Youth Lessons

Note to the Teacher

This lesson is meant to help students begin to understand the importance of telling their stories. Even as youth, they have an important role in sharing their story about how God has been present in their lives. This is not an easy thing to do, even for adults, so this lesson should be the first of many you use to help students start telling their stories. Times are based on a fifty-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

NEEDED RESOURCES:

Butcher paper or posterboards
Markers/other writing utensils

Icebreaker - Say What? (10 min.)

In this activity, you will ask students to share what they think the following phrases/sayings mean. Encourage all students to share. Adult volunteers can share if students are hesitant, but allow students to lead, with adults asking questions or reframing ideas for clarity⁷:

Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
The past actually happened, but history is only what someone wrote down.
History is a myth that people agree to believe.
We are not makers of history. We are made by history.
Where I’m from, we believe in all sorts of things that aren’t true…we call it history. Is one a crusader or a ruthless invader? It’s all about which label is able to persist.

Read Scripture (5 min.)

Our scripture reading today comes from Philippians. Paul, the author, wrote it while in prison, awaiting trial. He wrote the entire book to the church in Philippi, a young church facing societal opposition. In this section of scripture, he gives a history lesson before moving on to the mission of the church. He shares his story, something we all should learn to do more easily. Have someone read Philippians 3:4b-14 (CEB).

Discussion (15 min.)

Paul begins this section of scripture by giving the readers a history lesson of all he’s been through and accomplished as a follower of Jesus. Paul went from persecuting the church (as Saul) to becoming the author of many letters to new and emerging churches, instructing them on how to follow Jesus and organize the church.

How do you feel as you learn about Paul’s zeal (and conversion) for Jesus, knowing he was once an enemy of the church? Have you ever known someone whose very strong opinions were changed or reversed because of a specific experience?
Paul says he is a Hebrew born of Hebrews. Why do you think Paul includes that specific line for his audience?8 Paul uses his story as an invitation to others to walk with Christ.
How might hearing a story like Paul’s help others to walk with Christ?
Paul speaks of pressing on to the prize - the prize of righteousness. What does righteousness mean to you? Have you ever experienced “righteousness”?⁹

Read Ephesians 5:1-2 (CEB).

What practices help you press on toward righteousness in Christ and imitate God like “dearly loved children”?10

Activity and Discussion: Map out My Story (20 min.)

Give each student a large piece of butcher paper or posterboard. Have them draw a timeline of their life from birth until the present day. Then have them brainstorm different occasions where they experienced God’s presence in their lives.

This encourages them to start thinking about where they have seen God. If you have room in your youth space, hang these up after the lesson. Encourage the students to add “God sightings” throughout the year.

Have students share their timelines/stories with the group.

Close in the manner that is typical for you. Consider taking joys/concerns from the students, then asking for a volunteer to close in prayer.