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AG Osun District Teens, Kilometer 10, Gbongan-Ibadan Expressway, Owode-Ede, Osogbo (2026)

16/05/2026

TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE,
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, NIGERIA.
SEASON 20
JANUARY – JUNE, 2026.

SUNDAY, 17TH MAY, 2026.

UNIT 5: WHEN THINGS GO WRONG (JOB)

STUDY 3: REACH OUT TO HURTING PEOPLE

TEXT: Job 6:14; 19:1-3; 42:11; Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 61:1-3; Gal 6:1; Heb 3:13

KEY VERSE:
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (NIV)

>>Focus
Have you ever ran into a friend that was bereaved, and you didn't know what to tell him? Probably, you thought to yourself, "If I say something now, will he burst into tears? It's just like some people are way better at this whole sympathy thing, maybe I should leave it for them." Well, you're not alone. Some people think compassion and comfort are gifts distributed down gender lines: Women are the compassionate ones, and men are supposed to be strong and silent.

The excuses are as varied as the people who think them up, but the fact is God expects His children to be conduits of His comfort and compassion to those hurting around us. No excuses. No exemptions. Offering comfort and encouragement to someone who is hurting isn't just a social nicety. It's the fabric of Christianity. Jesus felt compassion (John 11:33). Paul refers to God as "the God of all comfort" (2 Cor 1:3). If your compassion has been lacking, ask God to fill you with His compassion, and then let it spill over into the lives of those to whom you come into contact.

As you present this study, encourage your teens to minister comfort and compassion to the hurting and needy that they encounter in their daily lives, Their actions can preach a more eloquent sermon than the most learned scholar if they surrender themselves to God's leading and example.

>>The Basic Message: Explain to students...

• WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?

God calls us to reach out to hurting people.

• WHY DOES IT MATTER?

When we see people in need, we're often tempted to either ignore them or blame them for their troubles.

• HOW DO I LIVE IT?

Accept your responsibility to reach out to hurting people and ask God to give you opportunities to help them.

>>Activity Option: FRIEND FACTOR
Discuss the importance of being a faithful friend and encourage students to think about how they handle both good and bad situations in a friendship.

>>Guide: Explain that although friends, because they are humans, will occasionally let us down, that doesn't mean we should give up on them completely. God gives true friends as a gift. Many of us can look back at a time when we were encouraged by a friend and found the strength to face a difficult situation.

>>Study Overview: Explain that today's study considers...

• How people often respond with careless or hurtful words without thinking.

• How God cares about the broken hearted; no problem is too small or big.

• That hurting people look to friends for comfort in times of hardship.

>>Inform and Discuss

a. Don't Shoot the Wounded

1. Why do people say hurtful/thoughtless things to someone who is hurting? [Hint: Many people are uncomfortable in the presence of someone who is hurting. They may not know how to fix the situation, so they ignore it, downplay it, or offer hollow words.]

2. Divide the class into three groups, and assign each group one of the passages listed below. Have each group describe what the passage has to say on how to respond to those who are hurting.

• Job 19:1-3 [Hint: We need to think about the effect our words of wisdom may have on the hurting. In the case of Job, the words of his so-called, well-meaning friends brought him no comfort, only pain. As believers, we should offer hope, not condemnation.]

• Heb 3:13 [Hint: We are directed to encourage one another on daily basis as opposed to waiting until we feel like offering comfort. This verse also makes it clear that without encouragement, suffering people may get so discouraged that they completely lose their faith.]

• Gal 6:1 [Hint: Sometimes, believers hurt because they have made sinful choices. Regardless, we are told to take immediate action to help bring them back into right relationship with God. We are to facilitate this restoration gently, being careful not to be drawn into the same trap.]

>>Guide: Explain that even though our words may be less than perfect, our attitude and compassion can still bring comfort. People are encouraged when they know someone cares about them.

b. God Comforts His Hurting People

1. What does it take to say something thoughtful or encouraging? [Guide: Point out that being thoughtful is all about thinking about how you would want to be treated in that same situation.]

2. Read or have a volunteer read Isaiah 61:1-3. What does it mean for Isaiah to be anointed by God to do the things he described in these verses? [Hint: Isaiah didn't minister from his own reserves of compassion. His words and actions were led of God. The same can be true for us when we allow God to minister His compassion through us.

3. By following Isaiah's example, what can we do to bring comfort to others? [Hint: We can bring comfort to people by reminding them of God's promise. A change of perspective helps others lift their eyes from the circumstances which they are in, and reminds them of the good plans that God is bringing to fruition in their lives.]

4. Read or have a volunteer read Psalm 34:18. What encouragement does this verse offer those who are suffering? [Hint: God is not indifferent to their suffering, but rather, He is intimately involved in their pain and actively works to bring healing and restoration.]

>>Guide: Suggest to students that they take a moment and underline this passage in their Bibles, as well as write the reference on the blank pages at the front or back. This will remind them that God is with them when they go through troubles, and He will bring them comfort.

5. Why is it sometimes easier to seek comfort from family and friends than it is to go to God?

>>Hint: When we think of comfort, we often associate it with tangible ways people make us feel better - a warm hug, pat on the back, or an uplifting smile. While these are all great, we must not forget that God is the ultimate source of peace and comfort.

c. Be Compassionate

1. Read or have a volunteer read Job 6:14. According to this verse, what does Job recommend on how we should respond to people who are hurting? [Hint: Believers are called to exhibit the finest qualities of friendship to those who are in the deepest pit of despair - even to those who in their pain have turned their backs on God.]

2. Discuss what the students think would be the outcome if believers treated the hurting and suffering as their closest friends. Would those people be as likely to turn away from God? Why or why not?

3. Read or have a volunteer read Job 42:11. What does this verse tell us about Job's post-trial situation? [Guide: Explain that even though his obvious suffering has ended, Job is still a willing recipient of comfort and consolation from his family and friends.]

4. Read or have a volunteer read 2 Cor 1:3-4. What is one of the reasons God offers comfort to us? [Hint: In addition to His care and concern for us when we suffer, God comforts us specifically so that we can pass that blessing on to others who are suffering.]

5. What do these titles, "Father of mercies" and "God of all comfort," communicate to believers about the importance God places on comforting people? [Hint: The titles leave no doubt of God's concern and compassion toward those who suffer. We can know that comfort can be found in God's love for us.]

>>Inspire Them: Remind students THE BASIC MESSAGE of this study (pg 090)-even as you explain WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is; WHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in this study.

>>Illustration Activity: GUIDELINES
Inform students that long before the Red Cross and other disaster relief organizations, the Bible set forth some specific guidelines concerning the treatment of those in need. Read the following: Exo 22:25 The needy were not charged interest on their loans. Deut 15:1-11-All debts of poor Israelites were cancelled every seven years. Lenders were also not allowed to refuse a loan just because it was getting close to the seventh year 24:14-1 - Wealthy employers were required to pay their needy workers at the conclusion of each day’s work. Luke 14:18-19 - Jesus performed the majority of His miracles in the midst of the needy, oppressed, and outcast. Acts 6:1-6-The Early Church selected leaders whose main duty was to care for the needy among them.

Discuss the message that these guidelines send about how God wants us to act toward those who need help or comfort.

>>Guide: Explain that God wants special consideration to be given to the needy and suffering. This kind of life requires believers to make a sacrifice of their time and effort to help people who are hurting.

>>Ministry Activity: Several of your students may have come to realize that ignoring someone's hurt is not an option for believers. Ask students to spend a few moments in quiet reflection on this topic, then pray over them, asking God to forgive them and also equip them to carry His comfort to the hurting people they encounter.

>>Conclude by reminding the students that they aren't expected to help people on their own, but with God's strength and wisdom.

>>Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself...

1. Do students understand the importance of being a faithful and compassionate friend?

2. Do they understand that God comforts us so that we can comfort others?

3. Can they name practical ways to comfort those who are hurting?

>>DAILY DEW DROPS:
Mon: Stabilize in God – 1 Peter 2:1-5
Tue: Living Sacrifice – Romans 12:1-2
Wed: Depend on Him – 2 Cor 3:5
Thu: It Doesn't Worth It – Matt 4:5-7
Fri: The Order – 1 John 1:3-6
Sat: Abide in Christ – John 15: 4-8

09/05/2026

TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE,
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, NIGERIA.
SEASON 20
JANUARY – JUNE, 2026.
SUNDAY, 10TH MAY, 2026.

UNIT 5: WHEN THINGS GO WRONG (JOB)

STUDY 2: LOOK TO GOD

TEXT: Job 4:7-9; 8:3-4; 11:13-15; 14:1-2; 16:18-21; 35:12-16; Heb 4:16

KEY VERSE: John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (KJV)

>>Focus
Thanks to the increasing advance in technology, we now have nearly limitless access to unprecedented diversity of information, virtual sphere of existence, social relationships, visual imagery, etc. Cell phones have made it possible for us to stay in contact in ways unheard of not too long ago. We don't just watch TV V anymore; we interact with it. We pick winners of reality shows. The public has a voice.

Unfortunately, all this high-tech communication doesn't guarantee good decisions. Teens today still have questions, and instead of having two or three sources of advice, they are bombarded with advice some good, some bad, and some that's downright dangerous.

With all the problems teens face, it's important that they understand that trouble is a normal part of life, and that it isn't always the result of their sin or mistake. They also need to know that not all the advice they receive will be good. No matter how confused and overwhelmed they are, they can count on being able to go before a loving Father who will hear their case and provide them with the wisdom and strength they need to get through. Encourage your teens to remember that God shouldn't be their last resort, but the first one they turn to when facing hard times.

>>The Basic Message: Explain to students...
• WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?
Everyone goes through hard times, no matter who they are.
• WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Trials in life can cause us to withdraw and fall into deep despair if we don't look to God.
• HOW DO I LIVE IT?
Trust God to help you no matter how bad things get in your life.

>>Activity Option: R & R
Ask students to name the kind of things they do to relax or recover after a really bad day, or after they've made it through a tough situation. List their responses on the board in a column on the left. Next, ask students why each of these activities is effective and list their responses next to the first one. Finally, ask if any of the activities actually bring about solutions to their problems, or just to help them cope with the stress that results from the problems.

>>Guide: Remind students that even though relaxation doesn't actually solve our problems, it is an important part of maintaining our physical and health. Then overwhelming problems to God and trust Him to provide us with real, lasting solutions in His perfect timing.

>>Study Overview: Explain that today's study considers....
• How things will go wrong in life but God is constant.
• That friends and families can offer both good and bad advice in any given situation.
• How prayer should be our first response to problems.

>>Inform and Discuss
a. Things Will Go Wrong
>>Guide: Read or have a volunteer read Job 14:1-2. Point out that Job isn't just talking about his life, but about life in general. Everyone's life, in the realm of eternity, is short and will have hardships.

1. Why doesn't God just fix all the problems that believers face? [Hint: God is fully aware of the suffering and injustice of this world. But instead of fixing all our problems as we live in a fallen world, He gives a promise of a perfect eternity in the future, and strength and grace to face the present.]

2. Read or have a volunteer read John 16:33. How is Christ's comment in this verse similar to that of Job? Explain. [Guide: Explain that Jesus is basically repeating what Job said with an important reminder: Troubles are a reality of this life, but don't forget who has overcome this world. Since we are eternal beings, we can face the troubles of this life with peace and confidence because we know that God will make sure that everything works out in the end.]

b. Everybody Has an Opinion
1. Discuss the topic of getting advice by asking the following questions:
• Have you ever sought advice for a problem from different sources that were totally opposite and contradictory?
• How did this make you feel?
• How did you decide whose advice to follow?
• What are some of the things people often say to someone who is going through a hard time? [Hint: "Hang in there." "Things will be better tomorrow." "It could be worse." "I'll pray for you."]
• Who are some of the people that you talk to when you're facing a tough problem?
• As a believer, who can you talk to for advice or encouragement?
• Divide the class into four groups, assign each group one of the following passages, and have them identify the speaker and summarize his opinion. As the groups provide their summaries, discuss as a class what's wrong with each opinion or advice. (SEE PAGE 088 FOR THE GUIDE)

>>Guide: Explain that the intentions of Job's four friends were probably good, but none of them knew the whole story. Remind students that friends and family can be good sources for advice and encouragement, but they can also let us down. Even Christians with best of intentions say hurtful things because they don't know the whole story or fully understand the circumstances.

c. Look to God for Help
>>Guide: Explain that when it comes to dealing with problems, most people fall into one of two categories: people who want to "find it and fix it" or people who want to "name them and blame them." Unfortunately, even among believers, we forget that our first response should be prayer. Pointing fingers and trying to fix things ourselves are waste of time.

1. Read or have a volunteer read Job 16:18-21. What are the terms Job uses in this passage as he speaks of presenting his case to God? [Hint: He used terms like witness, advocate, intercessor, and friend.]

>>Guide: Explain that Job doesn't fear God reviewing his case. He trusts God with the outcome, even if he doesn't get his answers until after he dies. Job is convinced that God will lovingly respond to him.

2. Read or have a volunteer read Heb 4:16. What does it mean to trust God with your problems? Why is it important to put that trust into action?

>>Guide: Explain that we need to resist the urge to give up or give in to despair when trouble surround us on all sides. Instead, we need to remember that God keeps His promises and that we must continue to confidently bring our needs before Him in prayer, trusting in His goodness. God should not be viewed as our last resort, but as our only hope in successfully navigating the stormy seas of life.

>>Involve Them: Write the following statements on the board, and have students form groups and discuss them.
• When I'm facing a problem, the first thing I need to remember to do is....
• Advice from friends and family can be good, but trusting God with my problems is...

>>Inspire Them: Remind students THE BASIC MESSAGE of this study (pg 086)-even as you explain WHAT the Big Idea behind the study is: WHY it matters; and HOW we can live the lesson captured in this study.

>>Ministry Activity: Provide each student with a slip of paper and a pen or pencil. Ask them to write down one or two things in this life that they see as unfair. Ask for a few volunteers to share their observations. Focus on listening carefully to each injustice. At the end, ask the students to make them a matter of prayer over the next few weeks, starting immediately. Have students pray by themselves or in groups of two or three. Remind them that they are taking their requests before their Witness, their Advocate, their Intercessor, and their Friend.

>>Conclude by challenging students too not give in to despair or discouragement when they encounter some of life's problems. Remind them that trials are a natural part of life, but it's our job to rely on God's supernatural power to bring us through.

>>Teacher Hint: Ask Yourself...
1. Can students identify the kind of advice Job's friend gave?
2. Do they understand that human can't keep bad things from happening?
3. Do they realize that God cares for them, even when bad things happen?

02/05/2026

A.G–RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE, SEASON 20 JANUARY – JUNE, 2026.

SUNDAY, 3RD MAY, 2026.

UNIT 5: WHEN THINGS GO WRONG (JOB)

STUDY 1: WORSHIP

TEXT: Gen 50:20; Job 1:1-2:11; 1 Thess 5:18

KEY VERSE: Job 1:21..the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be
the name of the LORD.(KJV)

>>Focus
Why me? It's a question people ask themselves from time to time. Anytime things go wrong, human beings usually resort to self-pity and despair

Teenagers are especially susceptible to the negative effects of going through hard times. When faced with difficulty, many teens struggle with depression and anger.

Today's study looks at the story of Job and tackles one of life's most difficult questions: Why do bad things happen to good people? The teens in your class may have already asked this question in their own lives. The answer is not an easy one to explain. Teens can wonder why God would allow bad things to happen if He is actually in control. Try to help your students to understand that God has a plan for everything. He can use even the bad circumstances of life to do good things. If we try to comprehend all of God's plans or His way of thinking, we will drive ourselves crazy. In our limited minds, we are simply unable to do it. God's ways are too complex and lofty

After all, we are created beings and He is the Creator. We're finite beings while He is infinite.

Instead of focusing on "why" bad things happen, this session challenges us to focus on God - praising Him in spite of our circumstances (good or bad)

God is worthy of our praise. When we focus on God, we connect with the One who can help us through the hard times. Through our worship, God can give us peace, strength, and patience-just as He did for Job.

>>The Basic Message: Explain to students...

• WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?
Life can be hard and filled with situations that challenge our trust in God.

• WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Hard times can draw us away from God if we don't stay committed to Him.

• HOW DO I LIVE IT?
Recognize that God is there for you even in the hard times and worship Him, no matter what you're going through.

>>Activity Option: MY TERRIBLE DAY Keeping the mood light, divide the class into small groups. Give each group paper and pen or pencil and have them quickly compose a series of events that would comprise a terrible day in the life of a teen. After five minutes. Have each group share their “Bad Day” compositions.

>>Guide: Explain that everyone faces difficult times. Sometimes life is hard. Problems can challenge our trust in God and even draw us away from Him if we allow them. During troubled times, we have a choice. We can choose to turn from God or we can choose to turn to Him.

>>Study Overview: Explain that today’s study considers.

• That there are things that happen in life that we cannot predict or understand.

• How ultimately God is in control of everything that happens to us.

• Why God desires our praise and our honesty.
>>Inform and Discuss

a. There’s More than Meets the Eye

>>Guide: Explain that Job lived during the Old Testament times. He was a good man who served God, and God in turn had blessed Job.

1. Read or have a volunteer read Job 1:1-5. How did Job show his love and fear of God? [Hint: He shunned evil, prayed for his family, and made sacrifices.]

2. Read or have a volunteer read Job 1:6-11. Why do you think God asked Satan if he had noticed Job? [Hint: The Bible doesn’t answer this question directly, but since God is all-knowing, He would have known where it would lead. Some might think that Satan manipulated God in this or some other situation, but that is clearly never the case.]

3. What was Satan implying about the nature and depth of Job’s love for God?

>>Hint: True to his nature, Satan launched a two-sided attack against the relationship between God and Job. On one hand he says that Job loved and served God only for what he could get out of the relationship. As long as God blessed Job, Job would serve Him, but when the blessings were removed, Satan was sure that not only would Job not love God, but that Job would curse God. On the other hand, Satan also hinted that God, by protecting and allowing material blessings in Job’s life, was buying Job’s devotion.

4. Read or have a volunteer read Job 2:1-5. Ask the students to compare Satan’s portrayal of Job in this passage to what was written about him in Job 1:1-5. [Note that instead of admitting defeat, Satan implies that Job cares little for his family and possessions as long as he doesn’t suffer physically. Of course, his portrayal of Job was completely wrong.]
>>Guide: Explain that the passages we’ve read so far are fascinating because they allow us a glimpse of what’s happening in the spiritual world, information we seldom have when trying to make sense of our own troubles.

5. Ask students if they’ve ever tried to imagine how God is working behind the scenes in their own lives when they’re facing hard times. [Note: As God was at work behind the scenes in the case of Job, so is He always working behind the scenes when we’re facing hard times; we’re never alone.]

b. God Sets the Boundaries
1. Read or have a volunteer read Gen 50:20; Job 1:12: 2:6. What do these three verses tell us about who was in control? [Hint: In Joseph's case, God made the evil his brothers planned against him to turn out for the best. Concerning Job, in both instances Satan had to obtain God's permission before he could attack Job, and even then, God set limits for Satan to follow.]
>>Guide: Often, when people go through troubles and the temptation, they wonder if God has forgotten about them, or think He doesn't care.
2. How can knowing that God is in control help you when you face difficulty? [Hint: Knowing that God is in control and able to take what others meant to be harmful to us and use it for our good can help us move our focus from our problems to the One who is in control.]
>>Guide: Remind students that, like Job and Joseph's situations, God sees the big picture, and has a plan for their lives. Such plan may allow them to go through some hard times, but God watches their trials closely and uses them to accomplish good in their lives and the lives of others.
c. Admit You're in Trouble, Then Worship God
1. Read or have volunteers read Job 1:13-22. How did Job react to the news of the tragedies that had hit his livestock, servants, and all his children? [Hint: Job tore his clothes and shaved his head, and then worshipped God.]
>>Guide: Explain that tearing clothes and shaving of head (Job 1:20) were common ways of expressing intense sadness. Also, sitting among ashes (Job 2:28) was another way of expressing grief in Bible times. Thus, Job sought to express his emotions, not repress them. Expressing grief over the death of a loved one or being upset over the loss of possessions doesn't contradict our faith in God. But, when we blame God or accuse Him of not caring about us, we have crossed from faith to faithlessness.
2. Read or have a volunteer read Job 2:7-11. What did Job mean when he said, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" [Hint: If we are going to serve God, we can't let our circumstances dictate our faith. God is God. He's sovereign and worthy of our worship in all circumstances the bad ones included.]
3. How can remembering this response from Job affect the way you view troubles in future?
>>Guide: Explain that many new believers mistakenly think that once they make Jesus the Leader of their lives, they are exempt from all of life's problems. However, it is in the dark times that our light, our love for Jesus. can shine the brightest. Few notice a light in the middle of the day. But in the night, when there is no light, even a single flashlight pushes back the darkness.
4. Why is it difficult to praise God in the midst of our troubles? [Hint: We are usually focused on our problems to give God the praise He deserves.]
5. Why do most people talk to God when they face problems? [Hint: They pray for help or ask God why they are going through hard times.]
>>Guide: When we go through difficult times, we need to keep in mind that everything we have comes from God. He is well within His right to take it from us. No matter what our circumstances, God is worthy of our praise.

6. Read or have a volunteer read 1 Thess 5:18. What is the difference between thanking God for all circumstances and thanking God in all circumstances? [Guide: Explain that God isn't instructing us to thank Him for all circumstances, but He does want us to give Him thanks in all circumstances. God's goodness, His love for us, and His worthiness of praise do not change, even when our circumstances do. By focusing on God rather than on problems, we connect to the One who can give us the strength and peace to make it through those times.]
>>Involve Them: As a class, list some disastrous circumstances that a Christian teen could realistically face. Write their suggestions on the board, and then working in pairs, have students trace the path of where focusing on the "why" of the circumstance will lead compared to where acknowledging the painful situation and worshipping God could lead. After a few minutes, invite as many volunteers to share their insights as time will allow.
>>Ministry Activity: Explain that although everyone gets hit with hard times, believers can prepare themselves for hard times by drawing close to God, trusting His goodness, and worshipping Him in spite of their circumstances. Ask if any of your students are feeling "a little like Job" in that they are going through an especially hard time in their life. Then take time to pray as a class for each one, asking God to give them His grace and to meet their needs as they trust Him to bring good from the hard times they are experiencing.

>>Invitation Option: If you have students who are yet to make Jesus the leader of their lives or asked Him to forgive their sins, explain that Jesus wants to go through the hard times with them in this life and give them eternal life in heaven. Then pray for such students.

>>DAILY DEW DROPS:
Mon: Don't Play the Fool – Psalm 14:1: Proverbs 1:1-7
Tue: Treasure His Word – Psalm 119:89,96-100
Wed: Follow His Path – Proverbs 2:8-20
Thu: Sourcing Inspiration – Job 32:6-9
Fri: Magnify Him – Daniel 6:25-28
Sat: None Else – Isaiah 55:5-7

30/04/2026

WHY TEENAGERS DON'T OPEN UP TO ADULTS.

Rev. Ojo Stephen Gbadegesin phD
District Superintendent
AG Osun District

25/04/2026

*A.G–RADIANT LIFE TEACHER GUIDE TEENS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESOURCE, SEASON 20, JANUARY – JUNE, 2026.*

SUNDAY, 26TH APRIL, 2026.

UNIT 4: CHURCH ON THE MOVE

*STUDY 4: HOW TO HANDLE CHANGE*

TEXT: Acts 19:23-41; 20:17-38

KEY VERSE: Acts 20:19

I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews (NIV).

*>>Focus*
Change is inevitable. It's part of life. As Christians, how we react to change is crucial. One of the biggest is the change Christ makes in our lives. While we may be overjoyed at the transformation God is performing, those around us may not. There may be friends, employers, and even family members who resist the changes that come with following Christ. When interacting with students on this topic, be sensitive to these situations and encourage them to respond in a Christlike manner.

Another change takes place when God moves us, or someone we love, to another home, town, or ministry. Following God's will can bring a lot of change, and, if we're not careful we'll become angry with God instead of trusting His plan. So, if your church has recently experienced such loss, spend time allowing students express their feelings. Encourage them about the future without discounting their present pain. If your church hasn't experienced such loss, prepare your teens to view such events as normal aspects of life and the ministry and to rejoice in God's comfort and guidance during these transitions.

If you've personally suffered loss associated with change, but haven't worked through it, use your preparation time as part of the healing process. Remember that change is seldom easy, and it can present a number of challenges. But God is there to provide strength, comfort, and even healing - no matter the situation.

>>The Basic Message: Explain to students....

• WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?

Change is a normal part of the Christian life.

• WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Believers need God's help to handle change successfully.

• HOW DO I LIVE IT?

Ask God for help when facing change, and trust Him as you go through times of uncertainty.

*>>Activity Option:* Discuss with students the following question:

How do you feel when you experience changes that are unexpected, or changes you can't control? [Hint: Students may feel unsettled, not know how to respond, or even feel a sense of grief or loss.]

>>Guide: Explain that changes usually occur when we least expect them and are often out of our control. There's usually not much we can do about these changes except respond to them appropriately How we respond wilt play a big part in determining whether we grow from the experience or become angry and bitter.

*>>Study Overview:* Explain that today's study considers...

• How we may encounter resistance from family or friend when we change our lifestyle to fit Christ' standards.

• How following God's will often require change on our part.

• Why responses to change will affect our attitude and eventually our spiritual health.

• Why we must trust God in the midst of change and realize that He is ultimately in control.

*>>Inform and Discuss*

*a. Change Within*

1. Read or have a volunteer read Acts 19:23-27. What changes did the gospel introduce, and how did the merchants react to those changes? [Hint: On account of the gospel they received, many people abandoned their sinful lifestyles and embraced salvation through Christ. When they no longer purchased the merchandise associated with their former religions, those who made their living selling objects associated with the false goddess Artemis feared for themselves and their livelihood. They were losing money because of Christianity, making them concerned and even angry.]

>>Guide: Explain that when we become Christians, our worldview and lifestyle begin to change. Peers, family members, and even business people will likely notice the transformation. Those changes may even put them at odds with us.

2. What changes in your lifestyle did you make when you became a Christian? How did those around you react to the changes you made? [Hint: Some students may have given up partying or cheating in school. And they may have had to find new peer groups as a result. Some may have even suffered ridicule from family members. Indeed, the changes Jesus makes are often not small. We must be prepared to experience a new life in Christ.]

3. Read or have volunteers read Acts 19:28-34. How did the people respond to the angry merchants? Why do you think they responded this way? [Hint: They formed a mob and marched through the city, in no mood to hear about Christianity. Ironically, the frenzied riot gained momentum from people who didn't even know the reason for the uproar. Some, then, were opposed to Christianity. But others just joined the crowd.]

>>Guide: Explain that some groups of people angrily resist the gospel. They may have agendas financed by sinful activities. They might truly believe sinful activities, such as drug abuse, abortion, immorality, and financial dishonesty, are okay. Others resist the gospel because they don't want any type of change in their lives and communities. And a few just get caught up in the anger and frenzy that rises against Christians.

4. Read or have volunteers read Acts 19:35-41. What point do you think the city clerk was trying to make about Artemis and Christianity? [Hint He implied that if Artemis was really a powerful goddess, this message of Christ held no threat. The proof, then, will be in the results. It's an important principle: One of the most powerful ways the gospel proves itself is by changing people's lives in dramatic ways.]

>>Guide: Explain that people are always changed through a relationship with Jesus whether those changes are dramatic or more subtle. People see the validity of the gospel when they see positive effects in the lives of new believers.

5. What are some ways people can see the reality of Christ's message in your life? [Guide: Challenge students to think for a moment about how different their lives really are because of Jesus. What are some of the changes He has made? What are some changes that still need to take place?]

*b. Changes Ahead*

>>Guide: Read or have volunteers read Acts 20:17-24. Explain that Paul didn't know what he would be doing, or even what would happen to him, once he reached Jerusalem. He only knew the Holy Spirit warned him to expect severe hardships.

1. How do you think most people would respond to the news that their Christian service would continually result in tough times? [Hint: Some might refuse to continue serving Christ. Most, though, would simply move ahead no matter the challenge. That's why we need to keep Paul's example in mind. There will be some hard times ahead. Our commitment to Christ must remain strong.]

2. Discuss how hard times can strengthen our faith. [Note: They reveal whether we're faithful servants of God or only serving when it's convenient. We don't always know wh what God has in store for us, but we can always trust Him.]

3. Read or have volunteers read Acts 20:25-31. What concern did Paul share with the Ephesian Elders, and what charge did he give them? [Guide: Explain that Pul was concerned that false teachers would attempt to undo the good accomplished in the people's lives through his ministry. He then charged the Ephesian Elders to stand guard over the people and ensure their spiritual safety.]

4. How can you tell if someone is genuine about his or her faith, and teaching you the right things? [Hint: Get to know God's Word. Never accept the argument of a person over what the Bible says. Look to those who have led consistent lives of service and faithfulness for direction.]

>>Guide: Explain that it may seem easy to recognize and reject false teaching now. But when changes come life gets hard and our faith is challenged-those teachings can seem more appealing. Now is the time to prepare ourselves to stay true to Jesus.

5. Read or have a volunteer read Acts 20:32-35. Discuss why Paul could have a positive attitude toward leaving even though he knew it was hard. What can we learn from this? [Note: Paul knew God's plan was greater than his desires. Ultimately, he would only be happy in God's will. The same is true of us. A commitment to God will mean some hard challenges and changes. But following Him will bring true satisfaction to our lives.]

6. Read or have a volunteer read Acts 20:36-38. Discuss why changes in life can actually cause us to grieve? [Note: It's normal to grieve when separated from or lose someone we love. But it's unhealthy to become bitter about the loss. After a healthy period of grieving, we can trust God with the future and appreciate the new relationships and experiences He has planned for us.]

*>>Involve Them:* Ask volunteers to name some major changes that have happened in their lives, in your church, and in your community. Note these changes and talk about how the students felt when they first learned about the changes compared to how they feel about the changes now. What challenges did the changes bring? What are some benefits that have resulted?

>>Ministry Activity: Invite volunteers to share specific situations they are now facing or will be facing that involve difficult changes. Talk about strategies for making a successful transition. Take a moment for students to join you in praying for those who are concerned about these life transitions.

>>Guide: Explain that change is inevitable. We can become resistant to and unsettled by change, or we can look at it as an opportunity. As Christians, we can trust God with the future even when we don't know what lies ahead and even when things appear bleak from our limited perspectives.

*>>Conclude* by encouraging students to see change as a chance to grow and learn about God's plan for their lives. Whether or not the change is within their control, it is ultimately within God's control. When they seek God's will for their lives, they can trust Him to accomplish His goals in His timing.

*>>DAILY DEW DROPS:*
Mon: Persuade Them to Be Saved – 2 Cor 5:10-21

Tue: Promises and Purity – 2 Cor 6:14-7:1

Wed: Pain for a Purpose – 2 Cor 7:8-13

Thu: The Lord Reigns Supreme – 1 Kings 22:19; Isa 6:1-4

Fri: Don't Seek for Guidance in the Wrong Places – Isa 8:16-22

Sat: Trust and Be Not Afraid – Isa 12:1-3

AG Osun District Teens

16/05/2026

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30/04/2026

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