Unit 2: Christian foundations and fence posts
THE big idea
4 Purpose for Life – Now and Forever Christians have a purpose to their lives, which is to trust and follow Jesus.
Outcomes
By the end of the lesson the students will: Discuss their views on the purpose of life List the main characteristics of someone living with the help of God’s Spirit Read Galatians 5: 16–26 and explore what it says about living as a Christian
Bible passage
Consider the difference it could make to their lives to live as followers of Jesus with the help of his Spirit.
THE THELESSON LESSON
Galatians 5:16–26
Introduce the topic for this lesson State the big ideas.
Pray
For the class, your time together, and understanding of God’s word.
Spotlight
Interview two students, a boy and a girl, asking them questions about their family/friends/ interests and their views on the purpose of life. Pray for them.
Starter Question
What is the purpose of life? Encourage students to discuss their opinions and personal sense of purpose.
Find-a-word
Complete the find-a-word. Clarify the meanings of the words.
1-inch punch talk
ead Galatians 5:16–26 and explain the main R points of the passage. P aul was writing to Christians explaining that their new life was lived in the Spirit. S how the contrast between their old life style and their new way of living. Give contemporary examples. E xplain that this change is impossible without God’s help, through his Spirit. S tate that the attitudes given by the Holy Spirit are core values Christians have in their lives. Illustrate with life examples. To have purpose in our lives and live life to the
26 • Lessons On Tap
full, now and forever, we need to trust in Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit to help us live this way.
Head/Heart/Hands (see page 18)
In response to the talk, students write down what difference it could make in their lives to live as a follower of Jesus with the help of his Spirit.
Memory Verse
Galatians 5:25. Fill in the gaps and discuss the meaning of the verse.
Question Box
Encourage students to write questions they have. They may choose to put them in your question box for you to answer in the final lesson of this unit.
Prayer time
Ask students to share some things that they might want to thank God for and ask God for. Invite students to pray, and then pray for the rest of the items.
Purpose for Life – Now and Forever Bible Passage
Starter Question What is the purpose of life? Do you feel your life has a clear purpose?
Galatians 5:16–26
Challenge for the day
What would give your life a sense of purpose? Find-a-word Gentleness Hope Joy Kindness Life Love Patience Peace Spirit
S S R M J D M P N V
E S J J P H A S D G
P C E A T T L P X Q
W E C N I R B I E N
O S A E E E H R V D
Y B N C P L F I O Y
Y C C O E B T T L C
E O H W N V M N T V
U B J R N L I F E H
U S S E N D N I K G
Prayer Points
What difference does it make to live as a follower of Jesus with the help of his Spirit? Head
Hands Heart
QUESTION BOX
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