“Overflowing with Thankfulness”
1. Prayer
2. Scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
3. Notice how this is said. “In every thing give thanks”. Even in bad times there are things we can be thankful for. (give examples…)
4. Next week we will be celebrating a holiday we call “Thanksgiving”. We all know why we do this. It is a holiday in which we set aside a time to show God how thankful we are for His provision…
5. I want to do an illustration to sort of help us get a better picture of what it means to be overflowing with thanksgiving. (put water, dawn soap in a clear container; when finished adding acorns put in a bit of white vinegar. The water will overflow…) (have the container sitting on a cookie sheet or something to catch the overflow.)
I’m going to use these acorns… (Have each student tell at least one thing they are thankful for & drop an acorn in the water.
6. Talk about how we are to be like the mighty oak tree.
- An oak tree can grow up to 80 ft tall
- Oak trees are known as one of the strongest trees on earth
- Most oak trees can withstand hurricanes & tornadoes
- Oak trees produce over 10,000 acorns in just one season
- Oak trees grow their roots 3 – 7 times further than the tree trunk reaching way out from the trunk.
7. God wants us to be like that oak tree. We need to grow as strong in the Lord as we can so we can overcome the storms that life may throw at us. As Christians we should be constantly reaching out to others to show them God’s way…
8. Now we will go over our finished Christmas Skit. (Hand them out & work some on it. We will probably work on it much more starting next week.)
Christmas 101
SS Christmas Skit 2022
(student comes on platform with a sign that reads: Trailblazer’s SS Class “Christmas 101”)
- Ethan enters carrying a box of Christmas lights & other decorations… ie… tree, lights…
Ethan: (Grumbling all the time saying things like:)
- This is ridiculous!!
- This is just a waste of time!!
- (while holding up a string of lights) My poor electric BILL!!
- Rest of the class now enters the platform.
Leah: What are you doing?
Ethan: I have to decorate the outside of our house. I have so much I need to get done. I wish Christmas never existed! What’s the big deal anyway?!
Annalise: I really enjoy Christmas!
Ethan: Whatever! I need to check these lights to see if they are working. (he plugs up the lights & gets a BIG shock which throws him to the floor) (can have an electric shock sound effect that the sound booth can play over the speakers when he gets the shock)
- Everyone rushes to Ethan to see if he is alright!
Ashlynn: I’m an international nurse! I can check him out! (she pulls out a stethoscope)
- Ethan stands up & his hair is standing on end… (has a wig on)
Ben: Here’s my comb. Please fix your hair!! (it is a giant comb)
Ethan: (refuses the comb) There’s nothing wrong with my hair!! In fact, there’s nothing wrong with me at all!! (smoothing down his hair)
Avalon: Oh yes there is something wrong with you!
- Everyone agrees
Anna: His problem is he’s a Scrooge!!
Leah: I think it’s time for Christmas 101!
Anna: I totally agree!
Leah: (Grabs a chair & sits it behind Ethan & says) SIT!
(takes charge) (Leah will call on each student to share with Ethan about Christmas.)
Anna: We don’t know exactly what day it was, but it was no doubt a special day. Even God’s angels were excited & made the announcement of Jesus being born!
Annalise: YES!! The angel said, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord!”
Ashlynn: After that all the angels said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Avalon: All the time these angels were praising God right there in front of the shepherds! The shepherds were so amazed they wanted to go see this Saviour that had been born.
Leah: They didn’t waste any time either! The Bible says they came with haste! That means they were in a hurry! The shepherds were excited & we should be too!
Ashlynn: Without Christmas there would be no blood shed on the Cross!
Annalise: Without Christmas there wouldn’t be a borrowed Tomb!
Avalon: Without Christmas there would have never been the Resurrection!
Leah: Without Christmas there would be no JESUS!!
- Everyone gasps!!
Ethan: (shoots out of chair) That would be TERRIBLE!! Then there would be NO HOPE!!
- Ethan continues to panic. Everyone decides he needs to be checked out, so they start pulling him off the platform.
Ethan: I don’t have time for this! I need to finish celebrating Christmas! You know… Celebrate Jesus…!!!
- As they exit one of the students holds up a sign that says:
This is a True Story
The Names Have Not Been Changed
What Will You Do With Jesus?
“What Is Thanksgiving?”
1. Prayer
2. Scripture
Psalm 100:4
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
3. Do “Thankful Sticky Notes”
The object of this game is to encourage students to really take time and thank God for everything that He has blessed them with by giving them each a sticky notepad and pen.
Explain to students that even though people focus on being thankful around the Thanksgiving holiday, we should carry out thankfulness every single day, all year round.
Explain to students that once they each receive a sticky notepad and pen, they will have up to 10 minutes to try and use every single piece of paper in their sticky notepad by writing one thing that they are thankful for on each piece of paper.
After they write what they are thankful for on their piece of paper they have to stick it on one wall within the room.
4. Fun Thanksgiving Trivia.
Question: Do turkeys actually gobble?
Answer: Only male turkeys actually gobble. Female turkeys cackle instead.
Question: How much pumpkin pie do Americans eat every Thanksgiving?
Answer: An estimated 50 million pumpkin pies are devoured every November.
According to The American Pie Council, more Americans prefer apple pie overall — pumpkin pie only comes in second place.
Question: How did Thanksgiving start?
Answer: Colonists in New England and Canada regularly observed “thanksgivings,” days of prayer for such blessings as safe journeys, military victories, or abundant harvests. Americans model their holiday on a 1621 harvest feast shared between English colonists and the Wampanoag Indians.
True or False: One of America’s founding fathers suggested the turkey, rather than the bald eagle, be the national U.S. bird.
TRUE– Benjamin Franklin, in 1784, suggested the wild turkey would be a more appropriate national bird, instead of the bald eagle, because, though silly and vain, turkeys are more respectable birds.
True or False: Harry Truman began a tradition of turkey pardons.
TRUE– In 1947, Truman started the presidential turkey pardon, which is still a tradition today. It is rumored that Abraham Lincoln unofficially began this tradition, however, when he pardoned his son Tad’s pet turkey.
True or False: Eating turkey does in fact make you sleepy.
TRUE– Turkeys contain an amino acid, tryptophan, which is a natural sedative. Though eating turkey likely contributes to post-meal sleepiness, it is more feasible that the sleepiness is a result of the large amount of food eaten, as well as the carbohydrates and fats consumed with the turkey during the traditional Thanksgiving meal.
True or False: Native Americans used cranberries for more than just cooking – the fruit was used as a medicine too.
TRUE– Native Americans used cranberries for cooking, but they also used them as medicine to treat arrow punctures and other wounds. They also used the fruit to dye fabric. The name “cranberry” came from the Pilgrims – the drooping pink blossoms in the spring reminded them of a crane.
True or False: There were no kids at the first Thanksgiving.
FALSE: Of the 50 Pilgrims who celebrated the first Thanksgiving in the fall of 1621, almost half were kids!
True or False: The Pilgrims invited 90 Indians to their feast.
FALSE: The Pilgrims invited the Indians, but they didn’t expect 90 people to show up to their feast! However, they were happy to have them. The Indians stayed for three days, hunting to provide more food for the feast.
True or False: Pilgrims wore all black.
FALSE: Pilgrims actually liked colors and wore very colorful clothes.
Fun Thanksgiving Jokes
- What’s the best way to stuff a turkey?
Serve him lots of pizza and ice cream!
- Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
The outside!
- If pilgrims traveled on the Mayflower, what do college students travel on?
Scholar ships.
- What smells the best at a Thanksgiving dinner?
Your nose.
- What happened when the turkey got into a fight?
He got the stuffing knocked out of him!
- What’s the most musical part of a turkey?
The drumstick.
- What do you call a running turkey?
Fast food.
| “God’s Way or the World’s Way” |
1. Prayer
2. Scripture
Joshua 24:15
“…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
3. In The Beginning:
When God created mankind, He created us to have a perfect relationship with Him. When sin entered the world thru Adam & Eve, that perfect relationship was broken. Since that moment in time everyone has spent their whole life trying to find a relationship that will fill that emotional/spiritual emptiness we all feel due to sin.
Some try to fill it with “the love of money”, “the feeling of power over others, lies, Entertainment, Religion”… Ever heard the saying or even said, “Well, we’re all trying to get to the same place.” They’re talking about getting to Heaven.
Well, let’s listen to what Jesus, himself, had to say:
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
4. Mixed Views:
I didn’t grow up around Christians or church. When I became a Christian, I had very little knowledge about the things of God. In fact, the knowledge I did have was very mixed with worldly views that were unbiblical.
There are multitudes of people dealing with the same thing today. We must have a heart that desires the absolute truth of God’s word. We cannot afford to allow the world’s way of thinking to be a part of our way of thinking. The devil does everything he can to draw people away from God’s Way. Be Careful!!
John 10:10
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:…”
5. Halloween:
We are approaching a time of year that contains a lot of pitfalls of mixing God’s way with the World’s way. You may think this is harmless, but nothing should be considered harmless that has the potential of leading you away from God’s truth. This is very dangerous!!!
The Bible does not mention the word Halloween. However, both the ancient origins of Halloween and its modern customs show it to be a celebration based on false beliefs about the dead and invisible spirits, or demons.
1 Corinthians 10:20-21
“But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.”
6. When Did Modern-day Halloween Get Started?
Halloween is an ancient tradition associated with images of witches, ghosts and vampires. Today, Halloween has evolved into a celebration characterized by child-friendly activities like trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, and dressing in costumes. Is it wrong to dress up? Of course not. When I was growing up I loved to dress up like my Mom. I wanted to be a big girl. :o) Or we could think about Christmas skits dressing like Bible characters to portray the birth of Christ. ..
7. It should be obvious from a Christian perspective that many modern practices of Halloween and days of the dead have evil intent.
There has been considerable paganism that has been associated with Halloween over the years. Even evil acts such as vandalism, fires, destructive pranks, glorification of sensuality, death, and demons are in strong opposition to the fruit of the Spirit we find in Galatians 5:19–23 (can read)
So, a word of caution must be given to Christians who promote some of the questionable modern practices of Halloween.
8. A Very Popular Holiday:
In the United States (and other countries), Halloween has become one of the most popular unofficial holidays. On the upside, retail sales boost the economy around this holiday.
On the downside, the holiday has become a time of increased crime in many places (especially arson and other acts of violence) on Halloween night as well as the night before. A friend of ours, Bodie Hodge, was speaking on “Halloween & Christians” said his house was robbed one Halloween by forced entry. So, although the retail industry loves Halloween, many police officers and insurance companies dread it! Of course, there is also a tremendous amount of occult activity associated with this holiday.
The Devil loves to mix untruth with truth & he does in many of our holidays, but Halloween is not a mixture, it is completely satanic. The world has mixed fun into it to draw people to it, but there is nothing Biblical about Halloween at all!
Leviticus 19:31
“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.”
9. A Deeper Look:
This may come as a surprise to many, but Halloween is a real, sacred day for those involved in witchcraft. In fact, it is one of two high and holy days for them. I’m not going into deep detail, but there is no question in my mind that to those who believe and follow the practices of witchcraft, Halloween represents an opportunity to embrace the dark side of the spiritual world.
Life with Christ has power over darkness.
1 John 4:4
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Those who celebrate Halloween either are unaware of its roots or are intentionally promoting a world where evil is lauded and viewed as an ultimate power.
10. The Love of Money:
Halloween is not only a pagan religious celebration but a money-making enterprise as well. But the Bible puts it like this:
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is the root of all evil:…
National Retail Federation’s annual survey.
Updated October 04, 2018
| Year | Average Spending Per Buyer | Total Spending | |
| 2015 | $74.34 | $6.9 billion | |
| 2016 | $82.93 | $8.4 billion | |
| 2017 | $86.13 | $9.1 billion (Record) | |
| 2018 | $86.79 (Record) | $9.0 billion* |
Consumer spending on Halloween-related items is expected to reach an all-time high of $10.14 billion, up from $8.05 billion in 2020, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey.
When you look at this it becomes easy to see why the retail (money enterprises) like Halloween.
“Respecting Authority”
(Pastor Appreciation…)
1.Prayer
2.Scripture
Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
So, who has to listen to authorities in their lives?
Everyone! See God does not say just some of us have to follow the authority in our lives. He says everyone has too. That means you, me, Mom, Dad, even the Pastor of our church. No one has the right to defy the authority in their lives. We all have authorities in our lives.
Name some people that have authority in our lives? (parents, police, teachers, pastors, government…)
I’m going to read a scripture that will help us better understand when it would be inappropriate to obey an earthly authority.
Acts 5:29
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” (discuss)
According to Romans 13:1, there is no authority EXCEPT from God. Then God is the only authority we need to listen to, right? Well if we stop right there then the answer is yes. But let’s go a step further in this verse.
Someone read to me the last part of the verse:
“…. the powers that be are ordained of God”
The word “ordained” means placed. God places people in your life that have authority over you. God has a perfect plan for each of you and those plans are different and awesome. These people are put there to help guide you down the right path. Some of those people are so important, God has written specific scripture about them.
Ephesians 6:1-4
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
Our parents are people He has put in authority over us and obeying them is the right thing to do, if for no other reason than to honor God.
The Bottom line is this:
When we submit to those in authority, we honor God.
To follow those in authority is to honor God; it really is that simple.
It may not seem like that most of the time, especially since the world tells us we don’t have to let anybody tell us what to do.
I want you all to leave here knowing that those in authority over you have that position because God has given that authority to them.
This does not make them perfect or incapable of making mistakes. Others in authority may make mistakes but, none of those mistakes are excuses for you or me to disregard that authority.
Let’s read Romans 13:1 again, but this time let’s read the next 6 verses as well.
Romans 13:1-7
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
In a few days we will be having “Pastor Appreciation”. This is a time we set aside to honor the Pastor for all the hard work he does for us & for God.
Ephesians 4:11-12
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Let’s all do our best to let our Pastors know how much we appreciate them.
“Why Serve God in Your Youth”
1.Prayer
2.Scripture
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
3. Today we are going to talk about “Why We Should Serve God In Your Youth” or “The Benefits of Serving God in Your Youth”.
Have you ever wondered how to serve God in your youth? Or ask yourself what you can do for God between school, homework, studying, chores, recreation, etc. You’re not alone.
Before we get into “How to Serve God in Your Youth” let’s look at “Why You Should Serve God in Your Youth”.
4. Let’s look at scripture to answer this and there are also some benefits of serving God that are worth being mentioned.
Serving God in Your Youth Sets You on the Right Path
The first reason you should serve God in your youth is presented in Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
This verse shows that how you are raised, how you behave, and the habits you form in your youth have an influence on who you will be as an adult. This influence can be either positive or negative depending on how you live while you are young. When you serve God in your youth, you’re preparing yourself to live righteously as an adult as well.
There are many adults that did not live for God in their youth & as an adult they find themselves hindered the rest of their life because of the bad choices they made when they were young. It does not have to be that way for you. Every one of you are being raised in church & you have an opportunity that others have not had. You can live for God now!! You do not have to wait until you are an adult!
Serve God Because He Knows What is Best for You
Secondly, you should serve God in your youth because God knows what is best for you. As a teenager, and even into adulthood, you have no way of knowing or even comprehending what is best for your life. How could you? You don’t know what possibilities the future holds for you or how each decision you make will impact those possibilities. But God does.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
When you trust God and follow His will, there is no longer a need to worry.
Serve God Because God Can Make Even Bad Things Results in Good
Why serve God? The life of a Christian is not all pie in the sky and angels playing harps; This goes for young people as well as adults. Serving God in your youth does not guarantee you a life without trouble. Serving God in your youth does mean that even when trouble comes, God can bring something good out of it. Another benefit of serving God is that when you focus on serving Him you are able to look at life from a new perspective and see things from God’s point of view.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Serve God in Your Youth Because of the Joy in Brings
One last reason you should strive to serve the Lord in your youth is because of the simple joy of serving God.
Romans 15:13
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
The joy of serving God is not something easily put into words, but when you live your life for God, He gives you a sense of peace that just simply goes way beyond any understanding we have as humans.
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
So, another one of the benefits of serving God is with God on your side there’s no need to worry; you can simply find joy in each and every day.
I can look back on my life & it is clear to see that when I was afraid/worried I did not feel peace, but when we fully trust the Lord we can be sure peace will fill our hearts & minds with God’s Joy.
5. Whatever you do don’t let the devil trick you into thinking it doesn’t matter what you do because you are still young. This can & has got a lot of young people into a lot of trouble. Some never completely recover from this old trick. It does matter & the devil knows that. As the scripture says:
John 10:10
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
We need to ask ourselves, “Why would I want to follow anything that goes against God & His Word? The Lord will give us life beyond our comprehension but following the ways of the devil will always bring pain, shame & regret. When you put it like that it is clear that God’s Way is the Best Way. Amen!!!!!
Remember, we should want to serve God because He is God!
“How Can You Serve God in Your Youth”
1.Prayer
2.Scripture
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
3. Last week we discussed “Why you should serve God in your Youth” & I think we can all agree there are many benefits to serving God while we are young. These we discussed last week:
Serving God in Your Youth Sets You on the Right Path
Serve God Because He Knows What is Best for You
Serve God Because God Can Make Even Bad Things Results in Good
Serve God in Your Youth Because of the Joy in Brings
But most of all, we should want to serve God because He is God!
4. This week we’re going to talk about “How to Serve God in Your Youth”. I think one of the most common questions ask by Christian people & young people as well is: “What Can I Do for God?” What is the first thing that pops into your mind when you think about How people can serve God no matter their age? …
Preaching?
Mission work?
Leading the singing?
Playing an instrument during the service?
Teaching Sunday School?
Or maybe some other up-front thing at church? (you name it)
(let them make a list of things)
Of course, I’m not saying you cannot take on some of these roles mentioned while a teenager but what if I told you serving God in your youth doesn’t have to be complicated? You can easily serve God in your everyday life, right in the middle of homework, tests, and all your daily activities. Let’s read our scripture again:
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
This one simple verse tells you six ways you can serve God in your youth:
In Word:
Serve God in Your Youth with Your Words
The first way you can serve God in your youth is with your mouth. That’s right! Words have the amazing power to either build up or completely tear down. You can serve God by speaking words of life. Stop gossiping and spreading rumors and speak words of kindness that encourage others.
I have met people that I thought were doing really good until I heard them talking. Then it became clear they were not putting the Lord first in their life. Their words revealed what they really were. Our words are an example that shines out to others.
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
A lot of people’s mouth has gotten them in trouble. Whether it be words spoken in anger, gossip, or even speaking poorly about themselves or others. Before saying something take a moment to consider these three things:
- Is it positive?
- Is it hurtful to another person?
- Is it really necessary?
If your answer to any of these three questions is “no” then it doesn’t need to leave your lips.
In Conversation:
Serve God in Your Youth with Your Conduct
The second way you can serve God in your youth is through your behavior; you can reflect your faith with how you treat others! Have you ever heard the saying: Actions speak louder than words? This may not be a quote in the Bible, but it is defiantly a true statement.
Bible dictionary definition of Conversation:
- One’s conduct; manner of walk.
Ephesians 2:1-3
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”
Honor Your Parents
One way you can serve God in your youth with your behavior is by honoring your parents. This means no talking back or arguing, no disobeying their rules, and even no rolling your eyes when you think their back is turned (because trust me, they always know).
Show your appreciation for everything they do for you- some things you most definitely don’t even know about. Tell them how much you love them & appreciate them.
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
In Charity
Serve God in Your Youth by Loving Everyone
The third way you can serve God in your youth is by loving. This one can be difficult, especially when dealing with difficult people or when others are not kind and loving in return.
Definition of Charity:
- generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering also : aid given to those in need
- an institution engaged in relief of the poor
- public provision for the relief of the needy
- benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”
1 John 4:16
“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”
When you truly love the Lord it will show in the way you treat others.
In Spirit
Serve God in Your Youth in Your Spirit
The fourth way you serve God is in your spirit or we could say from the heart.
John 4:24
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
To do anything from the heart is to do it in your spirit.
Worship is when we show complete & total devotion, reverence, honor & respect to one person or thing. True worship comes from the heart with total dedication. We call worship spiritual for reason We know we worship the true & living God.
Mark 12:30
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”
In Faith
Serve God in Your Youth by Having Faith
The fifth way you serve God in your youth is by showing faith! But what does it mean to have faith?
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
You serve God in your youth by trusting God in all situations- the good and the bad. Maybe even more importantly, you can have faith by submitting your will to God. We learned last week that God knows and wants what’s best for you. You can serve God in your youth by accepting God’s will for you even when you don’t understand it.
The Bible puts it like this:
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
This is full trust.
In Purity
Serve God In Your Youth By Living in Purity
The sixth way you can serve God in your youth by living in purity – which may be one of the most difficult things to accomplish in a society that promotes all kinds of immoral things that go against God’s word at every turn.
Definition of Purity:
- the condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes, etc
- freedom from guilt or evil; innocence.
- Proper boy/girl relationships.
Colossians 3:5
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
You can serve God by living a life that honors and glorifies him. This means giving up the desires of our flesh (whether it be lust, greed, etc.) and pursuing God’s will instead.
5.Serving God in your youth doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s not about big, huge acts of service that everyone notices. Serving God in your youth is about the small things you do each day to point others to God. It’s about waking up each morning and deciding you’re going to live for God despite everything you have going on.
Serving God in your youth is loving others, having faith, and living in a way that is evidence of God’s goodness and mercy. The next time you find yourself asking “What can I do for God?,” read 1 Timothy 4:12
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
6. The truth is: If we can’t serve God in the everyday things of life we won’t be able to serve Him in the things many consider big ways. The ways we mentioned at the beginning of the lesson. (ie. Preaching, singing, teaching…)
“True Freedom”
1. Prayer
2. Scripture:
John 8:36
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
3. We live in the United States. The United States of America was started over 240 years ago. That seems like a very long time ago, but the ideas it was started with are still important. Americans are free to live where they want, say what they believe, and worship God where they would like to do so. These are BIG Freedoms. Not every country in our world has these freedoms.
This week we are celebrating Independence Day: the day our country declared its independence (or freedom) from rule by others. It takes hard work & sacrifice to keep our country safe & free. Can you name some of the people that help keep our country safe & free? (Veterans, military, first respondors, Congress, the President & Vice President…)
When our country started, the people then fought a great war for America & they WON!!! They started a new country here & we are very blessed to live in the United States of America.
They had a new flag that looked like this: (show the 1776 flag), but now our flag looks like this: (show the current flag). Each part of our flag means something special.
- Stars – represent the number of states we now have (50)
- Strips – represent the number of states America started with (13)
- Red – Courage
- White – Purity
- Blue – Faithfulness
4. Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth many years ago, way before America was started. Jesus came to set us all free. He came to set us free from SIN & DEATH.
He was:
- Courageous
- Pure
- Faithful
Even though what Jesus had to do to make it possible for us to be “Truly Free” was very hard He knew it was the only way that any of us could be set FREE from SIN!
Not only did Jesus come to set Americans Free, but He came to set ALL people free who would believe on Him, no matter where they lived.
5. (Show the American flag & Christian flag)
These both represent “Freedom”, but the greatest “Freedom” anyone could ever have is “Freedom” from SIN.
6. Sin is a bondage, & bondage is the loss of “freedom”. Now we all deal with the bondage of sin. So how can we be freed from this bondage or lack of “freedom”? Let’s take a closer look at true “Freedom”.
The definition of “Freedom” is the absence of coercion or constraint in choice or action. In other words, you are not forced to do it whatever it is. With that said you can rest assured Jesus will never coerce, constrain or force you in choice or action. He allows us to make our own choices. I believe most of us will admit that we’ve made some bad choices that brought on consequences. The most amazing thing is in spite the makings of our own mess Jesus still is willing to free us from our bondage! Let’s read Acts 16:20-34.
The fascinating part of this Biblical event is the realization the jailer had that he was the one that needed to be “free”. Paul & Silas were locked up in prison yet still able to sing praises unto their God. How were they able to do this?
Even though they were imprisoned they were still completely “free” through the salvation experience by the blood of Jesus. Notice how the jailer freed them by opening the prison doors with a key, but the jailer along with his family was freed by 1st) recognizing his need for salvation/freedom/deliverance, 2nd) asking Jesus into their home & believing unto salvation, 3rd) being baptized as the scripture commands.
Now not only are Paul & Silas “free” from the bondage of sin, but the jailer and his household are truly “free”. I assure you there is no “freedom” like the “freedom” that comes only through Jesus.
“How to Honor our Elders”
1.Prayer Request
2.Scripture:
Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”
3. Old age is a blessing from the Lord. We should never be afraid of aging. Christians have a responsibility to show kindness, respect, and to take care of the elderly. Yes, we are to respect all people, but there is a certain type of respect that we give to the elderly unlike our own age group. There is a certain way we talk to them and give honor to them.
When living by the Word of God old age brings wisdom that can help and guide others in need. Old Christian men and women have a duty to help the younger generation.
Proverbs 16:31
“The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”
4. I have learned a lot from elderly Christians. Sometimes all you want to hear is how God has worked in someone’s life and their different experiences.
Elders have been through many different hardship experiences that will help your walk of faith. They have made mistakes and they will help guide you so you don’t make the same mistakes.
Titus 2:2-8a
“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Sound speech, that cannot be condemned;”
5. When I was a younger Christian I found comfort in the fact that I had “Godly Elders” in the church that I could learn from, ask advice etc… It felt like a safety net to me.
Now I find that I am in the category of “Elder” & with that comes a responsibility to live as Titus 2 teaches. I never want to bring a bad mark on the church or God in any way. Therefore, I do my best to strive to live as close to the Lord as I know how. (Actually, God expects all of us to do that.)
6. Acts 6:1-3
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”
Widows were usually of Elder & they thought them important enough to form a group of men that were to specifically take care of the widows…
6. Practical ways we can show “Honor” to our Elders:
- Address Them Properly
Use the name they want to be called. Unless they tell you otherwise, call them Bro. or Sis, Mr. or Ms., followed by their last name. If they want you to call them by their first name, honor their request…
- Shake Hands
If you are meeting this person for the first time or if you haven’t seen him or her in a while, shake hands. This is such a simple yet friendly gesture that lets the person know you have manners, and you’re not afraid to use them. Now this gesture is one that is on hold right now because of the Covid 19 pandemic. Many people want to use caution & you should honor that as well. We need to remember that the more “Elder” an individual is the susceptible they could be to this Covid virus. I don’t think any of us would want to be responsible for the sickness or death of any of our “Elders” or anyone else…
- Speak Clearly and Without Slang
Your friends might understand mumblings filled with the latest slang, but don’t expect someone much older than you to get what you are trying to say. You don’t have to yell, but keep your voice as clear as possible, avoid using slang, and be willing to speak louder if it’s clear that the person can’t hear you. Remember when we were practicing our Christmas Skit & I kept telling everyone to speak slower, clearer & a bit louder? This will help others to hear & understand you much better. I hate it when I go thru the drive thru at a fast food restaurant & that person speaks so fast it is as if their words are slurred & I can’t understand a word they have said. You hate to keep asking “WHAT”. This can be a disrespectful way of communication.
- Make Eye Contact and Smile
When approaching or greeting your elders, always make eye contact. This shows that you acknowledge their presence. A warm smile from you can make this person’s otherwise dreary day much brighter.
- Offer Assistance
When an elderly person approaches an entrance to a building, hold the door and allow him or her to go first. Offer to reach something on a high or low shelf in a store or at home. Be aware of any disability the person may have and help according to what he or she needs. Any kind or generous thing you do to make their lives easier will be appreciated.
- Give Your Time and Attention
Many seniors get lonely, whether they’re retired and no longer have their work social schedule, or they’ve lost their spouse and some friends. Most people who are older than you will appreciate having your attention in blocks of time. Enjoy a conversation about a topic you have in common. Sit down with a grandparent or other elderly person and show that you care. Play a board game or do an activity together. Feel free to ask questions about their experience, and then listen. If something is upsetting, chances are, he or she will let you know.
- Show Your Love (within your family)
If the elderly person is a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or related to you in any way, show that you love him or her. Offer a hug and say something nice. Ask questions about your ancestors and offer to put together a photo album or scrapbook with mementos. You’ll be amazed by how enriching the experience can be, and you’ll most likely learn something new about your family. (If there is a problem within a family with an individual your parents will let you know if there is any caution.)
- Show Good Manners
Being polite to an elder is a demonstration of respect. Older Americans grew up during a time when manners and respect were part of everyday etiquette. If they are talking, listen to them. Don’t interrupt them or address them by their first name, unless given permission. Being respectful may not only brighten their day, but also yours, as you may learn a thing or two (or just feel good about brightening someone’s day!).
Most of your elders were taught proper etiquette when they were children, and they deserve good manners from you in return. Always say, “Please,” and “Thank you.” They need to know that the generations following them are civil enough to carry on. I have heard Elders say, “What is wrong with the youth of today?” I’ve even said similar things myself. I wasn’t even raised in a Christian home, but we were taught proper ways to treat an Elder.
- Ask Advice from an Elder when the opportunity arises
It’s a shame to think that an elder, with a lifetime of experience, would be overlooked for their advice. Seniors have a lot to contribute to society through their life experiences, so seeking counsel from an elder is time well spent.
- Be patient.
Older people usually don’t move as quickly as they used to when they
were younger, which means it can take them longer to do even the simplest of tasks, such as crossing the street. Be respectful by showing some patience when you encounter them instead of trying to hurry them along.
- If an elderly person is slow to get off the bus, subway, or elevator, or just walking down the street, don’t push past them. Let them take their time, so they are comfortable and don’t injure themselves.
- Don’t huff and puff if an older person in front of you at a store takes a little longer to pay for their items. Instead, try to be understanding.
Job 12:12
“With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.”
1 Timothy 5:1-2
“Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.”
Leviticus 19:32
“Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord.”
- Have students write a note to an “Elder” in the provided card & mail it to the appointed “Elder”…