Youth Sermon: Over Our Present

Introduction

Today, we're going to talk about how God's love can change our lives right now, in the present. We're going to look at Romans 12:1-2 and see how our choices show who's in charge of our lives, how changing our patterns can change our lives, and how trading our will for God's will leads to the best life possible.

But first, let's do a quick object lesson. I have a bunch of rubber bands here. I want you to think of these rubber bands as the patterns in our lives. Some of them might be good, but some of them might be bad. Now, I'm going to stretch one of these rubber bands and let it go. What happens? It snaps back to its original shape, right? That's like us when we try to change our patterns on our own. We might stretch and try to change, but we often snap back to our old ways. But when we let God's love reign in our lives, He can help us change those patterns for good.

But when we let God's love reign in our lives, He can help us change those patterns for good.

Romans 12:1-2

Paul tells us that because of God's mercy, we should live as living sacrifices. That means we should live our lives in a way that honors God, not just doing whatever we want. Our choices show who's in charge of our lives. If we're making choices based on what the world tells us, then we're not letting God's love reign in our lives.

Now, let's talk about changing our patterns. Paul says we shouldn't conform to the patterns of the world, but instead, we should renew our minds. That means we need to change the way we think and act. Remember the rubber bands? With God's help, we can change those patterns in our lives that aren't good for us.

Trust in God's Love

When we trust God and let His love guide us, we can start to see the amazing plans He has for our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord and He will make our paths straight. That means when we trust God's love, He'll lead us in the right direction.

So, this week, try to identify one pattern in your life that you want to change. Maybe it's a bad habit, a negative attitude, or something else. Then, ask God to help you change that pattern and trust His love to guide you.

Prayer

God, thank You for Your love and mercy. Help us to live as living sacrifices, honoring You with our choices. Show us the patterns in our lives that need to change, and help us to trust Your love to guide us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. What are some patterns in your life that you think need to change?

2. How can you trust God's will and love to guide you in making better choices?

3. What are some practical ways to replace negative patterns with positive ones?

4. How can we support each other in embracing new patterns and living under the reign of love?

5. Share a time when you experienced the transformation that comes from changing a pattern in your life and trusting God's will.

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Simon Says: Life Choices
• Group Activity: Identifying and Changing Patterns
• Youth Challenge: Embrace New Patterns Challenge