Study Series - creativeyouthideas.com file4 How to Make the Most Notes Out of This Guide 1. Each...

Study Series

Study Series

by Ken Sapp

Copyright ©2010www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com

How to Make the Most Out of This Guide

4

Introduction: Destined to Win7

Put On Your Running Shoes11

Cross Training20

Crossing the Goal30

Staying In Your Land and On Track42

A Trophy or Atrophy?50

Student Guide57

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NotesHow to Make the MostOut of This Guide

1. Each lesson has objectives, focal passages, teaching hints and suggestions, and a place for personal notes on a title page at the beginning of the lesson. Learning activities are also included as introductions and for the various main points when appropriate. There are also extra discussion questions and some hints for (advanced discussion). The materials are written at a median level but the range of maturity among youth varies so much that adjustment will still be necessary for your group. With Jr. High, focus attention on learning activities and how they would feel if placed in similar circumstances. With more mature students, ask questions, probe, challenge and get them to come up with as much information themselves as possible.

2. Any information or words that are in italics, or are underlined are NOT in the student workbook. These are only in the teacher’s guide. You are to reveal these as you decide appropriate to the students. In order to cut down on length, the texts of all scripture references are not printed out.

3. There may be more material than you can teach in the indicated time. In this case, you must pace your lesson and focus on material pertinent to your Bible study group. You can leave out illustrations to cut time or quickly give them the answers to fill in the blanks on their worksheets.

4. I have tried to include a variety of sports illustrations for all the major points of the lessons. If at any time you have a personal illustration that would also fit, feel free to use it instead. Personal illustrations are always more effective.

5. If there is an introductory paragraph you might ask one of the youth to read it. Also ask youth to read the scripture references whenever possible. Sometimes, time requirements may require that you read the scripture references yourself.

6. Sometimes there are creative activities that require youth to pick an option and explain it. You could have youth give their own explanations of what the options represent then have them choose one or more and explain their choices. Their explanations do not have to agree with those presented and will reflect person perceptions of themselves and spiritual matters. With younger youth who have not quite developed abstract thinking you may choose to explain options and then have them select those that they desire.

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Notes7. A list of generalized icebreakers, tailored to the theme is included

before the studies. Feel free to create your own also.

8. You may wish to adjust the times for your group. Focus on material pertinent to your Bible study group. Also, with Jr. High you will want to increase the time spent on learning activities and abbreviate discussion and lecture. This is because Jr. High have a much shorter attention span. To cut time, you can leave out illustrations or quickly give youth the answers to fill in the blanks on their worksheets.

9. Lessons can be used in any order though the designated order provides a natural progression and conclusion. Some lessons are designed to be divided into two sessions. These lessons are best done in a single day.

10. Any first or second person questions you may wish to change to third person and ask the youth to answer them. In other words, if the material asks the youth a personal question you might first ask the the same question, but direct it toward Christians in general.

11. If you finish a lesson early, you may wish to go back and use teaching activities that you skipped or it is always good to review the main points. You might also ask for questions or ask your youth how this lesson applies to their individual lives.

12. If you decide not to cover a lesson, you might take your personal copy of the students’ workbook, fill in the blanks, and make it available to them.

13. The teacher’s guide has a copy of the student guide with blanks filled. This is so you can see exactly what is on the corresponding student page. This also gives you room to make additional notes and teaching helps. Highlight parts in the teacher’s manual that you see as most important. Look out for the symbol on the right which indicates which sections in guide have a corresponding section in the student’s guide.

14. As with any writing venture of this scope, there are surely some minor errors. For these I apologize. Spelling checkers and grammar checkers help, but it seems that some always slip through the cracks.

15. Remember that the more object lessons and activities you use, the less time you will have for lecture/ discussion.

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Notes16. Notes on Specific Sessions:

• Some studies such as “Cross Training,” and “Crossing the Goal” were designed for two sessions but could be stretched into three sessions if you feel the need. Other lessons such as “Staying in your Lane and on Track” could be condensed if necessary.

• “Put on your Running shoes” is designed as an introductory lesson. It attempts to get youth to evaluate their Christian walks. “A Trophy or Atrophy” is designed as a decision making lesson and encourages youth to make decisions based upon the things they have learned during the week.

• ”Put on Your Running Shoes” could be done in a single 1 hour segment if you choose to forgo the icebreakers. You could then stretch “Crossing the Goal” into three lessons without difficulty.

17. If you have any questions please feel free to write me at: [email protected]

18. Have an awesome time!

7Teacher’s Guide

Introduction:Destined to Win

8

Notes Take a Closer LookBackground to the SeriesOne of the most famous of the Greek athletic festivals, known as the Isthmian games, was held near Corinth. In ancient times they were held every other year and created a sense of brotherhood. Games like these were the greatest gatherings of people in the Greek culture. Wars were temporarily stopped in order to participate in the games. Only pure blooded Greeks, who had done nothing to forfeit their citizenship, were allowed to participate in the games. For ten months competitors trained and avoided things that might hurt their chances for victory. The prize was a pine wreath from a sacred grove nearby, that didn’t last very long, but victory was also one of the greatest honors a Greek could receive. The victor was often welcomed home with the same honor as a victorious general, the wall of his town being thrown down that he might pass inside as a conqueror. His statue was often set up by his fellow citizens. Yet in time he was forgotten and his glory, like the twisted pine branch, faded away. Winning was everything and losers in the games received no mercy. “The Wreath or Death!” was the motto of the participants and in many events, the loser actually did die.

Beginning the day you accepted Christ as Savior and Lord, you were destined to win. Yet the race in which Christians run lasts a lifetime. Your training does not come ten months prior to the race, but during the race. Your assurance of victory lies not within your abilities, but in your decisions. Each decision you make along the course of the race affects your future.

You can choose to give God your best like Abel, or give him your leftovers like Cain. You can choose to follow God like Abraham, or drift from God like Lot. You can choose to flee from sexual temptations like Joseph or give in to them like King David. You can choose to be a spokesman for God like Samuel, or you can try to ignore wickedness like Eli.

You can choose your own destiny. You can choose to be victorious or you can choose to fall short of the goal. The losers are those that do not run the race. For these, the motto of the Greek participants, “The Wreath or Death!” also holds true. Yet a Christians reward will not be a temporary pine wreath, but the Kingdom of God.

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NotesThe world teaches us that winning the things of the world is everything. It may also teach that if you are not a “winner,” by its standards, you are a “loser.” Yet, should you choose to live for God you are a winner. God does not have any “losers” in his family. God makes us all winners. No matter how badly you think you have tripped up or out, God says that if you are in Christ you are a “winner.” In a letter written to the Romans Paul writes, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us.” (Rom. 8:37) If you know that God loves you, you know that he has made you victorious. In another letter, this one to the Corinthians, Paul writes, “Thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Cor. 15:57) If you choose to follow God, YOU ARE DESTINED TO WIN!

Activities & HooksIcebreakersThese are included as helpful suggestions. They may be used for the initial session or as introductions to lessons.

1. On small slips of paper write down the names of numerous athletes. Tape these to the back of students as they arrive. The task of the students is to discover what name is pinned on their backs by asking only “yes” or “no” questions. This continues until everyone arrives and has learned the name of the famous athlete on his/her back. Then go around the group and ask each youth his/her name, favorite sport, and other information you might like to know.

2. 2. Ask each youth what sport best describes his/her spiritual life and why. A list is included below if they need help thinking of some.

Baseball Basketball Bobsledding Bowling

Boxing Canoeing Chess Cross-country Skiing

Darts Diving Downhill Skiing

Fencing Football Fencing Figure skating

Golf Gymnastics Horseshoes Ice Hockey

Kayaking Luge Ping-pong Rapelling

River Rafting Rock Climbing Horseshoes Rugby

Ski Jump Slalom Soccer Speedskating

Swimming Tennis Track & Field Volleyball

Water Polo Wrestling

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Notes3. Give youth different sports to pantomime. Let the rest of the youth

guess the sports.

4. Give youth different items of equipment for various sports to pantomime. Let the rest of the youth guess the items.

5. Ask youth to name a sports figure they admire and to explain why. Then ask them what characteristics of athletes are also admirable in Christians.

6. Ask youth to:

a) tell about their most embarrassing moment while participating in a sport.

b) tell about the greatest triumph while participating in a sport.

11Teacher’s Guide

Put On Your Running Shoes

12

Notes

Learning Objectives

I Cor. 9:24-27

Scripture

Estimated Teaching Time: 120 minutes

• Ice breakers: Encourage youth to talk about themselves & openly discuss personal issues. (Approx. teaching time: 20-30 minutes)

• Part I - The Spiritual Race: Youth will discover where they are in their spiritual pilgrimage. (Approx. teaching time: 30-40 minutes)

• Part II - Characteristics of Good Athletes: Youth will probe the qualities that makes a person successful in his/her Christian walk. (Approx. teaching time: 1 hr)

• Application: What are some other characteristics of an athlete? How might they relate to our spiritual race?

Put On Your Running Shoes - Teacher’s Guide

It is essential to profitable discussion for the rest of the week that you break the ice with your youth. As you get acquainted, attempt to discover any obvious spiritual needs of youth in your group.

Create an atmosphere of open discussion.

Take special note of the teacher’s helps in section

I of this lesson.

Activities & HooksIcebreakersLand SkiingMaterials• an old pair of large shoes

• 2 x 2’ by 4’ pieces of wood cut 8 feet long - nail each shoe to the center of each board on the 4” side of the wood (These are the “skis”) (If you are having 4 teams, then you will need 4 sets of these. Or if you have more, you may have 2 teams compete and the winner of those 2 teams will compete against the winner of 2 other teams.)

Instructions The “skiers” put their skis on and start at the starting line. This should be done on a flat surface. This is much harder than it seems and is a blast to watch. When the whistle is blown the first skier to get to the finish line wins. There are no losing teams there are only winning teams and learning teams.

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Notes


Everyone has the tendency to try and walk but that doesn’t work; the best way to do it is to slide (drag your skis as if you were dragging your feet) to the finish line. It is up to you if feel they should have poles to make things more complicated.

DebriefTo the winning team/s:What strategies did you use to help you win?Teamwork, everyone having the same idea of what to do, one person giving instructions with the rest following, etc.

To the ‘learning team/s’:What strategies did not help you in your performance?Lack of communication, unclear goals, no clear leader, disagreements, not willing to try new ideas, no one listening, etc.

What can you do better next time?

To all:How is succeeding at ‘Land Skiing’ like succeeding in a sport or in athletics?

Discussion StartersOn a piece of flip chart paper or chalk board write the responses of youth to the following question: “What are the qualities of a good athlete?”

You may wish to break the youth up in groups and have them write down their responses on flip chart paper.

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Notes

What might the following events represent in our spiritual race?

What event is your strongest spiritually? Why?

What event is your weakest spiritually? Why?

The Spiritual RaceRead I Cor. 9:24-27“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

What’s in the Book?

100 meter sprint 100 meter hurdles200 meter sprint 200 meter hurdles400 meter sprint Steeplechase800 meter sprint1500 meter (mile) Marathon3000 meter Cross Country

Biathlon400 Meter Relay Triathlon800 Meter Relay Decathlon

• Christianity is a long distance race.

• Christianity is a relay - we must pass the faith along.

• Christianity has obstacles and pits we must cross.

• The course of the Christian’s life has its ups and downs.

Take a Closer Look

These two questions seek to discover strengths and weaknesses in our daily Christian walk.

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Notes


Where are you in the Christian race? Explain your answer.

Each of these options illustrates a spiritual condition, though the illustrations given are neither exhaustive nor the only ones possible. You can use this list in several ways.

1) You might go through the list and explain the correlations with different spiritual conditions and then ask the youth to pick one. (This is most effective with younger youth) or

2) Have youth pick one of them and give their own spiritual explanation. Their answers do not need to agree with those given and they will reflect their personal perceptions of themselves and their spiritual conditions.

3) You may also ask them which one they would like to be or

4) Which one is the best example of a Christian. You might have youth mark their Christian experience on a track with dates and special events noted. You may also have them explain it to the rest of the group.

A. Outside the stadium Some youth are not interested in spiritual matters. They are not

in the race and do not care to watch the race. They are more interested in things outside the scope of spiritual matters. They are more concerned with the worldly things in life such as wealth, power, etc.

B. Watching the race Some youth are not yet Christians, but they are watching other

Christians and are interested in spiritual matters.

C. On the starting line This choice represents youth that are new Christians or those that

are immature Christians and have just begun to run.

A. Outside the stadium H. Running BackwardsB. Watching the race I. I’ve left the track and went

for a hot dogC. On the starting lineD. Jogging around the track J. Standing in the middle of

the trackE. Walking around the trackF. Tripped and on the ground K. Running for the goalG. Picking myself up L. Injured

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Notes


D. Jogging around the track Some youth are participants in spiritual matters, but lack zeal,

commitment, and excitement concerning spiritual matters.

E. Walking around the track This option represents youth that are participants in spiritual

matters, but are barely moving in their spiritual progress.

F. Tripped and on the ground Some youth began the race, but have been tripped up by sin,

other people or a personal crisis and have ceased to participate in spiritual matters.

G. Picking myself up This option is an illustration of youth who may have stopped

growing spiritually for some reason but are now beginning to grow again.

H. Running Backwards Some youth may be running away from spiritual matters and

running away from God. They may actually be in rebellion against God.

I. I’ve left the track and went for a hot dog Some youth may have started the race, but desire has led them to

quit and pursue something else.

J. Standing in the middle of the track This either represents the youth that have quit growing spiritually

and may stand in the way of other runners on the track or those that have not yet decided on spiritual matters.

K. Running for the goal These youth have totally committed themselves to God and are

seeking to become more and more Christlike each day.

L. Injured This option may represent someone who has tripped up spiritually

through sin or who has been hurt in some other way.

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Notes


Characteristics of Good AthletesReread I Cor. 9:24-27“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

What qualities, attitudes, and abilities does Paul demonstrate in the focal passage concerning his spiritual race?

a. Strength and confidence (II Cor. 12: 9-10; Phil. 4:13) “He does not run like a man running aimlessly”

1) Strength is given by God 2) Strength enables us to live for God (Phil 4:13) 3) We are strongest when we rely on God’s strength and

not our own.

Illustration: An athlete’s confidence comes from faith in his strength and ability,

A Christian’s confidence comes from God’s strength and allowing God to use our abilities.

Illustration: A sign above a General Motors plant says research, supposedly

has “proven scientifically” that it is impossible for the bumblebee to fly. Based on the factors of body size, density, shape, weight, wingspan, and speed of the wings, it is aeronautically impossible for this creature to get off the ground. It seems someone forgot to notify the bumblebee. What we need is enough self-forgetfulness, enough abandonment, enough audacity to do the same. What we need are more Christian bumblebees.

Where do people get strength to live their daily lives? What things support and strengthen you?

Do you ever feel the Christian life is impossible? Why?

What happens when personal strength gives out?

How Can We Grow?

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Notes


b. Self discipline (II Timothy 1:7) “He goes into strict training”

Why is training important?

c. His goal is to win “He does everything possible so that he will not be disqualified for

the prize”

1. He takes risks to do it

Illustration:Without risk, there is no victory. Have you ever played against someone who was no challenge? How did you feel when you won?

Pie Traynor, a legendary baseball player is considered to be among the greatest of infielders. He also committed 324 errors, more than any other third baseman in the history of the National League. Many of his errors came as a result of his willingness to go for more difficult plays—plays that other third baseman might not have attempted. Failures are often only the other side of success.

Is Christianity a risk? Why or why not?

2. Follows the rules (II Tim 2:5)

Illustration:The course is rough in places, and has steep ascents, but we must follow it. We might find a smoother, easier path, but we would not win.

In the 1988 Summer Olympics, much of the world watched the 100 meter race between Carl Lewis and Ben Johnson. Ben Johnson won the race and set a new world record. It was later discovered that Ben Johnson had violated the rules by using steroids. As a result, he lost his gold medal, his career, his honor and respect and millions in endorsements and speaking engagements.

Why are rules necessary in sports?

What are some of the rules in the Christian race?

We have freedom in Christ and the rules are not our focus, but only serve to guide us. They are like the lanes on a track.

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Notes


Forget the lane and you could get into some trouble, but you do not focus on the lane either. As Christians, we are not judged by the law, but the law is a good guide to prevent us from getting into trouble with other runners and God.

What is your goal in the Christian walk? Are you running to win? Why or why not?

What does it take to win in the Christian race? What is a victorious Christian?

d. Cooperation and teamwork are important. Christianity is like a relay race. We must pass the faith along! Christianity is not a one man race. Each Christian has a leg of the race. We do not compete against each other.

If you watch each play of a football game, you will see 22 men each doing a specific task to accomplish a goal. If any one man does not perform his task, the whole play can be ruined. If the wide receiver cuts right instead of left, the quarterback’s throw might be intercepted or he might get in the way of one of his teammates. If an offensive lineman doesn’t block his defensive man, the quarterback is likely to be dead meat. Each person.’s task, though it may seem insignificant to him, is important. Each team member is responsible for the play and shares in its success or failure. Each player has certain characteristics that qualify him for his position and enable him to accomplish his task. The center is quick and powerful, which gives him the ability to snap the ball to the quarterback and block his defensive man at the same time. The wide receiver is fast and has “good hands” which enable him to get open and catch passes thrown his direction. The quarterback has good peripheral vision and a strong arm which enables him to spot receivers and get the ball to them, while avoiding the defense. The different capabilities of the players work together as a successful team.

1) each Christian has a specific task 2) each Christian has skills that enable him to accomplish his task

3) a successful church results when each person performs his tasks

You might also ask youth to name the things in which they are good or gifted.

What are some other characteristics of an athlete? How might they relate to our spiritual race?

20Teacher’s Guide

Cross Training

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Notes

Learning Objectives

I Timothy 4:8

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Scripture


• Attitude Check: Youth will discover what is really required to follow Christ. (Approx. teaching time = 1 hr)

• A Healthy Spiritual Diet: Youth will discover the importance of God’s Word and a Quiet time in their daily lives while also realizing the affects of other things on their lives. (Approx. teaching time = 45 min to 1 hour)

• Exercise Right: Youth will discover the importance of living life daily for Christ and applying the spiritual truths that they learn. (Approx. teaching time = 2-15 minutes)

Cross Training - Teacher’s Guide

You can either teach the next three questions yourself or involve the youth by asking them to read the scriptures then try to fill in the blanks. You might divide them into

three groups and have each fill in the blank and

then explain what they think Christ meant. You could

then teach after each of their explanations.

Activities & HooksIcebreakersWhat’s Cooking?Materials• Cut Up Cooking Recipes (Separate the Title, Ingredients, Instruc-

tions, etc.)

• You may wish to separate parts of the instructions or keep 2-3 in-gredients together.

Instructions You have just inherited a successful restaurant from Chef Charlie, a long lost relative. The only problem: Charlie was very disorganized. The only recipes you have found are on torn strips of paper. You have to make sense of it all and quickly! The restaurant is opening tonight, and you have to have the food ready.Each participant is given a part of recipe (an ingredient, instruction, etc.).

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Notes


Your job is to put yourselves in order as quickly as possible. Your recipe must make sense.When your group is done, loudly announce “bon appetite” to signal the end of the game.Participants must then not only find the correct order but the correct recipe as well.

Discussion Starters1. What are some of your favorite foods?

2. Are these foods good for you or beneficial to you?

3. Have any of you been involved in sports or trained for a sport?

4. Did you have to change your eating habits as part of the training?

5. What foods did you have to give up eating?

6. What else did it involve?

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Notes


Attitude CheckA. A disciple’s greatest love must be for Christ. (Luke 14:26)

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes even his own life — he cannot be my disciple.”

Illustration:To be a great athlete, one must be committed to his/her sport. You have to love it. If you want to be the best you must give it your best effort. This scripture does not mean you must actually hate your parents, family, and yourself, but that your love for Christ must be so much stronger than your love for them that it is like the difference between love and hate. Christ must be your first priority. When you have to make decisions, Christ must be first! Christ must be more important to you than even yourself.

To some Christ means nothing, to others Christ means something, and to others Christ means everything.

What does Christ mean to me?

How does a person make Christ number one in his/her life? How can you tell if Christ is the first priority in a Christian’s life?

Make a list of the top ten things that are important to you. Then place a “1” beside the one most important to you, a “2” beside the second most important, etc. When you have to make a choice between these which ones do you choose most often? Is Christ number #1?

B. A disciple must be willing to give his life for Christ. (Luke 14:27)



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Notes


Illustration:If it is important enough to you, you will be willing to pour your life into it. A true athlete commits his life to his sport. He does not spend his life in another job and then play sports in his spare time.

“Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple”

The cross represents humility, suffering, pain, and ridicule. It was the most painful form of execution known to mankind. If we are going to truly follow Christ, we must be willing to suffer as he suffered. Yet, the cross is also God’s answer to man’s sin. We must be willing to endure whatever is necessary to save the lost.

Am I willing to go through the things Christ did because of my love for God? Why or why not?

C. A disciple must consider the cost in following Christ (Luke 14:28-33).

Jim Elliot, a famous missionary said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

It costs us everything we have. An athlete is willing to give up all to win the gold. What Jim Elliot meant was that the things we give up such as money, power, etc. are things that we cannot hold on to anyway, and if we did manage to keep them through life we would have to give them up when we die.

What are some things I would have a hard time giving up in order to follow Christ? Why?

Are these things really that important when compared with eternity in heaven with God? Why or why not?

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NotesA Healthy Spiritual DietIllustration:You are what you eat. If someone wants to be a great athlete they must eat a balanced diet from the five food groups. They must also avoid junk food. Some foods are unhealthy and can cause heart problems. Others foods help to build bones and muscles. The serious athlete is very serious about what he/she eats.

What are some things that people hear, read, see, know, think about, and do that affect the way they live? Which ones are healthy? Which ones are unhealthy? Those that are unhealthy are like junk food. Those that are healthy are what we need to focus on. What is the difference?

The difference is that some are destructive while others build us up.


A. Three stages of Eating Etiquette (Hebrews 5:11-6:1)

1. Someone feeds you - you must be taught everything. Hebrews 5:13 - “milk” I Peter 2:2-3

2. You learn to feed yourself - you can learn things yourself. Hebrews 5:14 - “solid food”

They have “trained themselves to distinguish good and evil.

3. You learn to feed others - you can teach others Hebrews 5:12; II Timothy 2:2 “by now you ought to be teachers” This is the ideal stage for Christians.

Our goal is to mature and be in the third stagewhere we can feed ourselves as well as feed others.

What stage am I in? Why? How can I get to stage three?


Take a Closer Look

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Notes


B. Five Spiritual Food Groups

1. The Spoken Word (Romans 10:17) We hear itWe grow spiritually as others preach and teach.

2. The Written Word (I Tim 4:13) We read itWe grow spiritually as we read the Bible.

3. The Living Word (John 6:35-51) We see itWe grow spiritually as we see Christ’s example.

4. The Learned Word (Psalm 119:11) We know itWe grow spiritually as we memorize and learn scripture.

5. The Personalized Word (II Cor 3:2-3) We live it We grow spiritually as we start doing the things the Bible tells us we should do and quit doing the things it tells us we shouldn’t do.

Do I eat from all five spiritual food groups? Why or why not?

C. Four ways we can deal with the Word

1. Look at it - Doesn’t help us much 2. Taste it - Try to understand a little of it 3. Digest it - Try to understand much of it 4. Use it - Apply the things we understand

How do I deal with God’s Word?

D. One must not only be careful about what one eats, but when one eats.

Athletes eat regularly and consistently.

Illustration: What would you think of a mother who fed her baby only when she had time or when she felt like it? What would happen to the baby? We often feed ourselves spiritually in the same way.

We “eat out” spiritually when we go to church, bible studies, and fellowship with other Christians.

27

Notes


We also have meals at home1. Personal Bible study2. Quiet times

Remember breakfast (Quiet time) is the best way to start your day while your heavy meals (Personal Bible Study) are best during the day.

How to have a Quiet time1. Have a regular and consistent time2. Get away from possible distractions3. Talk to God (pray)4. Listen to God (Bible and devotional reading)5. Apply to your life what you discover Am I as concerned about eating spiritually as I am about my physical meals? What are my spiritual eating habits like?

How Can We Grow?If you are short on time this

section is designed so that all you really have to do is fill in

the blanks for them.

Exercise RightMt 13:11-17; 14:26

“The knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has, will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. This is why I speak to them in parables: though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing, but never understanding; you will be ever seeing, but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’”

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Notes


How to Exercise Right

A) Do the right things

1. Christ is saying “Use it or lose it.”

Illustration:If you quit using muscles in an arm or leg, after a time they become very weak. If someone has ever had a caste on a broken arm or leg, after the caste is taken off it takes a considerable amount of time before it functions well again at full strength. It is the same way with our spiritual abilities and knowledge. We must use it or we lose it.

Am I using the spiritual truths that I learn or do I immediately forget about them? When I learn something new that I should do, do I try to do it? When I learn that I am doing something I shouldn’t, do I try to stop?

2. Christ is saying that there is spiritual food (knowledge) available but the people must use it.

Illustration:The spiritual food is there, but the people obviously aren’t eating it. Some of them are not even looking at it. They have filled themselves up with junk food. They are too focused on the things of the world to understand the spiritual.

Do I have a willingness to learn new things about God and what he asks of me as a Christian?

3. Christ is saying that we must have a healthy heart. What does Proverbs 4:23 tell us?

Illustration:The way you build muscles is by working them. They become firm and strong. The most common cause of a heart attack is the “hardening “of an artery and/or blockage of one. A big factor is what we eat. Fat people have a greater chance of a heart attack. We get fat through eating the wrong foods, or insufficient output. We get spiritually fat for the same reasons. Because of these things we must take special care of our heart. As the heart pumps blood to all the body, so our heart affects everything we do spiritually.

29

NotesWhy is it important to guard my heart? How can I do it?

B) Do things Right

If you don’t practice it correctly, you won’t do it correctly when you need to do so. (Romans 7:15, 19)

Romans 7:15 “For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.”

Romans 7:19 “For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish.”

Why do coaches insist their players practice the same plays over and over?

The more we practice, the less we have to think about it. It becomes more of a habit.

Do I do practice things in secret that I would be embarrassed about if Christian friends discovered? Am I living a double life that is different around my church friends than I do around other friends? What kind of habits am I forming?


30Teacher’s Guide

Crossing the Goal

31

Notes

Learning Objectives

Phil 3:12-14, 17-21

Scripture


• Don’t Give Up: Youth will discover the importance of perseverance in the Christian walk.

• Don’t Look Back: Our focus must be on our daily walk with Christ. (Approx. Teaching time: 1 hour)

• Focus on the Goal: Our goal in the Christian life is to grow in spir-itual maturity. There will be obstacles, but we must not focus on them.

• Do What it Takes: We must be disciplined in our Christian walk. (Approx. Teaching time: 1 hour)

Crossing the Goal - Teacher’s Guide

Activities & Hooks

Bring together all of today’s main points

in light of the final illustration. Emphasize

how each of the points in this lesson applies to the

Christian walk.

IcebreakersHelium StickMaterials• A ‘Helium Stick’ for each team. This is simply a 6-8 foot long stick or

pole. You can use wood or a flexible plastic tent pole.

Instructions Divide the group into teams of 10-12.

Say: “In your groups, form two lines facing each other and standing shoulder to shoulder.” (The lines must be close to each other - approximately 1 foot apart).

Say: “Put your hands up like a a gun and down at your side.” “On the count of 3 - Quickdraw your ‘gun’.” “1, 2, 3, DRAW” “Put both index fingers out zipper style (interlacing with your neighbor).”

Place the Helium Stick - on top of the outstretched fingers.

32

NotesTHIS PART IS IMPORTANT! When you place the tent pole on their fingers, do so from behind and in the middle of one of the lines ALWAYS KEEPING YOUR HAND ON TOP OF THE POLE to prevent the group from raising the pole in the air. Apply enough pressure on top of the pole to prevent the stick from rising up.

While still holding it and putting a slight unnoticeable downward pressure, ask participants to “Please adjust your index fingers to roughly chest height so that everyone is touching the helium stick.”

Say: “Your challenge is to lower the Helium Stick to the ground. While doing so, each person’s fingers must be in contact with the helium stick at all times.

Say: “No one may lose contact with the pole. If anyone loses contact with the stick the entire group must start again.”

Say: “The starting position is with the pole at waist level.” “You may not drop the pole”

Say: “You must keep the sides of your index fingers touching at all times. Not the back, not your palms, and not hooking the pole with your finger. You cannot put your fingers on top of the stick. If one person’s finger comes off at any time, you start over.”

Say: “Ready? We’ll begin on the count of 3. 1...2...3... Begin!” Release your pressure on the stick.

Typically, the Helium Stick will immediately start floating off!Act surprised and ask them why they are raising the Helium Stick instead of lowering it! Say: “I thought everyone understood the purpose of this game!”

DebriefWhat happened? The results were initially the opposite of what was desired.

What factors limited your success? Frustration, blame, gave up, lack of focus, lack of understanding the real problem, need for instant results, Failure to adjust to differences, Too many leaders, etc.

Did everyone understand the objective and the rules?Did everyone believe the task was achievable?If everyone understood the objective, and was committed to succeeding, why did the group get so far off track right away? Didn’t plan well, over compensated, thought we were doing our part, etc.


Leader Notes:When you place the stick on the group’s fingers, be sure to apply a slight downward pressure before letting them begin. This helps create the initial upward pressure that creates the “helium stick.”The Helium Stick will continue to mysteriously have a habit of floating upwards rather than coming down. Often the more a group tries, the more it floats (as people get nervous their fingers jitter the Helium Stick upwards). Participants may be confused initially about the paradoxical behavior of the Helium Stick.Its likely to take several attempts to just keep the tent pole steady.Some groups or individuals after 5 to 10 minutes of trying may be inclined to give up, believing it to be impossible. Suggest the group stop and discuss their strategy.Eventually the group needs to calm down and very slowly, patiently lower the Helium Stick.If they get really frustrated, you can suggest they might want to stop and discuss what’s happening.You can either allow them to keep trying until they get it, or stop them when they’ve had enough. It’s a judgement call.Observe team interactions and highlight these positive and negative behavior in your debrief.

33

NotesWhat factors contributed to your eventual success? Concentration, focus, patience, gentleness, adjusting to differences in height, strength, etc, unity - not trying to outdo others, communication, encouragement, perseverance, being able to deal with frustration, effective leadership.

What did you do to make your objective a reality? Someone must take charge, discussion of strategy, more attentive to our position and differences and similarities related to those around us, clear communication, patience, keeping focused on the task, following the leader, manage frustration, play to group member strengths and compensate for weaknesses, share insights, cooperation, etc.

Discussion Starters1. How does this game relate to our spiritual growth?

2. What do Perseverance, Focus, and Discipline mean?

3. How are they important to the Christian walk?


34

Notes


Phil 3:12-14, 17-21“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.... Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of the pattern of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For as I have often told you before and now say again, even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their God is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

In a Greek race, the wreath was placed upon the finish line so that all the runners could see it. It was an incentive for the runners to give their best. It was something upon which they could focus their concentration. The picture Paul paints for us is one of a runner, with his body bent forward, reaching out toward the goal, with his eyes fixed upon the prize. It is not just looking ahead, it is reaching ahead.

Paul realizes that he has not yet crossed the finish line himself. He cannot sit back and relax. Paul urges us not to forsake the progress we have made thus far and to continue to press forward.

Don’t Give Up! “Press on toward the goal...”

“I determined never to stop until I had come to the end and had achieved my purpose” —David Livingston

Illustration:At the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Britain’s outstanding distance runner, Roger Bannister, was expected to win a gold medal for his team and his country, but he failed to do so. Bannister’s Olympic failure, however, resulted in him becoming the leading figure in the historic quest to run a mile in less than four minutes, a goal that many considered impossible.

Take a Closer Look


35

NotesRunning on a windy, rainy day about two years after the Olympics in Finland, Bannister broke the four minute barrier by six-tenths of a second and set off a world-wide celebration. Thirty years later, as he thought back, Bannister said that if he had won an Olympic Gold medal, he would have retired from track in order to pursue his medical studies. “My failure made me look for one more challenge,” he said. The four minute mile was that challenge.

a. Pressing forward implies that there will be resistance.

What are some things a Christian struggles against in his relationship with God? Which of these have you struggled with in the past?

b. If you are not pressing forward, you are falling behind.

Illustration:The clock is running. A runner often competes more against time than against another opponent. You run to beat your personal time. Your competition is yourself. In the same way, our Christian race is also against time. We are either wasting time are making progress.

c. Pressing forward is progress, not just motion.

A runner could be running in place, but he is not moving forward. A Christian’s goal is growth. If a Christian is not growing spiritually, he is not pressing forward. Growth isn’t always visible though. There are times when a tree grows visible new branches and leaves and there are other times when the growth is a strengthening of what already exists. Paul implies each of these in this passage. We are to become stronger in those areas we have already attained progress and to also grow in new areas of our relationship with God. One of Satan’s favorite tricks is to make us too busy for our relationship with God. We can be going to church and doing all kinds of things without actually growing spiritually.

d. The effort of pressing forward produces growth. “No pain, no gain!”

Working muscles, makes them stronger.

James 1:2-4“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

I Thes 5:18“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.”


36

Notesd. If you are pressing forward, you will pick yourself up when you fall.

What are some of the things that trip us up as Christians?What are some things that have tripped you up in the past?

How do we pick ourselves back up after we fall? (I John 1:9)

Don’t Look Back! “Forgetting what is behind...”

What are some things that we leave behind as Christians? (Luke 9:57-62)

a. Leave behind the dependence upon material things.

Comforts such as a place to sleep, a home, are all extras to the Christian. We all want a place where we can go for security and comfort, but if we are really willing to follow Christ, we must depend on him for our security and comfort. Where he leads us is our home. Where Christ is, we will have a spiritual peace and comfort that is better than anything physical. These things are not bad, but they cannot be the focus of our lives.

b. Leave behind the dependence upon people.

The spiritually dead can take care of the physically dead. Our new race is to bring spiritual life to others. Our family must be second to following Christ. Following Him must be our highest priority. This does not mean we break off our relationships with people, but that we depend most upon God. People will let you down, God will never let you down.

c. Forget the past and focus on following Christ today.

We are now in a spiritual race and we must forget the earthly things, and quit planting wild oats of worldly things. Planting spiritual seeds is your highest priority. This is not to say that you don’t work and instead focus entirely on spiritual things. What it means is that you work so that you can live and focus your life on the spiritual things. Also, we all make mistakes, but we must confess them and then move on. We learn from them, but we don’t dwell on them.


37

NotesIllustration:Roger Bannister, the first man in history to run the mile in less than four minutes, did so in May 1954. The next month, John Landy of Australia topped his record by 1.4 seconds.In August of that same year, at Vancouver, British Columbia, the two athletes met for a historic race. As Bannister and Landy moved into the last lap, the other contestants were trailing far behind. Landy was ahead. It looked as though he would win. But as Landy neared the finish line, he was haunted by the question: “Where is Bannister?” Finally, unable to stand the strain any longer, he looked over his shoulder. As he did, his step faultered. Bannister surged by him to break the tape and win the race.Landy said later, “If I hadn’t looked back, I would have won the race.”

What are some things that Christians look back upon?

What are some things that Christians have a hard time giving up?Which of these things have you had a hard time giving up?

How Can We Grow?


Focus on the Goal

a. We must focus on the goal instead of the obstacles.

What are some of your obstacles?

Hindrances are things that stand between us and our goal. They may be small, but if we focus on them we have a hard time running the race. As an illustration, have youth cover their eyes with their hands and ask them to walk across the room. Your own hand, though little, can be a difficult obstacle if you are focused on it.

b. Obstacles can be stumbling blocks or stepping stones.

We can learn from them and press forward or we can get frustrated by them and fall behind. Refer back to the first Roger Bannister story. What if he had decided to give up running after he failed to win an Olympic medal. Fortunately he did not. He used his failure as a stepping stone to greater things.

38

NotesPrevious Illustration:At the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, Britain’s outstanding distance runner, Roger Bannister, was expected to win a gold medal for his team and his country, but he failed to do so. Bannister’s Olympic failure, however, resulted in him becoming the leading figure in the historic quest to run a mile in less than four minutes, a goal that many considered impossible. Running on a windy, rainy day about two years after the Olympics in Finland, Bannister broke the four minute barrier by six-tenths of a second and set off a world-wide celebration. Thirty years later, as he thought back, Bannister said that if he had won an Olympic Gold medal, he would have retired from track in order to pursue his medical studies. “My failure made me look for one more challenge,” he said. The four minute mile was that challenge.

Name some obstacles in your life that became stepping stones.

c. When you focus on the goal, the obstacles seem small.

When you’re focused on the goal, the pain is less important. You will do whatever it takes to win. The marathon runner, doesn’t concentrate on the pain, but the finish line. In football, a player is told that to catch a pass he literally is to “look” the ball into his hands. Otherwise what might have been a touchdown and victory will be nothing more than an incomplete pass. Jesus calls us to follow him. We gain the victory by keeping our eyes on him.

d. We must focus on the correct goal if we are to win. (Phil 3:7-14).

To know Christ more fully each day is Paul’s Goal.

Paul warns us against those whose goals are earthly things:1) Their destiny is destruction.2) Their God is their stomach.3) Their Glory is their shame.

When I was in high school I vividly remember the player on an opponent’s football team who recovered a fumble and in the confusion began to run towards the wrong goal. Luckily his teammates were able to tackle him before he scored for the opposing team. How embarrassed he must have been.

What are some of the goals Christians should pursue? What are your spiritual goals?


39

Notes


Do What It Takes to Reach the Goal

The goal never moves closer to us, we must move closer to the goal.Looking at the goal, and knowing the goal isn’t enough.

We move closer to the goal through discipline.

What is self-discipline?

1) Discipline must be complete.

Training some muscles and neglecting others does not help. Avoiding some unhealthy foods and enjoying many others does not help. Running well the first half of the race, and taking it easy the second half will not help you win.

Illustration:Often, our attitude toward sin in our life is like that of a father fighting with his son. He wishes to defend himself and disarm his son, but not to destroy him. We try to keep our sin under control, but we don’t want to destroy it.

Anyone can be a great starter, but Christians need to be great finishers. Illustration:At 7 pm on Oct. 20, 1968 only a few thousand spectators remained in the Mexico City Olympic stadium. The Marathon race had been won over an hour earlier. As the last of the spectators began to leave, they halted as they heard sirens and whistles at the marathon gates. There, wearing the colors of Tanzania, Stephen Akhwari entered the stadium. He was the last man to finish the marathon. His leg was bloody and bandaged, he had severely injured his knee in a fall, and yet he was painfully hobbling around the 400 meter track. The spectators who remained arose and applauded him as if he were the winner of the race. Akhwari painfully finished the race and quietly walked off the field, not even looking back at the cheering crowd. When he was asked why he did not quit, since his task was so painful and he had no chance of winning a medal he replied, “My country did not send me 7000 miles away to start the race. They sent me 7000 miles to finish it.”Avoiding some unhealthy foods and enjoying many others does not help. Running well the first half of the race, and taking it easy the second half will not help you win.

40

Notes


2) Discipline must be consistent.

Growth is very slow, but decay is very quick. It takes months for a tomato to develop and ripen, but it can rot in a matter of days.

One mistake can ruin a lifetime of good actions.

Illustration:(You might reference Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggart, etc.)A youth, that was a leader in the church, and well respected by members of his church, went into an immoral place where he shouldn’t have gone. When he left the place, his pastor and several friends saw him come out of the establishment. He felt really awful about where he had been so he went to talk to his pastor. “Looks like I ruined my reputation when I went there didn’t I?” he asked the pastor. The pastor replied “No son. When you went in, God saw you and you lost your character. When you came out and others saw you, you lost your reputation.”

3) Discipline must be a personal choice.

We must count the cost of following Christ. We will never be fully disciplined in our walk until we understand what it really costs us, and what it cost Christ. Until the decision to follow Christ is completely ours, for our own reasons, we will never be disciplined enough to stick to it. Make up your mind what you will do with your life. Illustration:In tennis there is a phrase, “the ball is in your court.” That means that the opponent has returned the ball across the net and onto your side of the court. What happens at this point in the game is up to you. Either you can stroke the ball back across the net, or you can let the ball go by you and you lose points in the game. The choice is yours.

4) Discipline is a commitment.

If we are going to win, we must really want to win! Those who have never taken hold of the prize with their hearts will never take hold of the prize with their hands. Pasted on commitment washes off in the first storm. We must live our Christian lives because we want to, not because everyone else is doing it or because your parents are doing it.

“As long as you live don’t ever forget, that while you may succeed beyond your fondest hopes and your greatest expectations, you will never succeed beyond the purpose to which you are willing to surrender. Furthermore, your surrender will not be complete until you have formed the habit of doing things that failures don’t like to do.” — Albert E. Bray

41

Notes


What are some areas in your life in which you need to have more self-discipline?

Final Illustration that encompasses today’s two lessons:

Last summer, Loyd Jackson, Wes Walters, Kirk Root and I went rafting down the rapids in New Braunfels. We discovered that it is lots of fun, but it can also be hard work. Our competition was not another group of rafters but the river itself. We also were competing against ourselves and working together to prove that we could successfully navigate the river.

When going down the river, you have to paddle not only when the water is moving slowly, but also when it is moving along swiftly. When it is moving swiftly you must paddle in order to steer the raft. You could just sit back when things were moving well, but you would likely discover boulders beneath the surface and could be easily tipped over. During the rapids, a lot of decisions must be made quickly. You are encouraged because of the rapids you have just gone through, and you learn from mistakes made, but your concentration is on what you are going through at the moment. Your goal is to finish, but if you look too far ahead you can get as easily caught on the rocks as if you were looking back. A ripple on the surface of the water indicates a boulder beneath the surface. You must watch for these and steer clear of these if possible so that you do not get stuck or tip over. There are also times when the river forks. At these forks, you must choose whether to go right or left. One may take you successfully through the rapids while the other way might leave you on the rocks and carrying your raft down stream.

There were times, when we did not paddle equally, each doing our part, and it caused problems in steering the raft. There were other times when one person would fall out and the other would have to help him back into the raft. At one point the raft got turned around and we were going down some rapids backwards. It was scary and we obviously weren’t able to avoid the boulders very well.

Our spiritual walk is very much like that rafting trip. We compete not against others, but against ourselves and life itself. We must work together and help each other when someone falls. We must endure, not only when life is easy going, but also during slow times. We must always be careful where we are going as well. Sometimes a mistake is more costly than at other times. You learn from the past and are encouraged by it, but you live in the present and look forward to the future. We must steer carefully. Our decisions affect our future. A bad choice will cost time and probably require extra effort to correct.

42Teacher’s Guide

Staying In Your Lane & On Track!

43

Notes

Learning Objectives

None

Scripture


1. Position, Pursuit, Process: Discovering God’s will is a way of living, not an isolated event. (Approx. Teaching time: 5-20 minutes)

2. Principles of Discovering God’s Will: Practical steps to the discovery of God’s will. (Approx. length: 45-60 minutes).

Activities & HooksIntroductionWhere am I going? What direction do I run? Why am I here? How can I know which lane is mine? Am I on track? It is important that each of us discover God’s course or plan for us. There will be challenges, the struggle will be tough, but the rewards will outweigh anything we could ever imagine. Christians are heart-broken and pulled from all directions by the over-whelming sense of need in the world. It is impossible for one individual to meet all these needs, nor can he expect to do so. In order to be most effective, we cannot spread ourselves out going in all directions anymore than a cross country runner can run down all the roads. We cannot just throw up our hands and do nothing either. Ultimately we would get nowhere. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize... therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.” (I Cor. 9:24,26) Can you imagine a football coach telling his players to individually run wherever they want to go. What chaos would result, and with it they would achieve nothing. But, if each player does his part towards a purpose, a goal is often achieved. We need to do the same with the individual activities in our lives. We need to focus on the things we do toward the goal God has for us.

Staying In YOur Lane and On Track! - Teacher’s Guide

44

NotesLetter to GodDear God,You know that 40ft, three-dimensional, full-color wall mural of your plan for my life I requested? I’m a little disappointed. All you sent me was a paint by number set. Not that I am complaining, but it has so many areas to be filled in that it is going to take me a lifetime to finish it! I started it last week, but then got bored of painting one color at a time and started switching colors. Even in those areas where I have worked very hard and filled in lots of numbers I cannot tell what it is going to be. I have a few general ideas, but really can’t make out anything. Would you mind sending me a wallet size miniature so I can know where I am headed?

I am having a really hard time staying in the lines and I keep letting my brush dry out. Even so, I am making progress. The instruction manual you sent me is long and complicated. Can’t you send me some simpler instructions? Is there anyway I can speed up the process?There are a lot of people watching me paint the plan for my life and they have a lot of helpful suggestions. How do I know which ones to listen to? Any help would be greatly appreciated. SOS— HELP!

An Honest Seeker,

P.S. I spend a lot of time of your toll-free customer service line. I really appreciate it. I know it cost you a lot.

Discussion Starters

1. Have you ever felt like the ‘Honest Seeker’ in the letter?

2. Would you want to know what God’s will for your life is?

3. How would you find out what that is?


45

Notes

Knowing God’s will is a Position, a Pursuit, and a Process.

1. It is a position of total Surrender. (Romans 12:1-2)

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

The problem with “Living Sacrifices” is that we keep crawling off the altar.

As we offer ourselves to God He will show us his will. We keep deciding to do things our own way instead of giving ourselves to God and trusting in his ways.

If you look back at the past men of God who changed history you will discover that they were not special men. You will not often find the gifted men among their ranks. What you will find is men that knew and did the will of God for their individual lives. They only had to make themselves available, be willing to learn, and willing to obey.

Are you willing to make yourself available? Are you willing to learn? Are you willing to obey? Are you totally surrendered to God? Are you willing to give up everything for God?

“Be careful then how you live—not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)


Take a Closer Look

46

NotesIn order to remain single-minded in purpose and focus, we will have to cut out some things in our lives. The things that pull us in other directions, the things that lead us down the wrong tracks, are not necessarily poor or bad things, but also the good things, the excellent things, the things that need to be done by someone. The things that need to be cut out are the things that are not our things—the things that are not part of God’s personal plan for us individually. We must leave the others up to him. As a matter of fact, He has someone picked out to do just those things in the same way he has picked you for your purpose.

2. It is a pursuit of Obedience to His word. (John 14:23; Mt 7:21; Dt 26:16)

“To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge. To do the will of God is the greatest achievement.”

Which of the above conditions are lacking in your life? why?

What do you need to do to grow and become more fruitful?

3. It is a process of taking one Step at a time. (Proverbs 19:21)


Principles of Practically Discovering God’s Will (The Seven S’s)

1. Make sure you are totally surrendered to God.

a. Committed to knowing God. (Phil. 3:8; John 17:3)

Phil. 3:8 “What is more, I consider everything as loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I might gain Christ...”

John 17:3 “Now this is eternal life: That they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

How Can We Grow?

47

NotesGod’s first plan for our life is for us to accept him as Savior. The only way we can have eternal life is when we get to know God. Knowing about God is not enough. We must get to know Him and have a relationship with Him. Paul was willing to give up everything to know God and have eternal life!

b. Committed to making God known. (Acts 20:24; Mt 28:18-20)

Acts 20:24“However I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me— the task of testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace.”

The only thing important to Paul is running the race. The most important thing is sharing the Gospel with others.

c. Committed to a healthy relationship with God not hindered by unconfessed sin. (Psalm 24:3-6)

Guidance will always be hindered or misunderstood if there are still sinful things in your life that God has urged you to get right. It is important that you confess all known sin before trying to discover God’s plan for your life. How can he show you more if you have not obeyed the things that he has showed you? Every time you pray he will remind you of that thing he wants you to get right. Unconfessed sin is the main reason many of us do not know God’s will for our lives. It is the pure heart that God speaks to in guidance.

The first step in learning God’s will for your life is having a desire to know and do his will for your life. God will not show you his will if you are merely considering it. You must be willing to make yourself available. You must be willing to do it. You won’t necessarily understand it until you do it. You must have a willingness to learn. God does not guide those with stubborn hearts. He does not guide those that want to run their own lives. He only guides those who are willing to learn and follow his guidance.

2. Read and try to understand the guidance of Scripture. (Psalm 119:11)

God’s will is expressly revealed in his Word. No guidance will ever go against scriptural principles. Regular Bible reading is essential to knowing the will of God. Often, scripture is like a “jigsaw” puzzle and one key fitting piece (verse) will reveal the puzzle. Also, hiding scripture in our heart is important. It is important to know and memorize parts of the Word for guidance and to deal with temptations.


48

Notes


3. Listen to the Spirit of God (John 16:7-15)

Be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. You must never act on doubtful impression, especially if it is accompanied by haste. God leads, not pushes. (John 10:3-5, 14-16, 27-28) Test all your spiritual leading by the Word of God—especially when you feel a sense of uneasiness or fear.

God has three answers—”Yes,” “No,” and “Wait.” Sometimes God must wait until others are ready, or until we are truly ready. “Wait” is the most difficult answer, but sometimes it is the most necessary.

4. Seek sound advice from mature Christians who know you. (Prov. 15:22; 12:15; 13:10)

Advice should only be sought as a confirmation of what God has already taught you. Often sharing your decisions with others also helps you clarify them in your own mind. Counsel from others, however, should be mainly in the area of principles, not blueprints. Carefully concerned and loving suggestions are not necessarily final or direct statements from God. True godly counsel of course will always line up with the Word of God and spiritual principles. Make sure you get advice from people who know you. They will be able to give you the best advice.

5. Use sound judgement by

a. Evaluating the desires of your heart. Why do you want to do this? How will it affect you? How will it affect others? Will it be something you might regret in the future?

b. Remembering what experience has taught you about this in the past.

What happened the last time you did this? What happened when other people did this? c. Examining a Pro’s Con list.

(Mt. 11:25; Acts 26:24-25; I Cor. 2:14-16; James 1:5)

6. Seek God’s answer in steady prayer. (Isaiah 58:9-11)

Prayer teaches us by experience what the presence of God is like, and how his voice sounds. Many do not recognize the call of God simply because they have never taken the time to really talk with Him long enough to know what He is like. It is not enough to know what he is like, you must know Him.

You might ask youth to fill in an important decision

in the Pros-Con’s list provided and then write

disadvantages on one side and advantages on

the other. Note that some things carry more weight and are more important

than others.

49

Notes


Illustration: Coins on sidewalkIf you were to walk along a sidewalk in a busy city, you probably would hear a lot of sounds. Many sounds would be drowning each other out. Yet interestingly enough, if you were to drop a quarter everyone close around would look. They have trained themselves to hear the sound of money.

7. Take a step of faith, but keep seeking God’s will. (Proverbs 16:1-4,9)

Instead of detailed blueprints, God gives us principles that we must sift our actions through. Many times, we really do not know which way to go and must just step out in faith according to our heart and let God take care of things.

Stay open to guidance once you step out. God would much rather use a person with pure motives in his heart going the wrong direction than someone wrongly motivated going in the right direction. He would also prefer to use someone that is moving than someone that is standing still. Moving objects are much easier to steer in the right direction. Pure motives are open to guidance.

This is my prayer for you: “...that your love may abound more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)

Pro’s / Con’s ListDecision to be made:

Choice 1: Choice 2:

Pros(Positive results)

Cons(Negative Results)



Are any of these Pros/Cons more important than others?

50Teacher’s Guide

A Trophy or Atrophy

51

Notes

A Trophy or Atrophy - Teacher’s Guide

Learning Objectives

II Timothy 4:7-8

Scripture


Christianity is a struggle, a race, and a life of faith. We must choose how we will live our lives. We will be held responsible for the choices we make. We must choose to live for Christ.

Activities & Hooks

The object lesson is not required, but creates a dramatic conclusion to the week’s studies. It

also encourages youth to make important decisions

based upon what they learned through the week.

IcebreakersPassing the FlameMaterials• Standard matches, 4.3cm long and 2mm square all round, one for

each participant.

• 1 Candle

Precautions This event should be held in an area that can take lit matches being dropped, that is fairly well ventilated, but has no draughts.

Instructions You may wish to split your group into teams. Each participant in the team stands 2’ away from the next person in a line, each holding their unlit match. At the end of the line is a single candle.The competition begins when the first person of each team lights his/her match and moves to the next person in line, lighting his/her match in sequence.If their matches go out, the first person may light a fresh one and continue from the start. The winning team is the first to pass the flame through all the members of their team and light the candle.

52

Notes


Discussion Starters

1. What did it feel like to have your match go out in the middle of the race? How did the other members of our team react?

2. What were some winning strategies you used?

3. How did it feel to be responsible for carrying your team’s flame?

4. What is the Christian race like in light of what we have learned this week?

53

Notes


A Trophy or Atrophy

Read: II Timothy 4:7-8

“I fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is on store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Paul is at the end of his life looking back. In doing so, he realizes that Christianity is a struggle, but he has fought well. He realizes that Christianity is a race, but he ran to the finish. He didn’t give up along the way. He realizes that Christianity is a life of faith—faith that he kept. He didn’t lose his trust in God. Finally, he realizes that he will be rewarded for the way he lived his life.

Christianity is a struggle, but I must fight.Christianity is a race, and I must keep running.Christianity is a life of faith, and I must trust God.

In doing these things, God will reward me.

The greatest reward is what someone becomes through the effort. The greatest reward is becoming all God created someone to be in his/her relationship with Him.

Illustrations:A woman who had been rich on earth was being conducted around heaven. She asked to see her home up there. Passing by a large place and about to enter, she was stopped. “That’s not yours,” said the angel. Shown other nice places, she asked, “Which is mine?” “None,” replied the angel, who finally took her to a one room shack. “Who would live here?” asked the lady. “This is your place,” said the angel. The shocked lady asked, “Why?” The angel replied, “If you had sent up better materials, we could have built you a nicer home.”

A Texan showed a preacher around his ranch. Pointing to the north, the man said, “As far as you can see, I own.” Then pointing to the east, then the south, then the west, he repeated, “As far as you can see, I own.” Finally, the preacher pointed up and asked, “How much do you own up there?”

Am I living my life for Christ? Why or why not?

What kind of materials am I sending up to heaven?


54

Notes


Take a Closer LookAtrophy: To Waste Away orA Trophy: A Reward or Honor

1. The Crown of Righteousness

a. A Trophy: Victory over sin and self (I Cor. 9:27; Ephesians 4:22-24; I Cor. 10:13)

Righteousness and holiness are a process of living a life that grows closer each day in likeness to God’s character, that grows in obedience to principles contained in His Word, and is less affected by the ways of the world.

b. Atrophy: Defeat by sin and self (I Thes. 2:12b; Romans 6:23)

Am I living a victorious Christian life or being defeated by sin?Do I let my desires control me or do I control my desires?

What are the results of being victorious over sin? What are some of the victories I have had in my life?

What are the consequences of being controlled by sin? What are some of the defeats I have had in my life?

2. The Crown of Life

a. A Trophy: Victory over death (I Cor. 15:56-57; John 17:3; I John 5:10-12)

Through belief in Christ, we can have eternal life. Christ is the only way for eternal life.

b. Atrophy: Defeat through unbelief that results in death (I John 5:10-12; Romans 6:23)

Have I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior? If yes, when? If no, why not? What is required for me to accept Christ as Savior?

55

Notes


Parable of the Talents

Read: Matthew 25:14-30

Teaching Instructions:Don’t spend too much time on the details of the parable, but instead, focus on the main point of it: 1) the good servants took what the master had given them and used it for his glory and were rewarded 2) the wicked servant did NOT use what he had been given and was thrown into a place of “darkness, wailing, and gnashing of teeth” (i.e. hell).

Money Object Lesson

MaterialsPaper currency of any denomination that you can afford to lose (The amount of money used is up to you. The greater the amount, the greater the impact, but a single dollar will make the point.)A bowl or metal trash canA lighter or matches

InstructionsNote: Keep the matches or lighter, and bowl hidden until you need them.

1. After reading and explaining the Parable of the Talents proceed with something similar to the following statement: “In conclusion, I am thinking about giving some money to the person who will give it to the most worthwhile cause.”

2. Ask each youth what they would honestly do with the money if you were to give it to them.

3. After all youth have answered respond with something similar to the following statement: “You’ve given me some very good ideas. I could spend it on some good things and some bad things, but what I think I will do is burn it. It is my money and I will do with it what I want!”

4. Light the bill over the bowl or wastebasket and after it burns just a little bit ask the youth what makes this piece of paper worth something. The answer is that others will give something to you for it.

How Can We Grow?

56

Notes


5. Light the bill again, and after it burns about a fourth of the way blow it out and ask youth what they think about you burning this money. After they respond you might make a statement similar to the following one: “I know you might feel frustrated that I would waste something that is so valuable to you, but think about how God must feel when we waste our lives. Sure, they are our lives to do with as we please, but you are valuable, too. God gave his Son’s life for you!”

6. Light the bill again and after it burns almost half-way blow it out and ask the youth, “At what point does this bill cease to have value?” The answer is you must have more than half left to redeem it.

7. Light the money a final time and as it burns explain that in life, we never know how much time we have left. Unlike the money, there is no definite point at which we can stop. We may think we can ignore God and spend our lives on foolish pleasure when we are young and then follow God when we are older, but we aren’t guaranteed tomorrow. Christ could come tonight or we could somehow die anytime in the future. We can choose to live like the good servants or we can choose to live like the wicked servants, the choice is ours.

8. After the bill is completely burned up, say something like the following: You might think I have wasted my money by burning it, but it will be worth every cent if even one of you decides to think seriously about what you are doing with your life.”

Student Guide

Study Series

1

Notes

Put On Your Running Shoes

The Spiritual Race

Read: I Cor. 9:24-27

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”


What might the following events represent in our spiritual race?

What event is your strongest spiritually? Why?

What event is your weakest spiritually? Why?

Take a Closer Look

100 meter sprint 100 meter hurdles200 meter sprint 200 meter hurdles400 meter sprint Steeplechase800 meter sprint1500 meter (mile) Marathon3000 meter Cross Country

Biathlon400 Meter Relay Triathlon800 Meter Relay Decathlon

2

NotesWhere are you in the Christian race? Explain your answer.

A. Outside the stadium H. Running BackwardsB. Watching the race I. I’ve left the track and went

for a hot dogC. On the starting lineD. Jogging around the track J. Standing in the middle of

the trackE. Walking around the trackF. Tripped and on the ground K. Running for the goalG. Picking myself up L. Injured

Characteristics of Good AthletesReread: I Cor. 9:24-27“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

What qualities, attitudes, and abilities does Paul demonstrate in the focal passage concerning his spiritual race?

a. Strength and confidence (II Cor. 12: 9-10; Phil. 4:13) “He does not run like a man running aimlessly”

1)

2)

3)

Illustration:

How Can We Grow?

3

Notes Do you ever feel the Christian life is impossible? Why?

What happens when personal strength gives out?

b. Self discipline (II Timothy 1:7) “He goes into strict training”

Why is training important?

c. His goal is to win “He does everything possible so that he will not be disqualified for

the prize”

1. He takes risks to do it

Illustration:

Is Christianity a risk? Why or why not?

2. Follows the rules (II Tim 2:5)

Illustration:

4

Notes Why are rules necessary in sports?

What are some of the rules in the Christian race?

What is your goal in the Christian walk? Are you running to win? Why or why not?

What does it take to win in the Christian race? What is a victorious Christian?

d. Cooperation and teamwork are important. Christianity is like a relay race. We must pass the faith along! Christianity is not a one man race. Each Christian has a leg of the race. We do not compete against each other.

Illustration:

What are some other characteristics of an athlete? How might they relate to our spiritual race?

1

Notes

Cross Training

Attitude CheckRead: I Timothy 4:8

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

A. A disciple’s greatest ___________ must be for Christ. (Luke 14:26)


Illustration:

To some Christ means _____________,

to others Christ means _____________,

and to others Christ means _____________.

What does Christ mean to me?


Make a list of the top ten things that are important to you. Then place a “1” beside the one most important to you, a “2” beside the second most important, etc.


2

NotesWhen you have to make a choice between these which ones do you choose most often? Is Christ number #1?

B. A disciple must be willing to give his ________ for Christ. (Luke 14:27)


Illustration:

“Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple”

Am I willing to go through the things Christ did because of my love for God? Why or why not?

C. A disciple must consider the ________ in following Christ (Luke 14:28-33).

Jim Elliot, a famous missionary said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

What are some things I would have a hard time giving up in order to follow Christ? Why?

Are these things really that important when compared with eternity in heaven with God? Why or why not?

3

Notes Take a Closer LookA Healthy Spiritual DietIllustration:

What are some things that people hear, read, see, know, think about, and do that affect the way they live? Which ones are healthy? Which ones are unhealthy? Those that are unhealthy are like junk food. Those that are healthy are what we need to focus on. What is the difference?


A. Three stages of Eating Etiquette (Hebrews 5:11-6:1)

1. Someone ___________ - you must be _________ everything. Hebrews 5:13 I Peter 2:2-3

2. You learn to ___________ - you can _________ things yourself. Hebrews 5:14

3. You learn to ___________ - you can _________ others Hebrews 5:12; II Timothy 2:2

Our goal is to ________ and be in the _________ stage where

we can _________ ourselves as well as _________ others.

4

NotesWhat stage am I in? Why? How can I get to stage three?

B. Five Spiritual Food Groups

1. The Spoken Word (Romans 10:17) We _______ it

2. The Written Word (I Tim 4:13) We _______ it

3. The Living Word (John 6:35-51) We _______ it

4. The Learned Word (Psalm 119:11) We _______ it

5. The Personalized Word (II Cor 3:2-3) We _______ it

Do I eat from all five spiritual food groups? Why or why not?

C. Four ways we can deal with the Word

1. Look at it - ____________________________________

2. Taste it - ____________________________________

3. Digest it - ____________________________________

4. Use it - ____________________________________

How do I deal with God’s Word?

5

NotesD. One must not only be careful about what one eats,

but ___________ one eats.

Athletes eat ___________ and ___________.

Illustration:

We “eat out” spiritually when we go to church, bible studies, and fellowship with other Christians.

We also have meals at home1. Personal Bible study2. Quiet times

Remember ___________ ___________ is the best way to

start your day while your ___________ ___________ are best

during the day.

How to have a Quiet time1. Have a regular and consistent time2. Get away from possible distractions3. Talk to God (pray)4. Listen to God (Bible and devotional reading)5. Apply to your life what you discover Am I as concerned about eating spiritually as I am about my physical meals? What are my spiritual eating habits like?

6

NotesExercise RightMt 13:11-17; 14:26

“The knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has, will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. This is why I speak to them in parables: though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing, but never understanding; you will be ever seeing, but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’”

How to Exercise Right

A) Do the right things

1. Christ is saying “______________________.”

Illustration:

Am I using the spiritual truths that I learn or do I immediately forget about them? When I learn something new that I should do, do I try to do it? When I learn that I am doing something I shouldn’t, do I try to stop?

2. Christ is saying that there is spiritual food (knowledge) available but the people must use it.

Illustration:

Do I have a willingness to learn new things about God and what he asks of me as a Christian?

How Can We Grow?

7

Notes3. Christ is saying that we must have a __________________. What does Proverbs 4:23 tell us?

Illustration:

Why is it important to guard my heart? How can I do it?

B) Do things Right

If you don’t ___________ it correctly, you won’t _____ it correctly when you need to do so. (Romans 7:15, 19)

Why do coaches insist their players practice the same plays over and over?

Do I do practice things in secret that I would be embarrassed about if Christian friends discovered? Am I living a double life that is different around my church friends than I do around other friends? What kind of habits am I forming?

1

Notes

Crossing the Goal

What’s in the Book?Read: Phil 3:12-14, 17-21“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.... Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of the pattern of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For as I have often told you before and now say again, even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their God is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

Take a Closer LookDon’t Give Up! “Press on toward the goal...”

“I determined never to stop until I had come to the end and had achieved my purpose” —David Livingston

a. Pressing forward implies that there will be ________________.

What are some things a Christian struggles against in his relationship with God? Which of these have you struggled with in the past?

b. If you are not pressing forward, you are __________________.

2

Notesc. Pressing forward is __________________, not just motion.

d. The ___________ of pressing forward produces __________. “No pain, no gain!”

d. If you are pressing forward, you will __________________ when you fall.

What are some of the things that trip us up as Christians?What are some things that have tripped you up in the past?

How do we pick ourselves back up after we fall? (I John 1:9)

Don’t Look Back! “Forgetting what is behind...”

What are some things that we leave behind as Christians? (Luke 9:57-62)

a. Leave behind the dependence upon __________________.

b. Leave behind the dependence upon __________________.

c. Forget the past and focus on __________________.

What are some things that Christians look back upon?

What are some things that Christians have a hard time giving up?Which of these things have you had a hard time giving up?

3

Notes How Can We Grow?Focus on the Goal

a. We must focus on the goal instead of the _________________.

What are some of your obstacles?

b. Obstacles can be ________________ or _______________.

Name some obstacles in your life that became stepping stones.

c. When you focus on the goal, the obstacles seem ____________.

d. We must focus on the ________________ goal if we are to win. (Phil 3:7-14).

Paul warns us against those whose goals are ______________:

1) Their destiny is __________________.

2) Their God is their __________________.

3) Their Glory is their __________________.

What are some of the goals Christians should pursue? What are your spiritual goals?

4

NotesDo What It Takes to Reach the Goal

The goal never moves closer to us, we must _____________ closer to the goal.

___________ at the goal, and __________ the goal isn’t enough.

We move closer to the goal through _____________.

What is self-discipline?

1) Discipline must be _____________.

Anyone can be a great _____________,

but Christians need to be great _____________.

2) Discipline must be _____________.

One _____________ can ruin a lifetime of good actions.

3) Discipline must be a personal _____________.

4) Discipline is a _____________.

What are some areas in your life in which you need to have more self-discipline?

1

Notes

Staying In Your Lane & On Track!

Where am I going? What direction do I run? Why am I here? How can I know which lane is mine? Am I on track? It is important that each of us

discover God’s course or plan for us. There will be challenges, the struggle will be tough, but the rewards will outweigh anything we could ever imagine.

Christians are heart-broken and pulled from all directions by the over-whelming sense of need in the world. It is impossible for one individual

to meet all these needs, nor can he expect to do so. In order to be most effective, we cannot spread ourselves out going in all directions anymore than a cross country runner can run down all the roads. We cannot just

throw up our hands and do nothing either. Ultimately we would get nowhere. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the

prize... therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.” (I Cor. 9:24,26) Can you imagine a football coach

telling his players to individually run wherever they want to go. What chaos would result, and with it they would achieve nothing. But, if each player

does his part towards a purpose, a goal is often achieved. We need to do the same with the individual activities in our lives. We need to focus on the

things we do toward the goal God has for us.

Dear God,

You know that 40ft, three-dimensional, full-color wall mural of your plan for my life I requested? I’m a little disappointed. All you sent me was a paint by number set. Not that I am complaining, but it has so many areas to be filled in that it is going to take me a lifetime to finish it! I started it last week, but then got bored of painting one color at a time and started switching colors. Even in those areas where I have worked very hard and filled in lots of numbers I cannot tell what it is going to be. I have a few general ideas, but really can’t make out anything. Would you mind sending me a wallet size miniature so I can know where I am headed?

I am having a really hard time staying in the lines and I keep letting my brush dry out. Even so, I am making progress. The instruction manual you sent me is long and complicated. Can’t you send me some simpler instructions? Is there anyway I can speed up the process? There are a lot of people watching me paint the plan for my life and they have a lot of helpful suggestions. How do I know which ones to listen to? Any help would be greatly appreciated. SOS— HELP!

An Honest Seeker,

P.S. I spend a lot of time of your toll-free customer service line. I really appreciate it. I know it cost you a lot.

Take a Closer Look

2

NotesKnowing God’s will is a _____________, a _____________, and a _____________.

1. It is a position of total _____________. (Romans 12:1-2)

The problem with “Living Sacrifices” is that we keep

________________ the altar.

If you look back at the past men of God who changed history you will discover that they were not special men. You will not often find the gifted men among their ranks. What you will find is men that knew and did the will of God for their individual lives. They only had to make themselves available, be willing to learn, and willing to obey.

Are you willing to make yourself available? Are you willing to learn? Are you willing to obey? Are you totally surrendered to God? Are you willing to give up everything for God?

“Be careful then how you live—not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)

In order to remain single-minded in purpose and focus, we will have to cut out some things in our lives. The things that pull us in other directions, the things that lead us down the wrong tracks, are not necessarily poor or bad things, but also the good things, the excellent things, the things that need to be done by someone. The things that need to be cut out are the things that are not our things—the things that are not part of God’s personal plan for us individually. We must leave the others up to him. As a matter of fact, He has someone picked out to do just those things in the same way he has picked you for your purpose.

2. It is a pursuit of _____________ to His word. (John 14:23; Mt 7:21; Dt 26:16)

“To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge. To do the will of God is the greatest achievement.”

Which of the above conditions are lacking in your life? why?

What do you need to do to grow and become more fruitful?

3. It is a process of taking one _____________________. (Proverbs 19:21)

3

NotesPrinciples of Practically Discovering God’s Will (The Seven S’s)

1. Make sure you are totally _____________ to God.

a. Committed to _____________. (Phil. 3:8; John 17:3)

b. Committed to _______________. (Acts 20:24; Mt 28:18-20)

c. Committed to a healthy relationship with God not hindered by unconfessed sin. (Psalm 24:3-6)

2. Read and try to understand the guidance of

_______________. (Psalm 119:11)

3. Listen to the _____________ of God (John 16:7-15)

God has three answers—“_______”, “_______”, and “_________”. Sometimes God must wait until others are ready, or until we are truly ready. “Wait” is the most difficult answer, but sometimes it is the most necessary.

4. Seek _____________ _____________ from mature Christians who know you. (Prov. 15:22; 12:15; 13:10)

5. Use _____________ _____________ by

a. Evaluating the desires of your heart. Why do you want to do this? How will it affect you? How will it affect others? Will it be something you might regret in the future?

b. Remembering what experience has taught you about this in the past.

What happened the last time you did this? What happened when other people did this? c. Examining a Pro’s Con list.

(Mt. 11:25; Acts 26:24-25; I Cor. 2:14-16; James 1:5)

How Can We Grow?

4

Notes6. Seek God’s answer in _____________ _____________.

(Isaiah 58:9-11)

7. Take a _____________ _____________, but keep seeking God’s will. (Proverbs 16:1-4,9)

Stay open to guidance once you step out. God would much rather use a person with pure motives in his heart going the wrong direction than someone wrongly motivated going in the right direction. He would also prefer to use someone that is moving than someone that is standing still. Moving objects are much easier to steer in the right direction. Pure motives are open to guidance.

This is my prayer for you: “...that your love may abound more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)

Pro’s / Con’s ListDecision to be made:

Choice 1: Choice 2:





Are any of these Pros/Cons more important than others?

1

Notes

A Trophy or Atrophy

What’s in the Book?A Trophy or Atrophy

Read: II Timothy 4:7-8

“I fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is on store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Christianity is a __________________, but I must _____________.

Christianity is a __________________, and I must _____________.

Christianity is a __________________, and I must _____________.

In doing these things, God will __________________.

The greatest reward is what someone becomes through the effort. The greatest reward is becoming all God created someone to be in his/her relationship with Him.

Illustrations:

Am I living my life for Christ? Why or why not?

What kind of materials am I sending up to heaven?

2

Notes Take a Closer LookAtrophy: To Waste Away orA Trophy: A Reward or Honor

1. The Crown of ___________________

a. A Trophy: Victory over sin and self (I Cor. 9:27; Ephesians 4:22-24; I Cor. 10:13)

Righteousness and holiness are a _____________ of living

a life that grows _____________ each day in likeness to

God’s _____________, that grows in _________________ to

principles contained in His Word, and is ___________________

by the ways of the _____________.

b. Atrophy: Defeat by sin and self (I Thes. 2:12b; Romans 6:23)

Am I living a victorious Christian life or being defeated by sin?Do I let my desires control me or do I control my desires?

What are the results of being victorious over sin? What are some of the victories I have had in my life?

What are the consequences of being controlled by sin? What are some of the defeats I have had in my life?

3

Notes

How Can We Grow?

2. The Crown of ___________________

a. A Trophy: Victory over death (I Cor. 15:56-57; John 17:3; I John 5:10-12)

Through __________ in Christ, we can have _____________.

Christ is the __________ way for _____________.

b. Atrophy: Defeat through unbelief that results in death (I John 5:10-12; Romans 6:23)

Have I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior? If yes, when? If no, why not? What is required for me to accept Christ as Savior?

Parable of the TalentsRead: Matthew 25:14-30

“Unleash An Unstoppable Torrent Of Youth Ministry Resources That Youth Are Guaranteed To Love...

Best Of All It’s Free!”Discover the Ultimate Youth Ministry Resource with almost 1,500 unique ideas.

What’s more, new ideas are added all the time! Better yet, you can access this growing, SEARCHABLE library of incredible ideas ANYTIME and ANYWHERE. Forget about going out and buying those expensive youth books that only give you a couple dozen ideas, most of which you can’t even use. Yes, I’ve wasted a lot of money doing that too. I’m offering the best teaching ideas, illustrations, devotionals, curriculums, games, icebreakers, object lessons, sermons, inspirational stories, and training materials gathered from over 20 years of experience at ABSOLUTELY NO COST to you.

Not only can you access the website free anytime, but when you sign up for the mailing list you get an idea of the week, every week in your email that you can immediately use for your youth events.

Access is free atwww.CreativeYouthIdeas.com

A Few Sample Testimonials

“Thanks for all the fantastic resources, I use many of your ideas regularly and always look forward to your encouraging emails. Though we’ve never met it’s good to feel you are partnering with me in my work with the youth of our church over here in Kent, England!” – Susan Wood, Kent, England

You have no idea how much I appreciate YOU and your ministry. I look forward to your email every week!!! I have taken on a new ministry for after-school children who have never heard the gospel. So, your ideas give me an amazing object lesson every week! In addition, I lead Children’s Worship on Sundays. – Florence McClure

Oh my goodness!!! This site has SAVED MY LIFE!!! It is awesome! I just “inherited” a group of young people that didn’t know ANYTHING about the Word and now I have all these resources! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! God Bless!! – Cassandra Byrd, North Carolina, USA

I’d like to say huge THANK YOU for sharing your amazing ideas with us. I find your ideas very useful, stimulating and inspiring. Most of all kids like your games and activities. Your websites makes my teaching easier and it’s more fun for both kids and me – Zuzana, Slovakia

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Creative Object LessonsThe only resource you will ever need to help you use no-fail object lessons simply and effectively!

“Creative Object Lessons” is a 200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains more than 90 full lessons (and unlimited variations) to get your creative juices flowing! It also contains hundreds of starter ideas and everything else you need to help you prepare your own!

What most of us need isn’t a complete “I’ll-tell-you-everything-you-just-follow-the-instructions” solution. Part of the fun is opening our eyes to see object lessons in our homes, on the street, on the train, EVERYWHERE! All you’re probably looking for is a push in the right direction and enough reassurances that whatever you’re about to try won’t fall flat - a few ideas to spark off the creativity you already have inside you. Maybe all you need is a little help, a few pointers, and plenty of no-fail examples to take your Object Lessons from “great” to “awesome”.

That’s why in addition to the 90 complete “I’ll-tell-you-everything-you-just-follow-the-instructions” Object lessons I have also included chapters with pointers and guidelines to find object lessons, prepare them, and teach them effectively.

This resource comes in an ebook (PDF) downloadable format that is fully searchable. And you can download it and start using it in mere minutes! Buy it once, then send copies to all of your leaders!

Only USD $24.97 Get your copy of “Creative Object Lessons”

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Are Your Youth BoredWith Playing The SameOld Icebreaker Games?Discover What You and Your Youth Have Been Missing Out On...

52 of the best icebreakers of all time are right here. I didn’t just pick these icebreakers out of someone else’s book or pull them off websites. We’ve personally used, tweaked and perfected each and every one of these icebreakers personally from more than 30 years combined youth ministry experience in countries all around the world.

All of these ideas require little or no materials. They don’t need a lot of preparation. The instructions are simple. AND...All of them come with applications for you to take the game to the next level.

How much would you expect to pay for icebreaker ideas of such quality in your local bookstore or on the internet? $54.97? $34.97? My special price to you is $19.97!

What are you waiting for? Discover what hundreds of other youth leaders are already using today. Don’t dawdle and waste more time thinking about it. It’s time to act. Get your hands on all these icebreakers in “Icebreakers Ahead: Take it to the Next Level” for this amazing low price.

Only USD $19.97 Get your copy of

”Icebreakers Ahead: Take It to the Next Level”in just minutes.

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Creative Scavenger HuntsEverything you need to plan, create, and run a successful Scavenger Hunt!

Scavenger Hunts are great fun for all ages! You can adjust them for any level of difficulty, different interests, and different levels of physical ability (special needs groups included). Easily adapt them to fit a variety of themes and party ideas. You can plan for an icebreaker that will take a few minutes or a camp that will take the whole day. And all the ideas are fully customizable to suit YOUR unique needs.

Scavenger Hunts are a great opportunity to build group relationships, encourage teamwork, and have a lot of fun as participants are stretched and prodded to think outside the box. Participants discover hidden talents, stretch their creativity, and find treasured new friendships in the process. Scavenger hunt ideas are a great way to bring a holiday party, event or special occasion to life.

Include puzzling clues, and difficult tasks to be accomplished, or keep it to a simple scavenger hunt list. In some scavenger hunts you collect objects, while in others you collect snapshots, video footage, or simply solve the clues to find a final treasure or location.

“Once Lost, Now Found: Creative Scavenger Hunts” is a 160 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own scavenger hunt. Discover more than 50 ideas (and unlimited variations) to get your creative juices flowing! It also contains a very detailed checklist to help you cover every area needed to conduct a successful scavenger hunt. Rules, Safety tips, Guidelines, Scoring, hints for facilitators and more. It contains thousands of items to put on your scavenger list. There are ideas to use at home, around the neighborhood, at the mall, in the park, on the beach, at church, and around town!


“Once Lost, Now Found: Creative Scavenger Hunts” in just minutes.

Learn more at

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Creative Christmas IdeasGet more than 200 Christmas Ideas from Creative Youth Ideas and start planning your Christmas Party IMMEDIATELY!

I have collected the most creative Christmas materials together in a convenient format for you to easily download and print.• Imagine being able to have the Christmas Ideas in a

simplified, easily printable format without needing to search through the website.

• How would you like to be able to access all the ideas through an index where you can just click on the title and go straight to the page you want?

• How would you like to be able to copy and paste an idea into your favorite word processor to create your own customised lesson plan?

• How would you like to have all the ideas now, immediately, before you leave this website?

• Take your ideas with you as an adobe acrobat PDF file so that you can access the ideas from anywhere, even if there is no internet connection.

I can remember all the times I have spent late nights thoughout my 20 years of youth ministry trying to think of just the right idea for that youth party, for that children’s sermon, or to create that special event that will be talked about for weeks!

That’s why I have created an ebook in PDF format that includes an index with bookmarks to all the most creative ideas. It couldn’t be easier! Now you can spend your time actually planning the event instead of looking for ideas! You will get more than 200 ideas including games, icebreakers, devotions, illustrations, object lessons and MUCH MORE!


“Creative Youth Ideas: Christmas Collection”

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Creative Easter IdeasGet more than 80 Easter Ideas and start planning your Youth Easter Party in the next 5 minutes!

These Easter games and Ideas can be used, not only for youth groups, but for schools, company meetings, family gatherings, community events, and social clubs, Use them for parties, on company retreats, family get-togethers, School Easter parties, and more!

Whatever the occasion, you’ll find a Easter idea in here appropriate to it. Included are Easter games, get to know you questions, object lessons, teaching ideas and wacky activities from mild to wild! From children to Senior citizens!

Now you can spend your time actually planning your Easter Party or Easter / Good Friday event instead of looking for game ideas to make Easter memorable!

This is an electronic book (e-book) that can be downloaded to your computer in a flash. Which means you can be reading it and discovering all these wonderful ideas in as little as 5 minutes from now! No wait! No shipping charges! Use the search feature and you can find every icebreaker, game, object lesson and teaching idea based on any key word or theme. It couldn’t be easier! You can’t do that with a traditional book!

As an ADDED benefit, I allow you to print it out (or email a copy) to the leaders and staff on your ministry team. That means you don’t have to purchase multiple copies like you would with a physical book. (Just please don’t give it to those outside your own ministry team.)


“Creative Youth Ideas: Easter Collection” in just minutes.

Learn more at

www.CreativeEasterIdeas.com

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Creative Holiday Ideas“Never Feel Frustrated Looking For Ideas During The Holiday Season Ever Again!”

Introducing our top selling resource to help you plan Junior High, High School, and even college age events and parties for New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween or Fall Festival, and Thanksgiving. You don’t need to start from scratch planning your event, finding the resources, looking for a theme, and somehow relating it to God. We’ve already done it for you.

You’ll find game ideas, creative teaching ideas, icebreakers, object lessons, illustrations, and humor to to suit pretty much every occassion throughout the year. We’ve given you enough ideas to fill over 300 pages of resource material to put into your hands to tide you through the holiday seasons. We really didn’t want you to be too flustered searching for ideas when you should be enjoying the holidays with your friends and family. Inside Creative Holiday Ideas, you’ll find:• 43 New Year’s Day Ideas,• 46 Valentine’s Day Ideas,• 39 Mother’s Day Ideas,• 33 Father’s Day Ideas.• 26 Halloween or Fall Festival Ideas,• 38 Thanksgiving Ideas,

For Christmas ideas, be sure to check out Creative Youth Ideas: Christmas Collection.And for Easter ideas, check out Creative Youth Ideas: Easter Collection!


“Creative Youth Ideas: Holiday Collection” in just minutes.

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www.CreativeHolidayIdeas.comto learn more!

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Who Do You Say that I Am?Jesus asked the disciples, "Who do others say that I am?” It was easy to answer because it required no conviction, no commitment, and no risk. But then he follows that question with another, "Who do YOU say that I am?"

It was a simple but profound question and one that each of us must still answer today. Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Then Jesus responded, “Blessed are you…. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” It was a defining moment for Peter and he would spend the rest of his life figuring out what that answer meant for who he was and how he lived.

Jesus was many things to many different people. Certainly if you are the Alpha and Omega, you must be everything in between! In the these lessons and activities, my objective is to bring each participant into a functional relationship with Jesus Christ so that each person KNOWS who Christ is to him or her.

There are 7 Primary Bible study Sessions in the series, but you can pick and choose from these for a shorter youth camp:

• Jesus the Life Saver• Jesus, My Friend• Jesus, Fear Slayer• Jesus, the Healer• Jesus, The Obedient• Jesus, The Spirit-Powered Man• Jesus, The Cleanser

This Bible Study Series comes in an ebook (PDF) downloadable format that includes both a teacher's guide and student worksheets. And you can download it in minutes! Buy it once, then send copies to all of your leaders! Make as many student copies as you want. It’s great for a camp or for a weekly Bible Study series.

Only USD $19.97 Get a copy of “Who do You Say that I am?” in just minutes at

www.creativeyouthideas.com/resources/whodoyousay.html

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Fruit of the SpiritDiscover the fruitful, abundant life that Jesus promised.

While Jesus walked the earth, He painted two beautiful pictures of what it meant to be His disciple. The first was “the Parable of the Sower and the Soils” and it revolved around seed being planted in various soils. The seed planted in the good soil not only flourished, but produced fruit in abundance. His teaching was meant to be implanted in a person’s heart, to take root, to grow, and eventually to culminate in a fruitful life.

The second picture is in John 15:1-6 where Jesus refers to himself as the vine and his disciples as the branches. The result of His disciples’ relationship of abiding in Him and His words is that they would bear much fruit.

There are 7 Primary Bible study Sessions in the series, but you can pick and choose from these for a shorter youth camp: - “The Good Soil” - “Pulling Weeds” - “Planting Seeds” - “Drawing from the Source” - “The Fruitful Life” - “Pruning” - “Tree-mendou Fruit”

This Bible Study Series comes in an ebook (PDF) downloadable format that includes both a teacher's guide and student worksheets. And you can download it in minutes! Buy it once, then send copies to all of your leaders! Make as many student copies as you want. It’s great for a camp or for a weekly Bible Study series.

Only USD $19.97 Get your copy of “Fruit of the Spirit” in just minutes.

Learn more at www.creativeyouthideas.com/resources/fruitofthespirit.html

http://www.creativeyouthideas.com/resources/fruitofthespirit.htm

A Whale of a Tale?Jonah could be called the “Reluctant Evangelist.” “Don’t send me to Ninevah? God, you mean I have to love them and preach to them so that they can be spared your wrath? They don’t deserve your grace! Can’t you send someone else?” For whatever reason, we are often reluctant witnesses ourselves. We have our own prejudices. And like Jonah, sometimes God has to get our attention, sometimes in dramatic ways in order to impress upon us his heart for the lost.

This Bible Study series uses the life of Jonah to teach the basic truths of obedience to God’s call to be an evangelist to the lost. By looking at one man’s personal story, we see not only God’s teaching but a practical example often reflecting our own struggles and difficulties. Because it is easy for us to relate,God’s truth becomes much more real and personal!

You’ll explore how principle characters probably felt and how they responded. Then you’ll explore how each of us would also feel and respond in similar circumstances. We are able to see Jonah from beginning to end, his disobedience and his obedience, his faults and his triumphs, his bad attitudes and his good ones.

Student questions take the form of multiple choice with options. At times the options provided are seem humorous and while we might laugh or shake our head at Jonah’s actions, we will soon realise we do the same things ourselves. Each key point takes the form of a rhyme and is applied both to Jonah’s situation and to ours.

This ebook is in an downloadable format (PDF) format that includes both a teacher’s guide and student worksheets. You can have it in mere minutes. The Teacher’s guide explains the options and comes with an additional commentary on the book of Jonah. Student worksheets are found at the end of the teacher’s guide and are intended to be printed on three sheets of letter-size paper (front and back) and folded in half. Make as many copies as you need of the teacher’s guide and student worksheets. It couldn’t be easier!


“A Whale of a Tale” in just minutes.

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The Great Adventure“The Great Adventure” is western themed Bible study series loosely based around the song of the same name by Steven Curtis Chapman.

There are 8 Bible study Sessions in the series:• Saddle Up: The Journey of Faith - To begin the “Great Adventure”

we must “Saddle Up” our faith. We must pack our bags and prepare for the journey. Only God knows where our faith will then take us! Abram, before he was called Abraham, began a similar adventure.

• Pony Express: The Bible as a Letter from God - The Pony Express delivered the mail in the early days of the West. Mail was loaded into saddle bags and carried by riders upon horses. The Bible is like one of those saddle bags in that it contains letters. Yet the letters in it are to God’s people, written by God and delivered by his prophets, disciples, and other men that He chose. To read the Bible is to read God’s letters to YOU!

• Jail Break: Freedom from Sin - The jailhouse was a common feature in most towns of the Old West. Wanted Posters were placed around the town with the photos of famous outlaws and bandits. It was the local Sherriff’s duty, with his star badge to make sure all the lawbreakers were captured and locked away. In the Kingdom of God, all of us are lawbreakers as well. But Christ didn’t put on the sherriff’s badge, six-shooter, and cowboy hat to lock us away. In fact, he came to set all prisoners free!

• Trailblazing: The Wide and Narrow Paths - As the first wagon trains and settlers traveled west, they not only cut the trail and found the mountain passes, but also marked them clearly so that others would be able to follow. Known as trailblazing, markers might be as simple as a pile of stones or a hatchet chop to a tree that would help others to find the correct route. Christ taught us how to find the route to God. Are you willing to follow the trail?

• Tracking: Knowing God’s Will - Where am I going? How do get there? What signs mark the path? What direction should I take? It is important that each of us discover the path that God wants us to take in life. There will be challenges and adventure. The struggles will be tough, but the rewards will outweigh anything we could ever imagine. Every Christian must learn to recognize the call of God, to recognize the signs along his path, and to follow God’s directions for his individual life.

• The Blacksmith’s Shop: Tools to be Used by God - The blacksmith begins to pound, envisioning what the tool was planned for, making it sharper, more durable, useful. The pounding and melting down of the metal is not comfortable or easy. Change is never easy, but over time the flaws are removed, the cracks are filled, and the impurities are burned away. The dull becomes sharp. The crooked becomes straight. The weak becomes strong. The useless becomes useful. Then we are plunged into water & the moldable becomes the strong tool to be used!

• The Christian Frontier: Becoming Christlike - What is the new frontier for new believers? In actuality it is as much the journey as the destination, but the ultimate aim for all believers is to become Christlike in character, attitudes and actions.

• Gold Rush: Salvation - No story of the wild west would be complete without the tales of the gold rush. Many men gave up everything to find it. For Christians, heaven is described as having streets of “gold.” In John 3:1-21 God gives Nicodemus directions to get to the streets of Gold. Those same directions are a map for us today, to find the greatest treasure mankind has ever known!

This ebook is in an downloadable format (PDF) format that includes both a teacher’s guide and student worksheets. You can have it in mere minutes. Make as many copies as you need of the teacher’s guide and student worksheets. It couldn’t be easier!

Only USD $19.95 Get your copy of “The Great Adventure” in just minutes.

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Destined to WinDiscover the amazing plan that God has for your life right now with this sports-themed Bible Study Series

Knowing our destination and the direction we are heading in are essential to planning every journey. Our spiritual journey is no different. But then, as with any trip, things rarely go as planned; in fact, if there’s one thing you can expect, it’s the unexpected.

Our responsibility as youth leaders and teachers and ministers is to help guide our youth in dealing with the choices they have to make every day - to point them in the direction of their eternal destiny. That’s no easy task. The best description I’ve found in the Bible about our Christian walk is one that Paul wrote about running the race. And that’s the focus of this study.

These lessons are designed to help youth in their spiritual development and it doesn’t matter if they’re pre-believers, new Christians, mature in the faith, or backslided. This study is meant to reach out to youth at any level, at any point in their spiritual race. In any race, many lose their way. If we’re honest with ourselves, I believe everyone of us have. My desire is for you to be able to use this tool to challenge your youth to take that next bold step of faith to love God more, to be more disciplined in their pursuit of the King. And those who have been sidetracked and hurt will find restoration through this study and will no longer stand defeated but be truly victorious winners in the Kingdom of God.

This Bible Study Series comes in an ebook (PDF) downloadable format that includes both a teacher’s guide and student worksheets. And you can download it in minutes! Buy it once, then send copies to all of your leaders! Make as many student copies as you want. It’s great for a camp or for a weekly Bible Study series.


“Destined to Win” in just minutes.

Learn more at www.CreativeYouthIdeas.com/destinedtowin.html

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Go For the GoldSharing the gospel has never been easier with this Olympics-themed Study Series

Who is Jesus and what did He ever do for me? For some of our youth groups, most have been brought up knowing about Jesus and the message of salvation. But what about the other youths who are part of your communities?

What if you could reach the youth in your community with the truth of the gospel with a simple message that they could relate to? Something that just as they have heard and received the good news, they can now tell their friends and take up the call to “make disciples of every nation”. What if you could relate the message of Salvation with the largest international sporting event in history?

The Olympic Games is all about the spirit of healthy competition where the most important thing is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well. The similarities with our faith are startling! Our Christian walk is not so much about the end of it, as much as it is growing in intimacy, step by step, learning to love God more, struggling with our flesh, participate in God’s plan for us and be faithful to our calling.

These lessons are designed to be a road map to Salvation and are best done with the pre-believing friends of your youth or Christians who are new to the faith. You may also wish to have more mature Christians use this study as a tool to share the Good News to their friends and loved ones.

This Bible Study Series comes in an ebook (PDF) downloadable format that includes both a teacher’s guide and student worksheets. And you can download it in minutes! Buy it once, then send copies to all of your leaders! Make as many student copies as you want. It’s great for a camp or for a weekly Bible Study series.


“Go for the Gold” in just minutes.

Learn more at www.creativeyouthideas.com/goforthegold.html

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Creative Sermon Ideas“All The Help You Need To Prepare Powerful, Life-Changing Youth Sermons That Will Turn Your Preaching Around And Make Your Youth Sit Up And Listen!”

Inside Creative Sermon Ideas, you’ll discover and learn how to prepare and preach sermons that will impact and empower your youth. This includes:

• A general guide to understanding the different parts of the Bible (even the difficult passages),

• In depth explanations of the rationale behind each step; the ‘why’ the ‘what’ you need to do,

• How to study the Bible and figure out the meaning of any given passage in the Bible,

• How to expand on that idea in the passage,• How to put all that study together into a sermon outline,• How to use illustrations to keep your youth interested and

understand the point you’re making,• Techniques you can use to improve your vocal delivery.

“Creative Sermon Ideas” is a 100 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own sermons. It contains all that you need to get you started and everything else you need to help you prepare and present your own sermon. Order your copy today and you’ll get the following bonuses!

BONUS #1 – Ultimate Youth Sermon LibraryBONUS #2 – Awesome Preaching Calendar GuideBONUS #3 – Step-by-Step Sermon Prep Checklist


“Creative Sermon Ideas” in just minutes.

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