TO THE LEADER OF THE STUDY (Tap to Expand)
A teen embarking on studying the Bible must have the maturity to follow through with the life changing decisions that they will make throughout the study series. One way that their maturity can be discerned is by their efforts to train themselves in godliness through their personal Bible study and their conduct around other teens. Look for signs that they are taking their spiritual progress into their own hands and not waiting for others to do all of the initiating.
The goal of this study is to help them to see their need to be self-motivated in their relationship with God and their pursuit of the studies.
Discussion
1. What is involved in training? (Athletic or spiritual)
- Repetition
- Learning the basics
2. How will you train yourself to be godly?
- Consistent, daily times with God in his word and prayer
- Sharing your faith daily
- Having self-control in challenging situations
The goal of this Study is to help you to see that your spiritual progress depends on your willingness and effort to build your relationship with God. God wants each of us to take personal responsibility to mature and grow. To be godly requires self-discipline and seriousness in heart and mind.
The Scriptures
PHILIPPIANS 2:2-13 (Tap to Expand)
2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Do Everything Without Grumbling
12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Who is responsible for your salvation?
Pick one: parents, teen leader, church, or you? What does it mean to “work out your own salvation”?
- Obedience to God, even when other spiritual people aren’t around
- Paying attention to your spiritual health
- Fearing God
Bottom Line: God puts the responsibility to work out your salvation on you. Then when you start working, he works in you to help you live out his purpose. How encouraging!
1 PETER 2:2-3 (Tap to Expand)
2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
What does it mean to crave?
- To have an intense desire
- Can’t wait to get it
What is “pure spiritual milk”?
- The Bible and prayer
- Godly advice from parents and leaders
- Christ-like examples
Bottom Line: What we desire, we pursue. You must cultivate an appetite for a godly character by “tasting” the goodness of the Lord through your personal Bible study and imitating godly qualities in others.
1 TIMOTHY 4:12 (Tap to Expand)
12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
What example can you set for other teens?
- Bible study and prayer being daily and life-changing
- Sharing your faith daily
- Home life (Christianity starts at home!)
- Serving without hesitation
- Speaking to others to build them up and not tear them down, whether it’s a challenge or an encouragement; giving from your heart in all conversations
- Acting maturely in church
- Being real and sincere in your motivation to become a Christian
Bottom Line: Even though you are young, you can inspire others by your godly example.
Personal Heart Check Questions
1. What life areas do you need to mature in?
2. Are you willing to take responsibility for seeking to change in these areas?
Practical Applications
Decide that you will be an example to the other teens when you are in the fellowship. Write a half-page response describing the areas that you need to grow in and what you will initiate to see them change.