Bible studies

Group, May/Jun 2001 by Trujillo, Kelli

Have girls turn off their flashlights. (It should be dark.)

->Say: I'd like each of you to think of one way you can live as a light in the area of sexuality. As you say your idea, turn on your flashlight and shine it on the right side of the continuum.

Continue until every girl has shared and turned on her flashlight. Then turn the lights back on and give each girl a self stick note. Ask them to each write one memorable phrase from the passages in Ephesians, then share it with a partner(s). Encourage them to stick the self stick note on a mirror at home or a locker at school as a reminder of their commitment. Close by having girls pray for each other in pairs.

for guys only

1. Outta-Control Obsessions-(You'll need a large newsprint banner, marker, and Bibles.)

Tape a newsprint banner to a wall in your meeting room. Begin by inviting guys to brainstorm names of famous guys-actors, athletes, political figures, or musicians-who have a reputation of being obsessed with sex or who've made some really bad decisions related to sex. As they call them out, list the names on the banner.

-> Say: We all have the choice of mastering our sexual desires gr being mastered by them. The behavior problems these guys have are really nothing new. This is a very real struggle for a lot of guys, and the Bible is honest about it.

Form five groups and assign each group one of the following Scripture passages to read: Genesis 38:6-7, 11-26; Judges 16:1-2, 4-21; 2 Samuel 11; 1. Kings 11:1-11; and 1 Corinthians 5:1-5. When they're finished reading, ask groups to -> discuss: How did sexual issues master your assigned Bible character and cause him to make poor decisions? -> Say: Choose a spokesman to summarize what your group discussed. After a few minutes, have spokesmen explain their assigned stories and the results of their discussions. As each guy explains his groa p's story, add that Bible character to the list.

Have teenagers review the list on the wall, then -> ask: In what ways does or did sexual desire control these people? What are the symptoms of being "mastered" by sexual desires?

2. Making the Choice--(You// need Bibles.)

-> Say: Judah wasn't the only one in his family who struggled with sexual desire-so did his brother Joseph.

Have guys form pairs or trios and read aloud Genesis 39:1-12. Then have them discuss these questions: Joseph told Potiphar's wife "no" day after day-why do you think Joseph eventually chose to run from her? What's the main difference between Joseph and the guys we have on our list? What was different about Joseph's motivations compared to what you know about the motivations of the guys on our list?

Ask a volunteer to read aloud 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. Then -> ask: Most of us don't face situations like King David's or Judah's, but we do constantly deal with temptations to live out our sexual desires in immoral ways-our desires threaten to master us. What are everyday temptations we face? Joseph did something positive to stay clear of temptation. What can we do to take control of our desires when we're tempted?

3. Cruisin' In Control-(You'll need a key for each guy, spray-painted white.)

Have teenagers who know how to drive raise their hands, then ask them to describe situations that can cause a car to get out of the driver's control.

-> Ask: What types of things could you do to stay in control of a car, even in a dangerous situation like the ones we mentioned?

->Say: For a lot of guys, sexual desire is like that out-ofcontrol car. They're driving along just fine, then they hit a patch of ice, and wham, they've lost control. They're in trouble. They could get hurt.