Puppet Master of Culture

Day 1- YOUR ENEMY

Read Ephesians 6:12
Is your fight against people? Who are you fighting?
Read 1 John 5:19
Who is the influencer of the world?
Read John 10:10
What is Satan’s goal? Knowing that Satan is behind all the ways of the world, do you have more confidence in God?
What are ways Satan “steals, kills, and destroys” throughout the world?

Day 2- THE ENEMY’S CHARACTER

Read John 8:44
Who is the one who is guiding the world? What does Jesus call him?
What is the character of the “father of lies”?
Can you trust a liar?
How does the “father of lies” influence the world to lie?
If this is the character of the enemy who influences culture, does following the culture of the world sound appealing?
How does knowing about Satan’s character grow your confidence in God instead of the world?

Day 3- THE ENEMY’S DISGUISE

Read 2 Corinthians 11:14
Who does Satan disguise himself as?
Read John 8:12. Who is Satan trying to disguise himself as?
Read Matthew 7:15
The people who follow Satan are described as what?
Read John 1:29. Who are they trying to look like?
Jesus is the True Light and the True Lamb. Everything He does is good. Everything Satan does is evil, but the Bible gives you the inside scoop on how Satan works. Satan makes himself look like what he is doing is truth, light, and good, but when you look beneath the surface, it’s deadly.

GIVE IT A TRY!

Satan preys upon your weaknesses, but God gives you strengths. God turns weakness to strength. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. Isn’t it time to have confidence in God to make your weakness one of your greatest strengths?

Day 4- THE ENEMY’S WEAPON

You have learned all about Satan this week. He is not your worst enemy.
Who is your worst enemy? It’s you.
Read Romans 3:23. What is mankind’s biggest problem?
Read Isaiah 59:2. How does this verse explain why sin is so bad?
Read Romans 1:21-25. In verse 25, what did the sinner exchange for the truth of God?
Read Romans 6:23. What do you earn for sinning? What does Jesus give you?
Satan would be a pathetic influencer of the world if the people in it wouldn’t sin. The sin of mankind is Satan’s weapon. He has no leverage with you if sin has no power in your life. His strategy is to make your sin look appealing and give you hundreds of different ways to participate in your sin. His success relies on the presence of sin. He knows if you keep blaming him, then you won’t point the finger at your own sinful self. Ignoring your sin keeps Satan’s weapon fully loaded. The good news is that Jesus gave us victory over sin. The Holy Spirit gives you God’s power to live in freedom from sin. If sin has no power in your life, then Satan will show himself as wimpy and he will move on to someone else.

Day 5- SATAN IS NOT GOD’S OPPOSITE

The movies always portray God and Satan as opposites. You often see a person with Satan on one shoulder and God on the other fighting for your attention. The problem with this little scenario is that God is not Satan’s opposite. God is so much bigger and more powerful than Satan. Read the following verses about God’s character:
Read 1 John 3:20 and fill in the blank: God is __________________
Satan only knows what God reveals.
Read Jeremiah 23:24 God is ____________
Satan isn’t everywhere. He deceives you by looking like he’s everywhere because of the media, the culture of the world.
Read Luke 1:37 God is __________
Satan only has the power God allows him to have.
Read Job 12:10 God is ____________
Satan has never been able to stop the plans of God… never… and he never will.

Confidence or Culture?

Day 1- DEFINE IT

Confidence: (n) the feeling of being certain that something will happen or that something is true.
Use this space to make a list of all things you are confident are true.

Day 2- YOU CAN TRUST GOD

To have confidence, you must have trust. Do you realize that you make daily decisions based on trust? For example, if you play a sport, should you listen to your coach’s advice or a fan in the stands? You should listen to your coach because you trust his strategy to win the game and he knows how your abilities fit within the game plan. You can trust God because He cares for you and wants you to succeed.  God has a plan for you. He planned it before you were born. He literally made every detail of you, inside and out, for His plan. Read Jeremiah 29:11 and memorize it.
What does God promise He has for you?
Do you have confidence that God has good things planned for you? Why or why not?

The Bible tells you in Matthew 10:30, that God knows the number of hairs on your head. In Psalm 139, He says that He knows when you sit and when you rise. That is how well He knows you. Now ask the person on earth who knows you best to see if they know how many hairs are on your head. Do you have confidence God knows you the best?

Day 3- NOTHING COMPARES TO GOD

God wants you to know that you can have absolute confidence that there is no one like Him. Write down how these verses describe God.
Read Psalm 24:1. What belongs to God? Can you trust God when you need something?
Read Isaiah 55:9. How can you trust God with the way He does things?
Read 1 Corinthians 1:25. Describe God’s wisdom compared to man’s.
Can you trust God for any wisdom you need?
Read Colossians 2:13-14. How did God help you cancel the debt you owed Him?

Day 4- REASONS TO BE CONFIDENT IN GOD

Today, you are going to do a little Bible surfing. Read these verses and write down a few words of what God has done for you. Here is an example:
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Because of Jesus, my old self is gone, and I am brand new.”
Romans 6:23 –
John 3:16 –
John 1:12 –
2 Corinthians 5:21 –
1 John 5:4 –
Ephesians 2:8-9 –
Romans 5:8 –
Do you have confidence that God wants you to succeed and not perish? Why or why not?

Do you have confidence that God wants nothing but good for you? Why or why not?

Day 5- I AM CONFIDENT…

Look back at what you learned this week. Make a list of how you have confidence in God.
For example: “I am confident… that God has a plan for me.”

Culture's Character

Day 1- CULTURE’S CONFIDENCE

Culture: (n) the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time.
Write down what the culture around you believes to be true right now.
Make sure you understand the definition of the word “culture” defined in this Bible study. In this study, the word “culture” is not used to reference a person’s “cultural background.” You have a history and a culture that God has used to make you who you are. God values those things and you can use them to share Him with others.
The word “culture” will be used to represent all the different beliefs the world promotes, what the world thinks to be true or not true, and all the things the world values.

Day 2- THE CULTURE ROLLER COASTER

Today, you are going to do an exercise that might need your parent’s or grandparent’s help. Look back at your list from Day 1 of where you wrote what culture believes to be true.
Go to your parents and ask them what culture believed to be true ten years ago. Let them look at your list to help them see what you think culture believes now.
Go to your grandparents and ask them what culture believed to be true 50 years ago.
Have your parents help you Google the early 1900s. Write down what the world was like 100 years ago. Does culture stay the same or does it change?
Read Hebrews 13:8 and Malachi 3:6. Does the Lord stay the same or does He change?
If God stays the same no matter what happens in culture, should you have more confidence in God or culture? How can you have more confidence in God?

Day 3- WHAT CULTURE VALUES

The Bible tells us that God sees things differently than the world does. Grab a piece of paper and make two different columns. At the top of one column write “God.” At the top of the second write “Culture.” Read the verses and write down how God is different than culture.
1 Samuel 16: 7 – What does God look at?
1 John 2:17 – Does God or the world last?
Colossians 3:23 – Who does God want you to please? Who does culture want you to please?
Look back at the list. Does God or culture sound more appealing to follow?

Day 4- THE RESULTS OF CULTURE

Culture will encourage you to only look at “right now” to make your decision. “Fix it now”… “It feels good now”… “It’s fun right now”… “You will succeed now” are just examples of the world’s advice. What God asks you to do now has your future in mind. How can you stay focused on what God asks you to do instead of what culture encourages?

Day 5- Read Galatians 5:18-22

Do you have more confidence in God or the world?

GITVE IT A TRY!

After reading Galatians, do you think you look more like the culture of the world or God? What are some things you can do to look more like Jesus?

The Bible's Views on the World

Day 1- DON’T BE CONFORMED

Read Romans 12:1-2
Why does God want you to be transformed by Him instead of conformed to the world.
What are some ways you are conforming to the world?
Do you have confidence in God to stop conforming to the world? Why or why not?

Day 2- CHOOSE A DIFFERENT COURSE

Read Ephesians 2:1-3
What is the course or “path” of the world?
Before believing in Christ, how were you walking in the ways of the world?
Are you confident that God’s “course” is better than the world’s?

Day 3- DON’T LOVE THE THINGS OF THE WORLD

Read 1 John 2:15-17
If you love the world, then what are you loving instead of God?
Why doesn’t God want you to value the things of the world?
Do you value the things of the world more than God?

DIG DEEPER

Jesus is the prime example of how to love people of the world. Tax collectors were enemies of God’s people because they were cheating them. Jesus loved His enemies, and it changed them. Read Luke 19:1-10

Day 4- LOVE THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD

Read Genesis 16:1-6
How does God show His love for the world?

Read Luke 6:27-30
How does God want you to love all people, even those conformed by the world?

Read 2 Timothy 4:2 and memorize it
Does God want you to share Christ with people of the world?
Do you have confidence in God to share Him with others?

Day 5- THE WORLD MAY NOT LIKE YOU (#38b449 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

Read John 17:14
God tells us why the world is against those who are confident followers of Christ.
Has this ever happened to you or anyone you know?
Do you have confidence in God to stand strong? Why?

The Weapon of Fear

Day 1- FEAR #1: I CAN’T SEE GOD

Read Matthew 5:8. How do you see God? Do you see why a life of purity is important?
Read Exodus 33:20. What happens if we physically see God?
God is so pure and so holy that He cannot have anything to do with sin. Since we are sinful humans, the only way we can be in God’s presence is because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Christ died giving you the purity you need to see God.
Read Ephesians 1:7. What does Jesus’ blood do?
Don’t let “not physically seeing God” hurt your confidence. He calls you to have faith.
Read Hebrews 11:1. What is the definition of faith?
Faith requires you to have confidence in what you don’t see. God has given you assurance that He is real. Think of all the ways you have seen God at work without physically seeing Him. List a few that you can think of.

Day 2- FEAR #2: I CAN’T HEAR GOD

Is your confidence on hold because you can’t hear God? He is always saying something. “Listening” will be your biggest challenge.
Read Hebrews 1:1-2. Who did God speak through in the Old Testament? Who does God speak through now? Where can you read about what Jesus says?
Read 2 Timothy 3:16. Can you hear God by reading the Bible?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:16. If you believe in Jesus, who lives inside you? How does the Holy Spirit help you? God may not be vocal, but He is not silent. Do you ever ignore the Holy Spirit when He is urging you to do what is right? If you are not hearing Him now, it may mean you aren’t listening in the right places.

GIVE IT A TRY!

Do you want to hear God more? Set yourself up to hear Him. Think about Kamp in the summer. You probably hear Him and see Him more at Kamp. Why? It’s a time you are unplugging from the world and plugging into God. You can do the same thing at home. Make some realistic goals on how to make it happen and then tell someone.

Day 3- FEAR #3: I DON’T WANT TO BE DIFFERENT

Are you afraid to have confidence because you don’t want to be different?
Read Romans 8:9
Who lives inside you? Do you realize the Holy Spirit is God? That God actually lives inside of you? How does knowing God is in you help you grow in confidence?
Read 2 Timothy 1:7
What is the Spirit of God like? What is the Spirit of God not like?
Do you have the fear of being different because you are afraid you will be alone? Do you think God would ask you to be different and then leave you to fend for yourself?
Read Hebrews 10:24-25
What does God ask you to never stop doing?
How could having a friend who loves Jesus encourage your confidence in God?
Where are some places that you can find friends who believe in Jesus?
If there are none… how can you start something?

Day 4- FEAR #4: LIFE IS TOUGH

It is easy when life is good to have confidence in God. Life, whether you believe in Jesus or not, will be tough. There is no way to avoid that. Sometimes life is tough because of your sin. Sometimes life is tough because of other people’s sin. Sometimes life is tough because of things you can’t control such as weather, accidents, or sickness. The good news is that God is bigger than all these things.
Read James 1:2-4. How do hard times make you stronger?
Read Romans 8:28. Does God work “some things” or “all” things for good?
Read Proverbs 16:4. According to this verse, God has made everything for what?
Have you experienced God at work in tough times?

DIG DEEPER

Paul spent the last part of his life in prison for doing nothing wrong. He was in prison for telling others about Jesus. His prison was actually a cold, dark hole in the ground. Can you imagine? Paul was confident in God no matter his circumstance. Read what he said in 2 Timothy 1:12. Are you convinced that God is good and will do good things no matter what?

Day 5- FEAR #5: I DON’T WANT TO LOSE ANYTHING

Read Matthew 16:24. Write it down and memorize it.

Does following Christ require sacrifice? Who is the ultimate example of sacrifice?
Read Luke 18:18-25
What did Jesus tell the rich man he had to do?
What kept the rich man from following Jesus?
It is not bad to be rich. It is not bad to have things. The problem comes when you value your wealth over God. The rich man in Luke 18 couldn’t give up earthly riches to follow God.
God will ask you to give up anything that you value more than Him.

Read 1 John 2:17
According to the Bible, who is lasting? What is temporary?
Culture applauds people who have everything. But having everything you want is an illusion. You cannot have everything in life. Don’t allow your fear of losing something lessen your confidence in God. Losing all your money or fame would be tough, but it’s nothing compared to eternity. God isn’t asking you to give up something you value “just because.” He asks you to give up something temporary for Him, who lasts forever.
Do you have confidence that God wants you to value what lasts?
Do you have confidence that God will give you something better than what you lost?

The Weapon Of Approval

Day 1- POPULARITY

Is it tempting to follow culture instead of God because you want to be successful, popular, or famous? It is a natural feeling to want to feel worthy and liked. Seek popularity from Him, and He will give you worth whether people approve or not.
Read Colossians 3:23. Whose approval should you seek?
Read Romans 11:36 and James 1:17. According to this verse, if someone has something or is good at something, who is the reason why?
Remember that God can also use earthly popularity for His purposes.
Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. Do you think giving God the glory in public takes guts?
How can popularity be used for God?

Day 2- POPULARITY DOES NOT EQUAL SUCCESS

God’s idea of popularity and success is very different than the world’s idea of it. You might be the best basketball player to ever live, but God doesn’t value your trophies and medals. He values how you live your life for Him while you are on the team. You could be the most beautiful person in the world on the cover of magazines, but God only values what you look like on the inside.
Read Proverbs 31:30. What is more important to God? Do looks come and go?
Do you believe this is true?
Read Psalm 1:1-3. What is successful in God’s eyes?
Read Luke 9:24-25. If you gain the entire world, what do you give up?

Day 3- POPULARITY DOESN’T LAST

Many people throw their confidence in God to the curb when they have a chance to be embraced and loved by the world. God tells us that He is the only thing that lasts.
Read 1 John 2:15-17.
Try to write down the last five people who won the Heisman Trophy without asking anyone or looking it up. Can you do it?
Will you wear the same clothes that are popular now in 10 years?
What was the most popular sport of the 1700’s? Do you know it?  Which one of these questions did you know the answer to without help?
Name five people who have challenged you to live more like Jesus.

Day 4- POPULARITY CAN’T BE FOR EVERYONE

Read Colossians 2:8
How are the world’s promises of success and fame deceitful if you do certain things?
Read 1 John 3:1
Who are you to God? While the world is busy promising false hope in success, fame, and popularity, God is promising and actually giving significance to every single human. You have a .00008% chance of being significant to the world. You have a 100% chance of being significant to God.

Day 5- POPULARITY WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH

If you start down the path of the world, you need to know that what you do will never be enough. There will always be someone more successful. There will always be something else you want. At the moment you think you have it all, culture will change. If your pursuit is the world, then you have no choice but to change with it or lose success. The pursuit of the world might look appealing, but you should know it’s exhausting.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9.
What does God give that is “sufficient” or enough?
What else does God give you?

The Weapon of Pride

Day 1- DEFINE IT

Pride: (n) a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own possessions and achievements or the possessions and achievements of others.
Pride is more than just putting your things and accomplishments before God… it’s also when you arrogantly give yourself credit for the things God has done. John the Baptist is a great example of someone whose pride was only in Jesus.
Read John 3:30 (hint: the “He” John is talking about is Jesus)
What was John the Baptist’s perspective?
Was John the Baptist prideful? What are some ways you are prideful?
What are some ways you can decrease and God can increase in your life.

Day 2- CULTURE ENCOURAGES PRIDE

Read Philippians 2:3
What does the Bible ask you to do? How can you keep your mind off of yourself?
Read Romans 12:16
What should you never be? Are your thoughts more important than God’s thoughts?
Do your actions reflect your answer to the question above?
How is this mentality different than culture’s perspective?
What are some ways this week you can get your focus off of yourself?
Can you live a life of purity if you’re focused on your wants and not what is best for others?

Day 3- YOU vs GOD

Read Jeremiah 9:23-24
List the things in which you are not supposed to boast. Who should you boast about?
Read James 4:10
Are you confident God will lift you up in the right timing?
What do you need to do to humble yourself before God?
God deserved all the credit because He has done all the work. If you are busy giving yourself the credit, you will miss out on what He is doing.

Day 4- BE READY TO BE HUMBLED

Read Proverbs 16:18
What comes before destruction?
What comes before a fall?
Read Proverbs 29:23
What happens to one who is prideful?
What happens for the one who is humble?
Read Proverbs 11:2
What comes after pride?
What comes with humility?
If you are humiliated because of pride and your spirits are down, it’s time to start looking up.
Read Matthew 5:3
What does the poor in spirit inherit?
Have you ever been humbled?

Day 5- ROLLING CREDITS

Have you ever stayed to the end of a movie to see the long list of credits? Everyone who worked on the movie gets credit. Your life isn’t over, but it’s time to start making the rolling credits.
Write down all your accomplishments, possessions, and strengths that you are proud of. Give God the credit for the things He has done and thank Him. Write down who God used in your life to impact you.  
“Let one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:31

Disarm Satan

Day 1- GIVE UP FEAR

Read Ephesians 6:10
Today, spend some time looking over what you wrote down about fear.
What fears do you have? What sin comes from those fears?
How do the ways of the world encourage those fears?
How could these fears keep you from striving to live a pure life?
How can you give these fears to God? Have you told anyone you trust about these fears?
Are you confident God can help you overcome your fear?

Day 2- GIVE UP APPROVAL OF MEN

Read Romans 13:14
Today, spend some time looking over what you wrote down about approval and acceptance. Re-read the verses from week 2 of this month.
How do you want to be popular? How can you use any popularity you have for God’s glory?
Do you struggle with gaining approval from friends and other people?
How could your desire for man’s approval keep you from striving to live a pure life?

Day 3- GIVE UP PRIDE

Read 1 John 5:4
Today, spend some time looking over what you wrote down about pride.
Re-read the verses from week 3 of this month.
How are you prideful? What sin comes from your pride? How do the ways of the world encourage your pride? How could your pride keep you from striving to live a pure life?
What are ways you can get your mind off yourself?
In what ways can you give God the credit for what He has given you?

Day 4- CONFESSION TIME

Read 1 John 1:9. What does God want you to do?
Read Proverbs 28:13. What do you receive if you don’t hide your sin?
Spend some time today looking over the answers you wrote down over the last three days. God has already done the work to forgive your sins – your sin is already forgiven. Maybe it’s time for you to confess it to Him and start receiving it.

Day 5- FRESH START

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17
Spend today writing out some goals on how you can live differently.
You are new… don’t act like your old self anymore!

What God Says About You

Day 1- HE LOVES YOU

Read the following verses and write down how God shows His love for us.
Ephesians 2:4-5, 1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8, Galatians 2:20
How does God show His love for us?
Read the following verses and write down how God’s love is described.
Psalm 63:3, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 86:15, Lamentations 3:22-23
Love is not a feeling. Culture wants to explain love that way. Love is way more than the butterflies you feel in your stomach when you like someone. It’s so much more than when you see someone and think they are cute. Love can result in feelings, but love is not a feeling. Love is an action. Love is a decision. Loving someone means you are willing to sacrifice anything… including your life. Don’t let culture minimize love to a feeling. It is so much more. Are you confident God loves you? Why or why not?
How could your life be different because He loves you?

Day 2- HE CARES FOR YOU

Write down how God cares for you from these verses.
1 Peter 5:6-7, Joshua 1:9, Psalm 23:4, Deuteronomy 31:8, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Matthew 6:26-33
God cares for you. Culture is not able to care for every single person on earth. It’s too busy changing and trying to move forward. Sadly, billions of people are never known or loved by the world. God is able to love and genuinely care for all the details of every person who ever lived. Do you have confidence that God cares for you? Knowing God cares for you, how should your life be different?

Day 3- HE CREATED YOU

Read these verses and write down what you learn about your Creator.
Read Revelation 4:11, Genesis 1:27, Romans 11:36, Psalm 139:13-16, Isaiah 64:8
God created the world, and He created you. Psalm 139 explains that He created every little detail of you. He knows what you are meant for and how you can be your best. Every decade or so, culture has a new explanation how all things were created. Every theory man creates has inconsistency and problems. Every theory man has made has been proven wrong or has been overturned by something else. The only one that has remained strong and has been proven throughout 7,000 years of testing, is that God created you. You are complex and unique, and there has never been anyone ever like you. A large explosion, evolution from monkeys, and any other explanation could never create you and all that is inside you. Do you have confidence God created you?
Knowing God created you, how should your life be different?

DIG DEEPERIt’s pretty stinkin’ awesome that God created the entire world in just one week. You should read about it. Read Genesis chapter 1 and 2 to see how God created the world and you.

Day 4- YOU HAVE VALUE

Read the following verses and write down what value you have to God.
1 John 3:1, Romans 8:31-39, John 14:1-3, Genesis 1:27, 1 John 1:9
Out of all the things God created, there was only one species that God made in His own image…mankind. Humans are His only creation He desires to call “children of God.” God, throughout all of history, has included every person in what He is doing. He designed you uniquely for His will, yet the truest proof of your value is seen in God’s forgiveness. No matter what you have done or how much you have done, God will forgive you if you turn to Him. Are you confident God values you?
Does culture value you as much as God does?

Day 5- YOU MATTER

Read the following verses and write down what God has done to prove that your life and your existence has purpose. In other words, you matter.
1 Peter 3:18, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:8, Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 2:10
The Bible tells us that God planned all things in the very beginning. This means He had plans for you before you even existed. His plans are good and give you the opportunities to do good things. He has made you to matter because you are significant to what God is doing. The world is always changing, which means those who matter…change. You might matter to the world at some point in life, but you are guaranteed to matter for eternity to God.
Are you confident God has given you purpose in His plan for you?
If your purpose comes from God, should you look to the world for direction?

What God Knows About You

Day 1- GOD KNOWS YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
What does the Bible say there are many varieties of? Who gives them to everyone?
Read James 1:17. What comes from above? Who gives you your strengths?
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. Who makes your weaknesses turn to strength?
Do you believe God knows your strengths and weaknesses?
Should you go to Him for wisdom or should you go to the world for advice?

Day 2- GOD KNOWS YOUR DAYS

Read Psalm 139:13-16
When were the days of your life determined? Were a few of them or all of them determined?
Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 and memorize it.
Is there a season and time for some things or all things according to this verse?
Think about what you’ve learned about God. Are you confident He knew when you were born?
Do you believe God knows how long you will live?
Do you think the world knows the number of your days?
Did the world know when you would show up here on earth?
If God knows and the world does not, who should you look to for direction?

Day 3- GOD KNOWS YOUR ACTIONS

Read Psalm 139:1-4
How does God know your actions? Does He know your thoughts?
Read the following verses and write down what God knows.
Psalm 147:5, Job 28:24, Hebrews 4:13
God knows your actions. He knows your thoughts. He knows you because He created you. He also knows your sin and still forgives you. He understands you and also challenges you to be your best.
Read Ephesians 6:7-8. Who should you serve wholeheartedly?
How can you serve the Lord instead of men?

Day 4- GOD KNOWS YOUR NEEDS

Read the following verses and write down how God will provide for your needs.
Read Matthew 6:25-34
What does God say about meeting your needs? Does He care for what you need?
Read Romans 6:23 and John 5:24
True death is separation from God forever. How did God meet the need of your sin?
Read Philippians 4:19. How does God supply your needs?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. How does God provide for you when you are tempted?
Ephesians 3:20
How does this verse describe God’s ability to provide for your needs?

Your biggest need is salvation. Struggles on earth are nothing compared to what it would be like without God in eternity. In addition to providing for your salvation, He promises to meet your needs on earth. God’s “pockets” are very deep. His riches and resources are limitless.  You can trust Him to come through with what you need in His timing. God will always provide for your need, but He doesn’t have to provide for your greed. When you ask God for something, ask yourself first if you really “need” what you are asking Him.

Day 5- GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART (#38b449 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

Read the following verses and write down what the Lord knows about your heart.
1 Samuel 16:7. How does God measure a person?
Ezekiel 36:26. What is God able to do with a person’s heart?
Luke 6:45. What part of the body is a good picture into the heart?
Jeremiah 17:9-10. How is the heart described?
Who can search the heart and test the mind?
Psalm 51:1-2; 10
What did Jesus do to cover your sin?
How does Jesus give you a new heart?

There are many religions in culture that will tell you how to live your life. God is the only One who cares about the condition of your heart. He is the only One who has fixed the problem of your heart. He knows your heart. He has done the hard work to fix your heart by sacrificing His Son Jesus to die on the cross.

Do you have confidence Jesus knows your heart?
Do you trust He has your best interests in mind?

What God Wants For me

Day 1- SALVATION

Read the following verses on salvation:
John 3:16, Romans 6:23, John 11:25-26, Ephesians 2:8-9
Romans 5:8-9,1 Peter 3:9, 1 Peter 3:18, John 5:24,1 Peter 2:24
Did God go to great extents to bring you salvation? Do you have confidence God “does not want any to perish”? Do you have confidence God wants good things for you?

DID YOU KNOW…

No matter what has happened in the past, God will meet you where you are today and will take you where you need to go tomorrow.

Day 2- ABUNDANT LIFE

God gave you salvation but also wants you to live your life without the burden of sin.
Read John 10:10
What does God want you to have?
What does our enemy come to do?
How does Satan use the world to steal, kill and destroy your abundant life?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17
How are you described in Christ?
How does Jesus give you a fresh start?
Read Psalm 1:1-3
What are the results when someone chooses to walk with Jesus instead of living a sinful life?
Romans 8:1
In Christ, are you free or condemned?
Culture will appeal to your senses. It makes sin look, sound, and feel good and fun, and might even make you happy for a little while. The truth is, damage will happen to you and others. You will be burdened with consequences, guilt, and shame. Sound fun? With God, you get freedom from sin, damage, guilt, and consequences. Your life will be filled with joy, hope, and purpose.  Are you confident God wants an abundant life for you?

GIVE IT A TRY!

If you want to know how rich you are, find out how many things you have that money can’t buy.

Day 3- GOD WANTS TO PROTECT YOU

God does say “don’t.” God does say “no,” but He does it because He wants to protect you. Read the verses below and write down how God wants to protect you.
2 Thessalonians 3:3, 2 Samuel 22:3-4, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 91:1-4, 2 Timothy 4:18,
1 Peter 5:8, John 16:33
God is not the “cosmic kill joy” the world portrays Him to be. He does not want to keep you from fun. He wants you to enjoy life in safety. He does not want to keep you from feeling loved. He wants to protect you from fake love. He is not like a strict authority who says “no” to control you. He is a loving Father who knows the danger that is before you and wants to protect you from it. Do you believe God wants to protect you?
Do you view God’s commandments and instructions as protection?

DIG DEEPER

A warrior wears armor for his protection. God describes what the armor looks like for His followers. Read about the armor you should put on in Ephesians 6:10-17.

Day 4- GOD WANTS HOPE FOR YOU

Hope is important. If you didn’t hope for something, then you would have nothing to look forward to. God gives true hope on earth. No matter the circumstance, you always have hope in God. Read the following verses about the hope God gives.
Read 1 Peter 1:3. Jesus conquered death and so can you! How does this give you hope?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:1. Jesus makes you new. You get a fresh start… a clean slate.
Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
No matter what happens, why should you not loose heart? Is hope about what is seen?
Read Ephesians 1:18. The word “enlightened” means “to understand.” What does God want you to understand? Do you know you have an inheritance with God? In Him, you inherit eternal life. It’s in God’s will. Does this give you hope?
Read Revelation 21:4
Did you know that one day, when you are with Christ forever, these things will be true?
How does this give you hope?

Day 5- GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE A LIGHT LOAD

Read Matthew 11:29-30 today and memorize it
The world will tell you that what God wants is a burden to you. If you look to the world it will always seem easier to do it its way or your own way. God’s telling you He is the easy way. Memorize this verse so when it’s hard, you can remember that God wants to take you down the road with no burdens.

Purity + Free From Sin

Day 1- GOD IS PURE

God sets the standard for purity.
Read these verses and write down what you learn about God being pure.
1 John 3:3, Proverbs 30:5, 1 John 1:5, Psalm 18:30
Do you believe God is pure? What are some ways you believe this?

Day 2- JESUS IS PURE

Jesus is God, so He is pure. He set the human standard for purity, living without sin.
Read these verses and write down what you learn about Jesus’ purity.
1 Peter 2:2, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 John 3:5, James 1:13, John 10:30
Being human, Jesus had the opportunity to sin and didn’t do it. Now you have a concrete, flesh and bones example of what it looks like to choose purity and live it out.
Are you thankful Jesus was without contamination?

DIG DEEPER

If you want to see what it looks like to be without sin, read about Jesus’ temptation in Matthew 4:1-11. This is where the Bible shows you purity in action. Jesus was 100% confident in God, and it shows in these verses.

Day 3- ADAM AND EVE CHOSE IMPURITY

Read Genesis Chapter 3
What was Eve’s sin? God told Adam about the tree. What should he have done?
Did Adam sin, too? In verse 7, what did Adam and Eve do?
Did covering themselves up and hiding from God work?
What were the consequences of their sin in verse 23-24?

Day 4- CONSEQUENCE OF IMPURITY

Romans 6:23, Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 59:2
Read 2 Thessalonians 1:9
What is the eternal consequence of a chosen life of impurity?
Purity cannot mix with impurity or purity becomes impure. God kicked Adam and Eve out of the garden to protect His purity. For the same reason, He can have nothing to do with your impurity. The good news is that He loves you and wants you to walk with Him, so He sent Jesus to die for your sins.

Day 5- ALL MEN ARE LIKE ADAM AND EVE

Have you ever been frustrated with Adam and Eve for messing things up so badly?
Here is the bleak reality… you would have done the same thing.
Read Romans 5:12
Because Adam sinned, what does that mean for you and everyone else?
Read Romans 3:23 and memorize it. Does everyone sin?

Impurity = Sin

Day 1- DEFINITION OF SIN

Read James 4:17 and memorize it. How is sin described in this verse? How is Eve an example of this verse? How is Adam an example of this verse? Have you ever known the right thing to do but still didn’t do it?

Day 2- THE CHARACTER OF SIN

Read these verses and write down what you learn about sin.
Romans 6:23, 1 John 3:4, Matthew 15:17-20
Where does sin start? Where do your sinful actions come from?
What are ways you can protect your thoughts from sin?
Read Luke 6:46-49
What is the difference between the man who listens to God and chooses to do what is right and the man who hears God but chooses his own way?
Have you seen sin’s character in your own life?

Day 3- THE PENALTY FOR SIN

Today you are going to learn a simple illustration to understand the penalty for sin.
Read Romans 6:23
Grab some duct tape and go outside to your driveway. Make a line with duct tape.
Take 20 huge steps and make another duct tape line parallel to the other one. If you have chalk write “Man = Sin & Death” next to the first duct tape line. Write “God = Purity & Life” on the other side of the second duct tape. It should look like this:
MAN = Sin and Death
GOD = Purity and Life
Now stand at the “Man” side with your feet on the duct tape line facing the “God” line. Try to leap across that gap. That gap represents your separation from God. Sin keeps you from Him.

GIVE IT A TRY!

Pick up a rock and carry it around all day one Saturday. Take it with you wherever you go. At the end of the day, write down what carrying that rock around all day was like. Thinking about how carrying a rock all day affected your ability to do what you were supposed to do that day? Imagine this rock represents your sin. Do you think sin is worth carrying around?

Day 4- SIN HARMS OTHERS

Read Hebrews 10:22-24
What does this verse ask you to do first? What does God do for your heart?
What does God want you to do for others? If you are sinful, is it possible to spur others on to love and good deeds? What are some of your sins that are harming others?
What are you going to do about it?

Day 5- YOU CAN’T HIDE SIN

Read the following verses and find out what they say about hiding your sin.
Jeremiah 16:17, Psalm 139: 1-4, Jeremiah 17:10
Hiding from God is pointless. He knows your heart and He knows your sin. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve tried to hide their sin from God, but He already knew they had sinned. The great news is that God had already planned a way to free mankind from his sin.

What are ways the world tries to hide their sin?
What are some ways you have tried to hide your sin? Did it work?

The Benefit of Purity

Day 1- SEE GOD

Read and memorize Matthew 5:8
What is the benefit of being pure according to this verse?
If you strive to live a pure life, then you will see God more clearly in all He is doing.You will see Him more clearly in your life, in the lives of others, and in the world. Imagine a window between you and God. The window has to be clear to see Him. Sin dirties the window and keeps you from seeing God clearly. If you don’t do something about sin, it becomes a blindfold, keeping you from seeing Him at all.
Read Galatians 5:19-21
List all of the things keeping you from seeing God.
How do these things keep you from seeing God in your life? How can you see God by living a pure life? How can you see God when you are not focused on your own sin? What do you need to get out of your life to be able to see God?

Day 2- DANIEL SAW GOD

Read Daniel Chapter 1
Do you think it was easy for Daniel and his friends to be different?
How did Daniel and his friends have confidence in God instead of the ways of culture?
Did trusting God work out for Daniel and his friends?
Read Daniel 1:8. Did Daniel have to make a strong decision to do what was right?
Do you think you will have to make a strong decision to do what is right?
Read Daniel 1:8-9. Who did Daniel ask to eat different food?
How did God help Daniel before he needed it?
Do you believe God will help you do what is right?

Day 3- FREEDOM

Read John 8:34. What are you a slave to? Who gives you freedom?
Read Psalm 119:44-45. How can you walk in freedom?
2 Corinthians 3:17. Who gives freedom? How has God given you freedom?

Day 4- FOCUS

Satan uses your sin to keep you distracted from God. He wants you and all of culture to miss out on what God is doing. What are some ways your sin can distract you from doing what you are supposed to be doing?
Read Colossians 3:2 and memorize it.
How can setting your eyes on Christ help you stay focused on what God has for you?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:13
What does God say He will do for you here?
Living an impure life not only will direct you away from what God is doing, but it will also cause you to miss out on what He can do through you. On top of that, it will distract you from the help God promises to give you when you are tempted.

Day 5- HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

The following verse is the foundation of how purity will help you have healthy relationships… Read Hebrews 10:22-24 and write it down.
When you draw near to Christ and are free from sin, what should you do for others?
Can this be done with words, actions, or both?

Who You Gonna Be?

Day 1- HOW YOU GONNA BE

Read John 1:12
Today, think long and hard about who you want to be. Write it out and place it somewhere you can always see it. Here are some questions to help you.
What goals do I have? How do I want to be remembered?
How do I want God to describe me? How do I want to use my strengths?
How do I want to impact others? What are some of my dreams in life? (Dream big)
Child of God or the world? It’s your choice… what is it going to be?

Day 2- I AM SAVED

Do you believe in Jesus as your Savior?
Read Romans 5:8-9
Are you confident Jesus is the only way?
Read John 14:6 and Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Where does God perform His work? If you believe in Jesus, how are you going to live like it?
Think about how you answer this in all areas of your life and in all your relationships.

Day 3- I AM GOD’S TEMPLE

Read 1 Corinthians 6:19. Who lives inside of you?
Read Romans 8:9. Knowing you are God’s temple, how should you treat your body?
How can you respect the house (aka your body) that God lives in?
How can your respect other believers’ temples? Remember, God lives in them, too.
God might not dwell in the house of some people right now, but hopefully, they will believe in Him one day and He will. How can you help God protect His future temple?

Day 4- I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN GOD

You sit in a chair without thinking because you are confident it will hold you. You go into your kitchen because you are confident there is food there. You don’t get in a stranger’s car because you are not confident that you will be safe. You don’t eat certain foods because you are not confident you will like them. Confidence, or lack of confidence, will cause you to act.  If you have confidence in God, then you will naturally “lean in” on Him for everyday life.
Read Hebrews 10:22
If you have “full assurance of faith,” how will drawing near to God become a major part of your day? Are there any areas you don’t have confidence in God? Don’t be afraid to be real about this. Ask a believer you look up to about their confidence in these areas.

Day 5- I SERVE THE LORD

Change your perspective to be a servant of Christ and culture will no longer have a hold on you. If you view yourself as God’s servant, you will be a culture changer.
Read 1 Samuel 12:24. What should motivate you to serve the Lord?
How would your life be different if you chose to be a servant of the Lord?

I Am A Steward

Day 1- DEFINE IT

Steward (n) : one who is responsible for another’s money, property, estate and possessions.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2. What are you to be considered?
If you are a steward, what should be your character?
God wants you to take care of His things. You have been trusted with the truth of God. To the world, this Truth is a mystery. To you it’s life. Instead of viewing everything you have as yours, view it as His and you get to be a part of what He is doing with it.

Day 2- I AM A STEWARD OF MONEY AND THINGS

Read Psalm 24:1
What is the Lord’s? Is the money you have God’s or yours?
What does God want you to do with His money?
Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 3:9, Acts 20:35, 2 Corinthians 8:7
Has anyone asked you to take care of something for them? For example, have you ever babysat? If you have, you were a steward. Did you think about being responsible with someone’s most precious possession? Do you have the same attitude with God’s things? How can you be responsible with all of God’s things that He has entrusted you with? Think about your valuables. What are some things the Lord would want you to do with them?

GIVE IT A TRY!

Memorize John 12:23. The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified and exalted.

Day 3- I AM A STEWARD OF GOD’S TIME

It’s easy to think that your time on earth is yours. Read what the Bible says about the days of your life in Psalm 139:16 and Ecclesiastes 3:1.
God knows the time He has given you. Yes, you can choose how you spend your time, but God has given all of your days. You wouldn’t have them unless He gave them.  He had a reason for you to be on the earth the time that you are here. You can hoard your time for yourself or you can give your time to God and let Him prioritize how you should use it.
Are you confident that God gave you the time you have on earth?
How can you be a good steward of God’s time?

Day 4- I AM A STEWARD OF MY BODY

Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-17. Why do you think God wants you to protect His temple?
Read Romans 12:1-2. How does God want you to be a good steward of your body?
If you are fully confident in God, you know that He wants great things for you. You also believe that He has purpose for you. The more you harm your body the more you are missing out on the abundant life God has for you. The more you harm your body the more you are abusing the vessel that God has created to do good things.
Is there any way you are harming your body?
Tell someone and let them help you. Is there any way you are harming another person? Are you pushing someone to do something that keeps them from the awesome plan God has for them? What are the ways you can be a good steward of your body?

Day 5- I AM A STEWARD OF MY RELATIONSHIPS

Your life should be defined by your relationship with God, but He also wants you to have healthy relationships with people.
Read Hebrews 10:24. What should your goal be in any relationship?
Read John 15:12. How has God loved you? How can you love others like God loved you?
Read Romans 12:10. What does it mean to honor another above yourself?
Honor another person more than your self. This is exactly how you can be a good steward of your relationships. If we did this, the world would be a different place.
Read Ephesians 6:2
What does this verse say about your relationship with your parents?
If you are a good steward of your relationship with your parents, you will value their role in your life and trust them. How can you be a good steward of your relationship with your parents by honoring your father and mother?
Read Proverbs 27:17
How does God describe healthy friendships?
How can you be a good steward of your friendships?
Read Hebrews 10:24
How can this verse challenge you to have healthy dating relationships?
Being a good steward in a dating relationship is when someone recognizes the person they are dating is not “theirs” but God’s. A good steward in a dating relationship views the person they are dating FIRST as a brother and sister in Christ. If you are too busy focusing on what you want out of a relationship, then you will be distracted and will not spur others on towards love and good deeds.
How can you treat your boyfriend/girlfriend as brother/sister in Christ?
Do you think having a physical relationship outside of marriage is being a good steward of a dating relationship?

I Am Selfless

Day 1- GOD FIRST

Read the following verses and write down what God is saying.
Matthew 6:33 and Luke 10:27
What do you think it means to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, strength and soul?
Heart:
Mind:
Strength:
Soul:
Does doing all this require selflessness? How can you make it happen?

Day 2- OTHERS SECOND

Read the following verses and write down what God is saying.
Philippians 2:4, Luke 6:35, John 15:12-14
What are some ways that you can put others before you today?
How does thinking of others help you live a life of purity?

Day 3- HUMILITY

Read the following verse and take notes about what God says
Philippians 2:3, Acts 20:24
Proverbs 15:33, 1 Peter 5:5-6
Humility is not low self-esteem. Humility is recognizing the person who deserved the credit. Humility is recognizing your way is not the best way.You have to have a good self-esteem to be humble. To be humble, you must be confident in the One you humble yourself for. 
What are some ways you can be humble?

Day 4- SERVANT-HEARTED

Read the following verse and take notes:
1 Corinthians 9:19
John 14:15
1 Peter 4:10
According to John 14:15, why should you serve the Lord?
According to 1 Corinthians 9:19, what is the goal in serving others?
How does God want you to use the gifts He gave you?

GIVE IT A TRY!

Set some goals on how you can be servant-hearted in these areas:
Family
Sports/Activities
Friends
Church
School
World

Day 5- AN EXAMPLE OF SELFLESSNESS

An example of a person, who is truly pure in heart, was the widow who gave all she had. Read Luke 21:1-4
How did the widow put God first? How did the widow put others second?
How was the widow a good steward of God’s money? How was the widow humble?
How was the widow selfless?
Do you think it took confidence in God for the widow to give all she had?

I Am Vulnerable

Day 1- RESTORED

God spared no expense and effort to restore you to Himself. His pursuit of you is passionate.
2 Corinthians 5:18 and Isaiah 41:13
God has reconciled you to Himself. You are restored.
How does this show you how much He values you?

Day 2- FORGIVEN

Forgiveness takes love and sacrifice. If you are forgiven by someone, that means they have looked past the hurt you have caused because they value you.
Read the following verses and take notes:
Hebrews 8:12 and 1 John 1:9
How can God’s forgiveness of your sin give you confidence that you are valuable to Him?

Day 3- LOVED

Love is an action. Write down all the ways God acts to love you.
Isaiah 41:10, Romans 5:8, John 15:13
Make no mistake about it, you are loved by God. Many people give up living a life of purity because they want to be loved. You can look to Him FIRST for love and let His standard of love be your standard of love.

GIVE IT A TRY!

Society throws around love too much these days. Love is special but yet we use the word often. For example, you might say “I love ice cream.” Are you willing to sacrifice your life for ice cream? If not, you don’t “love” ice cream, but you might like it a lot. Be a culture influencer by deciding to protect the word “love.” Only use it for something or someone you really would sacrifice your life for.

Day 4- VALUE WHAT IS EXCELLENT

Knowing your value helps you live a pure life because it helps you discern between the things and people who encourage your value and the things and people who don’t know your value.
Read Philippians 1:9-10
What is the value of approving what is excellent?
Does someone know your value if they are asking you to do something you know is sin?
Does someone know your value if they disrespect your body in anyway?
Does someone know your value if they are willing to use you for their own selfish desires?
Should you be spending time with people who don’t know your value?

Day 5- VALUE OTHERS

Look back at days 1-3 of this week. Today, you are going to spend time thinking about how you can commit to valuing others the way God values you.
Read Mark 12:30-10
How should you love your neighbor?
If you value someone like God values someone, then you might get the opportunity to share Christ with them. How can you love others as God loved you?

Watch Your Thoughts

Day 1- WHAT ARE YOUR MOTIVES?

The Bible tells you in Philippians 2 to do nothing out of selfish ambition. What God is telling you to do is “check your motives.” Why are you wanting what you want? Why are you doing what you are doing? Read the following verses about checking your motives.
Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Galatians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Colossians 3:23, Hebrews 10:22-24
You should have three motives for everything you think, say or do.
01 Glorify God 02 Please God 03 Benefit Others
Does anything you are doing have motives different than these?

Day 2- IMPURE MOTIVES

God asks you to have purity in how you serve Him. Serving with a pure heart is when you fully trust God to give you the approval and reward for anything you do.
Read Matthew 6:1. What are bad motives for following Christ?
Have you ever done something “godly” so others would notice how “godly” you are?
Read Matthew 6:2-4. What should be your motive in giving?
Have you ever given something because you wanted something in return?
Read Matthew 6: 5-6. What should your motive be when you pray?

Day 3- DO YOUR THOUGHTS BENEFIT YOU OR OTHERS?

Your thoughts are a compilation of your opinions, wants, and desires. Your thoughts are the source of motivation to act. That is why God wants your thoughts working overtime to think of things that are worthy of Him.
Read Philippians 4:8. What are all the things God wants you to “think on”?
How can these things produce pure actions?

Day 4- IS IT SOMETHING YOU WANT OR GOD WANTS?

Spend your time reading how your thoughts can produce actions.
James 4:1, Mark 7:21-23, Ephesians 4:31-21, Matthew 15:18-19, Ephesians 4:26
Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 5:21-22
How can thoughts, whatever they may be, affect you?
Re-read Philippians 4:8
Do you see the value of filling your thoughts with honorable things?

Day 5- CONTROL THOSE THOUGHTS

Read 2 Corinthians 10:5
What does God ask you to do with your thoughts?
Psalm 119:9 and Colossians 3:2
Read Colossians 3:5 Where do impure actions come from?
Why is it important to “snuff out” the impurity from your mind first?
The culture of the world is okay with you thinking what you’re thinking as long as you don’t act. Sometimes culture will even encourage you to act on your thoughts. God knows the danger of your thoughts and wants you to get them out of your head before you do something to harm yourself.
What are things in your life that influence your thoughts?

DIG DEEPER

Have you ever wondered why you are praying for something and you don’t receive it? Have you checked your motives? Read James 4:3
How can you come to God with the right motives?

DID YOU KNOW

Music can dictate your emotions. Think about a Kamp party and when they started playing FUN music. All of the sudden, you are having more fun with your friends. Music has that affect on people. It has the ability to bring you up or bring you down. God loves music and wants you to enjoy it, but you need to respect its power over your thoughts and emotions.

Watch Your Eyes and Ears

Day 1- MEDIA IS A POWERFUL INFLUENCER

Media has changed so much in just the last 50 years. 100 years ago, the media was just radio, then came television. Fast forward to now when we have news, opinions, pictures, movies, and music right at our fingertips through the phone, internet, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and television. Yes you can use these things for God’s glory, but they are dangerous to your purity if not respected.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22. What does God want you to do?
Think of specific examples of how the media promotes certain things.
Does the media promote body image? selfishness? the love of things?
Does it promote hurtful words? sexual impurity?

Day 2- WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING?

Read Luke 11:34 and memorize it. Why is it important to protect your eyes?
Read Psalm 101:3-4. What should you not set your eyes upon?
What you see can influence you. Satan uses what you see to influence you to give into your sin and eventually cause you to question what God wants for you. More importantly, images can stick with you when they are in your head… God wants to protect your eyes so those images that remain in your head won’t be a part of your thoughts. Remember, bad thoughts don’t turn into good actions. By asking you to guard your eyes, God is trying to protect you from the ever-changing agendas of culture and protect you from impure thoughts that turn into impure actions.

Day 3- WHAT ARE YOU HEARING?

The Bible is clear about who you should listen to and who you should not listen to.
Read Proverbs 22:17-18 and John 10:27-28
Whose words should you value and listen to?
Are you confident in God enough to know why He wants you to listen to Him?
Here is what the Bible says you are not supposed to listen to:
Matthew 7:15. How are false prophets described?
Romans 16:17-18. Who are you to avoid and why?

Day 4- WHAT IS GOOD AND WHAT IS BAD?

Not all media is bad. There are many people using media for good things.
The good and bad are out there so you need to be able to discern what is good and bad.
Read Romans 12:2. How can you discern what is good and bad?
The Bible gives you a more detailed way of discerning what is good and what is bad.
Read 2 Corinthians 6:12. If you are allowed to do something, does it mean it will benefit you?

Day 5- WHAT NEEDS TO GO?

Sin makes drastic damage to you so God wants you to take drastic measures.
Matthew 5:29-30. What does this verse say for you to do if something causes you to stumble? God uses a drastic example to catch your attention. He is serious about sin because He is serious about you.
How can you use this as a standard for what your eyes see and your ears hear?
Maybe you should grab a sharpie and write this on a piece of tape and stick it on the back of your iPod, phone. You could even post it near your television. Reminders are always good to help you stay pure.

Watch Your Eye and Ears

Day 1- MEDIA IS A POWERFUL INFLUENCER

Media has changed so much in just the last 50 years. 100 years ago, the media was just radio, then came television. Fast forward to now when we have news, opinions, pictures, movies, and music right at our fingertips through the phone, internet, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and television. Yes you can use these things for God’s glory, but they are dangerous to your purity if not respected.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22. What does God want you to do?
Think of specific examples of how the media promotes certain things.
Does the media promote body image? selfishness? the love of things?
Does it promote hurtful words? sexual impurity?

Day 2- WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING?

Read Luke 11:34 and memorize it. Why is it important to protect your eyes?
Read Psalm 101:3-4. What should you not set your eyes upon?
What you see can influence you. Satan uses what you see to influence you to give into your sin and eventually cause you to question what God wants for you. More importantly, images can stick with you when they are in your head… God wants to protect your eyes so those images that remain in your head won’t be a part of your thoughts. Remember, bad thoughts don’t turn into good actions. By asking you to guard your eyes, God is trying to protect you from the ever-changing agendas of culture and protect you from impure thoughts that turn into impure actions.

Day 3- WHAT ARE YOU HEARING?

The Bible is clear about who you should listen to and who you should not listen to.
Read Proverbs 22:17-18 and John 10:27-28
Whose words should you value and listen to?
Are you confident in God enough to know why He wants you to listen to Him?
Here is what the Bible says you are not supposed to listen to:
Matthew 7:15. How are false prophets described?
Romans 16:17-18. Who are you to avoid and why?

Day 4- WHAT IS GOOD AND WHAT IS BAD?

Not all media is bad. There are many people using media for good things.
The good and bad are out there so you need to be able to discern what is good and bad.
Read Romans 12:2. How can you discern what is good and bad?
The Bible gives you a more detailed way of discerning what is good and what is bad.
Read 2 Corinthians 6:12. If you are allowed to do something, does it mean it will benefit you?

Day 5- WHAT NEEDS TO GO?

Sin makes drastic damage to you so God wants you to take drastic measures.
Matthew 5:29-30. What does this verse say for you to do if something causes you to stumble? God uses a drastic example to catch your attention. He is serious about sin because He is serious about you.
How can you use this as a standard for what your eyes see and your ears hear?
Maybe you should grab a sharpie and write this on a piece of tape and stick it on the back of your iPod, phone. You could even post it near your television. Reminders are always good to help you stay pure.

Watch Your Tongue

Day 1- TROUBLE FREE

Read Proverbs 21:23
Do you believe holding your tongue can keep you out of trouble?
How has your tongue gotten you in trouble?
Would holding your tongue have helped in all those situations?
Read Proverbs 10:19. What do words cause?
How can you be careful with your words?

Day 2- THE TONGUE’S POWER

Read Proverbs 18:21
What is in the power of the tongue?
Read James 3:6. The tongue is a world of what?
What part of the body does it defile?
Does your tongue direct the path of your life?
Think of how words can be harmful and spread like fire in these uses of your tongue.
Gossip, Hurtful Words, Lies, Foul language
Which of these do you do? How can you stop?

Day 3- TONGUE CAN DO GOODLearn all the ways you can use your tongue for good.
Proverbs 15:4. How have words of others encouraged you?
Acts 4:29. How can you use your tongue for God?
James 5:16. What is another way your tongue can benefit you?
1 Thessalonians 4:18. How can you use your words to benefit others?
Psalm 104:33. How can your tongue be used for good according to this verse?
Isaiah 42:12. What should be the goal of anything you say or sing?

DIG DEEPER

Words can be manipulative. Read in Genesis 3:1-7 how Satan manipulated God’s words. Be careful not to use your words to get what you want. It will be harmful to others.

Day 4- TAME THE TONGUE

Read Proverbs 17:27, James 1:19, Ephesians 4:29
Read James 3:8. Do you have the ability to tame the tongue?
What are some ways that you need to tame your tongue? Are you quick to speak?
Are your words appropriate? Are your words gentle? Who can help you with this?
Write Proverbs 12:18 below and memorize it

Day 5- THE HEART TEST

Your desires reside in your heart, and if they are impure, that impurity will come out your mouth. You know a person’s heart by the words of their mouth.
Read Proverbs 4:23. Why should you guard your heart?
Protect your motives, eyes, and ears and you will protect your thoughts. Protect your thoughts and you will protect your heart. Protect your heart and your worlds will have life.
It is here where you can influence culture.

Family Matters

Day 1- YOUR PARENTS HAVE LIVED IT

Read Exodus 20:12
What does this verse say to do?
Read Proverbs 1:8. What does this verse ask you to do? How can you do this more?
Obeying your mother and father is a big part of honoring them, but you can honor them in so many ways. For example, you can honor them by striving to have a good relationship with them. You can honor them by spending time with them. Listen, you might think that your parents don’t understand, but that is a lie from culture. So what if your mom hasn’t realized the jean styles have changed. It may discredit her from fashion, but it doesn’t have anything to do with her knowing what it was like to be a teenager. Your mom was a teenager. Your dad was a teenager. The great news is they got through it, which is something you haven’t done yet, so I think it’s time to listen to them and trust that they want the best for you.

Day 2- A PARENT’S ROLEIt is good for you to know what God asks your parents to do.
Read Proverbs 22:6. What is your parent’s responsibility?
Do you think this responsibility is easy?
You parents have made a promise to God that they would love you, provide for you, protect you, and teach you about Him. Even if your parents don’t know Jesus, they still feel the need to take care of you. All parents make sacrifices for their kids, and no other person on earth cares for you more. They may say “no” for reasons you don’t understand. Obey them, and respectfully ask them why…not to be rebellious…but to simply see how they are trying to protect you. If anyone challenges you to go against your parents, that person is not a true friend and really don’t care about you as much as you think.

Day 3- SPEND TIME WITH THEM

Read Colossians 13:7. What are the things that love does?
How do your mom and dad “bear all things” for you? (hint: do they pay the bills, give you a home, make sure you get to the doctor when your sick, etc.?)
How do your parents believe in you? What do your parents hope for you?
What do your parents endure for you?
Is there anyone else on earth who does all of these things everyday of your life?

Day 4- FAMILY LASTS

Read John 1:12
If you believe in Jesus, what does God call you?
Do you find it interesting that God references you as family? You can see family is important to God by seeing everything He did for you to be a part of His family.  God’s family will last forever. Your family is the group of people who will be there for most ..if not all… of your life. Friends come and go… boyfriends and girlfriends may come and go, but your family will walk you through every season of life. They deserve to be a priority in your life. 

Day 5- SIBLINGS

Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. How can you and your siblings help each other?
Read Matthew 5:16. Your siblings may not believe the same things you do. If so, you have the opportunity to be a light for Jesus. How can you be a light for Jesus with your siblings?

GIVE IT A TRY!

Plan a family night this week. Make a list of things you could do as a family below. Turn off your computers, phones, and any other distractions and have a fun family night!

Your Faith

Day 1- READING THE WORD

Read the following verses about reading the Bible. Take notes on why it’s important.
Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 4:4
Your Bible is what God has given you to know Him. The Bible is not a book. It’s the living and active word of God. It not only is filled with what He says, but also filled with what He has done and how He is at work. How are you going to continue reading the Bible after this study? Has your confidence in God grown?

Day 2- PRAYER

Read the following verses about prayer.
Underline what is important.
Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:17,
Matthew 26:41, 2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 John 5:14
It seems these days that phones and social media are the way we connect with others. Culture values connecting with others. As a believer, you should value your connection with God. Prayer allows you to enter God’s throne room and talk to Him.

Day 3- DISCIPLESHIP1 Corinthians 11:1
Paul said this to believers in Corinth. He asked them to follow Him as He follows whom?
1 Thessalonians 2:8
Paul loved the Thessalonians so much that he shared the gospel and what else with them?
Do you see the value of having someone in your life who can encourage and teach you?
Friends walk through life WITH you. Have someone who is older and walked through life before you help disciple you and keep your eyes on Jesus.

Day 4- SERVING

Read 1 Peter 4:10. How should you use the gifts God gave you?
Using the gifts God gave you to serve others should be a priority. In your teenage years, you are discovering those gifts. You might not know the gifts that God has given you. As you walk through life, God will use experiences and opportunities to help you see your strengths and gifts. If you are focused on sin, culture, media, or even temporary relationships, you could miss out on finding out who God has made you to be.

Day 5- PRIORITIZE

Take some time today to organize your daily schedule to make more time for God. It could simply be turning the t.v. off five minutes early to pray before going to bed. Maybe you need to take something out of your schedule that is really not that important to make time for the Bible study at your church. God is worth more time in your schedule and making Him a priority will help your confidence in Him grow and will protect your purity.

Good Friends Matter

Day 1- STANDARD OF FRIENDSHIP

Read John 15:12-25
Who is the standard of friendship? What is the definition of friendship?
Good friends are friends who are willing to take the time and make the sacrifice to always encourage you to be better. Good friends value your friendship. Good friends challenge you to be God’s best.

Day 2- GOOD FRIENDS MATTER

Read 1 Corinthians 15:33
What corrupts good character? How can a friend help you make wrong choices?
Read Proverbs 22:24. Make no friend with whom? Why should you not get involved with a friend like this? A good friend will push you towards Christ and you will push them towards Christ. Bad friends will pull you away from Christ as you get entangled in the “snare” of their sin. If you want to live a life of purity, then friends matter.

DIG DEEPER

Read Daniel chapter 3. See how these three friends encouraged each other to do the right thing and then helped each other when life got a little well, fiery.

Day 3- FRIENDS SHARPEN

Read Proverbs 27:17
List some different ways that a friend can sharpen you.
Read Proverbs 11:14. What can friends do for you? What can friends be for you?
What is the benefit of guidance and counsel? Do you have good friends who make you a better person?
Do you have friends who are willing to lock arms with you and walk with Jesus together?

Day 4- FRIENDS ADVISE

Read Proverbs 15:22
When do plans fail? Can you see why a good friend is important?
Do you see that your “plan” to live a pure life needs good advisors?
Who are your good advisors? How are these friends good advisors?

Day 5- ARE YOU A GOOD FRIEND?

Read Hebrews 10:24-25
What are some ways you can be a good friend to your friends?
How can you encourage them to be more like Christ?

Seize The Day

Day 1- SCHOOL MATTERS

Read Proverbs 1:5 and Proverbs 18:15
God asks you to give your best in all areas of your life. You are supposed to go to school and you need to make it a priority. God is not asking you to be perfect… He asks you to try your best and do it for Him. God can use your school opportunities in the classroom and outside the classroom to grow you into the gifts He has given you. You are young and God is growing you into someone who will give Him glory and influence others.
How has God grown you through your school experiences?
How can you be a light for God at school? How can an unhealthy friendship or relationship keep you from how God wants to grow you in junior high or high school?

Day 2- TEAMWORK MATTERS

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-20
How do these verses describe the value of teamwork?
Did God plan for you to work alongside other people?
God is preparing you to be a team player in life. You will work with people for various reasons all your life. God gives you opportunities like sports teams and activities to learn how to work alongside others. Make it a priority to get involved in some way that you can work on a team.

Day 3- BE AN EXAMPLE

Read 1 Timothy 4:12 and memorize.
No matter your age what does God ask you to do?
Read John 13:15
Who is the example you should follow?
Using Jesus’ example write down how you can be an example to others in the areas listed in
1 Timothy 4:12

(#fffffff BKG) (#5480c1 Font)
Speech:
Conduct:
Love:
Faith:
Purity:
You have two options in life. You will either be a good example or bad example. You cannot avoid being an example. People are watching. God wants you to be an example for others. Your faith in God will guide you. Keep the motivation of being a good example at the front of your mind. It will be a good reminder what is important and will help you stay pure.

Day 4- SHARE THE GOSPEL

Read the following verses about sharing the gospel:
Mark 16:15
2 Timothy 4:2
2 Peter 3:15
People would rather see a sermon than hear one.
This is why being an example for Christ is so impactful – it will open doors to share Christ with others.
What are some creative ways you can share the gospel?
Whom are you excited to share Jesus with?

(#ffc906 BKG) (#ffffff Font)

Since God designed us to work together, Satan will do anything to direct your focus to yourself. Selfishness is the downfall of teamwork. True teamwork is when you can put your own motives aside and come together with others to accomplish a goal you would never be able to accomplish on your own.

Day 5- MANAGE YOUR TIMESpend time today setting your priorities. How do you do this?
Think about what you do each day.
01   Write what you have to do each day in red. (ex: go to school).
02  Now, add in what you have chosen to do (ex: basketball).
03  On another paper, make a list of all the things you want to do (ex: read Bible,           or a hobby) On your list, put numbers by the order of importance.
04  Find time on you schedule for the important ones first.
If they all won’t fit, make sure the important ones are there and then if you have unexpected time … add in the others.
How can managing your time help you with what is important?

The Most Valuable Relationship

Day 1- VALUE OF GOOD FRIENDS

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and memorize it.
Look back at Month 7 week 3 and see what you learned about the value of good friendships. Make a list of some values of a good friend below:

Day 2- GOOD ADVICE

Read Proverbs 15:22 and memorize it.
Good friends are advisors because they know you and know your goals, Girls and Guys often look for advice from a boyfriend or girlfriend. Here are two problems with substituting your friends’ role with a boyfriend/girlfriend…
01 A girl will never understand what it’s like to be a guy, a guy will never understand the issues of a girl.
02 Advice from a boyfriend/girlfriend is not always selfless. You can’t trust trust that your boyfriend/girlfriend will have an unbiased opinion when it comes to your life. They also might want something from you and use their advice to manipulate you to get it.

Day 3- JUST BE FRIENDS

Who knew ages 12-13 would be such a monumental year. God never intended elementary to junior high school to be such a jump in maturity. With every year you grow, you will gain confidence and maturity. Culture has a tendency to jump into things too quickly. 
Read Psalm 27:14. What does God ask you to do?

DIG DEEPER

Read Romans 5:4. How can being patient for God’s timing of maturity help you grow in character?

Day 4- YOUR DAD OR FATHER FIGURE

Today’s Bible study will address both girls and guys separately, but you need to read both. Girls, it is good for you to know the role of a dad/ father figure in a guy’s life. Guys you need to know the role of a dad/father figure in a girls life.
Girls:
Read Psalm 103:13. A good father shows what?
Every girl looks to a boy for worth and compassion. Your dad is the #1 man in your life. He held you when you were first born, has protected you, provided for you, and has sacrificed so much for you. Any guy who says he loves you has “nothing” on your dad. Just by spending time with each other doesn’t mean the boy will make sacrifices for you. Your dad wants to walk you down the aisle some day, and when he does, he will hand you over to the man who will take care of you, love you, and provide for you. Now is the time for your dad.
Guys:
Read Proverbs 17:24. Where does a discerning man place his focus?
Read Proverbs 23:24. How can you be a great joy to your father?
A wise son delights in whom?

Day 5- EVALUATE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

Today, you are going to look at your relationships and see which ones you value most and if you should be valuing those relationships. Ask yourself these questions:
Do you value the role of your dad/father figure? If so… how?
Do you have good friends who encourage your walk with the Lord?
Do you spend more time with the opposite sex more than you spend time with friends of your own?
Girls: Do you value the opinions of guys over girls?
Guys: Do you value the opinions of girls over guys?
Girls: Do you view all friends, who are guys, first as a brother in Christ?
Guys: Do you view all friends, who are girls, as a sister in Christ?

Don't Be Physical

Day 1- RUN!

Read 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 and 2 Timothy 2:22
Write down what you think God wants you to do in the area of sexual morality.
Don’t linger, don’t crawl, don’t walk, don’t jog… RUN! God says get out of a situation of sexual impurity and do it FAST! Don’t be lured in by what feels good and what looks good. Trust God knows what is best and keep running.

Day 2- SELF CONTROL

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
What does God want you to use your body for instead of lust?
From what you have learned doing this book, what are some ways you know to control your body? (Remember your body consists of thoughts and actions.)

Culture will tell you it’s okay to do other things besides sex.
Re- read 1 Corinthians 6:18.
If you start a fire, it is really hard to stop it from spreading. God knows if you cross one line then you will cross others. Your purity is important to Him and that is why He says RUN!!!

Day 3- BE ONE WITH GOD

Read 2 Corinthians 6:13-20
Who does God want you to be “one” with?
How does being “one” with God benefit you?
How is your body defined in these verses?
Who lives in you? Who should you trust to know what is best for your body?
From all you have learned so far, are you confident that physical purity is important?

Day 4- IT’S SELFISH

Read Philippians 2:3-4
What should your attitude be toward other people?
Fill in the blank: “Do nothing out of____________”
What is selfish ambition? Give examples?
If you want a physical relationship, your motives are selfish. Girls, if a guy pushes you physically it’s because he wants to feed his own desire. Guys want the physical just for the physical. It doesn’t mean they love you. Guys, you need to know girls are emotional. They want to feel loved and valued. They want to be called beautiful. They give into physical temptation so they can “feel” love from you. Do you want to mess with a girl’s emotions to benefit yourself?
Do you have more confidence why God wants you to wait?

Day 5- PHYSICAL RELATIONSHIPS ARE FOR MARRIAGE

Read Genesis 2:24 and Hebrews 13:4
Where are physical relationships safe?
God created sex. It is His idea. Culture will tell you God doesn’t want you to have sex. Culture will tell you God thinks sex is bad. Sex is a good and healthy thing in marriage.
Sex creates a deep emotional bond that creates serious damage if ended. The chances of you ending junior high and high school relationships are pretty high. Why would you want to deal with a deep wound if you didn’t have to?
Do you have confidence that God knows what He is doing with your physical purity?

Avoid the Consequences

Day 1- HURTS YOU AND OTHERS

God is not talking about someone who messed up or who was impure for a little while. He is talking about people who promote that sexual immorality is the right thing to do.
Read 1 John 2:15. If you love God can you love the world?
Sin has the snowball effect, and if you are not careful, it can become who you are. Why would you want to dabble in something that could keep you away from God for eternity?
How can a physical relationship hurt you?
Do you believe a physical relationship outside or marriage can do damage?

Day 2- AVOID THE JUNK

Read John 8:34
The person who commits sin becomes what?
Read Romans 6:18
What should you be slaves to?
Living a life right with God is freedom from sin. Living for your sin will cause heavy burdens. Sin is a heavy pile of junk and it has a pattern of getting heavier. God will allow you to choose sin, but you will suffer the consequences.
Read Romans 1:24-25
What did the people choose to do?
How is physical sin worshiping others or yourself instead of God?
Those who choose sin exchange the truth of God for what?
Are you willing to exchange the truth of God to feel good for one moment?
Are you willing to deal with the guilt and shame that comes with a physical relationship?
Are you ready for your heart to be broken?

Day 3- THERE IS A WAY OUT

Read 1 Corinthians 10:13
What does God always give you?
Remember, God says that He will not leave you or forsake you. He will give you a way out. From what you have learned so far about living a pure life, what are ways God can give you a way out when you are tempted to be physical in a relationship?

Day 4- THERE IS ALWAYS FORGIVENESS

Read and soak up God’s promises to forgive you… no matter what.
1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19, Isaiah 1:18 Colossians 1:14-15, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Revelation 21:4-5
God loves you so much that no matter how filthy you feel, how ashamed you are, He will forgive you, restore you, give you purity, and make you new.
Do you believe that God can forgive you?

Day 5- LUST IS NOT LOVE

Read these verses and write down the danger of lust:
Matthew 5:28, 1 John 2:16, Ephesians 4:19
How does God help you deal with lust?
Read Galatians 5:16
What are some ways you can walk with the Spirit to squelch the temptation of lust:

Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Day 1- MODESTY

A huge way you can be a light in the culture is to be a light in the area of modesty.
Guys, this is important for you to read too… no skipping.
Read the following verses:
1 Timothy 2:9 and Proverbs 31:30
What is more valuable than looks? What is praiseworthy in a girl?
Girls: Your beauty comes from within. You don’t need to gain value from a boy.
Your value comes from Christ. You don’t need to show your body to be noticed.
Guys: Choose to keep your eyes pure. Stop noticing girls for their body.
If you stop valuing it, they will be more modest.
Girls: In a world full of darkness be a safe place for his eyes.
Girls: what are some ways you can be more modest in how you dress?
Guys: what are ways you can compliment a girl that has nothing to do with her body?

Day 2- SET A STANDARD

Read Galatians 5:22
Today, spend some time setting a standard for the type of guy/girl you want to date. There is no need to rush into dating, but setting a standard will help you make future decisions.
Write out the type of character you want to see in a person you will date.

Day 3- DRAW A LINE

Read Romans 7:18
Do you have the ability, on your own, to do what is right?
You are in a battle to fight for your physical purity. A war is never won without strategy. Setting boundaries is a good strategy in your fight to stay physically pure. Boundaries are lines that you draw to make sure you don’t get “out of bounds.” Here are a few things you need to know about boundaries.
Set them before you start dating. A boundary will never be set if you wait to set it when you actually need them.
Tell your boundaries to a friend. If a friend knows, then they can help you stay in them.
Make your boundaries known to the boy/girl that you are hanging out with. They need to know where you stand. If they are not on board, then it’s not worth your time.
Make a list of boundaries you want to set in how you want to spend time with someone from the opposite sex. Here are a few examples
1. In junior high, I will hang out with girls/boys among a group of people.
2. I will not be alone in a dark room with a girl/boy
3.
4.
5.

Day 4- ACCOUNTABILITY

Read Romans 7:18 again and memorize
Read Galatians 6:1-2. What should a good friend do if their friend is caught in sin?
Today is simple. Take your boundaries list to your accountability partner.
Let this person read what goals you have set to stay physically pure.

Day 5- WRITE A LETTER

Grab a piece of paper and write a letter to your future husband and wife. This probably sounds crazy since you don’t know them. Write it as you, your 13 old self, and how you are striving to stay pure for her or him and why. Keep it in your Bible to remind you there will someday be someone who you care about so much you want to give them your best. To give them your best you must become your best.

Write Your Story

Days 1-5 – Read 1 Peter 3:5

This week you will write out your testimony.
Testimony (n): a written or spoken statement that is proof something is true.

IT IS BETTER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THAN A POINT.

How did God work in your life to bring you to Him? Write about how God is working in your life.

Write out a few Bible verses from this book that are part of your testimony.

Be An Influencer

Days 1-3 – Read 1 Timothy 4:12

Spend this week writing what you desire people to write about you in your yearbook at the end of high school. You are not doing this to seek the approval of your friends, you are doing this to set a goal of what type of friend and person you want to be.

Write out Ephesians 3:7
What have you been given?

GOALS

Day 4- SET GOALS

List some goals on how you can be the person you want to be to your friends at school.

Day 5- SET GOALS

List some goals on how you can serve your friends and family.

Leave Your Legacy

Day 1- Read and memorize Psalm 78:4

Spend time this week writing how you want to be remembered by your peers, teachers, coaches, and classmates after you graduate. What legacy do you want to leave behind?

Day 2- How do you want your teachers to remember you?

Day 3- Write out Philippians 1:6

Do you have confidence in God’s plan for you?

Day 4- RELYING ON GOD

How you can rely on God to help you leave your legacy? Write it out and put it somewhere where you can see it and add to it.

CONFIDENCE IS CONTAGIOUS.

Do you have confidence that what God wants for you is best?
Memorize Philippians 1:6.