LifeTrak 4.2: Bible Studies for Younger Youth. Biblical Truth: Only God provides hope for you to experience a meaningful life.

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1 LifeTrak 4.2: Bible Studies for Younger Youth Unit 1 Satisfaction Guaranteed (New Life in Christ) Session 1: The Quest Life Question: How can I have a meaningful life? Biblical Truth: Only God provides hope for you to experience a meaningful life. Bible Passages: Ecclesiastes 2:1-3,10-17; 12:1,13-14 Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13 Biblical Setting: Solomon tried almost every earthly pleasure and pastime in his quest for a meaningful life, but he discovered that life only has meaning as persons have a relationship with God and grow in that relationship. Session Focus: This session will highlight everyone s need for meaning in life. It will contrast things that don t give meaning with the One who does. This session is designed to create a crisis of belief, in preparation for the next session. Contrast life focused on God with life focused on everything else. Identify things we trust in to give us meaning in life. Acknowledge that meaning in life only comes through a relationship with God.

2 Session 2: The Choice Life Question: Who controls my life? Biblical Truth: Your life reveals whether God is in control or you are in control. Bible Passages: Romans 8:1-2,5-14 Key Verse: Romans 8:5 Biblical Setting: Paul noted that believers are not condemned by God and have been set free from the law of sin and death. Paul also contrasted persons who live in accordance with the Holy Spirit with persons who live in accordance to the sinful human nature. Session Focus: This session is designed to help youth examine their lives to determine whether there is evidence of Christ and His control. It will remind youth that coming to Christ is a life-transforming event. Evaluate our lives to determine Who or what controls our lives. Determine changes that need to be made for us to live in accordance with the Spirit. Accept the new life God offers through Jesus Christ.

3 Session 3: The Connection Life Question: How can I really live like a Christian? Biblical Truth: You can live like Christ desires as you stay connected to Him. Bible Passage: John 15:5-17 Key Verse: John 15:5 Biblical Setting: Christ used the analogy of a vine and branches to emphasize the necessity of believers having a growing love relationship with Him that is characterized by obedience to His words. Session Focus: This session will emphasize the importance of communion with Christ. It will remind youth that power for living a Christian life only comes through a growing love relationship with Christ. Suggest actions that hinder our Christian growth and service for Christ. Identify areas in which we will grow in our relationship with Christ.

4 Topical Session (Christmas): The Birth Session Life Question: What does Jesus' birth mean for my life? Biblical Truth: Forgiveness of your sin is possible because of Jesus' birth, since God became human in order to save humanity from sin. Bible Passage: John 1:1-14 Key Verse: John 1:14 Biblical Setting: The gospel writer John explained that the eternal Word became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The writer also explained that those who believe in Christ become children of God. Session Focus: This session will guide students to discover the miracle of the incarnation. It will challenge them to celebrate worshipfully Christ's birth because of its significance in human history and the salvation of humanity. It will also challenge students to accept the gift of eternal life through Christ. Acknowledge the miracle of the incarnation. Thank God for His willingness to come in the flesh to save us. Accept the gift of salvation through faith in Christ.

5 Unit 2 Wonderful Words of Life (God's Word) Session 1: Tested and Proven Life Question: Why should I trust the Bible? Biblical Truth: The Bible is God's inspired, unchanging Word that has been tested and proven. Bible Passages: Isaiah 40:6-8; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21 Key Verse: Isaiah 40:8 Biblical Setting: Isaiah noted the brevity of human life as compared to God's Word, which is eternal. In writing to Timothy, Paul emphasized the inspiration of Scripture and its value for daily life. Peter reminded his readers of the need to pay attention to Scripture, and he also emphasized its inspiration by God. Session Focus: This session will highlight the unchanging nature of God's Word that has been tested and proven as the reliable guide for life. State reasons we are confident in the inspiration of Scripture by God. Commit to trust God's Word as our guide for life.

6 Session 2: The Road to Life Life Question: Why should I study and obey the Bible? Biblical Truth: You can experience a wonderful life as you study and follow God's Word. Bible Passage: Psalm 119: Key Verse: Psalm 119:104 Biblical Setting: This acrostic Psalm, the longest chapter in the Bible, is dedicated to proclaiming the benefits of living according to God's Word and the consequences of ignoring God's Word. Session Focus: This session is designed to challenge youth to study and follow God's Word. Specify benefits of following God's Word. Examine our lives to determine our obedience to God's Word. Make changes in our lives in order to live according to God's Word.

7 Session 3: Don't Ignore It Life Question: What are the dangers of ignoring the Bible? Biblical Truth: Ignoring God's Word will lead to tragic consequences. Bible Passages: Proverbs 1:29-33; 14:12; Luke 6:46-49; James 1:22-25 Key Verse: Luke 6:49 Biblical Setting: Throughout the Book of Proverbs, the writer contrasted the benefits of wisdom and following God's way with the dangers of human thinking that ignores God and His words. In the Book of Luke, Jesus used a parable to contrast the benefits of following His words with the consequences of ignoring what He said. In his letter, James emphasized the need to act upon God's Word and he pictured the foolishness of those who don't do what God says. Session Focus: This session will be designed to point out the dangers of ignoring God's Word. Identify areas of our lives in which we are ignoring the teachings of God's Word. Suggest potential consequences of ignoring God's Word. Determine actions we will take to keep us from rejecting God's Word.

8 Session 4: Get Ready Life Question: How can I prepare for the return of Christ? Biblical Truth: You should live a holy and godly life in preparation for the return of Christ. Bible Passage: 2 Peter 3:1-15 Key Verses: 2 Peter 3:10-11 Biblical Setting: In addressing the comments of scoffers who questioned the validity of Christ's second coming, Peter stressed the certainty of the Lord's return, the results of His return, and the need for people to live holy and godly lives in preparation for His return. Session Focus: This session will focus on the truth of Christ's second coming and the need to be prepared for it. Acknowledge God's control of the events of the world. Identify reasons we should be ready for the return of Christ. List what things we will do to prepare for Christ's return.

9 Unit 3: The Facts of Life: Lessons from Esther (Book of Esther) Session 1: The Fact of Change Session Life Question: How do I respond when my circumstances change? Biblical Truth: Because God sometimes gives you unique opportunities in unexpected circumstances, you should seek ways to honor Him in the situations you face. Bible Passages: Esther 1:10-12; 2:1-10,15-18,21-23 Key Verses: Ephesians 5:15-16 Biblical Setting: In the first two chapters of Esther, King Xerxes banished Queen Vashti because she refused his commands. The king then decided to choose another queen. Esther, an orphan cared for by her cousin Mordecai, was chosen as the new queen. Mordecai discovered an assassination plot against the king and told his cousin Esther about the plan, and she in turn told the king about the plot. The king was spared, the conspirators were hanged, and Mordecai received credit for helping the king. Session Focus: This session will focus on the changes that occurred in Esther s life. It will show students that God can sometimes use unusual circumstances as a ministry tool. It will also challenge students to evaluate the situations they face as opportunities to honor God. Life Impact: We will Discover the unusual events that unfolded in Esther s life. Discover how God can use change in our lives as a tool to honor Him. Evaluate our lives for opportunities God has placed before us. Commit to honor God in our daily circumstances.

10 Session 2: The Fact of Courage Life Question: How do I stand up for what I know is right? Biblical Truth: God calls you to trust Him and to act with courage as you stand against evil. Bible Passages: Esther 3:5-6; 4:6-8, :4; 7:1-10 Key Verse: Esther 4:14 Biblical Setting: In Esther 3 7, Haman plotted to destroy the Jews because Mordecai refused to bow before him. Mordecai persuaded Esther to plead with the king to spare the Jews. Esther pleaded before the king, and Haman was hanged for his plot against the Jews. Session Focus: This session will focus on Esther s courageous efforts to save her people even though addressing the king unannounced could have meant death for her. It will challenge students to trust God and act courageously as they stand against evil. Life Impact: We will Discover Esther s example of courage and faithfulness. Evaluate our lives to identify what keeps us in fear. Express why we believe we must take a courageous stand against evil. Trust God and act in courage as we face evil circumstances.

11 Session 3: The Fact of Celebration Life Question: How do I respond to God s work in my life? Biblical Truth: God provides times of protection, victory, and celebration as you experience His work in your life. Bible Passages: Esther 8:3-8; 9:1-5,18-32 Key Verse: Esther 9:27-28 Biblical Setting: In Esther 8 10, the king proclaimed an edict overriding the edict to kill the Jews. The Jews decided to celebrate the victory God had given them by establishing the custom of Purim. Session Focus: This session will guide students to celebrate God s work in their lives. It will lead them to identify ways God has worked and to find ways to celebrate those triumphs. Life Impact: We will Gain a better understanding of the Purim celebration. Identify ways God has protected and provided for us. Celebrate the victories God provides for us.

12 Unit 4: Rebellion and Redemption (Facing Death) Session 1: The Power of Rebellion Session Life Question: Why do people die? Biblical Truth: Our rebellion against God introduced death into the world, but God offers eternal and abundant life through Jesus. Bible Passages: Romans 5:12-21; James 1:13-15 Key Verse: Romans 5:17 Biblical Setting: In the letter to the Romans, Paul explained that death entered through Adam because of his rebellion against God. Paul also explained that just as death came through one man, eternal life came through the person of Jesus Christ. James explained that sin leads to death. Session Focus: This session will guide students to understand how death became a part of the human experience. It will guide students to understand that while death came through Adam, salvation and life were made possible by Jesus Christ. Life Impact: We will Examine the relationship between sin and death. Acknowledge God s desire for us to live with Him rather than die in sin. Follow Christ and experience true life.

13 STUDENT SU N D AY SCH O O L E V A N G E LISM ST R A T E G Y Session 2: The Power of Redemption (Evangelistic lesson) Session Life Question: How can I live forever? Biblical Truth: Jesus death and resurrection give us hope for life now and in eternity. Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:12-22,51-58 Key Verse: John 3:16 Biblical Setting: In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul explained the resurrection is made available because Christ has risen from the dead. According to Paul, death lost its sting and power when Christ rose from the dead. Paul also explained that when Christ returns, believers will exchange the perishable for the imperishable. Session Focus: This session will offer students the hope of eternal life through Christ. It will show how Christ s death and resurrection made it possible for humanity to experience eternal life. It will also challenge them to place their hope in God even in the midst of death. Life Impact: We will Express why we believe Jesus rose from the dead. Accept the eternal life offered through Jesus. Model a life of hope because of what Jesus has done for us. Share God's hope with others.