Opening Question to Discuss:
Have you ever fallen and were hurt or injured? Maybe you even have a scar to prove it! Was it a bike wreck, a sports injury, or even doing something you weren’t supposed to do? Tell your family exactly what happened and how you reacted.
First Point:
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
It is important to remember that we must stand strong in all circumstances. The world around us can get us down in the dumps. As a Christian, when we do something for Christ, He always sees and He always knows.
Application Question
What are some ways the world around us can bring us down?
How does that make you feel?
Second Point:
Philippians 4:4 points out that we should rejoice in the Lord always! Now, that is easy to say when things are going great. It will be difficult to rejoice in the Lord when times are difficult.
Sometimes we wonder what God is doing in our lives. God’s job is not to make us happy but rather our job as Christians is to obey and have joy! Happiness can fade when things don’t go our way. Joy withstands all circumstances.
Application Question
Is it hard to be joyful during those tough times?
What is the difference between having joy and being happy?
Third Point:
Sin can knock us off of our walk with Jesus. When we have unconfessed sin in our lives, it hurts our stance for Jesus. We should always seek to look like, act like, and sound more like Jesus!
Think about your words and your actions. Are you giving yourself fully to the Lord? If not, what are some areas of your life you can work on? Your family can pray for you about it right now!
Application Question
When was the last time you confessed your sins to Jesus?
As a Christian, what ways are the most difficult to look like Jesus? (at work, at school, on the ball field, etc.)
