SIN

Equip 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 connect any new students to the Club and Leadership so they feel like they have a place.
• Host – Start the Cub with the Welcome, Prayer, Game (if applicable), and Memory Verse.
• Speaker – Lead the Cub 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 is going to be centered around “SIN” and how to overcome it.

Today is EQUIP Week where we want to equip and encourage you on how to better share your faith with your friends.

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 thankful for those who are here today and thankful for your love for each of us! Prepare our hearts now to hear your Word. In Jesus name, Amen.

Game – Optional (if time allows): Optional (if you have time): 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) – “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

Supplies: The FOUR materials. (bracelets, cards, slides, etc)

Today, we are going to discuss the second part of a Gospel Tool called The FOUR. If you aren’t familiar with The FOUR, it is a tool made up of four symbols that represent each part of the Gospel story and give us a tangible way to explain and share the Gospel with others. These symbols guide us in sharing the message clearly and fully. Let’s dig in and focus on the second icon, The Division Symbol, and what it represents.

The Division Symbol: I Am Separated From God
The Division symbol reminds us that sin creates a barrier between us and God. God is holy and perfect, but our choices to disobey Him—our sin—separate us from His presence. This divide is something we cannot fix on our own. No amount of good works or effort can bridge the gap. But recognizing this separation helps us understand how much we need God’s help and His plan to bring us back to Him.

Let’s take a moment to read a few verses about “the division” sin creates.

Romans 6:23 (NIV): “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Ephesians 2:1-2 (NIV): “1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world.”

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. Why do you think sin separates us from God?
2. Have you ever felt distant from God because of something you’ve done? How did it affect you?
3. How can recognizing this divide help us better appreciate God’s plan to restore us?

The Division Sign reminds us of the reality of sin and its consequences. But it also points us toward hope—God didn’t leave us in our brokenness. As we think about this truth, let’s remember how much we need God and His amazing plan to bridge “the division” through Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1(NIV) – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

In our journey of faith, one of the greatest challenges we face is the power of sin. Sin seeks to entangle us, hinder our relationship with God, and hinder our spiritual growth. However, as followers of Christ, we are not left powerless. Through His grace and strength, we can overcome the power of sin in our lives.

Illustration:
Imagine a river flowing swiftly, with strong currents and treacherous obstacles. It represents the power of sin in our lives. Now picture a skilled kayaker navigating through that river. Despite the challenges, the kayaker successfully maneuvers, avoiding the rocks and staying on course. In the same way, with God’s guidance and wisdom, we can navigate through the powerful currents of sin, avoiding its traps and staying aligned with His will.

Sin has a way of entangling us in its grasp, ensnaring our hearts, minds, and actions. Let’s explore this further:

Emotional Entanglement: Sin often starts with subtle thoughts or emotions that can lead to destructive behaviors. For example, harboring bitterness or resentment can entangle us in a cycle of anger, making it difficult to experience peace and forgiveness. Similarly, indulging in envy or jealousy can entrap us in a constant comparison game, robbing us of contentment and gratitude.

Spiritual Entanglement: Sin creates a barrier between us and God, hindering our spiritual growth and intimacy with Him. When we allow sin to take hold, it becomes a stumbling block that separates us from experiencing the fullness of God’s presence and the blessings He wants to bestow upon us. It can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and distance from God.

Relational Entanglement: Sin not only affects our relationship with God but also our relationships with others. Dishonesty, gossip, and betrayal can entangle us in webs of broken trust and damaged relationships. Engaging in unhealthy patterns of communication or failing to show love and kindness can strain our connections with family, friends, and even the wider community.

Consequences: Sin carries consequences. Indulging in sinful behaviors may bring temporary pleasure or satisfaction, but it eventually leads to long-term repercussions. It can damage our reputation, hurt those we love, and even cause physical and emotional harm. Entanglement in sin often leads to a vicious cycle where the consequences of our actions further ensnare us in guilt and regret.

Recognizing the entangling nature of sin is vital for us to understand its destructive power and seek liberation through Christ. Through repentance, prayer, seeking accountability, and relying on God’s grace, we can break free from the entanglements of sin and experience the freedom and abundant life God has intended for us.

Remember, God’s love and forgiveness are always available to us. With His help, we can untangle ourselves from the grasp of sin and walk in the path of righteousness.

I hope this will encourage you to persevere in your walk with God, recognizing His power within you to overcome sin. Remember, through His strength and grace, you can navigate the challenges and stay aligned with His perfect will.

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

Discussion Questions:

1. How does understanding God’s sacrificial love for us impact our daily lives as students?
2. Why is reflecting on God’s sacrificial love inside our school good for other students here who may not know that kind of love?
3. How can we find strength and encouragement in knowing that God’s love for us is sacrificial, especially during challenging times in our academic journey?

Have Student Leaders pass out Prayer Cards.

As we end our time together today, let’s spend some time praying for our friends and peers who may not know Christ. Write down the names of friends and peers who come to mind, and pray for them intentionally this week.

Give them time to fill out Prayer Cards.

Allow 2-3 minutes for students to share prayer requests and pray for one another.

Closing prayer suggestion: Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the time we’ve had together and the freedom to meet as a Club.

Let us now silently lift up the names of those in our community who need your saving grace. (Pause for silent prayer.)

We lift up those in our community who have not yet found salvation in you. Work in their hearts and lead them to the hope and joy only you can provide. In Jesus name, Amen.

Next week is PREPARE Week ! If you’ve been thinking about sharing your Faith Story, now is the time. Speak with a Club Leader about being one of the two people to share. Whether it’s a short reflection or a full testimony, we’ll walk with you and help you feel confident.

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.)

Leader Notes:

• Remember to file the report on this week’s Club numbers!
• Prepare for PREPARE Week by reviewing the planning guide at the beginning of this month.

Leader Tip: Use the First Priority Club app to keep leader roles organized so you can reference this list on the go!