RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE SEASON 13 October 9, 2022

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Unit 4: God: A Forever Friend

Study 2: A Friend Who Is Always There
Text: Psalm 139:7-18; Prov 15:3; Jonah 2:1-10; Matt 28:20
Key Verse: Matt 28:20
.. Surely l am with you always, to the very end of the age. (NIV)
>>Focus

RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE SEASON 13 October 9 2022
It would be an understatement to say that there are many misconceptions about God, even among people who attend church. It’s quite possible that some of your teens have inaccurate views of God. Allow them to express their ideas; then graciously show them what the Bible has to say. Remind them that God wants to be their closest Friend. Help them understand that the One who created everything loves them, thinks about them, and surrounds them with His presence. Explain that God is not only big enough to fill the entire universe; He is also personal enough to be involved in every aspect of their lives.
As you prepare for this season, make a list of the things God has taught you through the years. Then look back over the list and select one or two items that will help illustrate the truth presented in this study. Relating a personal experience will help your students see how a big, omnipresent God works
through, reveals Himself to, and reaches out to help individuals.
>>The Basic Message: Explain to students..

RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE SEASON 13 October 9 2022

∆ WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

God’s presence fills the universe and resides in the hearts of those who make Him Leader of their lives.
∆ WHY DOES IT MATTER?
God longs to be our closest friend.
∆ HOW DO I LIVE IT?
Be thankful that God is near, trust Him with your life, and remain aware
of His presence.
>>Activity Option: SOUNDS FAMILIAR
Write the phases below on a board, and ask students where they might have heard something similar. Explain that sentiments such as these are often printed on Valentines, celebrated in songs, etc. Ask students to decide whether each of these statements is (a) always true; (b) seldom true; or (c) never true. Point out that people often let us down, but God never will.
Finally, ask students to read the statements again and determine how they apply to God.
Here are the phrases:
I’ll be your friend forever.
You can always count on me.
| Nothing can make me stop Ioving.|
l’ll be there for you.
>>Guide: Explain that even our closest friends will sometimes disappoint us, hurt our feelings, break commitments, or fail to be around when we need them most. But God is a Friend who is always there. He will never let us down. He keeps His promises, loves us completely, desires to have a close relationship with us, watches over us, and hears each time we call.

RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE SEASON 13 October 9 2022

Study Overview

Explain that today’s study considers:
✓ How God is present in all places and at all times.
✓ How God loves and watches over us.
✓ How God wants to be involved in every part of our lives.
>>inform and Discuss
a. God is always near
God isn’t limited by time, space, or boundaries. His presence spans His entire creations – we’re all surrounded by His presence. But God chooses specific places on earth where He reveals His glory and interacts with people.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made the way for God not only to live among us, but to also live in us. God’s presence now resides in those who are willing to make room for Him in their lives.
1. Read or have a volunteer read Psa 139:7-10. What do these verses tell us about God? How does that make you feel? [Hint: There is nowhere we can go where God isn’t with us. While that may be a sobering thought, it should give us the assurance that we’re never alone or without help.] 2. How can the knowledge that God is with you affect the decisions and direction in your life? [Hint: If you remain sensitive to Him, He can show you the best way to go and the right things to do. Knowing He is there might also affect the kinds of situations you allow yourself to be in.] 3. Read or have a volunteer read and summarize Matt 28:20. What does this verse imply?
>>Guide: Explain that this verse comes at the conclusion of a passage known as the Great Commission, in which Jesus instructed the disciples to evangelize the world. In the original Greek, the phrase Jesus used for “always literally meant the whole of every day (i.e., God is with His people every second of every minute of every hour- God presence is with us in a real personal way). God’s presence in our lives allows us to reach out to people who don’t yet have a relationship with Him.
b. God is always watching
1. Read or have a volunteer read Prov 15:3. In what ways is it comforting to know that God is always watching? [Hint: God sees all the people at all times. Nothing escapes His sight. That is why His Word repeatedly tells us not to worry or be afraid (e.g., Heb 3:6). He wants us to know that He has everything under control.] 2. In what ways should this knowledge make you more aware of your actions and attitudes? [Guide: Point out that God can’t be deceived. He knows our hearts and sees what we do in secret. Remembering this can motivate us to want to do only the things that will please Him.] »Guide: Emphasize to students that God isn’t looking for a reason to punish us. On the contrary, He seeks opportunity to bring us closer to Himself because He loves us and doesn’t want us to suffer eternal punishment. However, people who reject God’s offer of forgiveness and insist on going their own ways will have to answer for the sins they commit in this life.
>>Illustration Option: HE SEES ME
One of the names ascribed to God is El Roi, which means “The God who sees me.” This was what Hagar, Sarah’s maidservant, called God after the angel of the Lord appeared to her in the desert (Gen 16). Whatever you may be going through, God sees you and wants to help you.
3. Read or have a volunteer read Psa 139:11-12. When might people feel like hiding-or feel hidden- from God? [Hint: When people feel guilty, ashamed, unworthy, or inclined to get away with something, they try to avoid God. During difficult time when people feel helpless or hopeless, they may feel that God is nowhere near.] 4. What do these verses tell us about such times? Why is it impossible to hide from God? [Hint: God is with us no matter how we feel or what we go through. Because God is everywhere, no one can escape His sight. God’s sight pierces darkness and obstacles, spans ocean and valleys; it focuses on everyone, everywhere in the world, all the time.] >>Note: While some people may abandon us, God is always near. Nothing can separate us from His love.
5. Read or have volunteers read Psa 139: 13-18. What does this tell you about God’s thoughts and concerns for you? Do you think you are always on God’s mind? Explain.
6. What kinds of thoughts do you think God has about you?
>>Note: God is both with us and thinking of us. Even when we’re not aware of His presence, we can be sure that we have His attention. The only question is, does He have ours?
c.God is always listening
Read or have a volunteer read and summarize Jonah 2:1-10. [Hint: Beneath the sea, in the belly of a fish, Jonah prayed. He recalled how he nearly drowned and acknowledged God’s goodness in rescuing him. After the prophet lifted his voice in praise, God caused the fish to vomit Jonah onto the shore.
¶ What does this passage teach us? [Hint: God’s ears are attuned to the voices of His people – no matter where we are, whether we’re shouting, whispering, kneeling at the altar, lying on a bed, or sitting down. That doesn’t mean He will always answer us according to our wishes or timetables. But when we call on Him in sincere faith, we can be sure that He will respond with perfect love and wisdom.] >>Note: Despite our faithlessness, God has never given up on humanity. He watches over us, hears our sincere prayers, speaks to our hearts and teaches us to obey His Word.

Involve Them: ASSEMBLY LINE

Have two students stand on opposite sides of the room, each with a stack of paper. Instruct them to make paper wads (balls of paper), hold them at arm’s length, and drop them. Have a third student hold a trash basket and run back and forth, attempting to catch the paper wads before they hit the floor, keep instructing the students to work faster until the one holding the trash basket can no longer keep up. Point out that the activity is difficult because we can’t be in two places at the same time. But God is everywhere. He deals with each of us personally, individually, and simultaneously. Then discuss the following questions:
¶. If God is everywhere, why do many people feel lonely?
¶. What does it mean to have God living in your heart? Why is it important that He lives in your heart?
>Guide: Explain that we shouldn’t be satisfied simply knowing that God’s presence fills the universe. Each of us should desire to know Him in a personal way. Assure students that God wants to be with them in every situation. Then take time to pray with these students, especially those who have worries and concerns, asking God to fill them with His peace.
🌳 🌳 🌳 🌳
>>lnspire Them
Remind students THE BASIC MESSAGE of this study, explaining WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; WHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in this study.
>>Ministry Activity: IN HIS PRESENCE
Offer to pray with those students in your class who do not have a sense of God’s presence. Perhaps they’ve never invited Christ to be the Forgiver of their sins and Leader of their lives. Maybe they’ve drifted out of relationship with Him. Or perhaps they simply need to experience a greater awareness of His Spirit. Pray with those who respond.
>>Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself…
1. Can students accurately define and describe God’s omnipresence?
2. Do students understand the difference between being surrounded by God’s presence and having a personal relationship with Him?
3. Are students willing to trust God to watch over and care for them?