RADIANT LIFE (TEACHERS GUIDE)TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE, 15TH OCTOBER, 2023.

In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (NIV)

>>Focus

Your students live in a society that wants them to believe religious and moral truth is absolutely relative to each individual. Most religions have come to accept that philosophy: and they teach that it would be intolerant to tell someone that their religion is false. The Bible contradicts this idea and instead commends those who bring God’s absolute truth to the world.

We know from the Bible that each Christian is essential to God’s plan of bringing the good news of His truth to everyone – and this is where your students come in. They have an audience that neither you, your pastor, nor many adults can access. Christian students not only have the ability to speak the truth of the Word, but also to live it in front of their peers so that they can see that this life of faith and truth works. This study will help you communicate to them the importance of standing for the truth of God’s Word and salvation through Christ alone.

>>The Basic Message: Explain to students…

Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, eternal life, and spiritual truth.

We’re surrounded by multitudes and beliefs about spirituality that deny the truth of God’s Word.

Reject the popular idea that many roads lead to spiritual truth, and help spiritually hungry people find a relationship with Jesus.

Distribute paper and pens or pencils to each student. Instruct students to make a list of three items that are true about them that others in the class would probably not know, and one item that is made up or fake. Pair the students and have them read two of the true facts and the one fake fact. Each partner should try to guess which one is the “fake fact.” Have each student circle the one unused true fact and pass the papers to you for later use in the class.

>Guide: Explain that it can be very difficult to know what is the truth and what is not when you don’t have enough information. It is even more difficult when someone is intentionally trying to deceive you.

>>Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers…

• The society often dictates what truth is, however, truth can only be found in God.

• How Scripture can serve as a guide to the truth.

• How real truth can captivate and illuminate a darkened world.

>>Inform and Discuss

>>Guide: Explain that truth and the way to find it is often misunderstood. To understand the road to truth, you have to first know what truth is.

1. How would you define truth? [Guide: Explain that the basic definition of truth is something that is in agreement with reality. For example, the statement, “Most humans have noses” is truth because most humans really do have noses.]

2. Can our experiences negatively affect our perception of truth? Explain. [Hint: Yes, because your senses can misjudge some things or you could be lied to.]

3. What human limitations can keep us from knowing truth? [Hint: Lack of knowledge of everything, our own biases, etc.]

>>Guide: Explain that our limitations are not the only thing that can keep us from knowing and acknowledging truth. It is often tempting to deny truth for selfish reason, especially if the person involved is doing the wrong thing and doesn’t want to give it up.

1. Read or have a volunteer read John 14:6, What are some reasons some individuals deny Jesus is the truth? [Hint: They don’t believe in Jesus; they want to live by their own rules and not His, etc.]

2. Read or have a volunteer read Acts 14:6. Why do you think Paul used the statue to an unknown god as a tool to start his witness? [Hint: It was a point of agreement Paul used to get their attention. Most individuals have some ideas and opinions about life and spirituality, which we can use as starting point for witnessing. We can often find these points of agreement by listening to what they have to say about their beliefs.]

3. Discuss some concepts or points of interests Christians can use as starting points for communicating God’s truth. [Hint: An example of this would be the value of a truly reliable friend; and how Jesus can be much more than that to us, if we would only open up to Him.]

4. Read or have volunteers read Rom 3:23; 6:23; Rev 20:11-15. What are some of the important concepts found in these passages that we could use as a door to witnessing?

>>Guide: Some answers include sin, judgment, life, and eternity. Explain that these concepts are central to God’s truth for humanity. They are the main thread found throughout the Bible and are ultimately part of some of the deepest questions people ask themselves in life. These views are what separate biblical truth from other religion.

>>Guide: Read or have a volunteer read 2 Tim 3:14-15. Explain that these verses set God’s truth apart from other claims of truth out there. God’s truth gives us the wisdom needed tO make decisions to serve Jesus and to be able to receive salvation.

1. What do you think the author meant when he said to “continue in what you have learned”?

>>Hint: We continue in the truth we have learned by living out that truth every day. Application of God’s truth is what allows Christians to live pleasing to God and to develop a good relationship with Him. It is also what enables believers to live in the blessings that God has planned for them.

2. What are some ways you can learn more about God’s truth?

3. What are some ways you can apply God’s truth?

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Take the sheets of paper from the earlier activity, “Fake or Fact 1,” and read off each sheet one at a time. Allow the class to take turns guessing whom the story is about.

>>Guide: Explain that it’s almost impossible to know everything about someone. Just because you don’t know everything about one of your friends, doesn’t mean he or she isn’t your friend. Similarly, having all the answers about Christianity doesn’t need to shake your faith when your knowledge is challenged. The correct response when someone challenges your beliefs is to work hard to find answers from the Bible to questions you don’t know.

>Inspire Them: Remind students “The Basic Message” of this study (pg. 74), explain WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; WHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in the study.”

>>Ministry Activity: FRIENDLY CONVERSATION

This week, pray for someone who is of another religion. During the time you are praying for him or her, do research about his or her religious belief system. After your week of prayer and research, begin to engage in conversations with that person about their beliefs and compare them to yours, Over time, show him or her the love of Jesus until you find an open door to witness to him or her.

>>Conclude by reminding students that Jesus is the only way to experience God’s truth and His will for your life. It is our responsibility to live and speak that truth every day.

>>Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself…

1. Do students have basic understanding of what truth is, and that it applies to everyone?

2. Do students understand that there is only one way to eternal life?

3. Can students confidently reject the worldly ideas that many paths lead to heaven and that there are many gods, while still showing gentleness and respect to those that subscribe to those fallacies?