WHAT SEPARATES US FROM GOD

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 “What separates us from God.”

Today is EQUIP Week and 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): Feel free to select a game that fits your needs best!  Click here to see the list of games available.

MEMORY VERSE: Romans 3:23 (NIV) – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

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

Today we are going to be talking about the second part of a Gospel Tool called The FOUR. The FOUR is 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. When sharing the Gospel, you can use The FOUR to help guide your conversation and ensure that you are correctly and fully sharing the Gospel message. Let’s dive in and talk about The Division Sign.

The Division sign: I Am Separated From God

Sin creates a divide between us and God. While God loves us deeply, our sins have broken the perfect relationship we were created to have with Him. Sin is anything that goes against God’s Will, and it separates us from His presence. On our own, we cannot bridge this gap—but God, in His mercy, made a way for us to be reconciled through Jesus Christ.

Let’s take a moment to read a few verses about how sin separates us and God’s plan for restoration.

Romans 3:23 (NIV): “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Isaiah 59:2 (NIV): “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that He will not hear.”

Discussion Questions: (Break into groups if not already)

Give students 1-2 minutes per question based on Club time.

1. When have you felt distant from God, and what do you think caused that distance?
2. Why is it important to understand that sin separates us from God?
3. How can acknowledging The Division help us understand the need for Jesus?

Take time to reflect on these truths and share how recognizing The Division in your own life has led you closer to God’s plan for reconciliation through Christ.

As you know, our Memory Verse for this month is from Romans and we are talking about the sin that separates us from having a relationship with God. Let’s read another verse from the Book of Romans to dig into more of what the Bible says about sin.

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

As students navigating the challenges of life, we often find ourselves caught in the grip of sin. Whether it’s the allure of worldly temptations, unhealthy relationships, or the recurring struggle with personal weaknesses, sin has a way of entrapping us and keeping us from experiencing the abundant life that God intends for us. However, as followers of Christ, we have been set free from the power of sin through God’s grace. We are no longer slaves to sin but are empowered to live victorious lives.

Sin’s grip may feel strong at times, but the truth is that sin’s power has been broken through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. When we accept Christ as our Savior, His Grace becomes the driving force in our lives, enabling us to overcome the grip of sin. It is through God’s Grace that we find forgiveness, restoration, and the strength to resist temptation. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live lives that are pleasing to God and reflect His transformative work within us.

Leader Tip: Break into small groups or have a large group discussion if there are not enough people in the room to break into smaller groups. Give students 1-2 minutes per question based on Club time.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does understanding that we are no longer slaves to sin but under God’s grace impact the way we approach our struggles with sin?
2. What are some practical steps we can take to rely on God’s Grace and break free from the grip of sin in our daily lives? (see 2 Peter 1:5-8)
3. How can we encourage and support one another as fellow believers in our journey to overcome sin and live victoriously?
4. How does this conversation change or impact the testimony you have been writing from the Faith Story Sheet? (if everyone does not have one, hand them out again)

TIP: Have Student Leaders pass out Prayer Cards.

As we close our time together today, let’s lift up in prayer those in our lives who have not yet experienced the Hope found in Christ. Take a moment to reflect on a few friends who come to mind, write their names down, and commit to praying for them throughout the 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: Father God, thank you for allowing us to meet and spend time in fellowship.

Let’s take a moment to quietly pray for friends or family who need to know you. (Pause for silent prayer.)

We ask that you move in the lives of those who don’t yet know you. May they experience your grace and peace, and may we be bold in sharing your truth with them. In Jesus name, Amen.

Next week is PREPARE Week ! Last month, we talked about writing and sharing your Faith Story. If you’ve been working on yours, connect with a Club leader about being one of the two people who will share next week. Whether it’s a short 2-3 minute micro story or a longer 7-minute testimony, we’ll help you prepare and feel confident in sharing.

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!