SIN

Connect Week

Student Leader Roles:

• Promo – Promote the Club through social media, announcements, and any other outlets the school allows.
• Welcome – Stand at the door and welcome students to the Club as they arrive. Be sure to welcome any new students and connect them to the Club and Leadership so they feel like they have a place.
• Host – Start the Club with the Welcome, Prayer, Game (if applicable), and Memory Verse.
• Speaker – Lead the Club through Tool Time, and Dig In, using the EPIC Guide, and any supporting materials.
• Follow-up – Follow up with new (or newer) students, and students who accepted Christ for the first time or want to know more. This role requires follow-up every week, not just after INVITE Weeks.

Welcome: Welcome to First Priority! We are so glad that you have chosen to join us today! Our focus this month has been “SIN”. Today is CONNECT Week and we are so excited to share with you the many ways to connect with God through the local church.

Let’s start today’s club with prayer.

Opening Prayer: God, thank you for another great week that we get to be here at First Priority! I am so thankful for those who committed their lives to follow Jesus last week. I am also thankful for the local church. Thank you, God, that you have placed people in groups that love you and that will help each other walk faithfully. In Jesus name, Amen.

Game – Optional (if time allows): Feel free to select a game that fits your needs best! Click here to see the list of games available.

MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 14:12 (NIV) – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Leader Tip: do this next part in groups or ask just a few volunteers for each section.

Let’s take a moment to share about how we are connected to Christ, Club, and the local church and how we can get those around us to be connected as well!

Christ: Anyone want to share their connection to Christ story? (How they came to a relationship with Christ.)

Club: Who can we connect to this First Priority Club next week?

Church: Ask students

1. What Church do they go to? Where does your church meet and what time does it start?
2. Why do they go to their church?
3. What do they love about their church?

Leader Tip: Invite a Club Coach to share about their church!

This month, we have been talking about sin and the damage it causes in our lives and to our relationship with God. Let’s finish up by reading a few verses in Romans.

Romans 7:15-20(NIV) – ”15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.”

Today, let’s be real! No matter who you are, we all have one thing in common, the universal struggle that everyone faces: wrestling with sin. As followers of Christ, we are called to resist the temptation of sin and pursue righteousness. However, we often find ourselves engaged in a fierce battle within our hearts and minds. Let us explore this topic together, using an illustration, relevant scripture, and some thought-provoking questions.

Illustration:
Imagine a wrestling match between two opponents: one representing the desires of our sinful nature, and the other representing our desire to live in obedience to God. Picture the fierce battle as they clash, each striving to overpower the other. This vivid illustration captures the ongoing conflict we experience within ourselves—a spiritual wrestling match that shapes our character and faith.

Scripture:
In Romans 7:15-20(NIV), the Apostle Paul perfectly describes his personal struggle with sin: “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate… For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” These words resonate with our own battles, reminding us that even the great Apostle Paul faced the same wrestling match we encounter today.

As followers of Christ, it is crucial to recognize that the wrestling match with sin is a shared experience. We are not alone in our struggles, and there is hope for victory. Our key to overcoming lies in seeking God’s strength, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, and nurturing our relationship with Him through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. Remember, Christ has already won the ultimate victory over sin and death, and He equips us to triumph in our personal battles as well.

Take time to reflect on the questions provided and seek God’s guidance in your wrestling with sin. He is faithful and will provide the strength you need. Trust in His grace, seek His help, and press on in your pursuit of righteousness.

Take a moment to reflect on the powerful words of this scripture. God’s love is steadfast, meaning it remains firm and unwavering, regardless of our circumstances or shortcomings.

His mercies are endless, continuously flowing into our lives. And each day, we wake up to a fresh outpouring of His love and faithfulness. What a beautiful truth to hold onto!

Leader Tip: Break into small groups or have a large group discussion based on Club size. Give students 1-2 minutes per question based on Club time.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you personally experience the wrestling match between your sinful desires and your desire to live a Godly life?
2. How can getting connected to a local church help you in fighting your temptations and struggles?
3. Have you considered sharing your struggle with a particular sin with a close friend and asking them to help you fight this battle?

Take 2-3 minutes to allow students to give different prayer requests and pray for the needs of the students. Spend a few minutes praying for local churches.

Let’s close in prayer.

Closing prayer suggestion: God, thank you for reminding us today that we are not alone in the struggle with sin. We acknowledge the battle within, but we also acknowledge your strength and grace that empowers us to overcome. Help us to lean on your Spirit and seek your guidance in the areas where we wrestle most. As we go out this week, give us the courage to fight sin with your truth and the faith to trust in your victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be sure to join us for our next 4-Week Cycle where we will be talking about the Payment for our sin, the Cross! We want to dig in and really define what the Cross means to us so we can share this truth with others! If you feel like you are ready to take a step of faith and join Club Leadership, I want to invite you to come talk to one of us! We would love to talk to you about getting more involved in the Club and becoming a Student Leader!

Leader Notes:

• Remember to file the report on this week’s Club numbers!
• Review leader roles for next week! Use this as an opportunity to recruit new leaders!

Announcement suggestions:
This is the place for the Club to make any announcements for the upcoming week and or month. This is a great spot to add Student Leaders to your team and give responsibilities to them. It is also the place to check on the upcoming school schedule for days off or breaks (your Faculty Sponsor is a great resource for this).