YOUTH GROUP GAME ON LOVING OTHERS

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Bible: Romans 13:8
 
Bottom Line: When we love others, God’s love is shown through us.
 
SUPPLIES

• Paper (one per person)
• Pen (one per person)
• 4 containers (one per team) 

GAME PREP
 
Divide students into four teams of equal size.
 
Choose a leader from each team to stand at the front of his or her team.
 
Before beginning the game, have each student (not a team leader) write down one of his or her favorite things (food, activity, place, or movie).
 
Collect all the papers and place them into the corresponding team’s container.
 
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: Let’s talk about some things that you love.
 
Each person on your team has been given a piece of paper and asked to write down one favorite thing.
 
It can be a food, or movie, place, or activity.
 
Next, collect the from each student and put into their team’s container (bowl, hat, bucket, etc.)
 
For each round, without looking, I will draw one piece of paper from each of the team’s containers.
 
I will read each of the four objects, one from each team.
 
Then, I will ask each team leader, which of those four objects he/she LOVES more than the other three items.
 
If the team leader chooses an answer that came from his or her own team, then that team receives three points.
 
If one of the other three team leaders chooses the correct answer from another team, his or her team will receive one point.
 
If the team leader chooses an answer from the incorrect team, that team receives no points.
 
The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
 
The key to winning is for students to write down things that their team leader would like, so that their team leader will choose their answers.
 
For instance, if the team leader loves Star Wars, the team member might write down “Darth Vader.”

TEACH
 
Say: Let’s admit it right now. It’s a lot easier to love “things” than it is to love people.
 
Loving other people can be hard.
 
It’s pretty easy to love our family, our friends, and people at church.
 
But what about loving people that we don’t know?
 
First of all, why would we even want to do that?
 
And second, why does it even matter?
 
Believe it or not, people had a hard time loving other people even back in the Apostle Paul’s day.
 
Let’s read what the Apostle Paul wrote about to the church in Rome:
 
Read Romans 13:8.
 
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
 
Ask: How many of you have ever borrowed something from one of the people in here?
 
Did you return it or pay it back?
 
Allow a few responses from students after each question.
 
Paul says here that we are obligated, as Christians, to love one another.
 
He didn’t say we should love one another or that it would be a good idea to love one another.
 
He said we are obligated to love one another.
 
And he didn’t say to just tolerate one another.
 
Loving others is a different story.
 
In Luke chapter 10, Jesus tells a religious lawyer that he should not only love God with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind, but also that he should love his neighbor.
 
The man, being a lawyer, wanted clarification.
 
He asked Jesus directly, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied by relating the story of The Good Samaritan.
 
Samaritans were considered outcasts in Jewish society, and to associate with them, much less “love” them, would have been unheard of.
 
According to Jesus, loving other people is one of the most important things that sets Jesus’ followers apart from those that don’t know Him.
 
Think about that student you know who is always picked on and made fun of because they act differently or maybe don’t like the things that you do.
 
Just like the church in Rome that Paul was writing to, it is our obligation to love others in the same way that Jesus Christ loved us.
 
Paul also famously said, “…while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
 
What greater love is there than that?
 
When we love others, the love that God showed us in sending Jesus to Earth is shown through our lives.

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YOUTH GROUP GAME ON TEMPTATION

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Bible: Hebrews 3:12 (The Passion Translation) 

Bottom Line: We can encourage each other in the faith as we fight against temptation.

SUPPLIES

• Pool noodle
• Vegetable oil
• Pack of baby wipes
• Bandana
• Painter’s tape
• 3 orange cones

GAME PREP

This game uses vegetable oil, which can leave stains on the carpet.

You can either place a tarp on the floor before the game beings, play the game outdoors, or risk it and clean up after the game is over.

Use two orange cones to mark a starting point for each team.

Use the painter’s tape to create a long line on the floor about 10-feet in front of the cones.

Place the remaining orange cone in the middle of the tape line.

Tie the bandana around the middle of the pool noodle – leave it dangling from the pool noodle.

Cover the entire pool noodle with vegetable oil – this will make it slippery to hold.

Divide students into two teams of equal size and have them form lines behind their team’s cone.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: This game is a fun twist on the traditional game, “tug-of-war.”

You have played it before, but I promise you have never played it this way.

Our “rope” will be this pool noodle – it’s a little bit easier on your hands than a rope, but we don’t want to make it too easy for our game.

So, we have covered the pool noodle in vegetable oil to make it a little difficult to handle.

Our group has been divided into two teams.

When I say GO, the first person in each team’s line will run down to the cone and grab one end of the pool noodle.

If you reach the pool noodle before the other team, you can grab it, pull it to your team's side, and that round is over.

The winner of that round will run back to their team and get in line again.

The person from the other team who didn’t reach the pool noodle in time is out of the game and they will go sit down.

If both players run down and grab the pool noodle at the same time, then tug-of-war will begin.

The first person to pull the bandana on the pool noodle over the cone and to their team’s side – wins that round.

The winning team member will go back to their team, and the losing team member will go sit down.

The game is over when there are no players left on one team.

The team with remaining players wins the game.

For each round, I will say GO, so both teams have the same gameplay advantage. 

After the game, allow students a minute to clean their oily hands with baby wipes.

TEACH

Say: Tug-of-war is a game that’s been around for hundreds of years.

From 1900-1920, tug-of-war was part of the Olympic Games.

Believe it or not, it was at the center of controversy at the 1908 Olympics.

Great Britain found a way to give their team an advantage – their team wore enormous, heavy shoes.

In fact, their shoes weighed so much that they could hardly lift their feet from the ground.

In this particular match, they were competing against the United States who protested the unfair advantage.

When the Olympic Committee allowed Great Britain’s team to compete anyway, the United States team withdrew from the competition.

They recognized that it would have been too difficult to win, so they didn’t even try.

The game of tug-of-war is an excellent example of what temptation looks like in our lives.

This struggle exists for every person that has ever walked on planet earth.

Temptation is the desire to do something, especially something that is wrong.

As a follower of Jesus, you have the desire to do what God wants you to do, but the desire to do wrong never entirely goes away.

So, that’s what produces the tug-of-war in our hearts.

Read Hebrews 3:12.

So search your hearts every day, my brothers and sisters, and make sure that none of you has evil or unbelief hiding within you.

For it will lead you astray, and make you unresponsive to the living God.

This verse encourages us to be aware of the tug-of-war that happens in our soul.

And not only to be aware that it's there but to ask God to reveal these struggles to you.

If not dealt with, your sinful nature will lead you away from God.

Ask: So, how are you aware of what is happening in your heart?

How do you know if you are close to God or close to giving in to temptation?

Allow a few responses from students.

One of the keys to being aware of what’s going on in your heart is to know what to do when you are tempted, and even what to do when you give into temptation.

That’s when one of the greatest gifts God has given to help us in our faith comes into play – each other.

Not only do we need others, but we need others to encourage us every day.

Why? Because temptation is tough and it’s even tougher if you try to face it alone – without God’s help and without each other.

The Christian life is not a quick walk in the park.

It is a long-distance marathon, and we need each other to go the distance.

So, we are called to encourage one another daily so that when we are tempted to sin, we aren’t struggling alone.

Think back to the story of Great Britain… in their game of tug-of-war, they came up with a plan that gave them an advantage – heavy shoes.

In the tug-of-war in your soul, your “heavy shoes” are God and the encouragement of others.

With this advantage, when you are tempted, you will be able to overcome and win.

Temptation will never go away, but it is awesome to know that when we are tempted, God will never leave you and neither should those who love and encourage you in the faith.

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON CHOICES

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Bible: Proverbs 2:11

Bottom Line: God can give you discretion, wisdom, and understanding to make the right choices.

SUPPLIES

• List of “Would You Rather?” Questions
• Index cards (one per student)
• Sharpie
• 2 Pieces of poster board

GAME PREP

Use the Sharpie to write the word “SAFE” in large letters on each index card.
 
Give each student an index card to use during the game.
 
On one poster board, write the letter “A.”
 
On the other poster board, write the letter “B.”
 
Choose a space where all of the students can stand throughout the game.
 
Make sure there is also enough space for students to sit down when they are out of the game.
 
Place the “A” poster board on the left side and the “B” on the right side of the room.
 
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: Today, we’re going to play our own version of the game “Would You Rather?”
 
Each of you have received an index card with the word “SAFE” written on it.
 
I want you to hold onto that card, and I will tell you what to do with it in a minute.
 
I have a list of Would You Rather? Questions.
 
Every time I read a question, I will give you an "A" answer and a "B" answer.
 
When I finish, you will choose your answer and stand near the poster board of the answer you have chosen.
 
Next, I will let you know the predetermined correct answer.
 
Now, you might not agree that the answer is correct, but that’s what has been decided before you arrived here today.
 
If you answered incorrectly, you are out, and you will sit down unless you decide to use your "SAFE" card.
 
If you want to stay in the game, you will bring your SAFE card to me and remain in the game.
 
You should consider how many people are left in the game before you use your card and decide if it’s worth using it.
 
The last person standing is the winner.
 
You can play multiple rounds based on how many questions you have left at the end of each round.
 
The correct answer will be underlined for each question.
 
WOULD YOU RATHER? QUESTIONS

1. Would you rather (A) have super sensitive hearing or (B) super sensitive taste?
2. Would you rather (A) be too hot or (B) too cold?
3. Would you rather (A) be a deep-sea diver or (B) an astronaut?
4. Would you rather (A) be able to fly or (B) be invisible?
5. Would you rather (A) live in a giant desert or (B) in a giant dessert?
6. Would you rather (A) have no eyebrows or (B) only have one eyebrow?
7. Would you rather (A) have a dog that could hum or (B) a cat who could whistle?
8. Would you rather (A) spend the rest of your life being itchy or (B) being tickled?
9. Would you rather (A) be able to change the past or (B) see into the future?
10. Would you rather (A) live without music or (B) without tv?
11. Would you rather (A) eat tacos or (B) pizza?
12. Would you rather (A) get up early or (B) stay up late?
13. Would you rather (A) be able to jump incredibly high or (B) run incredibly fast?
14. Would you rather (A) have many good friends or (B) one very best friend?
15. Would you rather (A) have adventure or (B) relaxation?
16. Would you rather (A) have fame or (B) wisdom?
17. Would you rather (A) be without your phone for a week or (B) without internet?
18. Would you rather (A) be Batman or (B) Superman?
19. Would you rather (A) be the youngest or (B) the oldest sibling?
20. Would you rather (A) be too busy or (B) be bored?
21. Would you rather (A) read a good book or (B) watch a good movie?
22. Would you rather (A) be a kid your whole life or (B) be an adult your whole life?
23. Would you rather (A) be 4’5’ or (B) 7’8”?
24. Would you rather (A) be a villain or (B) a hero in a movie?
25. Would you rather (A) play the piano or (B) the trombone?
26. Would you rather (A) be born with a giraffe neck or (B) a unicorn horn?
27. Would you rather (A) live in the country or (B) live in the city?
28. Would you rather (A) be a huge mouse or (B) a tiny elephant?
29. Would you rather (A) live on Mars or (B) live on the moon?
30. Would you rather (A) spend a day at the beach or (B) a day in the mountains?

TEACH

Say: There were so many choices in the game we just played.

You might not have agreed with what I considered the correct answer, but the point of our game was to demonstrate how the choices you make affect your life.
 
You make over 35,000 choices every day… that’s insane!
 
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that you make about 226 decisions each day on food alone.
 
Choices always result in consequences… whether good or bad.
 
Some of the choices we make daily affect whether or not we are safe.
 
Think about this…
 
You wear a seat belt when you ride in a car.
 
You put on a helmet when you ride a bike to protect your head.
 
At school, you practice fire drills to ensure you and your classmates know what to do… just in case.
 
Fast-food workers wear gloves and continuously wash their hands to keep from spreading food diseases… well, at least we hope they do those things.
 
When you stop and think about it, safety measures are all around us.
 
Over time, we have learned that wearing a bike helmet reduces your chance of a head injury by 50%.
 
People not wearing a seat belt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash.
 
And washing your hands alone doesn’t keep food safe.
 
Wearing gloves when handling food drastically reduces the chance of spreading germs – it makes a difference.
 
But here’s the thing, you don’t have to do the things I just mentioned.
 
Some of them, you’re supposed to do them, but the choices you make are always up to you.
 
You see, having knowledge and understanding isn’t enough; you have to use the knowledge you have to make the right choices.
 
Read Proverbs 2:11-12.
 
Wise choices will watch over you.
 
Understanding will keep you safe.
 
In some translations of that verse, instead of “wise choices,” they use the word “discretion.”
 
Discretion is having good judgment that causes you to think about the choices you are making… and then, choose the right thing to do.
 
Discretion knows what to do, when to do it, and how to do it when situations come your way.
 
Here’s an example of how “wise choices” or “discretion” will watch over you.
 
Your math teacher hands you a test she has just graded.
 
You realize that you scored 5 points higher than what is written on your test.
 
So, you get up, walk to the front of the classroom and tell the teacher that they don’t know what they’re doing.
 
That would be an example of the wrong choice.
 
Using discretion would encourage you to try a different way.
 
Your teacher hands you the test, you realize the mistake, and decide to talk to her privately after class.
 
Your teacher apologizes, and you express that you are happy that your score was a little better.
 
The first choice would get you in trouble… in fact, it could go badly for you.
The second choice demonstrates that you know how to think about a situation instead of just reacting.
 
And because you have chosen the right response, you are saved from detention, suspension, getting in trouble with your parents, and embarrassing yourself.
 
Discretion has protected you from a negative outcome and harmful consequences.
 
We need discretion to help us make the right choices every day.
 
Think about how many times you have the opportunity to make the right or wrong choices.
 
Someone says something on social media that makes you mad – how do you respond?
 
You can either lie to your parents about something or tell the truth and get in trouble – which choice honors God?
 
Your siblings bother you constantly – do you let it bother you or just ignore them?
 
You can buy something insignificant and use all of your money or save it and get what you really want later – is it worth it to sacrifice now for what you can have later?
 
It isn’t easy to make the right choices.
 
Otherwise, the Scripture we read wouldn’t be in the Bible.
 
God wants us to choose the things He would choose.
 
So, if we ask for His wisdom and understanding and then trust what He tells us to do, we will make the right choices and be protected from the consequences of making bad choices.
 
Begin each day by praying that God will give you discretion, wisdom, and understanding to make the right choices.

YOUTH GROUP GAME FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL

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Bible: Psalm 121:8 (NLT)

Bottom Line: God is with you wherever you go.

SUPPLIES
 
·     Backpacks (one per team)
·     Juice boxes (one per student)
·     Orange cones
·     Garbage can
 
GAME PREP
 
This game requires a large amount of space and can be played in or outdoors.
 
Divide students into two teams of equal size.
 
If you have more than twenty students, create teams of ten or less, and make as many as you can.
 
Give each team an empty backpack.
 
After determining the number of students on each team, place one juice box for each person on the team inside each backpack.
 
Use cones to designate a start and finish line.
 
From the start to the finish line should be twice the length of a team if they were laying on the floor, side-by-side, in plank position.
 
Place a garbage can at the finish line.
 
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
 
Say: It’s time to go back to school… not right now, but we’re going to play a game to get us ready.
 
A backpack is vital to your daily school life.
 
Without it, you become that person stumbling down the hallway dropping their books everywhere.
 
So, in this game, your team's backpack is essential.
When I say, GO, everyone on your team will lay down in plank position, side by side, except for the person at the end of your team’s line.
 
The first person in line on each team should be laying on the start line.
 
There should be no space in between each person on your team – you have to squeeze next to each other.
 
The person at the end of your team’s line will grab your team’s backpack, run to the front of their team’s line, open the backpack, and pull out a juice box.
 
They will drink the juice box as fast as they can, put their backpack on again, and dump the empty juice box in the garbage can at the finish line.
 
Then, they will run back to their team, lay down in plank position, take off the backpack and pass it from one person to the next down the line (while everyone remains in plank position).
 
When the last person in line receives the backpack, they will run to the front of the line and the relay race.
 
The first team to cross the finish line with their team’s backpack – wins!
 
If a team finishes all of their juice boxes and still hasn’t reached the finish line, have them continue the relay race with just the backpack.
 
TEACH
 
Say: During a typical school day, your backpack goes with you wherever you go.
 
If you lay it down and can’t find it for even just a few minutes, it’s instant panic – there goes your phone, books, homework, lunch… everything.
 
When you find it again – instant relief!
 
Maybe you have never thought about how important your backpack is, but it is the carrier of everything you need to be successful in school.
 
Your relationship with God and His presence in your life is a million times more vital to your daily life than your backpack, but sometimes we forget that God is with us… all the time, everywhere we go.
 
Read Psalm 121:8.
 
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
 
This chapter in the Book of Psalms is known as "the traveler's psalm."

In your Bible, there might be a title above this chapter that says “a song of ascents” which means “a song for a journey to a higher place.”
 
Most travel in Bible times was on foot, and people would often walk up to 20 miles a day while on a journey.
 
The roads were dangerous - you could have been robbed, beaten, or even killed while traveling alone or with your family.
 
How comforting it would be during those times to know that God is watching over you now and forever.
 
Life is a journey.
 
From the time you enter Kindergarten until you graduate, you will spend at least 2,340 days in school.
 
So, right now, a large part of your "journey" is happening at school, but you are not on the journey alone because God is with you.
 
God isn't up in Heaven, withdrawn from your life. He is right there with you.
 
So, knowing God is with you should take away your fears and give you faith to be strong and courageous in how you represent God to those around you.
 
You might lose your backpack throughout the day, but you never have to wonder where God is because He is with you.
 
As you walk through your school’s doors every day, remember that you’re never alone.
 
When you pick up your backpack, let that remind you that you carry God with you everywhere you go.
 
And as you journey throughout your school day, you can be bold and have faith because God is watching out for you.
 
God is with you wherever you go.

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON RESPECT

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Bible: 1 John 4:20

Bottom Line: When we respect each other, we honor the One who created us.

SUPPLIES

·     Pack of gum

·     A few pieces of paper

·     Clipboard with paper and pen

GAME PREP

This game requires few supplies and no prep.

Divide students into two teams of equal size and have each team form a huddle.

Give a leader a clipboard with paper and pen to keep score throughout the game.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: Raise your hand if you are the best!

Best at what? We are about to find out!

In my hand, I have a list of categories.

When I read one, you will choose one person from your team that you believe would be the best or someone who could win that category.

For example - The tallest person.

You would choose the tallest person on your team to come forward and be measured against the tallest person from the other team.

At the end of the game, the team that has earned the most points wins!

So, let’s get started.

LIST OF CATEGORIES 

·     The smallest shoe size

·     The fastest runner

·     The highest jumper

·     The largest chewing gum bubble

·     The tallest pinky finger

·     The farthest length to throw a paper airplane

·     The longest stare in a staring contest

·     The shortest hair

·     Wearing the most colors

·     The most pictures on their cell phone

·     The fastest talker (have them say their name three times)

Tally the points and declare one team as the winner.

TEACH

Say: When you know someone is really good at something, do you automatically show them respect based on what they can do?

For example, do people respect Lebron James because he’s a great basketball player or because of his admirable character?

Allow a few responses.

Do you respect the person in our game who had the longest pinky finger? Why or why not?

Allow a few more responses.

If I asked you to name people in our community who deserve respect, you most likely would mention those in authority, like: police officers, firefighters, politicians, teachers, a boss, and pastors.

We also know that it’s expected that you should respect parents and elders (people who are older than you.)

Some might say, “I show respect to people who show me respect.”

Raise your hand if you have ever said that before.

But when we take a look at what God says about treating others with respect, we learn that God wants everyone to treat each other with respect… no matter who they are.

None of us are perfect.

If respect is based on whether or not we deserve it, that might change from day to day or even from hour to hour based on the decisions we make.

Some of our actions might be respectable, and some of them are not.

So, what if we respect each other simply based on the fact that we were all created by the same Creator, who made us in His own image?

When we respect each other, we honor God.

Read: 1 John 4:20.

If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?

Ask: How are “love” and “respect” similar in meaning?

Allow a few responses from students.

So, now the question is… can you love someone without respecting them?

Or can you respect someone that you don’t love?

Dave Willis said, “Show respect even to people who don’t deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.”

The way we treat others is an outward reflection of what is in our heart.

When God’s love fills your life, you can’t help but love others and put their needs above your own, even if they don’t deserve it.

If you are filled with pride and selfishness, you might believe that people have to prove themselves for you to respect them.

That would mean you are the judge of whether or not someone has demonstrated the qualities of a person who should be respected.

I want to wrap this up by asking you to look around the room.

Do you see someone who has hurt you?

Are you sitting beside your best friend?

Is it possible for you to treat both of those people like God treats each of us?

Yes. You can love others the way God loves us.

He sees us as His creation, and He cares about us.

Ask God to help you see others the same way He sees them.

He can give you unconditional love and respect for others that flows out of your life, and honors Him.

Last summer my family visited Yosemite. We were absolutely blown away by the magnitude and scope of the beauty around us. Pictures couldn't even come close to capturing the sense of awe and wonder we all felt everywhere we went. 

Yosemite helped me see the bigness of God. I could sense that God was way bigger than any problems I faced. I could feel his great love and compassion. 

That's the big idea we want to help you get across to students with this game..

In every moment, God's existence, power, wisdom, and goodness, are being declared by creation.

It's also a very fun summer game that your students will really enjoy.

- Nick Diliberto, Youth Group Games 

SUMMER YOUTH GROUP GAME - THE BIGNESS OF GOD

Bible: Psalm 19:1-2, 6

Bottom Line: In every moment, God's existence, power, wisdom, and goodness, are being declared by creation.
 
SUPPLIES

• 2 Round plastic tablecloths
• 2 Large buckets
• 2 Large, black garbage bags (at least 50-gallon bags
• Scissors
• Clipboard, paper, and pen
• 50-75 water balloons
• Optional: Purchase a portable water ballon filling station like this one on Amazon.

GAME PREP

This is an outdoor water game, played best in a field or parking lot.
 
Before students arrive, cut two holes in the bottoms of the large garbage bags.
 
Make the holes large enough for a student to put their legs through so they can pull up and “wear” their team’s garbage bag – making sure to hold it up, so it doesn't fall down.
 
Fill 50-75 water balloons, divide in half, and place in two large buckets.
 
In this game, two students will get very wet – everyone else will get splashed.
 
Divide students into two teams of equal size.
 
Have each team stand at one end of your gameplay space.
 
Next, each team will choose a student that will "wear" a garbage bag for their team.
 
Have those two students stand at the opposite end of where the teams are standing.
 
They will need to be at least 15-20 feet from their teams.
 
Give each team a round, plastic tablecloth and a bucket of balloons.
Also, give a leader the clipboard with paper and pen to keep score of each team’s points throughout the game.
 
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
 
Say: The game we are about to play will require teamwork and communication with your teammates.
 
It won’t be easy, but I’m sure you will all do a great job!
 
I have given each team a bucket of water balloons and a plastic tablecloth.
 
Spread out your tablecloth and have your team gather around so that everyone is holding the edge, all the way around.
 
Each team will chose a person to represent their team by wearing a garbage bag.
 
When I say GO, your team will toss a water balloon onto your team’s tablecloth.
 
You will work together and use the tablecloth to catapult the water balloon into the air and into the garbage bag your teammate is wearing.
 
That person can move around freely to catch the water balloon.
 
You will get 1 point for landing a balloon in your team’s garbage bag and 2 additional points if the balloon stays intact and doesn’t break after your teammate catches it in their garbage bag.
 
The game is over when the teams are out of water balloons.
 
The team, with the most points, wins the game!
 
TEACH
 
Say: You discovered very quickly that the only way to play that game well was to communicate and work together.
 
I had previously mentioned that you would need to work together, but you had to figure that out on your own.

In life, communication is important. And it's particularly hard when you want to say something to someone...but for whatever reason they just don't get it.
 
I want to take a quick survey…
 
Raise your hand if you have ever experienced “pareidolia.”
 
You might have no idea what that word means, but most, if not all of us, have participated in this activity before.

An example of pareidolia is looking at the clouds in the sky and seeing shapes and objects that aren't there.
 
Who knew there was a name for that?
 
Most of us have had experienced this when we’re lying on the beach, or staring out the window in a car, looking at the clouds, and suddenly you can see the shape of an elephant, or Mickey Mouse, or a dinosaur.
 
You might have even tried to convince someone else that it’s really there in the clouds so that they can see it too.
 
And it can be frustrating when they can’t see it!
 
The thing is – you can’t make someone else see something that hasn’t been revealed to them.
 
They have to see it for themselves.
 
Read Psalm 19:1-2 & 6
 
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

The skies display his craftsmanship.
 
Day after day they continue to speak, night after night they make him known.
 
(6) The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.
 
Nothing can hide from its heat.

In this scripture passage, King David is looking at the sky, and he is observing the beauty of God's creation.
 
What we see in nature is meant to continually show us that God exists and tell us how amazing of a Creator He truly is.
 
The more we know about the world around us, the more glory (or fame) we should give to God. 
 
In every moment, God's existence, power, wisdom, and goodness, are being declared by creation.
 
Verse 2 says, “Day after day… night after night they make him known.”
 
It’s like a continuous story of God’s greatness that is being told by all of his creation.

Verse 6 talks about the movement of the sun and how the Heavens follow its course from sunrise to sunset every day.
 
During the summer months, we break out the SPF 100+ and try our best to get bronzed, but not burnt.
 
It's hot, sweaty, and often, miserable.
 
The sun’s ultraviolet rays provide Vitamin D, which keeps our bones healthy, but exposure to the sun can also be dangerous.
 
Staring at the sun can cause blindness.
 
If you are out in the sun and lose too much salt and water in your body, you can suffer from heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
 
And probably most of us have had a sunburn at some point in our lives.
 
So, why am I telling you about the dangers of the sun?
 
Because just knowing about worst case sun scenarios isn’t enough – you have to understand, acknowledge, and react to their existence.
 
Raise your hand if you know that you can get a sunburn if you’re out in the sun all day.
 
That’s all of us.
 
Now, raise your hand if you have ever had a sunburn.
 
Again, that’s all of us.
 
(If it isn’t everyone, just comment on how many people raised their hands.)
 
When we look at the sun and other aspects of nature, we see the handiwork of God.
 
It's not just a bunch of random stuff that has appeared all over the earth, but a designed plan for creation.
 
But seeing it isn’t enough.
 
The entire world can see the sky, sun, and moon, but that doesn’t mean they acknowledge its creator.
 
From the beginning of time, God has been reaching out to man through nature, His Word, prophets, and Jesus, but there are still those who choose not to worship Him.
 
There is a danger of not recognizing God in our lives, and that starts with the lost opportunity to have a relationship with Him.
 
Ask: How does having a relationship with God affect your life?
 
Allow a few responses from students.
 
Knowing God changes everything about your life – the way you think, interact with others, how you manage your time, and how you will spend eternity.
 
When you follow Jesus, God directs and guides you to make good decisions.

And as you study His Word and pray, you start to think and act like God.
 
Sin separates us, but God's grace and mercy allow us to come close to Him.
 
So, when you don’t have a relationship with God, your life is very different.
 
Instead of being guided by God, you are led by your own wisdom and knowledge, and in case you didn’t know, you don’t know as much as God.
 
A life without a relationship with God is empty because the part of you that was created only to be filled by Him is never fulfilled.
 
God has desired to reconcile our relationship with Him since it was broken, to the extent that even creation is calling us back to God.
 
This summer, when you're enjoying the warmth of a hot, summer’s day, think about how God placed the sun in the sky to remind you how amazing He is and how much He loves you.

End lesson.

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YOUTH GROUP GAME ON FATHER’S DAY

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Bible: Proverbs 3:12 (NLT)

Bottom Line: Fathers will guide, and sometimes correct you, in an effort to lead you in the right way.

SUPPLIES

• Balloons

• List of “Dad Jokes”

• Slips of paper and a pen

GAME PREP

Write or print the “Dad Jokes” on slips of paper.

Each joke has two parts (as indicated on the list of jokes).

Inflate balloons and place one slip of paper inside each balloon.

Spread balloons all over your youth space.

Divide students into two teams of equal size.

For each of the following jokes write each half on a separate slip of paper.

The second half of the joke is marked as bold and italicized.

“DAD JOKES”

MOM: "How do I look?" "DAD: "With your eyes."

Don't trust atoms. They make up everything!

KID: "Dad, make me a sandwich!" "DAD: "Poof, you’re a sandwich!”

Why couldn't the bike stand up by itself? It was two tired.

What time did the man go to the dentist? Tooth hurt-y.

When you ask a dad if he's alright: "No, I’m half left.”

Can February March? No, but April May!

Why did the crab never share? Because he's shellfish.

You know what the loudest pet you can get is? A trumpet.

Did you hear about the circus fire? It was in tents!

WAITRESS: "Soup or salad?" DAD: "I don't want a SUPER salad. I want a regular salad."

How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together.

Why did the coffee file a police report? It got mugged.

Want to hear a joke about a piece of paper? Never mind... it's tearable.

What do you call a lonely cheese? Provolone.

What do you call a fish with two knees? A “two-knee” fish.

What do you call a fake noodle? An Impasta.

How many apples grow on a tree? All of them.

What do you call cheese that isn't yours? Nacho Cheese.

Dad, can you put my shoes on? No, I don't think they'll fit me.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: We're going to play a quick game called "Dad Jokes."

Raise your hand if you know someone who tells “dad jokes.”

Dads are infamous for corny jokes and puns that they expect others to laugh at…whether they are funny or not.

So, in this game, you will have the job of matching up all of the knee slappers that are contained inside of these balloons.

In each balloon, is one half of a “dad joke.”

When I say GO, each person will pop one or more balloons until all of the balloons are gone.

Read the slip of paper that was inside of the balloon – it will be half of the dad joke.

You will gather together with your team and see if you can match your half with the slips of paper that your teammates have.

After you have matched as many as possible, there will be halves that don’t match up.

That means that the other half is held by someone on the other team – who will have also realized which halves also don’t match.

Everyone who is holding a leftover piece will then step forward so everyone can seen who remains.

At this point, I will choose a team to start this next portion of the game.

One person from the designated team will walk to someone on the other side, which is holding a leftover piece.

If they choose the person who is holding the other half of their joke, they can take their piece of paper.

If they choose the wrong person, they will give their piece of paper to someone on the opposing team, and their turn is over.

Then, the other team will take their turn.

This will continue until all of the dad jokes are accounted for.

The team with the highest number of matched dad jokes – wins!

TEACH

Say: In the United States, we have been celebrating Father’s Day since around 1910.

A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, suggested a holiday to honor men like her dad.

William Jackson Smart was a Civil War Veteran and a single dad who raised six children.

His daughter considered him to be a man worthy of honor.

In fact, the holiday is recognized on the first Sunday in June because Sonora suggested that it should be celebrated on her dad's birthday, June 5th.

“Father’s Day” was created as a complimentary holiday to Mother’s Day, which had become a recognized holiday a few years prior.

Moms are pretty great – think of all they do for you and contribute to in your life.

So, it’s no wonder that they were given a special day first.

But dads play a very vital role in our lives too.

Throughout history, men have provided, protected, cared for, and raised families.

Not every dad has done a great job and if you are fortunate enough to have one that has, be sure to show him love and respect for all he’s done.

One of the roles of a father, or parent, is to discipline his children.

The word “discipline” comes from the word disciple, meaning that parents are teaching their children how to act by leading with their own actions.

That’s not always true in every family, but let’s see what the Bible has to say.

Read Proverbs 3:12.

For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

In this verse, King Solomon, the author of Proverbs, likens our Heavenly Father to our earthly father in how they “correct” their children.

Let's face it; it's not fun to be corrected.

No one likes to have their faults or what they are doing wrong exposed to others, but often that’s how we experience the most growth in our lives.

Ask: Can someone share a time that one of your parents gave you “correction”?

How did you react? Did it help you?

Allow a few responses from students.

Share a personal experience with students about a time when one of your parents corrected or disciplined you in a certain area, and what you learned from it.

Believe it or not, but when you receive correction, it’s because your parent is trying to keep you from making some of the same mistakes they may have made.

If your dad is tough on you about finishing things that you start, it might be because that was an area he struggled with at your age.

If your parents warn you about certain relationships, it could be that they have experienced hurt from others that they don’t want you to experience.

The beginning of the verse, we read said that "the Lord corrects those he loves." 

God knows the beginning, middle, and end of your life, and He loves you.

He desires to guide, and sometimes correct you, in an effort to lead you in the right way.

The second part of the verse says, “just as a father corrects a child in whom He delights.”

That means that the basis of correction from your dad also comes from his love for you.

When you understand that the people in your life generally correct you because they love you, you might be more willing to accept and grow from it.

If you don’t have a great relationship with your dad, you need to know that you will always have unconditional love from God.

And you can pray that God will send people into your life that can show you the same kind of love that God has for you. 

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON SERVING OTHERS

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Bible: 1 Peter 4:10

Bottom Line: Serve others because of what you have been given, and not what you can get.

SUPPLIES

• Table

• 2 Serving trays (similar to what a waiter would use)

• 5 of each of the following items:

• Plastic forks
• Plastic spoons
• Plastic knives
• Styrofoam cups
• Styrofoam bowls
• Styrofoam plates
• Napkins

•  2 sets of salt and pepper shakers

• Clipboard with paper and pen

GAME PREP

Set up a long table at the front of your game play space.

Add the items listed above to the table at the front – spread them out.

Divide students into two teams of equal size and have them form two straight lines at the opposite end of where the table has been placed.

Give each team a serving tray.

Hand the clipboard to a leader who will keep score throughout the game.

Have the person with the “Order Up! List” stand in the middle between the teams and the table.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

Say: Today, we’re talking about serving others.

One of the things that immediately comes to mind when I think of serving is – servers.

Waiters and waitresses make a living by serving others and sometimes their job can be difficult depending on how great their customers are acting.

I’m always impressed by those that can remember an entire table’s worth of orders without writing anything down – that’s definitely a skill.

So, that is the inspiration for our game.

When the game begins, one person from each team will grab their team’s serving tray, run to me (if you are the person holding the “Order Up! List.”), and I will give you an “order” that you have to fulfill.

Then, I will quickly read a list of items that you will fetch from the items on the table and then say “Order Up!”

You can’t write the order down and I won’t read it again – you will just have to do your best to remember what I said.

You want to be the first person to return to me with the correct items in order to win a point for your team.

Now, if you see the other team make it back before you finish getting the items, still try!

If the other team is incorrect, you will still have the opportunity to win a point.

But once a team is correct, that round is over.

You will return the items to the table and go back to your team with your tray.

Then, the next round will begin.

When everyone has taken a turn, we will tally the points and see which team is the winner.

You can repeat the list of items as much as needed until everyone has had a turn in the game.

ORDER UP! LIST

       • 2 forks, 1 napkin, a salt shaker, and a spoon – ORDER UP!

       • 1 plate, a bowl, a knife, and 2 cups – ORDER UP!

       • 2 spoons, a pepper shaker, 2 forks, 1 plate, and a napkin - ORDER UP!

       • 2 knives, a plate, a salt shaker, a pepper shaker, and a cup - ORDER UP!

       • A cup, a plate, a bowl, a spoon, a napkin, and a fork - ORDER UP!

       • 2 napkins, a plate, a knife, and a cup - ORDER UP!

       • 2 plates, 2 cups, 2 spoons, a salt shaker, and a knife - ORDER UP!

       • A pepper shaker, a spoon, a bowl, and a cup - ORDER UP!

       • 2 bowls, 2 napkins, 2 forks, 2 napkins - ORDER UP!

       • A fork, a spoon, a knife, a napkin, a bowl, a cup, a plate, and a salt and

         pepper shaker - ORDER UP!       

TEACH

Say: Wow! That was awesome.

You are able to remember things really well.

Let me ask you this…

Ask: Do you remember the last time someone went out of their way to do something for you? 

I’m talking about something that was over and above what they had to do – and they did it just to be nice.

Allow a few responses from students.

Follow-up question: What do you think was the motive behind what they did?

Allow a few more responses from students.

In our world, it’s often uncommon for people to be kind or do something for someone else.

But in the Bible, we see a standard of serving others that goes beyond just being “nice” and instead, reflects the heart of God.

Read 1 Peter 4:10.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Here are three quick reasons why you should serve others:

• 1. Jesus served others and so should we.

Read John 13:15.

I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

This Bible verse follows the story of Jesus washing His disciples’ feet – an act of ultimate service.

Jesus wasn’t necessarily telling us to wash each other’s feet.

He was giving us the perfect example of what it means to have a servant’s heart… to care for the needs of others above your own, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Jesus, the Savior of the world, repeatedly humbled himself to show us that to be the greatest of all you must become the servant of all.

• 2. Serving others keeps you humble.

If you have ever worked in a soup kitchen, given clothes to the homeless, or helped anyone in need, it makes you aware of how much you have.

When you see those who own little and are happy and content, it can cause you to take a hard look at what you might take for granted in your life.

Do you appreciate your home, clothes, food, education, family?

Maybe you have a little more gratitude when you look at your own situation in life in comparison to those who are struggling.

Not only that, but serving others means humbling yourself.

You take the focus off of yourself and put it on someone else, even for just a little while.

• 3. Everyone has something to give.

One thing that often keeps people from serving others is they think they don’t have anything to offer.

But everyone has something to give to others because God has given to you.

You can give your time to listen and care for others.

You can use the talents you’ve been given to bless someone else… sing at an assisted living residence, crochet a blanket for a pregnancy center, or volunteer to tutor at an after-school program for younger students.

Or even just have an awareness of the needs around you.

You can pick up garbage, rake your neighbor’s yard, offer to babysit, help around the house without being asked…

Believe it or not, serving is a privilege and opportunity that we should be joyful and ready to experience.

Today, I want you to remember to serve others because of what you have been given, and not what you can get.

It will change your perspective and help you understand the example that Jesus gave for us to follow. 

YOUTH GROUP GAME ON JOY

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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

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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 MATERIALISM

DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THIS GAME

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 CREATION

DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THIS GAME

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.