OBJECTIVE:
This lesson will teach the players that, even at a young age, they can have their own walk with the Lord and be an example to others of what following Christ looks like.
Scripture Passage
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12
In the Word
What are some things that adults can do, but little kids can't? Young children can't drive a car, get a job, or buy a house. there are some people who think that following Jesus is also for grown-ups. They believe that children are too young to really understand the Bible, that only adults can truly trust in Jesus, study His Word, or spend time with Him in prayer. But the Bible tells us a different story. Today, we are going to see that no one is too young to be a follower of Christ.
Today's verse comes from a letter that a man named Paul wrote to his friend Timothy. Timothy was a young man who was the pastor of a church. As a pastor, he had the responsibility to lead the people in his church. some of them were much older than him, and perhaps Timothy worried that these older people wouldn't listen to a young man like him. But in 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul tells him not to let anyone look down on him for his age. God can use anyone, young or old, for His purposes. The same is true for us today. You don't have to wait until you're a grown-up to start following the Lord. Jesus wants everyone to give their heart to Him, whether they are 5, 50, or 105!
Maybe you have Christian parents. Maybe you go to church every week. But whether you've grown up hearing about God or are learning about Him for the first time this season, all of you must decide: do I believe this? Am I going to put my trust in Jesus and give Him my whole life? Your parents can't make that decision for you. You must choose to follow Him for yourself. That means not only believing that God is real and that the Bible is true, but making Jesus the most important person in your life and obeying His Word.
Not only can you follow Jesus as a child, but our verse today says that young people can also be an example to others of what it means to be a Christian. Being an example means not just telling others about Jesus with your words, but showing them what it looks like to follow Him with the way you live your life. Paul told Timothy to be an example in the way he spoke, acted, loved others, was filled with the Holy Spirit, trusted in God, and kept himself away from sin. This season, we will study what it means to be an example in each of these areas of life. You may be young, but no one is too young to follow Jesus. So don't let anyone look down on you for being young, but live for Jesus and set an example for others!
Today's verse comes from a letter that a man named Paul wrote to his friend Timothy. Timothy was a young man who was the pastor of a church. As a pastor, he had the responsibility to lead the people in his church. some of them were much older than him, and perhaps Timothy worried that these older people wouldn't listen to a young man like him. But in 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul tells him not to let anyone look down on him for his age. God can use anyone, young or old, for His purposes. The same is true for us today. You don't have to wait until you're a grown-up to start following the Lord. Jesus wants everyone to give their heart to Him, whether they are 5, 50, or 105!
Maybe you have Christian parents. Maybe you go to church every week. But whether you've grown up hearing about God or are learning about Him for the first time this season, all of you must decide: do I believe this? Am I going to put my trust in Jesus and give Him my whole life? Your parents can't make that decision for you. You must choose to follow Him for yourself. That means not only believing that God is real and that the Bible is true, but making Jesus the most important person in your life and obeying His Word.
Not only can you follow Jesus as a child, but our verse today says that young people can also be an example to others of what it means to be a Christian. Being an example means not just telling others about Jesus with your words, but showing them what it looks like to follow Him with the way you live your life. Paul told Timothy to be an example in the way he spoke, acted, loved others, was filled with the Holy Spirit, trusted in God, and kept himself away from sin. This season, we will study what it means to be an example in each of these areas of life. You may be young, but no one is too young to follow Jesus. So don't let anyone look down on you for being young, but live for Jesus and set an example for others!
On the Court
- Some of the other players or people watching the game might not be Christians. Set an example of what a follower of Jesus looks like, both on and off the court.
- When your teammates or those around you are doing something they shouldn't, the best thing you can do is be an example to them by saying or doing what's right.
Off the Court
- You are never too young to have your own walk with the Lord. You can do that through reading the Bible with your family, praying, going to church, and trying to obey Him in everything you say and do.
- In your schools, neighborhoods, sports teams, and homes, live your life according to God's Word to be a godly example to the unbelievers around you.
The Game Plan
- Learn and Memorize 1 Timothy 4:12 with your team. Encourage them to practice the verse over the week. Whoever learns the verse for next week will receive a ticket for snack shack prizes.
- Since it's the first week, make sure that all the players learn each other's names and get to know one another.
- You're never too young to make a decision to walk with the Lord. If any players on your team want to trust in Christ and make their faith their own, give them the opportunity to do so today.