Youth Sermon: Words From the One Who Knows Us Best

Introduction

Today we're going to dive into a pretty cool part of the Bible. It's like getting seven text messages from Jesus Himself. These messages were sent to seven different churches way back when, but they're still super relevant to us today. Because, let's face it, Jesus knows us better than anyone else. He knows when we're crushing it and when we're struggling. He knows when we need a high-five and when we need a reality check.

Imagine you've got a pair of headphones. You know, the ones that get all tangled up in your pocket? You pull them out and they're a mess. But you don't throw them away, right? You take the time to untangle them because you know they're valuable. That's kind of like us. Sometimes our lives can get tangled up, but Jesus doesn't give up on us. He helps us untangle the mess.

Jesus knows us better than anyone else. He knows when we're crushing it and when we're struggling. He knows when we need a high-five and when we need a reality check.

Messages from Jesus

Let's check out these messages from Jesus in Revelation 2. We're going to read the greetings to the first four churches together.

So, these messages from Jesus, they're kind of like a pattern. He starts with a thumbs up, then a heads up, and ends with a promise.

Jesus' Thumbs Up: He sees when we're doing good and sticking to what's right. Like the church in Ephesus, they were working hard and not giving up. Or the church in Smyrna, they were going through tough times but stayed strong in their faith.

Jesus' Heads Up: But He also gives us a nudge when we're going off track. Like the church in Pergamum, they were starting to listen to some bad advice. Or the church in Thyatira, they were letting someone lead them down the wrong path.

Jesus' Promise: And then, He gives us a promise. A promise that if we stick with Him, we'll come out on top. Like the church in Ephesus, they were promised life in paradise. Or the church in Smyrna, they were promised victory over death.

Conclusion

So, what does this mean for us? It means that Jesus is with us in the highs and the lows. He's cheering us on when we're doing well and guiding us back when we stray. And no matter what, He's got an amazing promise for us if we stick with Him.

Let's pray. Jesus, thank you for knowing us better than anyone else. Help us to hear your voice in our lives, to celebrate the good, correct the bad, and hold onto your promises. Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. Which of the seven churches do you identify with the most and why?

2. How can we apply Jesus' messages to these churches in our lives today?

3. What does it mean to be victorious in Christ?

4. How can we respond to Jesus' affirmation, correction, and promise in our lives?

5. What are some practical ways we can live out being victorious in Christ this week?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Seven Churches Ice-Breaker
• Group Activity: Church Scavenger Hunt
• Youth Challenge: Victorious in Christ Challenge