TRUTH for the Youth: The Gospel in Color
Overview: This study may be used by an individual but is created to be used as a group study.
This study is designed to help a person to grow in their relationship with God and to gain knowledge and strength in their ability to walk in righteousness, seeking God’s will. The message is also created to help people understand the Gospel and to be comfortable sharing the good news with others. Each lesson is designed to take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The points are based on colors and it is possible to share the Gospel in Color without a visual aid but also may be fun and effective to create a visual aid in the form of jewelry, book marks, drawings or even something like candy or other food creations.
This study is practical for individual use or a small group setting from two to maybe twelve people who are either male or female. The study is perfect for a person who is curious about Christianity, believers new to the faith and even people who have been following Christ and want to learn a fun way to share the Gospel.
Included in the study are prayer statements that may be modified, bible verses and questions for reflection and spiritual growth as well as indicated memory verses each week. The memory verses are to help people to share the Gospel in Color using God’s living, breathing, powerful word.
There is not a leader’s guide; however, if you plan on leading a group through this lesson you are encouraged to review and engage in the lesson beforehand in order to be prepared with an understanding of the material.
BLACK
Minutes: Opening Prayer & Introduction to Topic
*If necessary allow for individual introduction prior to prayer and objective.
God, we pray that you would speak to us tonight, help us to better understand your word and your will for our lives. LORD, we pray that you would guide us and help to be more like you; show us the sins and things that we are doing wrong in our lives, reveal to us what is and is not good for strengthening our relationship with you and for sharing your light with the world. Thank you LORD that you hear our prayer, thank you for your love and mercy. We pray for a hedge of protection around this group tonight. In Jesus name we pray, amen!
-thoughtful objective: The participant will recognize that the world has fallen, sin separates humans from God and that each person is guilty of sin. Participants will be encouraged to assess the sin in their lives and in their hearts. **Please note that the questions are for personal reflection and are only expected to be shared if desired.
The first color we will look at as we discover the Gospel in Color is Black. The color black represents sin, the darkness in our lives and in our hearts. This sin is disobedience to God, it hinders our relationship with God and takes us away from our purpose which is God’s will for our lives.
1 Corinthians 6:9a tells us that wrongdoers will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Is there a habit of wrongdoing in your life that should be corrected? As the week goes by pray and spend time with God, seeking for Him to show you what your shortcomings or wrongdoings may be. Look to God for the strength and wisdom to overcome.
Perhaps some people become a bit defensive when they are called out as a sinner, or maybe more often when a sinner is called out they feel guilty, alone and not worth being loved. The TRUTH is in God’s word and it declares that we are all sinners.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23 NIV Memory verse
In John chapter 8 we see this truth in action. Jesus was teaching in the temple courts when the teachers of the laws and the Pharisees came to Him with a woman who was caught in adultery. They were trying to trap Him as they asked what should be done with her; Jesus, in His infinite wisdom replied that whoever was without sin should cast the first stone at her but none were able to do so. Jesus knew that all people had sinned and also the ones trying to trap Him knew they were with sin.
What does sin look like in your life? If there is a specific sin you are battling regularly such as false idols (drugs, celebrities, spouse or job), adultery/lust, stealing/coveting?
What are the factors, motives or triggers that contribute toward your sinful actions?
How do you know for sure what sins we are guilty of?
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Romans 3:20 NIV
And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord–that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
Job 28:28 NIV
We can gain wisdom and understanding of our sin through fearing the LORD, seeking Him, studying and following His word. Psalm 97:10 (ESV) says “ O you who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”
Do you love the LORD? How do you show your love for the LORD?
Do you hate evil? How do you show your hate is evil?
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
Ephesians 5:11-12 | NIV
-If time permits read these related veres: Psalms 5:4, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Psalms 34:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, Matthew 6:13
Homework: Memorize the memory verse and pray each day that God would reveal to you your sins, or any habit that is not of Him; journaling and reflecting throughout the week is encouraged.
Closing prayer- by leader or member of the group.