13 ESSENTIAL LESSONS

FOR YOUTH AGES

14-18
FROM THE

Conversational, experiential lessons reveal how the Old

Testament narrative points to Jesus redemptive missionand
how these ancient truths impact teenagers everyday lives.

No.

01

JESUS-CENTERED
100%

OLD TESTAMENT

EASILY REPRODUCIBLE

OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

FLEXIBLE FOR ANY

SIZE GROUP

WRITTEN USING THE

NEW LIVING TRANSLATION

ENGAGING ACTIVITIES

13 ESSENTIAL LESSONS
FOR YOUTH AGES

14-18
FROM THE

Conversational, experiential lessons reveal how the Old

Testament narrative points to Jesus redemptive missionand
how these ancient truths impact teenagers everyday lives.

No.

01

JESUS-CENTERED
100%

OLD TESTAMENT

13 Essential Lessons From the Old Testament

2016
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Credits
Executive Developer: Tim Gilmour
Executive Editor: Rick Lawrence
Chief Creative Officer: Joani Schultz
Editor: Stephanie Martin
Art Director and Cover Art: Jeff Storm
Production: Suzi Jensen
Project Manager: Justin Boling
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New Living Translation, copyright
1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All
rights reserved.
ISBN 978-1-4707-4289-8
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Printed in the United States of America.

13 ESSENTIAL LESSONS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................4
LESSON 01

GOD IS HOLY.............................................................................5

LESSON 02

GOD IS JUST.............................................................................9

LESSON 03

GOD IS PATIENT.......................................................................13

LESSON 04

GOD IS LOVING........................................................................17

LESSON 05

FAITH IN ACTION......................................................................21

LESSON 06

HOPE RUNS IN THE FAMILY..................................................25

LESSON 07

A ROYAL APPOINTMENT.........................................................29

LESSON 08 ROOTED......................................................................................33
LESSON 09

PAIN AND SUFFERING............................................................37

LESSON 10

IN THE VALLEY..........................................................................41

LESSON 11

TRUE STRENGTH.....................................................................45

LESSON 12

GODS GRACE AND RENEWAL..............................................49

LESSON 13

REAL POWER.............................................................................53

EASILY REPRODUCIBLE

OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

FLEXIBLE FOR ANY

SIZE GROUP

WRITTEN USING THE

NEW LIVING TRANSLATION

ENGAGING ACTIVITIES

CONTENTS

HOW TO USE THESE LESSONS...

This collection of 13 Essential Lessons From the
Old Testament is a taste-test overview of crucial
topics, threaded through a narrative that is
always pointing forward to the Messiah. The
lessons are structured simply, using an inquiry
based method that maximizes conversation and
engagement with your teenagers. This questionfocused structure gives you the flexibility to tailor
these lessons to your time slot, and go as deep
as your group is able to go. We believe healthy
discussion is essential to help students own their
faith. Even more, you dont have to be a theologian
to lead these lessons. Weve crafted them
specifically to emphasize discussion and deeper
connections among students. If you love God and
love teenagers, you can easily lead these lessons.
Each lesson is built on Groups REAL teaching
imperatives: Relational, Experiential, Applicable,
and Learner-based. Each week, your kids will
build relationships with each other, and with God,
through interactive experiences and challenging
questions that will spur them to dig deeper. And
every lesson is threaded-through with a Jesuscentered focus that reveals and elevates the
Messiah, no matter what the topic or scriptural
foundation. In addition, we include ideas for
connecting what kids are learning to their everyday

ESSENTIAL LESSONS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

lives with every lesson. The lecture (or talk)

strategy that so many use as a default setting has
proven to be the least effective way for peoplenot
just teenagersto learn. In fact, more and more
learning experts are now branding the talking-atyou method so popular in churches as educational
malpractice. With these lessons, you get a best
practice approach that will plant growth in your
students.
As an added resource, weve included a short
background segment that will help you quickly
get up to speed on the topic focus of each lesson.
And weve included two suggested Tweet-able
invitations you can send out to teenagers in
advance of each lesson.
Now, just like that, youre ready to lead these
lessons. Follow the flow from start to finish, or
cherry-pick the lessons that fit your scope. Were
so grateful youve picked up this resource, and
honored to partner with you in your ministry to
teenagers.
Grace,
Rick Lawrence
Editorial Director
Group/Simply Youth Ministry Resources

13 ESSENTIAL LESSONS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

LESSON

N o. 01

GOD IS HOLY
BIBLE VERSES

Isaiah 6:1-5 John 12:25-26

Romans 12:1 1 Peter 1:16

ACTIVITY
Ask: How would you define the word holy, and why?
After students answer that question, grab the supplies and cut open
both pieces of chocolate.
Ask: Which of these is the better illustration for what holiness is all
about, and why?

Things you need...

Bibles
A solid piece of chocolate
A chocolate-covered candy bar
A sharp knife

Say: Holiness means youre without blemish or sin; in other words,

youre pure. What you see on the outside is whats on the inside.
Youre the same all the way through. With the solid piece of
chocolate, you can see that its the same on the inside and the outside.
Its complete and whole, all the way through. With the candy bar,
you can see that the outside is covered in chocolate, but the inside
is something different. When we talk about Gods holiness, were
talking about this solid piece of chocolate: God is the same, complete
and whole, all the way through.

DIGGING IN
Have someone read aloud Isaiah 6:1-5.
Say: Lets spend some time talking about the holiness of God.
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU NEED GOD
Say: It might seem a little scary or intimidating to consider exactly
how holy God is. But a deeper understanding of what holy really
means can create a sense of wonder and a magnetic attraction to God,
not a fear that hell strike us down or punish us. Even though were in
a kind of prison because of our sin, we can be set free by Jesus when
we acknowledge our need for him, and our need for forgiveness.
When this happens, the sins that separate us from God are resolved
by Jesus sacrifice on the cross, and we can be in Gods presence
without fear.

Permission
to copy this handout Copyright 2016 Group Publishing Inc.

LESSON No. 01

BIBLE BACKGROUND
Read Isaiah 6:1-5.
A basic fundamental of the
Christian faith is Gods holiness.
God is a perfect Creator who is
without sin. Gods holiness reveals
our brokenness, showing us our
need for a Savior. There are no
shadows on the suns surface,
and there can be no sin in Gods
presence. However, we can stand in
Gods presence through the saving
work of Jesus.
The prophet Isaiah receives a vision
of what God looks like. He sees the
incredible majesty and splendor of
Gods throne. In this Bible passage,
we see that even the seraphim are
unable to look at God because of his
complete holiness. They fly around
with their eyes covered. Theyre
also constantly declaring how holy
God is. Its as if Gods holiness is
so consuming, its all you can think
about when youre in his presence.
When Isaiah sees this vision, he
realizes how unworthy he really is in
the presence of such a holy God.

Ask:
Why do you think Isaiah was given this vision of God in heaven?
When you read these verses from Isaiah, do you feel more or less
able to actually relate to God? Explain.
Why do you think Isaiah said he was doomed after he saw this
vision?
When have you felt both close to and far away from God?
Explain.
BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS
Say: Jesus, whos perfect and without sin, gives us strength to
overcome things in this life that pull us away from him. As we
grow spiritually, getting to know Jesus more deeply and therefore
becoming more like him, our thoughts and actions start to reflect the
thoughts and actions of God, who is holy. Your inside starts to look
more like your outside, and vice-versa.
Ask:
As youve gotten to know Jesus, whats one way youve actually
become more like him? What impact has this area of growth had
on your overall life?
Whats one area where you want to grow but seem to be
struggling to become more like Jesus? Why do you think its such
a struggle?
CONTINUE TO WALK WITH GOD
Say: Jesus wants all people to be in heaven with him for eternity. But
he lets us choose whether well follow him and how well live. Jesus
desires for us to continue walking with him throughout our lives.
This means dying to self and becoming more complete as we mature
spiritually.
Have someone read aloud John 12:25-26.
Ask: How can you practice these words from Jesus in your daily life?

DIGGING DEEPER
Ask:
Holiness can be a tough concept to fully understand. Why do
you think holiness is one of Gods characteristics? What would
happen to us if God werent holy?
Read 1 Peter 1:16. Why does God want you to be holy? If you
think about holiness as working hard to be perfect, that seems
hopeless. Why would God tell us to do something that seems
impossible in our own strength?
6

ESSENTIAL LESSONS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Say: Jesus wants his followers to live holy lives. This doesnt mean
being perfect, but allowing his work in our lives to make us more like
himmore complete, inside and out.

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE

Ask:
What are some first steps you can take to make yourself more
open to Jesus developing holiness in you?
Read Romans 12:1. This verse says theres a connection between
living holy and worshiping Jesus. Pause for a moment and
meditate silently on this verse. Why is there a connection
between holiness and worship?
How have you felt encouraged by someone to live a holy life?
What are some practical steps you can take to do the same for
someone else?

THINGS TO REMEMBER
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TEXTS & TWEETS

How do you define holiness?
Lets talk about it in real ways.
Cant wait to see you!
Yep, you can be holy the way
God is holy. Get ready to dig
deep, and bring a friend.
Make texting your group easier. Consider
using Simply Text. To try it FREE go to
https://secure.symt.us/signup

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LESSON No. 01

13 ESSENTIAL LESSONS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Bring the Old Testament to life for students in a fresh way that ignites their passion
for Jesus. Help your teenagers see how the entire Bible works together to create a

perfect picture of Gods loving character and his plan for redemption. Theyll be on the
edge of their seats as their eyes are opened to truths theyve yet to discover. These 13
intentionally selected lessons build anticipation for Jesus impending arrival through
surprising stories packed with valuable wisdom.

ALL 13 LESSONS INCLUDE

Brief overviews designed to help you prepare

Primary and secondary Scripture references

Open-ended questions for authentic discussions

Objectives to help drive home what, why, and how

Flexible guidelines with opportunities to go deeper

13 Essential Lessons From the Old Testament equips you to invite students on an
exciting journey that increases their desire to go deeper with Jesus.

ISBN 978-1-4707-4289-8

Printed in the U.S.A.

9 781470 742898

USD $16.99

51699

Religion/Christian Ministry/Youth