many toys your siblings have.
The truth is that we have a lot of stuff!
So, how did we get to this point, and how does it become a problem for so many people?
Ask: Are you able to decide the difference between things that are a necessity and things that aren't? How do you choose?
Allow a few responses from students.
Share how we can prioritize what we need and want in our own lives.
Let’s see what the Bible has to say about our possessions…
Read 1 John 2:16.
For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions.
These are not from the Father but are from this world.
It takes a lot of self-control to say, “I have enough” of anything.
To “crave” something means that we have a strong desire that consumes our mind until we obtain whatever it is.
Ask: What are some things that people “crave”?
Allow a few responses from students.
Those were great answers!
So, things like money, food, relationships… none of those are wrong until you crave them more than anything else, including God.
You might be thinking, “I would never want a new pair of jeans more than my relationship with God.”
And maybe you won’t, but when obtaining something or being with someone becomes the most important thing in our lives, then we have allowed whatever it is to become greater than our desire for the things of God.
That’s why the Bible verse we read is so important.
John writes this letter to Christians because it was a real issue in 100 AD. It is still an issue today.
Why? Because we were born with a need to fill a void in our hearts and lives.
What we don’t understand is that this void can only be filled by having a relationship with God.
Many people try to fill the void with anything they can get their hands on—money, cars, clothes—but God wants us to turn to Him to fulfill our earthly and spiritual desires.
Then, He will give us what we need.
When we have what we need, and we realize that those things have come from God, we can’t take the credit for what we possess.
Everything belongs to God.
When we realize that, it’s easier to give things away (give them back to God) or share them with others.
Materialism will consume our thoughts and actions if not kept in check.
Don’t misunderstand.
Things themselves aren’t bad, but when your life is focused on getting, loving, or buying things that are temporary, rather than gaining more wisdom or growing your walk with God, then you are focused on material things.
It is the focus that causes problems.
Challenge yourself to consider why you want things.
What's your motive?
What will having that thing do for you?
What void in your life are you trying to fill?
The more you seek after the things of God, the less you care about how much money you have or how many clothes, shoes, or cars you own.
Instead, your focus becomes, “What can I give to others?
How can I help other people?
What do I have to offer the world through my relationship with God?”
So… what is your focus?
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY
YOUTH GROUP GAME FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Bible: 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NLT)
Bottom Line: The price God paid for our sins is more valuable than anything on earth.
SUPPLIES
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4 Pieces of paper
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4 Pens
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4 Clipboards
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4 Bags of 13 pennies
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4 Rolls of transparent tape
GAME PREP
Divide students into four teams of equal size.
Write the letters to the words “St. Patrick’s Day” vertically down the left side of each piece of paper.
Place each piece of paper and a pen on a clipboard and give one to each team.
Also, give each team a bag of pennies and a roll of transparent tape.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: Since St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, I thought we could play a game that’s all about the holiday.
Each of your teams has been given a clipboard with a pen and a piece of paper that says "St. Patrick's Day" written down one side of the paper.
When I say, GO, your teams will begin to search our room to locate items that start with one of the letters from “St. Patrick’s Day.”
You can choose any item in the entire room.
You have also been given a bag of pennies and a roll of tape.
Now, it's not a pot of gold, but in our game, pennies are very valuable.
When you locate an item that begins with one of the letters in “St. Patrick’s Day,” you will tape a penny to it, and write the item down on your paper.
Each item in the room can only be used once.
You cannot choose an item that already has a penny taped to it.
Your teams can score bonus points for each green item that you write down.
You will have 3 minutes to find all the items, tape a penny to each item, and write the name of the item on your team’s paper.
You will receive one point for each item and an extra point for any item that is green.
The team with the most points at the end of the game wins!
TEACH
Ask: When you think of St. Patrick’s Day, what types of things come to mind?
Allow a few responses from students.
Undoubtedly, you think of shamrocks, leprechauns, and a giant pot of gold.
I want to share some quick facts about the origins of St. Patrick’s Day with you:
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Patrick is referred to as a Christian missionary and the Apostle of Ireland – although He was originally from Britain.
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He was brought to Ireland as a slave, but escaped six years later and became a priest.
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St. Patrick’s Day was first celebrated in the U.S. in 1737.
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Shamrocks are the national flower/emblem of Ireland.
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Patrick used the shamrock to explain the three persons of the Holy Trinity.
Although St. Patrick was originally associated with the color blue (He wore a blue robe), when wearing green clovers on your lapel to support Ireland became popular in the 1700s.
Soon after green became the national color.
As far as leprechauns and their pots of gold go, there is no connection to the faith or story of St. Patrick, but because both represent Ireland, they have become recognized together in popular culture.
I think it would be awesome if we could find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but that will probably never happen to any of us.
Did you know that gold is mentioned over 400 times in the Bible?
Sometimes on extraordinary occasions—including one of the gifts that were brought by the wise men to Jesus.
Gold is also referred to when speaking about idols and in warnings about the dangers of greed.
Let's read what the Bible has to say about the real value of gold.
Read 1 Peter 1:18-19.
For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors.
And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
Gold, silver, and any precious metal or jewel that is found on this earth can lose its value.
Gold doesn't corrode like other metals, and it has a unique and beautiful color, but it fluctuates in its value.
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In 2011 an ounce of gold was valued at $1,900.
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By 2015, the price of gold had dropped to $1,100.
The Bible verses we read refer to the “ransom” that God paid to save us.
Most of us have seen movie scenes where someone is held captive, and a ransom is required to set them free.
Usually, the ransom has a high value and the person that is being required to pay it can come up with the money, plane, or getaway car being demanded.
Ask: When this scripture talks about the “ransom” that God paid, what do you think it means?
Allow a few responses from students.
When sin entered the world, it became our captor.
There is no way to escape sin’s grasp on our own.
Sin in our lives can keep us from having a restored relationship with God and living and functioning with His peace in our lives.
That was never God’s plan for us.
He desires that we would be free from the effects of sin in our lives.
To do this, a ransom was required to set us free.
That ransom was paid when Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead.
Only God could pay such a high ransom.
He’s the only one who could do it.
When someone is held captive, he or she may try to escape, but the captor has carefully planned to make sure that there is no way out.
There was no way for us to escape sin in our lives until God paid the ransom for us.
Ask: Can you name some things people do to try to escape from sin in their lives?
Allow a few responses from students.
Sometimes people try to do good deeds or give a lot of money to the church to make things right with God.
They might attempt to quit sinning on their own or try to forget about the sin in their lives by drinking or doing drugs.
But the only way to be saved from an empty life is by accepting the ransom that has already been paid for you.
Today, I encourage you to accept the gift of God in your life.
You can’t earn it or come up with your own plan.
God has already given the most precious thing He has: His Son Jesus.
The next time you see a pot of gold or think about St. Patrick's Day, let it be a reminder of the significant value of the sacrifice Jesus made for each of us.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON SALVATION
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON SALVATION
Bible: John 14:6 (NLT)
Bottom Line: God has provided the only solution to sin and separation from Himself - Jesus.
SUPPLIES
- Painter’s tape
GAME PREP
Use painter’s tape to create a line across the floor.
Also, use the tape to create an “F” on one side of the tape, and a “T” on the other side of the tape, on the floor.
Students will play this game as individuals.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: Laws are created to establish standards and maintain order in our society.
In the history of the United States, there have been some fascinating laws.
In the game we are about to play, I will read a law, or something that is similar to an actual law.
You will have to decide if what I’m reading is true or false.
On the floor, I have created a “T” for True and an “F” for False.
When I read the law, you will have five seconds to choose whether you believe the statement is true or false, and then, stand on that side of the room.
When I reveal the answer, whichever side is incorrect, is out of the game.
The players who have chosen the correct answer will remain in the game.
We will play until there is only one player left, or until I run out of True or False statements.
Whenever there are less than five students left, only three or fewer people can be on each side – you will have to choose your answer quickly before there are too many people on your side.
Are you ready? Let’s play!
TRUE OR FALSE STATEMENTS
- You cannot use silly string in Southington, Connecticut unless it’s in the privacy of your home. TRUE
- In Illinois, you cannot fall asleep in a cheese shop. TRUE
- In Kansas, you cannot swim in a public fountain unless you are wearing a swimming suit. FALSE
- If you disturb a church service in Missouri, you can be arrested. TRUE
- In some counties in New Hampshire, you can have a picnic in a cemetery. FALSE
- In New York, you cannot take a selfie with a tiger. TRUE
- In Oklahoma, it’s against the law to make glue from a dead skunk. TRUE
- In Tennessee, it’s against the law to use someone else’s Netflix account. TRUE
- In Vermont, it’s against the law to put up a clothesline. FALSE
- In Kansas, you can use a mule to go duck hunting. FALSE
- In Texas, it is against the law to sell your eyeball. TRUE
- In Ohio, you can legally fish for whales on Sundays. FALSE
TEACH
Say: Today, our topic is “salvation” – the deliverance from sin and its consequences.
In our game, we learned about some rare, and funny laws that might not make sense to us, but were somehow created out of necessity.
There might be a good reason why you can’t take a selfie with a tiger, or sell your eyeball.
And whether or not you agree with the law, you will suffer consequences if you choose not to obey it.
Like I mentioned before, laws are formed when there is a need to maintain order.
For example, the practice of staking claim to a piece of property began with the first gold rush in the 1800s.
A mining claim would give you the ability to extract minerals from a piece of public land.
During the gold rush, it was a race to be the first to claim a piece of land, with the hope of finding gold.
Ask: What do you think it would have been like to live during the California gold rush?
Allow a few responses from students.
Although it was an exciting time in American history, men, women, and children sacrificed everything for the opportunity to “strike it rich!”
There’s a story about a man who left his wife and son in New England and headed to San Francisco to mine for gold.
His plan was when he became successful, he would send for his family, but it took longer than he had expected.
Finally, he had enough money, so he sent for them.
His wife and son boarded a boat and sailed away.
Not long after the boat set sail, people started yelling, "Fire! Fire!" as the ship became engulfed in flames.
Not only was there the danger of fire, but the boat was carrying a shipment of gun powder.
Once the fire hit the gun powder, destruction was inevitable.
The crew hustled to get out the lifeboats but there weren't enough, and they were too small to handle the passengers.
Just as the last boat was pushing away, this mother begged the crew to take her and her son.
But, there was no room – the boats were filled.
She cried and pleaded until they agreed to take one more person.
Do you think this mother jumped into the boat and left her son to die?
Of course not.
As she hugged and kissed her boy before dropping him into the lifeboat, she said, "My boy, if you live to see your father, tell him that I died in your place."
This story is parallel to the sacrifice that God made in sending Jesus to die for us – He died in our place.
Read John 14:6.
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
This scripture reminds us that there is no other way to God than through Jesus.
Ask: What does that mean? How do we “come to the Father”?
Allow a few responses from students.
In the Old Testament, we read how the Jewish people tried to obey the Law, and they couldn't do it.
So, they gave sacrifices to God, to gain His approval and cover their sin.
Then, God sent Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for our sin.
Because of His sacrifice, not only will we not suffer the eternal consequences of our sin, but we will receive an eternal reward for following God.
All He asks of us is that we believe and confess Jesus as Lord and Savior.
We can’t earn salvation – it’s impossible.
We can’t be good enough or do enough good things – sin still separates us from God.
God has provided the only solution to sin and separation from Himself, and that is Jesus.
You have the opportunity to come to the Father, God, and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
Salvation is free – freely accept it.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON CREATION
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON CREATION
Bible: Colossians1:15-16; Romans 8:20-21; 2 Peter 3:13
Bottom Line: Everything was created by God and finds its purpose in Him.
SUPPLIES
- Balloons (one per person)
- 16 Solo Cups
- 2 Tables
- 16 Slips of paper and a pen
GAME PREP
Divide students into two teams of equal size and give each person a balloon.
Set up two tables at the front of your youth space and place 8 Solo cups on each table.
Divide the slips of paper into two stacks of eight.
Write the individual letters of the word CREATION on each slip of paper in the stack (one stack for each team).
Fold the slips of paper in half and place one piece in each team’s cups.
Now, each team has one letter to the word CREATION on individual slips of paper in each cup.
Make sure the letters are mixed up and not in order of the spelling of the word.
Have teams form single file lines, with the first person in line standing directly in front of his team’s table.
Note: Don’t share the subject of today’s lesson before the game, or you will give away the word the teams will be unscrambling.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: As we jump into this game, I need each of you to blow up your balloon, but don’t tie it. Just hold the end tightly in your hands.
This game will be played as a relay. You will take your turn after the person in front of you takes his turn.
When I say GO, the first person in the front of each line will use the air in his or her balloon to try to shoot down or knock over a Solo cup.
When the air in your balloon is gone, you will run to the back of your line and the next person in line will take his turn.
While you are waiting in line to take another turn, you will re-inflate your balloon and hold it in your hand.
At no point throughout the game can you touch your Solo cups or attempt to knock them over in any way other than with the air in your balloon.
There will be a 10 second penalty for your team if a team member touches a cup.
In each Solo cup is a piece of paper with a letter on it.
Once all of your team’s cups are knocked over or knocked off of your table, your team will quickly grab all of the pieces of paper and unscramble the letters to reveal the topic of today’s lesson.
The first team to knock down all their cups and unscramble the words WINS!
TEACH
Say: We really went through a lot to discover the topic for today’s lesson, but you got it right! We’re talking about CREATION.
By this time in your life, you have probably heard the story of how God created the heavens and the earth dozens of times, if not more.
Today, I want us to talk about something you may have never thought of before now.
Read Colossians1:15-16.
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.
Raise your hand if you already knew that Jesus was present with God at the time the world was created.
Ask: Okay. If you didn’t raise your hand, where do you think Jesus was when the world was created?
Allow a few responses from students.
If you didn’t raise your hand, maybe it’s because you’ve never thought about it or you have never read this portion of scripture in the Bible.
Maybe some of you thought that Jesus didn’t exist until He was born on the earth.
But throughout the Bible, we read repeatedly that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have always existed.
That’s one of those things that, no matter how long you sit and think about it, your mind simply cannot grasp: that God has always been and will always be.
Everything in our lives has a beginning and an end—a time when it was created and when it will no longer exist.
Ask: List some things that have been around forever that we can’t imagine living life without.
Allow a few responses from students. Share a couple of things you couldn’t live without.
Every single thing you mentioned was created, either by God Himself, or by the wisdom He has given man.
We know that because we just read it: “…God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.”
Each of us have a beginning and an end. We were born and someday our bodies will die.
But, listen to this:
Read Romans 8:20-21.
Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.
Did you know that it was never God’s plan for any of His creation to die?
When sin entered the world through man’s disobedience to God, not only did we become subject to the effects of sin, but all of creation was now under its curse.
Jesus was present when the world was created, He was there when mankind sinned against God, and He came to the earth to redeem it all back to God.
In these verses in Romans we read that “with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom…”
In the Bible we read that all of creation (trees, rocks, flowers, animals, mountains, oceans, etc.) worships God. Right now, it suffers the effects of sin: death.
But there is hope.
Read 2 Peter 3:13.
But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth He has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.
One day, God will restore all of creation back to the way He intended it to be.
Everything was created by God and finds its purpose in Him.
Right now, we have the opportunity, as part of His creation, to willingly love God and fulfill the purposes He has for our lives.
Not everyone responds to this opportunity; it’s a choice that God gives to us.
Without God as the center of who you are and what you do, you will never live the life He has for you… and it’s a pretty amazing life.
The next time you look at your phone and think, I could never live without this, I want you to remember the great lengths that God went to in sending Jesus because He doesn’t want you to live without Him.
You’re a really important part of His creation.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON HUMILITY
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON HUMILITY
Bible: James 3:13
Bottom Line: Live well, live wisely, live humbly.
SUPPLIES
- Timer
- Ball
GAME PREP
Divide students into two teams of equal size and have them form single file lines.
Have a copy of this on hand: Z Y X W V U T S R Q P O N M L K J I H G F E D C B A
You will need a timer or stopwatch to use throughout the game.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: Raise your hand if you have learned your alphabet.
Great! You should have no problem playing this game.
This is one of those games that sounds much easier to play than it actually is.
I will choose one of your teams to go first and give the first person in line a ball.
The goal of this game is to say the alphabet as fast as you can while passing the ball to the person standing behind you.
So, you will say a letter, pass the ball backwards, then the next person will say a letter, and pass the ball backwards, and on and on.
When the person at the end of the line receives the ball, he or she will turn around and so will everyone else on their team.
Now, the last person is the first person, the ball will begin to be passed backwards again, and the alphabet will continue.
Your teams will play one-at-a-time because we are going to time each team to see who is able to complete the alphabet the fastest.
If, at any point, someone on your team drops the ball, you will return the ball to the beginning of your line and start over—while the timer is still going.
When you have explained the rules, you will choose a team to start, and the game will begin.
After both teams have taken a turn, announce which team was the fastest and who won the game.
Great job!
I know you’re wondering why I thought that was going to be a difficult game because it was pretty easy.
I forgot to mention… that was just the practice round.
Now, we will play the actual game.
We’re going to do the same thing we just did, but here’s the twist: you’re going to say the alphabet backwards!
Trust me. It’s much harder than it sounds.
The first person in line will start with “Z,” the next person will say “Y,” and so on.
Do you think it will take your team the same amount of time to complete the alphabet this time?
We will see!
You can play the game best two out of three, or as many times as you would like as long as the students are interested.
You can also mix the students up in their lines so that their letter changes for every round of the game you play.
TEACH
Say: You guys and gals are really smart, but that doesn’t mean it was easy.
This was probably something you have never done before, unless you have actually practiced saying the alphabet backwards.
Some of you were the weakest link because you weren’t ready when it was your turn or couldn’t think fast enough on your feet—and that’s okay because it was just a game.
Ask: Have you ever known someone who wasn’t good at something but wanted everyone to think that he was? No names, please.
Allow a few responses from students.
Be careful that they don’t use each other as examples.
It can be tough to admit when we aren’t good at something.
In fact, it can require humility on our part, and that isn’t part of our human nature.
Read James 3:13.
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.
This verse points out that there is a humility that comes from wisdom.
Ask: Think about the people you would consider to be “wise.” Are they also humble?
Allow a few responses from students.
Jesus was all-knowing when He was on the earth, but He didn’t act like a know-it-all.
He was humble.
Truly wise people are always humble because they realize their wisdom isn’t their own but comes from God.
When we live with love and respect for each other, following God’s commands and living for him, humility will be part of our character.
It is impossible to be boastful, full of pride, or rude when you are living with wisdom that comes from God.
Ask: What are some reasons that people would act like know-it-alls or try to present themselves as wise, when they really aren’t?
Allow a few responses from students.
Any time we try to live in our own strength, we end up failing, but we don’t want to look like we are failing. No one does!
So, we try to come across like we have it all together when we’re really falling apart.
Ask: How can God help us realize that we are trying to live in our own strength?
Allow a few responses from students.
Share a personal experience of when you tried to do something in your own strength and failed.
Many times, we believe that, in order for God to help us, we must be perfect and have it all together.
But that’s a lie we believe that can keep us from turning to God in the times when we are weakest.
God is always willing to help us when we come to Him in humility, admitting our weaknesses and our desire for Him.
It takes courage to admit your faults and the areas where you need God’s help.
But the truth is that all of us have faults and we all need God, even when it seems like things are going really well.
Watch out for those areas in your life where you think you don’t need God’s help.
At the root of that attitude is pride, which is the opposite of humility.
You will find that the less you think you need God, the more you actually do.
God’s wisdom is always available. If you ask, He will give it to you.
The only way to learn wisdom is by going through situations requiring that you rely on God and not yourself.
I want to leave you with these closing words: Live well, live wisely, live humbly.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON GOD’S LOVE
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON GOD’S LOVE
Bible: Ephesians 3:16-17
Bottom Line: As you are rooted in your faith, you will experience the fullness of God’s love.
SUPPLIES
- 2 Packs of 10-inch flour tortillas
- 2 Bags of whole carrots
- 2 Large plates
- Painter’s tape
GAME PREP
Divide students into two teams of equal size and have them form single file lines.
Use painter’s tape to create a line for each team to line up behind. This will be the “start line."
Then, use the painter’s tape to make a line about 5 feet in front of the line you already created. This will be the “goal line.”
Give each team a pack of tortillas, a bag of carrots, and a large plate.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: How many of you enjoy a good ol’ carrot burrito every once in a while?
Okay, I know it’s not really a thing, but it is for the game we’re about to play.
Each of your teams have been given a bag of tortillas, a bag of carrots, and a large plate.
Go ahead and place your team’s plate on the start line in front of your team.
The goal of this game is to create five “carrot burritos.”
Here’s how you will do that:
The first person in line will toss a tortilla, like a frisbee, past the goal line.
If you don’t make it that far, then you will fetch it and bring it back to the next teammate who will try to throw it past the goal line.
Once your team has landed a tortilla over the goal line, the next person will grab a carrot and either toss, roll, or toss it and hope it rolls on top of your team’s tortilla.
If you are successful in landing your team’s carrot somewhere onto your team’s tortilla, you will run down, create a carrot burrito, and place it on your team’s plate.
You will take turns in line tossing tortillas and carrots.
The first team to successfully create 5 carrot burritos wins!
TEACH
Say: I don’t know about you, but I really love a good burrito.
Ask: Does anyone have a favorite kind of burrito or Mexican food that you really love?
Allow a few responses from students.
The “World’s Largest Burrito” was created in 2010 and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.
It was made of one single tortilla and was filled with fish, onions, chile peppers, and refried beans.
And it took over 3,000 volunteers to make it.
Ask: Does anyone want to guess how much it weighed?
Allow a few guesses from students.
Believe it or not, it weighed 12,785 pounds!
When I hear interesting things that people have achieved, I always think, why would anyone take the time to do that?
Why would someone set out to create the world’s largest burrito?
Maybe it comes down to how much they really love whatever that thing is and are willing to go to great lengths to show the world.
That’s what we’re talking about today—love.
Specifically, God’s love.
Throughout time, people have written songs, poems, books, and stories proclaiming God’s love for us and trying to express their own love for God.
As humans, it’s difficult to understand the great and unending love that God has for us, which He has gone to great lengths to show.
But, let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about experiencing this love.
Read Ephesians 3:16-17.
I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.
Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
These verses tell us that, as we are rooted in our faith, we will experience the fullness of God’s love.
So, let’s break these verses down a little bit.
At the beginning of verse 16, we read that God has unlimited resources that can provide us with His strength and power.
He’s never going to run out or get tired of giving us His strength.
Next, the apostle Paul, author of Ephesians, writes that “Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in Him.”
Ask: What does that mean that “Christ will make His home” in our hearts?
Allow a few responses from students.
Well, think about this: what makes being at home so much different than being any other place?
At home, we are comfortable, we feel welcomed and like people want us there, and we can be ourselves, with people who understand us and love us.
Christ can only make Himself at home in a heart that truly wants Him there.
Ask: How do we demonstrate that we want Christ to dwell in our hearts?
Allow a few responses from students.
We invite Him in and welcome Him in the form of asking Him to be the center of what we say and do.
If we don’t ask Him in, He won’t be there.
Then, we talk to Him, include Him in everything, and ask Him to help us live the way He desires us to live.
The verse says He will make His home in our hearts as we “trust in Him.”
Ask: How do we learn to trust in Jesus?
Allow a few responses from students. Share how you have come to trust God in your own life.
Have you ever told your parents you would do something and then you either forget or just choose not do to it?
Like your homework or cleaning your room?
God never does that. Ever.
When we read God’s promises in the Bible, we can know that He will do exactly what He said He will do.
So, as we live our lives for God and see His faithfulness to us, we can trust Him more because He will never let us down.
When God answers prayer, gives us strength, or comforts us during tough times, we know He’s with us.
Next, the verse says, “Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
Ask: How can you become rooted in God’s love?
Allow a few responses from students.
We become rooted in God’s love by talking with and praying to God, reading the Bible, and asking God to lead you so you do what He wants and not just what you want to do.
Then, we can fully experience God’s love.
Have you ever tried to love someone who won’t love you back?
Or maybe someone tried to show love to you, but you rejected them?
People experience genuine love in neither of those situations because it must come from both people.
God loves us no matter what. He loves everyone, even when we don’t love Him.
But when we welcome God’s love into our lives because He dwells in our heart and we are living according to His will and not our own, then we can experience the fullness of His love.
I want to encourage you to take a look at your heart and see if you are welcoming God’s love in your life.
God’s love is always there.
Accept it and welcome Him into your life today.
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON ARMOR OF GOD
YOUTH GROUP GAME ON ARMOR OF GOD
Bible: Ephesians 6:11
Bottom Line: Get dressed. Stand Firm. Fight!
SUPPLIES
- Cell Phones
- List of challenges (see below)
GAME PREP
Divide students into groups of 2-3 students.
Each group will need a cell phone for the game.
Have a copy of this list of challenges on hand:
- Text a family member, "I love you." The first team to get a reply and read it out loud will get a point.
- Take a picture of your entire group pretending to fly. The first person to take the photo, run up front and show it to me will get a point.
- Create a slow-motion video of your group that isn't actually in slow motion. The first team to create the video, run up front and show it to me will get a point.
- Take a picture of your group and upload it to social media. The first team to get a “like” from someone who isn’t on their team will win a point.
- Look up this verse in the Bible in the New Living Translation. The first team to find it and read it out loud will win a point: Ephesians 6:11 (Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.)
- Take a picture of your youth pastor and edit it to make it the "perfect pic." The first person to show me their "perfect pic" (and I like it) will win a point.
- Who has the most unread emails in their inbox? Find it on your phone and tell me the number. The team who has the highest number will get a point.
- Who has the lowest battery percentage on their phone? Run up here and show me. The team with the lowest percentage will get a point.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
Say: You’re going to really like this game.
How do I know? Because most of you really like your phones.
You have been divided into teams and each team has a phone they are using for the game.
I’m going to read a “challenge” and give your team the opportunity to win a point.
At the end of our game, the team with the most points will win the game.
Begin the game by reading the list of challenges.
If the game goes by too quickly, feel free to add extra challenges.
At the end of the game, declare the winning team.
TEACH
Say: I’m so glad all of you got dressed before you came today.
Most of us could never imagine leaving our homes without being fully clothed.
Imagine someone showing up to school half-dressed—do you think anyone would notice?
I’m pretty sure someone would stop them before they even got on the bus or entered the school.
Ask: I’m going to ask a silly question: Why do we wear clothing? I’m expecting your answers to be appropriate for our group.
Allow a few responses from students
Clothes protect us from the effects of weather—hot and cold temperatures.
We wear clothes to look good; it’s part of how our culture expresses themselves.
And mostly, we don’t want to walk around naked—I know I don’t!
As followers of Jesus, we clothe ourselves with other things besides jeans and t-shirts.
And even though we're talking about wearing spiritual clothing we physically can't see, it's pretty evident to those around us whether or not we are clothed.
Read Ephesians 6:11.
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
Let’s take a look at what this Scripture is talking about.
In this verse, Paul tells us to “put on all of God’s armor.”
We understand that battle armor is meant to protect someone when they are in combat or fighting in a war.
Throughout history, armor has traditionally been made of metal, iron, leather, or some other type of weapon-resistant material.
If a soldier went into battle only wearing parts of their armor, it would be ineffective because the enemy would see the vulnerable parts that weren’t protected and target those areas.
Just like your friends would tell you if you were half-dressed, a fellow soldier would most likely say, “Hey! You forgot to put on your helmet.” Or, “Where is your shield?”
Why? Because they wouldn’t want another soldier to get hurt.
Ask: So, what is the “armor of God?”
Obviously, it’s not something we physically wear, so what is it?
Allow a few responses from students.
In the verses that come before the one we read, the Apostle Paul talks about the Sword of the Spirit, Helmet of Salvation, Shield of Faith, Breastplate of Righteousness, Belt of Truth, and more.
These are the pieces of spiritual armor we wear as Christians.
We wear them by reading the Bible, praying, allowing our faith in God to grow, living God-honoring lives, etc.
Every piece of the armor is essential.
The Belt of Truth stands for God’s truth, and knowing God’s truth protects us from the lies of the world and the devil.
As you study each piece of the “armor of God” you understand that each one plays a vital part and without one, you are vulnerable to the enemy.
The scripture says that the armor helps us to stand firm and not waver or be shaken in our faith, no matter what type of battle we face.
Ask: It also says that it helps us to stand firm against the “strategies of the devil.”
What are the strategies of the devil?
Allow a few responses from students.
Share a personal story that sheds light on a time when you could have given in to one of those strategies, but God gave you the strength to overcome.
God does not want you to be defeated in your walk with Him, but it’s your choice of whether or not you go “to battle” in His strength and protection, or try to do it on your own.
Without God’s protection, you will lose every time because we were never meant to live in our own strength.
When you put on the armor of God, you are completely covered with everything God knows you need to fight against the devil.
And when you see a fellow “soldier” without some of their armor, you should remind them to put it on.
If you go to school tomorrow and see someone telling lies or listening to gossip about someone, you can say, “Hey! You’re not wearing your armor.”
When we participate in lying or even listening to lies, we have just made ourselves vulnerable to attacks from the devil.
How?
Because those actions do not demonstrate a desire to stand firm in God’s Truth.
Instead, you are willing to settle for the lies of the enemy.
So, today, I want you to choose to wear the armor of God—and don’t just put part of it on and walk around half-dressed, but ask God to give you everything you need to stand firm in who He has called you to be.
Get dressed. Stand firm. Fight!