Here are the four studies we did on camp.  They are losely based around 1 Tim 4:12 and focus on the differences between the expectations the world has of teenagers and the expectation God has of all people, young and old.  God expects pefection and that can only be achieved through putting faith in Jesus, daily repenting of our sin and, and living a life in step with the power of the Holy Spirit.

The studies were done in age specific small groups and each one followed a 5-10min short talk by me.  I had notes for them, but the talks often ended up very different to what my notes said, so I haven't bothered to put them here.  Before the last study however, I gave a clear presentation of the Gospel and the need to put our faith in Jesus to be saved.  The study then looked at the result of that decision (living a Spirit filled life and having eternal life).

Feel free to critcise, critque, compliment or use these studies as you see fit.

Study 1 (Intro) -- Small Groups


Who expects things from you?


Do you think those people who expect things from you have expectations that are too high, or too low? Wby?


Is the way you live affected by what others think of you? How?


Read Matthew 5:48

What is Jesus' expectation for us?


How do you know what perfect looks like?


Do you think you live up to that standard?


Do you think anyone does?


Read Romans 3:23

Does anyone live up to God's expectations?


What do you think God thinks about us if we can't meet his expectations?


Read Matthew 10:28-31


What does this say about what God thinks of you?


Read Exodus 34:6


What does this tell you about the character of God?


God expects much from us. But we are unable to ever meet his standards. However, the bible still calls us to live in a way that pleases God and that sets an example for other Christians (older or younger than us). God is a loving, compassionate, gracious God, and he wants all of us to live a full life following Him.


Any more questions?

Study 2 (Speech) -- Small Groups


How do your friends expect you to talk?


Do you think you speak in a way that is good or bad?


Read Matthew 12:34


What does Jesus say that our words/the way we speak reveals about us?


Read Eph 5:4


What does this passage say about how Christians should speak?


Read James 1:26


What does this verse say about the way we should speak if we think we are religious?


Proverbs is a book of wise sayings in the OT. It talks a lot about how we speak


Discuss your reactions to the following proverbs. Do you think they are wise/unwise? Do they make sense? Do they match any of your experiences? Do they seem weird? Or stupid?

11:9


11:11


18:6


18:7


18:21


What do you think about the statement, 'the way we speak has power'? What has this study taught you?

What do you need to change about how you speak?


Study 3 (Purity) – Small Groups


What pressure do you feel from friends or society in relation to sex?


Do you think they way your friends behave or the media you consume affects you in this area?


Is sex/purity a big issue for you?


Read Matthew 5:27-30

What do you think Jesus is saying in this passage?


What is God’s standard for us?


Read John 8:1-11


What strikes you about Jesus’ response to the woman?

Was it what you expected?

What did you expect?


What do you think this means Jesus’ attitude to someone who stuffs up would be?

Share about some of the problems you or your friends at school have experienced in relation to sex or dating or lust…


Study 4 (Faith) - Small Group


THE HOLY SPIRIT

Read John 14:15-17, 25-27


Who does Jesus promise to send when he leaves his disciples?


What does the Holy Spirit do?


Read Eph 1:13-14


What happens when you believe in Jesus?


What does the Holy Spirit do?


Read Galatians 5:22-25


What does the Holy Spirit do in these verses?


What are we to do?


The Spirit helps us live for God!


ETERNAL LIFE

Read Romans 6:23


What is the result of sin?


How do we avoid that deserved result?


What do we get if we put our faith in Jesus?


Read Romans 10:9


What do we have to do to be saved?


Do you believe that Jesus is worth following?


Discuss what has challenged you this weekend. What have you learnt? Pray for each other!