OUR LIVES MUST ELEVATE JESUS INSTEAD OF OURSELVES.

SCRIPTURE | Matthew 3:1-12

CENTRAL TRUTH

We’ve normalized lukewarm faith over authentic faith and labeled holiness and godliness as “radical.” Why? Because we strive to fit into a worldly kingdom—a kingdom in which we’re no longer citizens. The truth is that God wants every part of your life. Is this radical? Sure. Will you be different from the world? Absolutely. You’ll be like your King, reflecting His kingdom.

KEY QUESTION

HOW CAN OUR LIVES CONTRADICT THAT WE FOLLOW JESUS? WHY HAS THIS BECOME “NORMAL” FOR BELIEVERS?

KEEP IN MIND

If you asked your students about hypocrisy, they’d likely respond with strong opinions. Students want authenticity, and they value leaders who are authentic, not perfect. They want people to see who they really are—to be known. At the same time, many of them fear being known because then others will see their worst parts—qualities and insecurities they so desperately try to hide. Let’s give them hope. God knows them (Ps. 139:1). He knows every single part. He has always known them—their failures, their sin, their fears, their questions, their worries, their insecurities, their shame. He doesn’t want them to pretend or to hide any of it from Him. God calls all of us to bring what He already knows and lay it all down in exchange for abundant, authentic life. How? Let’s help students to confess and repent of their sin, throw off all the things that hinder them (Heb. 12:1), be transparent with the Lord, and walk in the joy of being known by Him.

APPLICATION

IN WHAT AREAS OF YOUR LIFE HAVE YOU LET IT BECOME NORMAL TO LIVE LIKE THE WORLD? WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE SO THAT YOU LIVE AS A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: God’s Word calls us up—to a standard of holiness, even if it requires sacrifice, even when it’s not easy. The good news is that Jesus showed us the way.

FOR THE LEADER: Take some time to consider if your life displays “fruit consistent with repentance” (Matt. 3:8). Your students, family, and friends learn about repentance and restoration by observing this fruit.