OBJECTIVE:
This lesson will present the Gospel and show how when we trust in Jesus, He makes us into new creations.
Scripture Passage:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
In the Word
What are some ways you've gotten better at basketball this year? Maybe you couldn't make a basket the first game, but now you can, or perhaps you've become a better dribbler. This season, not only have we all improved at basketball, but we've also learned a lot from the Bible. We've studied what it means to be examples for Christ in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
Hopefully, you've not only learned about these things, but also tried to obey them. As you've done that, you may have noticed something: doing what God says can be really difficult! That's because of a problem we talked about last week: sin, which is anything we thin, say, or do that displeases God. Originally, God created humans without sin, but when our first ancestors, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God, they brought sin into the world, and now all of us have sin. The punishment for sin is death, which is separation from God forever. But God didn't want to be separated from us for eternity, so He sent His Son Jesus to save us.
Jesus was born as a man and lived a perfect life. He never sinned once, but He was put to death as a criminal and took the punishment for sin that we deserve. Then on the third day, He rose again from the dead, defeating death for all of us. Now anyone who believes in what Jesus has done for us and asks Him to forgive their sins and be their Lord and Savior will spend eternity with Him in Heaven, where there will be no more sin and we will enjoy Him forever.
Today's memory verse tells us even more good news. When you trust in Jesus, not only does He forgive you, but He makes you into a new creation. Your old life, when you were trapped in sin and lived your own way rather than God's way, is no more. Instead, God transforms you into a new person, one who loves God, is filled with His Holy Spirit, and lives to please and follow Him. Now that doesn't mean that you stop sinning once you become a Christian, but Jesus does give you the power to fight against sin and please God. (Coaches, share how Jesus has changed your life.)
The news that Jesus can forgive your sins and make you a new creation is the greatest news ever. If you've never made the decision to make Jesus your Lord and Savior, you can do that today. And if you have, then share this great news with everyone you know who doesn't believe so that they can become new creations too!
Hopefully, you've not only learned about these things, but also tried to obey them. As you've done that, you may have noticed something: doing what God says can be really difficult! That's because of a problem we talked about last week: sin, which is anything we thin, say, or do that displeases God. Originally, God created humans without sin, but when our first ancestors, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God, they brought sin into the world, and now all of us have sin. The punishment for sin is death, which is separation from God forever. But God didn't want to be separated from us for eternity, so He sent His Son Jesus to save us.
Jesus was born as a man and lived a perfect life. He never sinned once, but He was put to death as a criminal and took the punishment for sin that we deserve. Then on the third day, He rose again from the dead, defeating death for all of us. Now anyone who believes in what Jesus has done for us and asks Him to forgive their sins and be their Lord and Savior will spend eternity with Him in Heaven, where there will be no more sin and we will enjoy Him forever.
Today's memory verse tells us even more good news. When you trust in Jesus, not only does He forgive you, but He makes you into a new creation. Your old life, when you were trapped in sin and lived your own way rather than God's way, is no more. Instead, God transforms you into a new person, one who loves God, is filled with His Holy Spirit, and lives to please and follow Him. Now that doesn't mean that you stop sinning once you become a Christian, but Jesus does give you the power to fight against sin and please God. (Coaches, share how Jesus has changed your life.)
The news that Jesus can forgive your sins and make you a new creation is the greatest news ever. If you've never made the decision to make Jesus your Lord and Savior, you can do that today. And if you have, then share this great news with everyone you know who doesn't believe so that they can become new creations too!
On the Court
- As a new creation, your purpose in playing basketball should no longer be to boast or make yourself look good, but to bring God glory by the way you play.
- If you are overly-competitive and it leads you into sin, pray and ask Jesus to help you control your emotions and honor Him on the court.
- If you are playing basketball with unbelievers, use it as an opportunity to tell them about what Jesus has done for you.
Off the Court
- If you've never asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, today you can ask Him to forgive your sins and make you a new creation.
- When Jesus makes you a new creation, He gives you the power to defeat sin in your life. If there is a sin you struggle with, pray and ask Him for help.
- Share the news that Jesus can forgive your sins and make you a new creation with people you know who don't believe in Jesus.
The Game Plan
- Review last week's memory verse, 1 John 3:3, "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." Give a ticket to any player who can recite it.
- Learn and memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17 with your team. Encourage them to practice the verse over the week.
- The main goal this week is to present the Gospel to the kids and give them a chance to respond.