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Contents Note to Group Leader.................... 4 Honor Parents........................... 6 Accountability........................... 8 Bible Study.............................. 10 Involvement............................. 12 Time With God.......................... 14 Serving.................................. 16 Who is God............................. 20 Who Is Jesus............................ 22 Faith................................... 24 My Sin.................................. 26 The Gospel............................. 28 The Church............................. 30 My Mission.............................. 32 My Purpose............................. 34 Baptism................................ 36 Count The Cost......................... 38 3
Note to Group Leader Things to remember as the small group leader: 1. To lead someone through these studies you need to have gone through them yourself first. 2. You play a very important role in the small group because you are able to set the spiritual tone for the group. If you are serious about studying God s word then others will be to. 3. Teaching someone the Bible is a noble way to use your energy. Directions for the first meeting: 1. Start with a prayer 2. Have your small group exchange phone numbers so that they can call and ask each other questions or encourage one another. 3. Have the person you are studying with fill out the chart at the bottom of this page. 4. Read the next page of this handbook (H.A.B.I.T.S.) out loud with your group. 5. Help the teen that you are studying with to understand that the first part of every study is to be completed at home, and the second part is for group discussion. This means that your first group meeting will just be going over these basics since they haven t done their homework yet. 6. End by setting up the next meeting and praying again. 7. Have Fun! Honor Parents Accountability Bible Study Involvement Time With God Serving Always Sometimes Never 4
Habit - a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition that has become nearly or completely involuntary. If you desire to grow as a Christian you must develop spiritual habits. Each of the following six studies will equip you to begin a different spiritual discipline in your life. Experts say that you can learn a new habit in about 21 days. If that is true then some of the things we cover in this section could become involuntary within a few weeks from now, but only if you are willing to put in the effort. These studies were not selected at random. They were chosen because teens with these habits tend to be spiritually alert and have a strong relationship with God. These concepts can also be useful if you hit a spiritual low later in life. If you are not feeling connected to God it can sometimes be traced back to your habits. Here are some things to remember as you begin: 1. Don t give up! Starting good habits is hard work, but all things are possible with God. 2. Ask other teens that already have good habits if they have any advice for you. 3. You are not doing this alone. It s called a group study for a reason. The people in your small group are all here for you. Ask them questions. Call them. Use all the resources you have. Commitment form for first-time small group members: If you are in a small group for the first time you must commit to going through at least the first six studies (H.A.B.I.T.S.). If you are willing to make that commitment please sign below: I,, commit to going through H.A.B.I.T.S. (your name) Signature: Date: 5
Honor Parents Honor - to treat with respect. Read: Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3, Colossians 3:20 1. Honor can be given to your parents in many ways. You can show honor with your words, actions and thoughts. How can you show honor to your parents with your words: How can you show honor to your parents with your actions: How can you show honor to your parents with your thoughts: 2. Do you honor your parents in these three areas? YES or NO Explain: Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-5 The part in this scripture about being disobedient to parents can seem out of place. It doesn t feel as bad as the other things in that list, but this shows us how serious God is about it. 3. List 3 reasons your parents deserve honor a. b. c. 6
Honor Parents: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. In what situations is it hard for you to honor your parents? 3. Is it popular to honor your parents? 4. Do your parents have to be Christians before you should honor them? 5. Read Proverbs 23:22-24 and discuss these verses with your group. 6. Is everyone in this group willing to make a habit out of honoring your parents? Notes: 7
Accountability Accountability having Christians in our life that help us stay faithful to God. Christianity is a team sport. There is no such thing as a Christian without deep relationships. Read: Romans 15:14 1. Paul says we are competent to one another. Ignore Instruct Read: Colossians 3:16 2. Here Paul says we are to and one another. Teach and admonish Be shallow and avoid 3. What is supposed to dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another? Why is this important? 4. Make a list of 5 people that you could have in your life to obey these scriptures. This is someone that could instruct, teach and admonish you. It also needs to be someone that you could help as well. In relationships you give and take. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 8
Accountability: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Why are accountability relationships so important? 3. Read Proverbs 27:17. What does this verse mean? How does it apply to this study? 4. Is everyone in this group willing to make a habit of having accountability relationships? You will need to follow up with some of the people from your list from the previous page. Notes: 9
Bible Study Bible Study - a careful examination or analysis of the Bible. Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 1. What do you think God-breathed means? 2. Based on the verses you just read what are the four things that scripture is useful for? a. b. c. d. Read: Acts 17:11 3. Who was noble and why? 4. What can we do to imitate them? Read: Psalm 119:11 5. Why are we to hide God s word in our heart? Read: Matthew 22:29 6. What were the two reasons that the people were in error? a. b. 10
Bible Study: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Why is the Bible so important? 3. How often do you think you should study your Bible? 4. Read Matthew 4:1-11 and discuss how Jesus answered Satan. 5. Is everyone in this group willing to make a habit of Bible study? Notes: 11
Involvement Involvement - to engage as a participant, or to commit to an activity or group. Read: Hebrews 10:25 1. What are some people in the habit of doing? 2. They were supposed to meet together to encourage one another. Why is encouragement so important? Read: Acts 2:44-47 3. How often did they meet in the temple courts? 4. Did they try to avoid involvement with other Christians? 5. What are three ways you could be involved with the church/teen ministry? a. b. c. 6. What are some advantages of being involved in the church/teen ministry? 12
Involvement: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. In the accountability study we saw that God wants us to have deep relationships with one another, and in this study we see how he expects us to be involved in a community of believers as well. Why does God want us to have both individual and community relationships? 3. When we go to church events what is more important: giving or receiving? (Think about giving/receiving encouragement, love, advice, help, etc.) 4. Is everyone in this group willing to make a habit of being involved with the church/teen ministry? Notes: 13
Time With God Time With God taking opportunities to reflect on God and communicate with him in prayer. Read: Luke 5:16 1. How much did Jesus withdraw by himself? Never Sometimes Often 2. Why did he withdraw? Read: Hebrews 5:7 3. Why did Jesus pray to God? 4. Why was his prayer answered? Read: Luke 18:1-8 5. Why did Jesus tell this parable? 6. Will God ever get tired of us spending time with him? Read: Luke 18:9-14 7. What should our attitude be like when we spend time with God? 14
Time With God: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Read: Matthew 6:5-15 and discuss these verses with your group. 3. Why is time with God so important? 4. How often would you have to spend time with God to have a good relationship with him? 5. Is everyone in this group willing to make a habit of spending time with God? Notes: 15
Serving Serving to use your gifts in a way that benefits or helps others. Read: 1 Peter 4:10-11 1. Should we use our gifts or keep them to ourselves, and why? 2. To find out what areas you could serve in fill out the following: Spiritual Gifts In what ways has God blessed you? (Use Appendix 1 on page 40) Heart What do you love to do? Abilities What natural abilities or talents do you have? Personality What type of personality do you have? Outgoing Calm/Careful Quiet/Reserved Ambitious Other Experience What experiences that you ve had, both good and bad, could be used to help others? 3. Now that you know your S.H.A.P.E. make a list of three possible ways you could serve in the teen ministry: a. b. c. 16
Serving: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Read Matthew 20:25-28 and discuss it with your group. 3. Why is serving so important? 4. How often should we serve? 5. Should we only serve people in the church, or should we serve others as well? 6. Is everyone in this group willing to make a habit of serving whenever there is an opportunity? Notes: 17
You ve completed H.A.B.I.T.S. Congratulations, you made a commitment and you followed through with it. Bible study takes time and effort, but it is worth every minute that you put into it. The purpose of going through H.A.B.I.T.S. is not to just learn the material, but to do the material. Knowing you should have these 6 habits is one thing, but actually putting them into practice is another. These are not one-time studies. You should review these Godly habits often throughout your life. The next section is advanced studies, but you should not begin these unless you feel like you have made progress with the habits. If you are not sure how you are doing with the habits here is a chart to fill out for one week so that you can visually see where you are. Put a check mark for every day where you succeed at that habit. Not every habit is a daily habit so don t be distressed if there are blank boxes on your chart at the end of the week. You re looking for progress and an honest effort, not perfection. Honor Parents Accountability Bible Study Involvement Time With God Serving Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 18
Advanced Studies studies that will equip you to become a Christian. The advanced studies are for people who have completed H.A.B.I.T.S. and want to go further in their relationship with God. The advanced studies will deal with deeper concepts and more complicated scriptures, and the goal is to help teens become Christians. Once you ve been through the advanced studies and you become a Christian you will be ready to give back and help another teen to go through this handbook. Each advanced study has a scripture memory element as well. These must be memorized before the group discussion takes place. Even if you ve already gone through the advanced studies you should re-memorize the scripture. Commitment form for advanced studies: You have made it very far, but now you must decide if you are ready to fight for a relationship with God. The world will try to pull you away from studying the scriptures. If you are willing to make a commitment to finishing the advanced studies please sign below: I,, commit to going through the Advanced Studies. (your name) Signature: Date: 19
Who is God? Scripture Memory: Psalm 103:8 Read: Psalm 103:8 1. What does the word abounding mean? 2. What is God abounding in? Read: Ephesians 3:20 3. God is able to do than all we could ask or imagine. Immeasurably more A little less Read: Isaiah 40:28 4. What does it mean to fathom something? 5. Can we fathom God s understanding? Yes No Maybe 6. List three characteristics of God based on this study: a. b. c. 7. What would God be like if you were to take away one of these three attributes? 20
Who is God?: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Have each person recite the memory scripture. 3. What characteristic of God do you like the most? 4. Is our God personal or impersonal? 5. Will you look at God the same after this study? 6. Are there any good reasons to run from God? Notes: 21
Who is Jesus? Scripture Memory: John 14:6 Read: Hebrews 1:1-3 1. Who did God speak through in the past? 2. Who does God speak though now? 3. Jesus is the representation of God s being. Corrupt Exact Mediocre Read: John 20:24-29 4. After seeing Jesus Thomas called him Lord and God (Lord is another word for master.) How important does this make Jesus? 5. What would your life look like if Jesus were your master? Read: John 14:6 6. Is there a way to get to God without Jesus? Yes No Maybe Explain: Read 1 John 2:4-6 7. Who are we supposed to walk like (imitate)? Explain. 22
Who Is Jesus? : Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Have each person recite the memory scripture. 3. What does it mean that God speaks through Jesus now? 4. Is Jesus God? 5. Is it ok to acknowledge that Jesus is important without living like him or for him? 6. Is everyone in this group willing to imitate Jesus and call him master? Notes: 23
Faith Scripture Memory: Hebrews 11:6 Read: Hebrews 11:6 1. Without it is impossible to please God. Good looks Faith Read: Romans 4:19-22 2. Is faith simply believing that God exists or is it also trusting in him? Explain. Read: James 2:14-19 3. Do demons believe that God exists? Why does James mention this fact? 4. If your faith is saving faith what must be present in your life? Good deeds Bad deeds No deeds Read: Mark 6:6 and Luke 7:9 5. Jesus is amazed when he finds faith or when he finds a lack of faith. How are you going to amaze Jesus? 24
Faith: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. What is a good definition of faith? 3. Read Hebrews 11:1 How does your definition (from question 2) compare to the definition in Hebrews? 4. Have you ever met anyone with great faith? 5. Why is our faith so important to God? 6. If we do more good deeds than most people do we still need faith? Notes: 25
My Sin Scripture Memory: James 4:17 Read: Isaiah 59:1-2 1. What is it that separates you from God? Read: Romans 3:23 2. Who has sinned? Some People No one Everyone 3. So who is separated from God? Some People No one Everyone Read: Romans 6:23 4. A wage is something you ve earned. What have you earned for your sin? Read: Mark 7:20-23, Galatians 5:19-21, James 4:17, James 5:16, 1 John 1:9 5. Think of your own sins. Which ones do you struggle with the most? Write them down on the following lines. 26
My Sin: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Have each person recite the memory scripture. 3. How serious is your sin? 4. Is it acceptable to know how serious your sin is but still live like you don t know what God expects from you? 5. Read Romans 3:10-18. Do you think there are any good people in the world? 6. With your mentor you should spend a few minutes confessing sins and praying for each other. Notes: 27
The Gospel Scripture Memory: Hebrews 9:28 Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-5 1. In your own words write a summary of what the gospel is. Read: Hebrews 9:28 2. Gospel is another word for good news. What is so good about Jesus dying for our sins (use the last study to help you)? Read: Galatians 1:6-9 3. Is it ok to ever change the gospel or accept a different gospel? Sometimes Never Always 4. What if an angel from heaven starting preaching a different gospel? Could we accept it then? No Yes Read: Romans 1:9 5. What does Paul do with his whole heart? Read: Romans 10:13-15 6. Paul is very worried about the gospel being preached. Is it possible to be saved without hearing the good news? No Yes Read: Matthew 26-28 Be ready to discuss these chapters during the next group meeting. 28
The Gospel: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Have each person recite the memory scripture. 3. Read Matthew 26:36-56 a. What was Jesus feeling, and do you think he was looking forward to the cross? b. What were Jesus friends doing while he was praying? c. Who was it that betrayed Jesus? d. Jesus could have called upon 72,000 angels, why didn t he? e. Did any of Jesus disciples stay with him after his arrest? 4. Read Matthew 26:57-68 a. Did the Sanhedrin find any evidence against Jesus? b. What was Jesus really talking about when he said he could rebuild the temple in three days? (see John 2:18-22) c. In verse 64 what is Jesus talking about? (see Daniel 7:13-14) d. Blasphemy means claiming equality with God. Has Jesus spoken blasphemy? Should he be crucified? 5. Read: Matthew 27:11-26 a. Who is Barabbas? b. What is the governor s offer to the people? c. Jesus took the place of Barabbas, how does this relate to us? 6. Read: Matthew 27:32-56 a. What would have happened if Jesus had listened to his mockers and come down from the cross? What would be different in your own life? b. In verse 46 Jesus feels forsaken by God because he has now taken upon himself the sins of the world. (see Psalm 22 for further study) c. Why do you think the temple curtain was torn? Hint: Behind the curtain is where priests would offer sacrifices for the people s sin. If the curtain is torn how will our sins be forgiven? 7. Read: Matthew 28:1-10 a. On many occasions Jesus prophesied his resurrection. Did this come true? 8. What did Jesus go through emotionally, physically, and spiritually leading up to the crucifixion and on the cross? 9. What roles did Pilate, Peter, and Judas play in the crucifixion? Who are you most like? 10. How good is the good news? 29
The Church Scripture Memory: Ephesians 4:4 Read: Colossians 1:18 1. What is another name for the church? 2. Who is the head of the body? 3. Your physical head is very important? Without it you couldn t eat, see, smell, hear or think! Do you think the church s head is important? Yes No Maybe Read: Ephesians 4:4 4. Even though we may meet in different locations how many bodies (churches) are there? 1 17.5 1 million Read: 1 Corinthians 1:2 5. The church is called to be holy. This is another way of saying that we are separate from the world. We belong to God to live for God. How can you help the church be holy? Read: 1 Corinthians 1:10 6. What is expected of the church in this scripture? Read: John 13:34-35 7. How will people recognize the church (Jesus disciples)? By acting religious By our love 30
The Church: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Have each person recite the memory scripture. 3. What does it mean to be holy? What can we do to make sure the church stays holy? 4. Why do we need the church? 5. The church is to be united in mind and thought. Is this easy or hard? 6. Read Matthew 18:15-17 and discuss how will you resolve conflicts in the church since they are sure to happen at some point in time. Notes: 31
My Mission Scripture Memory: Matthew 28:19 Read: Matthew 5:14-16 1. As God s church we are a light to the world. Should we hide who we are? Read: Luke 19:10 2. Why did Jesus come? Read: 2 Peter 3:8-9 3. Why is God patient with us? Read: Mark 1:16-17 4. What does a fisher of men fish for? Read: Matthew 28:18-20 5. What is Jesus command to his disciples? 6. Remember when you did the My Sin study and you realized how serious your sin is. Remember when you did The Gospel study and you realized how Jesus had taken away those sins. Does that make you want to tell others about the gospel? Yes No 7. If you answered yes then you know what your mission is. 32
My Mission: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Have each person recite the memory scripture. 3. Read: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 a. What is an ambassador? b. How are Christians ambassadors of Christ? c. What does it mean to be reconciled? d. What part do we play in reconciling men to God? 4. What is your mission? 5. How can you accomplish this mission? Talk with your group about how to make disciples? 6. Is this mission difficult? 7. What would happen if every Christian was serious about their mission? Notes: 33
My Purpose Scripture Memory: Mark 12:30-31 Read: Mark 12:28-34 1. What are the four ways we are to love God? a. b. c. d. 2. How can you love God with your heart? 3. How can you love God with your understanding? 4. How can you love God with your strength? 5. What is the second greatest commandment (also called the golden rule)? 6. How can you love your neighbor as yourself? 7. What is your purpose in life based on these verses? 34
My Purpose: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Have each person recite the memory scripture. 3. Up until now what has been your purpose in life? 4. What does Jesus want your purpose to be? 5. How can you accomplish this purpose? 6. Is this purpose difficult? Why or why not? 7. What would happen if every Christian was serious about their purpose? 8. How are your purpose and mission different? Notes: 35
Baptism Scripture Memory: Acts 2:38 Read: Acts 22:16 1. What is washed away at baptism? Read Acts 2:37-39 2. What two things must be done in order to receive forgiveness of your sins and the Holy Spirit? a. b. 3. Who is this promise for? 4. Have you done these two things? Explain. 5. Do you want to do these two things? Read: Romans 6:3-4 6. Summarize these verses in your own words. This may be difficult. Call someone in your group if you need help. Read: Colossians 2:12 7. Is your faith important in baptism? Explain. 36
Baptism: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Have each person recite the memory scripture. 3. What is the purpose of baptism? 4. If you have been baptized tell the group why you made that decision. 5. If you have not been baptized, do you want to be? Notes: 37
Count The Cost Scripture Memory: Luke 9:62 Read: Luke 9:23-26 1. Jesus suffered at the cross. He says we must take up our cross daily and deny ourselves. What does this mean? 2. If someone offered you the world in exchange for your soul would you take it? Yes No Read: Luke 9:62 3. Rewrite this verse in your own words. Read: Luke 14:25-33 4. Does Jesus want us to hate our family? What is he saying in this scripture? 5. If people will ridicule you for not completing a building what will they do if you start to become a Christian and then don t follow through? 6. Based on verse 33 how much does Jesus expect you to give up? Read: 2 Peter 2:20-22 7. What do these verses say about someone who becomes a Christian and then quits? Is it better to become a Christian and then quit, or is it better to never become one? 38
Count The Cost: Group Discussion 1. Go over all the questions on the last page and read each scripture out loud. Help each other understand anything that is unclear. 2. Have each person recite the memory scripture. 3. What does it mean to count the cost? 4. What things do you have to think about when you count the cost of being a Christian? 5. Do you think you have what it takes to live your entire life as a Christian? Notes: 39
Appendix 1: Spiritual Gifts Worksheet Gifts References Yes Maybe No (Available Today) Artistic Gifts Exodus 31:3, 35:31 Contentment Ecclesiastes 3:13,5:19 Serving Romans 12:7 Teaching Romans 12:7 Encouraging Romans 12:8 Contributing Romans 12:8 Leadership Romans 12:8 Showing Mercy Romans 12:8 Celibacy 1 Corinthians 7:7 Message of Wisdom 1 Corinthians 12:8 Message of Knowledge 1 Corinthians 12:8 Faith 1 Corinthians 12:9 Administration 1 Corinthians 12:28 Evangelist Gift Ephesians 4:11 Shepherding Gift Ephesians 4:11 Hospitality 1 Peter 4:9 Anything Else 1 Peter 4:10 Gifts (1st Century) References Prophecy Romans 12:6 Healing 1 Corinthians 12:9 Miraculous Powers 1 Corinthians 12:10 Distinguishing Spirits 1 Corinthians 12:10 Languages 1 Corinthians 12:10 Translation 1 Corinthians 12:10 Apostleship 1 Corinthians 12:28 40