Snapshot (6-8 min)
Get started by watching the lesson video as a group. In this lesson, we’re studying Timothy, an unlikely young leader who overcame fear, a complicated family background, and people who looked down on him because of his age. Through Paul’s mentorship, Timothy grew into a trusted leader who helped strengthen churches and carry the message of Jesus to the next generation. His story reminds us that God can use us right now, not someday when we are older or more confident. We can lead by becoming an example in our speech, actions, love, faith, and purity.
Icebreaker (5-10 min)
Who Is the Leader: Have students stand or sit in a circle. Choose one student to be the guesser and ask them to step outside the room or turn around so they cannot see. Quietly choose another student to be the secret leader. The secret leader begins a simple movement, such as:
- Clapping
- Snapping
- Tapping their knees
- Stomping their feet
Everyone else copies the leader’s movement while trying not to stare directly at them. Every few seconds, the secret leader should switch to a new movement, and the rest of the group should quickly follow. Invite the guesser back into the circle. Give them up to three guesses to identify the secret leader. Play a few rounds so different students can be the leader and the guesser.
*Leader Tip: Encourage the group to watch one another instead of staring at the secret leader. This makes the game more challenging and fun.
Transition: Leadership is really about influence. During this game, one person’s actions shaped what everyone else did—even when that person didn’t say a word. In the same way, people notice how we speak, act, treat others, trust God, and make choices. Paul challenged Timothy to lead by being an example, even though he was young. 1 Timothy 4:12.
Highlights (10 min)
Take turns reading the talking points and Scripture passages aloud. These points help summarize the lesson and give students key takeaways for the day. Have students read the talking points and verses.
- Your age does not prevent God from using you. You can make a difference for Jesus at school, at home, on your team, and with your friends right now. 1 Timothy 4:12.
- Your family background does not determine your future. Even if your family is complicated or not everyone follows Jesus, you can still grow strong in your faith.
- Faithfulness in small things prepares you for bigger opportunities. Timothy was already serving God in his hometown before Paul invited him to join the mission. Acts 16:1-3.
- God often uses mentors to help us grow. A trusted Christian leader can encourage you, correct you, answer questions, and help you become more like Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:2.
- You do not have to be controlled by fear. God gives His followers power, love, and self-discipline so they can confidently live for Him. 2 Timothy 1:7.
Unpack (25 min)
Read through the questions one at a time and discuss them as a group. Encourage everyone to participate, listen well, and share honestly. This is an opportunity to learn from God’s Word and from one another.
- What part of today’s lesson stood out to you the most? Why?
- Have you ever felt like you were too young to make a difference? What made you feel that way?
- Have students name the five areas in which Paul challenged Timothy—and us—to be an example: speech, life, love, faith, and purity. Then discuss what each one could look like in everyday life.
- Which area is hardest for you to be an example in right now: speech, life, love, faith, or purity? Why?
- How can your words in texts, group chats, gaming, or social media show that you follow Jesus?
- How can you be faithful when nobody is watching?
- Who has been a spiritual mentor (ex. Paul to Timothy) in your life? How has that impacted you?
- Who is someone younger than you that you could encourage or influence?