Young person, trust the Bible's advice (15 mins.) Discussion with the audience.
If you are young and inexperienced, you become an attractive target for Satan (Ge 3:1). You probably face difficult situations at school almost every day. But you can save yourself a lot of trouble if you trust in Jehovah and follow the Bible’s advice. Write down a Bible text or a Bible character who can help you in the following situations:
Your classmates make fun of you because you are different.
Jeremiah is a good example, for as a young man he faced rejection and ridicule, but Jehovah assured him: “Do not be intimidated by his appearance, for ‘I am with you to save you’” (Jeremiah 1:6-8). His example teaches us not to be intimidated and to trust that Jehovah will give us the strength to remain faithful.
We can also find help in 1 Peter 2:23, which shows the example of Jesus. Although he was insulted, he did not respond with insults, but trusted in Jehovah. This teaches us to respond calmly and not to stoop to the level of those who mock us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A good example is Jeremiah. Although he was young and was rejected and ridiculed, he trusted in Jehovah and remained faithful (Jeremiah 1:6-8).
Another example is Daniel. He remained firm in his beliefs despite the pressure from those around him (Daniel 1:8).
We also have the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They did not give in to social pressure and obeyed Jehovah, even though it brought them difficulties (Daniel 3:16-20).
Finally, we have the example of Jesus Christ. When he was insulted and mocked, he did not respond in kind, but continued to trust in Jehovah (1 Peter 2:23).
Biblical texts
A biblical text that can help us is Jeremiah 1:6-8, where Jehovah promises to be with his servants and give them courage when they face rejection.
A Bible text that can help us is Proverbs 27:11, which encourages us to remain faithful in order to make Jehovah's heart happy.
A biblical text that can help us is Romans 1:16, which reminds us that we should not be ashamed of our beliefs or the good news.
A biblical text that can help us is Matthew 5:11, 12, which teaches us that those who are persecuted for doing what is right are happy and will receive God's approval.
A biblical text that can help us is 1 Peter 2:23, where we appreciate the example of Jesus, who teaches us not to respond with insults when others mock us.
A biblical text that can help us is Proverbs 15:1, which advises us to respond with kindness and calm to prevent a situation from getting worse.
There is no one your age in the congregation who can be your friend.
David is a Bible character who can help us. His friendship with Jonathan shows that true friends are chosen for their love of Jehovah, not for being the same age or having the same interests. His example encourages us to cultivate friendships that strengthen our spirituality.
A Bible text that can help us is Proverbs 18:24, which says: “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” This text reminds us of the importance of choosing friends who help us draw closer to Jehovah and who are a positive influence in our lives.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A good example of true friendship that can help us is that of Ruth and Naomi. Their friendship shows that true friends are those who share a love for Jehovah, regardless of age (Ruth 1:16, 17).
A good example of true friendship that can help us is that of Elijah and Elisha. Elisha sought the company of a faithful servant of Jehovah, learned from his experience, and served alongside him (2 Kings 2:2).
A good example of true friendship that can help us is that of Paul and Timothy. They developed a close friendship based on their service to Jehovah, not on the age difference (Philippians 2:20-22).
A good example of true friendship that can help us is that of David and Jonathan. Their friendship was based on their love for Jehovah and the spiritual support they gave each other (1 Samuel 18:1-3).
Biblical texts
Psalm 68:6 reminds us that Jehovah gives us a spiritual family, so we do not need to seek close friendships outside the congregation to feel accompanied.
2 Corinthians 6:11-13 encourages us to "open our hearts" and cultivate friendships with brothers and sisters in the congregation, even if they are of different ages.
Proverbs 18:24 teaches that a true friend can become closer than a brother, highlighting the value of spiritual friendships.
In Mark 3:33-35 (or Matthew 12:48-50), Jesus taught that those who do God's will are part of his true family. This reminds us that the congregation is the best place to cultivate lasting friendships.
A classmate wants to be your friend and communicate with you by phone or social media.
One Bible character who can help us is Joseph. His example can help us because, although he was surrounded by people with different values and faced pressure, he set clear boundaries and stood firm in not doing anything that displeased Jehovah (Genesis 39:10). This teaches us to be careful about our friendships and how we use our phones and social media.
A helpful Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 15:33. This verse reminds us: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” It helps us understand that we must choose our friends carefully, because the people we associate with can influence how we think and act.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Another Bible character who can help us is Dinah. Her experience serves as a warning. Although she had no bad intentions, associating with people who did not worship Jehovah led her into a dangerous situation (Genesis 34:1, 2). This reminds us of the importance of choosing our friends wisely.
Biblical texts
A Bible verse that can help us is Proverbs 22:3, which says: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” This verse encourages us to identify dangers before accepting friend requests or starting private conversations.
Another Bible verse that can help us is 1 Corinthians 15:33, which says: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” It reminds us that the people we associate with can influence how we think and act.
A Bible verse that can help us is Proverbs 4:23, which says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse teaches us to protect our thoughts and feelings, being careful about what we allow to influence us.
You want to serve Jehovah full time after you graduate, but a professor tells you that it's a waste of time.
A Bible character who can help us is the apostle Paul. His example teaches us that, although he had an excellent education, a good social standing, and great opportunities, he considered serving Christ to be far more valuable than worldly achievements (Philippians 3:7, 8). This teaches us that serving Jehovah full-time is not a waste of time but a decision based on what truly matters.
A Bible verse that can help us is 1 John 2:17. This verse says: “Furthermore, the world is passing away, and its desires also, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” It reminds us that the achievements and advantages of this system are temporary, while serving Jehovah has eternal value.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Although the apostle Paul had an excellent education, a good social standing, and great opportunities, he considered serving Christ to be far more valuable than worldly achievements (Philippians 3:7, 8). His example teaches us that dedicating our life to Jehovah’s service is a decision based on what truly matters.
Although Moses had the opportunity to enjoy riches, power and prestige in Egypt, he chose to support Jehovah's purpose because he considered the spiritual rewards to be far more valuable than the treasures of Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-26).
Biblical texts
The text of Ecclesiastes 12:1 encourages us to remember our Great Creator during our youth and to use our best energies in His service.
The text of 1 John 2:17 reminds us that the achievements and desires of this world are temporary, but those who do God's will can enjoy an eternal future.
The text of Proverbs 10:22 teaches that the blessing of Jehovah is the true source of wealth and happiness, because it adds no pain or disappointment.
The text of Matthew 6:33 encourages us to keep seeking first the Kingdom of God, trusting that Jehovah will take care of our needs.
Put up the animated whiteboard: Can the Bible really help you? Then ask:
What lessons do you take away from this video?
One lesson we can learn from this video is that the Bible is not an ancient book without practical application, but a guide that helps us with everyday life problems, such as managing stress, improving our relationships, and making good decisions.
We also learn the importance of cultivating the habit of reading the Bible regularly. Even if we start with a simple goal, like reading one chapter a day, this habit can help us strengthen our friendship with God, better understand His way of thinking, and act in accordance with His principles.
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