Youth Sermon: Saved from Shallow Religion

Introduction

Today we're going to talk about how Jesus saves us from sin and shallow religion. You know, the kind of religion that's all about showing off and not about what's really going on inside of us.

Let's start with a little object lesson. I want you all to imagine a cup. Now, this cup looks super shiny and clean on the outside, but when you look inside, it's full of dirt and grime. That's what shallow religion is like. It's all about looking good on the outside, but on the inside, it's a mess.

That's what shallow religion is like. It's all about looking good on the outside, but on the inside, it's a mess.

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Now, let's look at what Jesus says about this in Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. He talks about giving, praying, and fasting. But he says we should do these things in secret, not to show off. Why? Because God cares about what's going on inside us, not just what we show to others.

Avoiding Shallow Religion

So, how can we avoid being like that dirty cup? How can we make sure our insides match our outsides?

First, let's talk about giving. Jesus says when we give to those in need, we should do it in secret. That means we don't post about it on Instagram or brag about it to our friends. We do it because we want to help others, not because we want to look good.

Next, Jesus talks about praying. He says we should pray in private, not to show off. That means we don't just pray when we're in church or at youth group. We pray when we're alone, when we're struggling, when we're thankful. We talk to God like he's our best friend, because he is.

Finally, Jesus talks about fasting. Now, fasting isn't just about giving up food. It's about giving up anything that's getting in the way of our relationship with God. Maybe for you, that's social media, or video games, or even negative thoughts about yourself.

The Challenge

So, here's the challenge for you guys. For the next 40 days, let's try to live like Jesus is teaching us. Let's give, pray, and fast in secret. Let's focus on what's going on inside us, not just what we show to others.

And remember, the goal isn't to check these things off a list. The goal is to grow in love for others. Because that's what God is all about. He's not keeping score. He's working to transform our hearts and minds into the likeness of his Son.

Closing Prayer

Let's pray together. God, help us to focus on what's going on inside us, not just what we show to others. Help us to give, pray, and fast in secret. And help us to grow in love for others. Amen.

So, let's get out there and live like Jesus is teaching us. Let's be cups that are clean on the inside, not just on the outside. And let's remember that God is with us every step of the way.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How does it feel to give, pray, or fast in secret, without others knowing?

2. What are some ways you can practice self-giving love this week?

3. What is something you feel you could let go of (fast from) during Lent?

4. How can we support each other in moving beyond shallow religion to a deeper faith?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Secret Givers
• Group Activity: 40 Days of Secret Kindness
• Youth Challenge: Grow in Self-Giving Love