Youth Sermon: The Journey

Introduction

Today, we're going to talk about our journey with Jesus and how it can change our lives. To help us understand this better, I've got a cool object lesson for us. Check out this paper clip. It's just a simple, everyday object, right? But when we stretch it, it can change its shape and size. Just like this paper clip, our lives can be stretched and changed when we follow Jesus.

Just like this paper clip, our lives can be stretched and changed when we follow Jesus.

Peter's Story

First, let's talk about Peter. You know, the guy who messed up a lot but still became a great leader in the early church. Peter teaches us that even when we fail, we can still move forward with Jesus. Remember when he denied knowing Jesus three times? Yeah, that was a big fail. But Jesus still had big plans for Peter, and he became a rock for the church.

Paul's Story

The second person we're going to look at is Paul. Before he met Jesus, he was actually against Christians and even helped to kill them. But after his encounter with Jesus, he became one of the greatest missionaries ever. Paul's story shows us that we can either strive in our own strength or respond to the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Life Application

So, what does this all mean for us? Well, just like the paper clip, our lives can be moved and changed when we follow Jesus. We don't have to be perfect or have it all together. We just need to be willing to let Jesus lead us and be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Here's a practical life application idea for you: this week, try to be more aware of the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life. Instead of trying to do everything on your own, ask God for help and direction. And when you mess up, remember that failure is never final when you're walking with Jesus.

Prayer

"Dear God, thank you for loving us and for being with us on our journey. Help us to be open to your guidance and to trust you when we fail. Stretch us and change us, just like the paper clip, so that we can become the people you want us to be. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How can we learn from Peter and Paul's journeys with Jesus?

2. In what ways have you experienced transformation in your own journey with Jesus?

3. How can we support each other in overcoming failures and growing in our faith?

4. What steps can we take to be more responsive to the Holy Spirit in our daily lives?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Peter and Paul's journeys to our own lives and the challenges we face as teenagers?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: From Failures to Leaders
• Group Activity: Walking in Their Shoes
• Youth Challenge: Embrace the Journey Challenge