1 3 - S E S S I O N B I B L E ST U DY FO R P R E T E E N S

vol. 2: identity
preteen discipleship guide
this discipleship guide
belongs to:

vol. 2: identity
preteen discipleship guide
Lifeway Press®
Brentwood, TN 37027

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 1

 © Copyright 2019 Lifeway Press®
Reprinted January 2023

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Use this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SESSION 1: Who Does God Say I Am? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SESSION 2: What Is My Purpose?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SESSION 3: What Went Wrong?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
SESSION 4: Does God Still Love Me?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
SESSION 5: I Am Accepted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
SESSION 6: I Am Secure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
SESSION 7: I Am Significant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
SESSION 8: I Am Called . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
SESSION 9: I Have the Gift of the Holy Spirit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
SESSION 10: I Have Spiritual Gifts From God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
SESSION 11: I Am Not Alone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
SESSION 12: I Am Equipped. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
SESSION 13: I Am On Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
How Do I Study My Bible? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Family Guides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Glossary of Key Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Spiritual Gifts Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Key Verse Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 3

 FORGE
(V.) /FORJ/
to form, especially by concentrated
effort; to form or shape an element
or object by heating and hammering
to mold it into a new shape

Forged is a term used to describe how

an object is formed or shaped through
diligent and concentrated effort. This
concept can be applied to growing in the
Christian faith.

When we trust in Jesus for salvation, He

makes us new and begins to mold or shape
us more into the image of Jesus. As we
grow in our faith, the truth of God’s Word
shapes our minds and hearts and changes
our actions to look more like Jesus.

You rejoice in this, even though now for a

short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in
various trials so that the proven character
of your faith—more valuable than gold
which, though perishable, is refined by
fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:6-7

4
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Hey there!

We are so excited you chose to forge ahead into a

deeper study of God’s Word. As you move toward your
teenage years, the Bible can help refine your faith and
prepare you to understand and interact with the world
around you with a biblical worldview. This Preteen
Discipleship Guide will help you on your faith journey of
growing in God’s Word and living out God’s truth.

Follow along with your leader during each session as you

read God’s Word together and sharpen your knowledge
and understanding of who God is and how that changes
how you live. Go deeper each week with daily Bible
study, prayer, journal pages, key verse memory cards,
and opportunities to discuss questions or challenges you
might face as a preteen.

Join us in the next 13 weeks as we discuss how to anchor

our identity in who God says we are so that we can
thoughtfully engage others with the unchanging truth of
the Bible. God is going to use these next few weeks to
work in your life to know Him more and evaluate how to
live a gospel-centered life in your community and world.

—The Forged Team

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 5

 SESSION ONE

WHO
DOES GOD
SAY I AM?
God says people are created in
His image.

KEY PASSAGE EMOJI MATCH

Genesis 1:1-31 Look at the scattered emojis and meanings below. Draw
KEY VERSE a line to connect each matching pair.
Genesis 1:26-27

Emojis were created (or designed) to represent different

words and emotions with symbols. Did you know you
were created to represent Someone? You represent the
God who created you.
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SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
What comes to your mind when you think about God?

What does the Bible say about God in creation?

M Follow along as your leader or a volunteer reads Genesis 1:1-25 below.
Circle each time the word “God” is mentioned. Underline any phrases you
see repeated as you read.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was
formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and
the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said,
“Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and
God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the
darkness he called “night.” There was an evening, and there was a morning:
one day.

Then God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters, separating
water from water.” So God made the expanse and separated the water under
the expanse from the water above the expanse. And it was so. God called the
expanse “sky.” Evening came and then morning: the second day.

Then God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered into one place, and
let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land “earth,” and the
gathering of the water he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good. Then
God said, “Let the earth produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and fruit trees
on the earth bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds.” And it was so.
The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and
trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it
was good. Evening came and then morning: the third day.

Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day
from the night. They will serve as signs for seasons and for days and years. They
will be lights in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth.” And it was
so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule over the day and the
lesser light to rule over the night—as well as the stars. God placed them in the
expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth, to rule the day and the night,
and to separate light from darkness. And God saw
that it was good. Evening came and then morning:
the fourth day.

Then God said, “Let the water swarm with living creatures, Creation
and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the perfect world
the sky.” So God created the large sea-creatures and that God created;
every living creature that moves and swarms in the water, God created the
according to their kinds. He also created every winged entire universe out of
creature according to its kind. And God saw that it was nothing for His glory
good. God blessed them: “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the (See Genesis 1:1,
waters of the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth.” Colossians 1:16.)
Evening came and then morning: the fifth day.

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 7

 session one Who does God say I am?

Then God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures according to their kinds:
livestock, creatures that crawl, and the wildlife of the earth according to their
kinds.” And it was so. So God made the wildlife of the earth according to their
kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that crawl on the
ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
– Genesis 1:1-25

M If God determines what is true about His creation, what does that mean
about your identity?

M If God made His creation with order and purpose, what do you think is true
about how He made you?

What’s true about who God created me to be?

Image of God
M According to Genesis 1:26-27, how did God create people? all people are
created like God
in some ways to
represent and
reflect God in the
world (Genesis 1:27)

How does this truth change how I live?

M Read John 1:1-2,14 aloud. Fill in the blanks with the correct words.

In the ______ was the __, and the ___

was with __, and the ___ was __. He was ___

God in the _________.

The ___ became _____ and dwelt among __.

We observed his _____, the glory as the ___ and only

___ from the Father, full of ____ and _____.

8
FIRE IT UP!
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?
Read the statements below. Locate someone in your group who fits one
of the descriptions. Ask that person to write his or her name in the space.
See if you can find someone to sign each space.

I wear braces I like to read I am an only child

__________________ __________________ __________________

I am 12 years old I like vegetables I’m wearing tennis shoes

__________________ __________________ __________________

I play the piano I’m the oldest sibling I am left-handed

__________________ __________________ __________________

DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, God says
according to our likeness. They will rule the fish
of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the
people are
whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the created in
earth.” So God created man in his own image; he
created him in the image of God; he created them His image.
male and female.
Genesis 1:26-27
FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 9
 session one Who does God say I am?

DAY ONE
Is God creative?
M Read Genesis 1:1-31.
Genesis 1 records the creation of all things—from the heavens and earth
to animals and people. Take your Bible outside and read Genesis 1:1-31.
Try not to rush as you read. Reflect on each part of God’s creation. Map
out what God created each day of creation.

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

Day 4 Day 5 Day 6

Do you see God’s pattern in each day of creation? God had a plan when
He created everything. He did not create animals before creating land
and water. God created everything with purpose and design. He made
you by His design too. Our God is a creative God!

M Reflect on today’s Bible reading and write about what these verses teach
you about God.

DAY TWO
I am created in God’s image.
M Read Genesis 1:26-27.
Have you ever thought about how people are created in God’s image?
God says people are created in His image. He made us to reflect Him.
Being made in God’s image means you have some characteristics that are
like God or patterned after Him. You have the ability to think, to reason,
and to make decisions. You can be creative. You can learn right from
wrong. These are just a few examples of how you are set apart from the
rest of creation (animals, plants, and so forth).

10
God does not have a physical body like we do, but He made people with
the ability to think, to feel emotions, and to make choices. In this way, we
are made in His image. Because God is the Creator, He has the authority
to determine our identity and purpose. Even though we are all very
different in how we look, how we think, and the things we like, we were
all made to reflect Him to other people around us.

M God is loving, creative, and kind. He made you with the ability to love,
to create, and to be kind too. How do you see these reflections of God in
your life?

M What do these verses teach you about yourself?

DAY THREE
I am unique.
M Read Psalm 139:13-14.
These verses in Psalm 139 are a prayer from King David to God. King
David declared that it was God who made him. Not only that, David
praised God because God made David exactly as He planned.

M What two words does David use to describe how God made him?
&

Did you know that even before you were born, God had a plan for you?
He knew what color hair you would have, your fingerprint pattern, and
your personality. God knows everything about you—think about that for
a minute. God created you in His image, like every other person, but He
also created you uniquely.
continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 11

 session one Who does God say I am?

M What do the verses in Psalm 139 teach you about how God created you?
What do you think God wants you to know from these verses?

DAY FOUR
I’m created for a purpose.
M Read Genesis 2:15-23.
As the Creator, God determines the value and purpose of His creation. In
other words, He defines its identity. God created people with a purpose
in mind—to reflect His image in the world around them. The first two
people God made, Adam and Eve, were created by God and for God.
He made people to reflect Him.

God made you with a plan and purpose in mind, too. You are not a
mistake. You are a special part of God’s big plan! God created you to
know Him and to love Him. He also created you to share His love with
other people around you.

M What excites you about knowing God has a plan and purpose for your life?

M You are created in God’s image. How does that truth change the way you
want to respond to people around you today?

DAY FIVE
How do I reflect God’s image?
M Read Jeremiah 1:4-8.

12
Jeremiah was a prophet God called to tell other people about who God
is. God told Jeremiah He chose him and set him apart before he was
even born. God gave Jeremiah an important task, but Jeremiah didn’t
think he could do it.

M Read Jeremiah 1:6.

M How did Jeremiah respond to God?

God told Jeremiah in verses 7-8 that He would be with Jeremiah. God
would give Jeremiah the words to say and would be with him every step
of the way. God has also created you and has a special plan and purpose
for your life. He made you in His image to reflect Him to the people
around you. You may not know all of what God has planned for your life
right now, but you can know some things God has for you.

Find the following verses in your Bible or on a Bible app and write what
God wants you to do next to it.

1. Psalm 107:1
2. Ephesians 4:32
3. Romans 10:9-10
God made you to love and worship Him. He wants you to reflect His
kindness and love to others around you, but God’s Word teaches us
that we can’t do that on our own. We best reflect who God is through a
relationship with Jesus.

JOURNAL & PRAYER

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 13

 SESSION TWO

WHAT IS MY
PURPOSE?
We are created for God’s glory.

KEY PASSAGES A HIDDEN MESSAGE

Luke 1:5-7,13-17; Using the coordinates under the blanks, locate the word
Luke 3:3-6; that matches the coordinate. Write the word on the blank.
John 1:25-30
KEY VERSE B3 D1 C5

Philippians 2:13 .
A2 E3 A4

A B C D E
1 to is according am in

2 for Working For who blue

3 good I you purpose God’s

4 glory and His both work

5 God green created will It

14
SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
Can I know God’s plan?
M Read Luke 1:5-7 and fill in the missing words that describe John’s parents.

Both were ____ in God’s sight, living without ____

according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord.
– Luke 1:6
M Read Luke 1:13-17.
M According to these verses, what did the angel of the Lord say would be
John’s purpose?

What is my purpose?
M Read Luke 3:3-6.
M What does Luke 3:3 tell us about what John did?

M What do these passages teach you about God’s plan and purpose for
your life?

How can I bring God glory?

M Read John 1:29-30.
M What did John say when he saw Jesus coming toward him?

For it is God who is working in you

both to will and to work according
to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:13

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 15

 session two What is my purpose?

FIRE IT UP!
DISCOVERING GOD’S PLAN FOR MY LIFE
Read each statement with your leader and fill in the missing words. Read
and discuss the Bible verses with your group.

1. Examine your ___ and see if you are trusting in Jesus to

___ you. God’s plan for your life starts with a relationship with
Him.
Read Romans 10:8-11.

2. Read your ___. Grow in your _____ with God.

Pray. Seek ___ ___ from mature believers.
Read Proverbs 3:5-6.

3. ____ to ____ God and seeking ____.

M Is there anything in your life right now that isn’t good and holy for you to
think about or spend your time on?

Read Romans 12:1-2.

4. Begin ____ (obedience) what God has __ __ in

His __.

M Is there anything in your life that does not honor or glorify God? (Be honest.
God already knows.) If so, confess it to God and remove it. You know God
wants you to obey your parents. Are you doing it? How do you treat people
who mistreat you?

16
 Read Colossians 3:8-10.

5. ___ how you can use your ___ and ___ to bring
God ___.

You were created in the image of God with unique talents and skills.
How can you use these gifts to serve God? Even if God asks you to do
something you do not think you can do, remember that God does not ask
you to do something He will not equip you to do (even difficult tasks).

Read Psalm 37:4-5.

6. ___ to ___ to God in ___.

You will hear many things as you seek God’s guidance. The world will try
to tell you one thing. Be careful to listen to God, not the world. When you
pray, be sure to listen and not do all the talking.

Read John 10:27.

We are
created for
God’s glory.

DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

God has a unique plan for everyone. The details of your

Purpose
the reason story will not be the same as your best friend. However,
something is done there are some things God plans for all people. This week
or created you will examine five purposes God has planned for you.
(Ephesians 2:10)

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 17

 session two What is my purpose?

DAY ONE
What does it mean to trust in Jesus?
M Read Romans 10:13; John 14:6; John 3:16.
God desires everyone trust Jesus as Savior and Lord. God sent Jesus, the
perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment
we deserve for our sin. Even though you were not alive when Jesus lived
on earth, God knew you would one day need forgiveness of your sins
and planned to send Jesus. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross
to provide forgiveness for your sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave
up His life, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. God’s
purpose for you is that you receive the gift of eternal life God is offering.
Turn to page 111 and read about God’s plan for you.

M Have you responded to God’s plan for you to trust in Jesus for salvation? If
you have not, talk with your parents or discipleship leader about this.
M What do Romans 10:13; John 14:6; John 3:16 teach you about God?

M If you have trusted in Jesus to save you, how has your life been different
since you became a Christian?

Glory
great honor or
praise given to
DAY TWO God (Psalm 19:1)

I can grow in Christ.

M Read Colossians 2:6-7.
Imagine if you never grew after you were born. God designed your body
to grow and mature. In a similar way, God has a purpose for you to grow
spiritually, too. He wants you to know more about Him and grow in your
relationship with Him. To grow spiritually, you have to spend time with
God and His Word. Some of the ways you grow in Christ include reading

18
and studying your Bible, spending time with other believers learning
about God, worshiping God, spending time in prayer, and journaling or
writing down what God is teaching you.

M What do these verses teach you about yourself?

M How are you growing in your spiritual life?

M What areas of your spiritual life do you need to strengthen? How can you
grow in these areas?

DAY THREE
I can honor God in everything I do.
M Read Philippians 1:27; 2:3-4.
If someone watched everything you did, heard everything you said, and
was able to see everything you thought, what would that person discover
about you? Paul challenged the Christians in the Philippian church to live
out their faith by responding to circumstances in ways that honor God.
This is a sign of spiritual growth. When someone makes you mad, how
do you respond? When you do not get your way, how do you respond?
When you fail at something, how do you respond? Your response will
reveal a lot about your spiritual growth. God wants you to grow in how
you respond to situations—both positive and negative situations. God’s
purpose for your life is for you to become more like Jesus.

M What does God want you to know from these verses?

continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 19
 session two What is my purpose?

M In what ways do you see yourself growing to be more like Jesus?

M Is there any area in your life that you are not like Jesus? Spend time praying
to God, confessing your sin, and asking for His forgiveness.

DAY FOUR
I can communicate with God.
M Read Matthew 6:9-13.
Think about all the ways you communicate with someone. Which way
do you prefer? Why? Most of us like to communicate with our friends or
family in ways that are easy and give us quick access to the people we
care about. The primary way we often think about communicating with
God is through prayer. In Matthew 6, Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach
them to pray. Notice that Jesus began His prayer by praising God. He
asked for God’s will to be done. He asked for provisions (food). He asked
for forgiveness. Lastly, He asked for God’s direction. You can follow Jesus’
example in your prayer life as well. If you struggle with praying right now,
don’t give up! Prayer takes work and the more you practice the better
your conversations with God get!

Use the following guide to write out a prayer to God today.

God, I praise You because I know You are

Will you help me trust You

Thank You for always hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name,
amen.

20
 Identity
who a person is in
DAY FIVE relation to what God
says is true about him
(Ephesians 2:1-10)
I can point others to Jesus.
M Read Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8.
Just before Jesus returned to heaven, He gave His disciples a job to do.
Jesus commanded His followers to tell people about Him. God’s plan for
your life is to point others to Jesus. Your friends should be able to tell
that your faith is important by the way you live, the way you interact with
people, and how you put God first in your life. God also wants you to
know how to talk with people about trusting in Jesus.

Go back and read “The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me” (page 111) in your
discipleship guide again. This time, read this page aloud as if practicing
how to have a conversation with a friend about Jesus.

M What parts of “The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me” do you know really well?
What parts are harder to remember as you think about the conversations
you can have with your friends to point them to Jesus?

M Is there anything that makes you hesitant about sharing your faith with
others? How can you practice bravery despite your fears or concerns?

JOURNAL & PRAYER

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 21

 SESSION THREE

WHAT
WENT
WRONG?
We are broken by sin.

KEY PASSAGE WHAT HAPPENED?

Genesis 3:1-24 Shade in the spaces with triangles to reveal a message.
Fill in the blanks to find out what happened.
KEY VERSE
Romans 6:23

___ ________ everything.

22
SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
Why is sin a big deal?
M Read Genesis 2:16-17 and Genesis 3:1.
M What did God tell Adam regarding the tree? How did Satan change the
conversation?

M Read Genesis 3:2-3.

M How was Eve’s response different from God’s instructions?

M Circle the three actions Eve chose as she disobeyed God.

The woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to

look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took

some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband,

who was with her, and he ate it.

– Genesis 3:6
How does sin change my identity?
M Read Genesis 3:8-13.

When Adam and Eve _____ God, their ____

changed from ___ _____ of ___

_____ and ___ to ____ by __.

What are the consequences of sin?

Sin
M Read Genesis 3:14-24. to think, say, or
M Do you think God was unkind or kind to send Adam and behave in any way
Eve away from the garden? Why or why not? that goes against
God and His
commands
(Genesis 4:7)
M If our identities are broken by sin, what hope do we have?

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 23

 session three What WENT WRONG?

FIRE IT UP!
SIN DEFINED
1. What is the difference between sin and temptation?

2. Write the definition for sin.

3. Who determines if something is a sin or not? (See Isaiah 59:2.)

4. On what basis is something determined to be a sin? (See James 4:17.)

5. List three or four ways you struggle to obey God and are tempted
to sin.

M
We are
M broken
M by sin.
M

6. Using one of the Bible study tools, find two verses in the Bible that
can help you say no to sin.

24
DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

When God created the world, it was perfect and good. Adam and Eve
had a perfect relationship with God and were fulfilling their purpose in
the world. When the serpent tempted Eve, Adam and Eve began to
doubt God’s goodness and their sinful actions changed the world. Their
disobedience changed their identities from perfect reflection of God to
broken by sin. Adam and Eve chose to put their desires ahead of what
God had given them and brought sin, broken relationships, suffering, and
death into the world. This week you will examine your identity because of
the consequences of sin.

Temptation
DAY ONE the urge or attraction
to sin and disobey
What defines me? God (Luke 22:40)
M Read Romans 6:23; James 1:5; Romans 5:8.
Without a relationship with God, brokenness and sin define us. Because
of sin we are separated from God. We have chosen our way instead of
God’s good plan and it has changed our identities. No matter what we
do, how we act, what we say, we cannot do anything to change our status
before God. Only through Jesus can our identities be restored. God
sent Jesus to provide forgiveness for sins and removed the separation
between us and God when we trust in Him.

M What do these Scriptures teach you about yourself?

M Reflect on the words of Romans 5:8. How does it make you feel knowing
that Jesus died for you?

continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 25

 session three What WENT WRONG?

M Write a prayer thanking God for sending Jesus to die for your sins. Ask God
to show you any sin in your life that you need to confess. Thank God for His
grace and forgiveness.

DAY TWO
How can I tell if something is sin?
M Read Genesis 4:7; James 4:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31.
You make a lot of decisions each day. Some decisions are neutral, like
if you should eat chocolate ice cream or strawberry ice cream. Some
decisions can be sinful or bring God glory, like if you should eat the
cookie now that your dad told you to wait until after dinner to eat. How
can you tell if the decisions you make are neutral, sinful, or honor God? A
simple answer to this question is, “Does this thought or action dishonor
God or distract from His glory?” If so, the thought, action, or attitude you
choose leads you to sin.

Genesis 4:7 reminds us that sin wants to rule our hearts, and apart from
trusting in Jesus for salvation, it does. But when we are changed by the
gospel and repent of our sins, God changes our hearts. Unfortunately,
temptation and sin do not disappear from our lives. While we are still on
earth, God calls us to be mindful of our thoughts, actions, and attitudes
and the sin patterns we are tempted towards. He wants us to confess our
sins, commit to turning away from sin, and live for Him.

M What does God want you to know from these verses?

M What do you need to confess to God and ask Him to forgive you for?

26
DAY THREE
Why is it so easy to sin?
M Read Ephesians 4:20-24.
If God wants us to live in ways that please and honor Him, why is it so
easy to sin? Even after trusting in Jesus as Savior and Lord, we still face
temptations and struggle with the choices we make because we live in
a broken world. As we grow in our relationship with God, we learn to be
most satisfied with Him. The more we are satisfied with God, the less we
want to disobey Him.

M What temptations lead you to sin?

M According to these verses, what does God want you to do?

M How can you stand up to Satan when he tempts you to sin?

DAY FOUR
Is there any hope?
M Read Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:13.
We learned from this week’s key verse that everyone has sinned. We are
all broken by sin, but there’s still hope! God desires everyone to trust in
Jesus as Savior and Lord; however, He does not force anyone to do so.
Romans 10:13 says that everyone who calls on Jesus will be saved. God
continued on next page >
FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 27
 session three What WENT WRONG?

is sovereign and in control of all things, and people are responsible for
their choices.

M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life?

Use the key on the right to complete this week’s key verse. D
F
_O_ A__ _A_E _I__E_ G

A__ _A__ __O__ O_ H

L
__E __O__ O_ _O_. M

_ O_ A_ _ 3:23 N
R
S
DAY FIVE T
What is my hope? V
M Read Ephesians 2:4-10. Y
Before trusting Jesus, our identity is broken by our sin and
rebellion against God. But God is merciful and loves us. God promised a
Rescuer would come from Eve’s family. (See Genesis 3:15.) God sent His
Son, Jesus, to rescue people from sin and bring them back to God. When
we trust in Jesus for salvation, He restores our broken identities and calls
us children of God!

M What do these Scriptures teach you about God?

28
 M How should these truths change the way you think and live?

JOURNAL & PRAYER

For the wages of

sin is death, but
the gift of God
is eternal life in
Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Romans 6:23
FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 29
 SESSION FOUR

DOES
GOD STILL
LOVE ME?
God loves and seeks after people.
He wants everyone to love and
trust Him for salvation.

KEY PASSAGE HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND?

Luke 15:11-32 Imagine a friend in your neighborhood shared a big
KEY VERSE problem with you. What would you say?

Romans 8:1-2
I have a problem. I think I have really messed up. I did
something that I do not think God would ever forgive
me for doing. What do you think? Will God forgive me?

30
SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
How did the younger son respond?
M Read Luke 15:11-13. Parable
M How would you describe the father’s younger son? a story told to help
people understand a
concept; Jesus told
parables about God
and His kingdom
(Luke 15:11-32)
M Read Luke 15:14-19.
M According to verse 15, what did the son do after the famine came and he
didn’t have any money?

How did the father respond?

M Read Luke 15:20-24.
M What happens while the son was still far away and traveling toward his
father’s house?

M But while the son was still a long way off, his father ___ him and
was filled with _______.
M Fill in the missing words to the definitions.

Grace: God ____ us what we ______.

Mercy: God _____ us what we _____.

How should I respond?

M Read Luke 15:25-32.
M How did the older brother respond to his father’s compassion for the
younger brother?

M How should you respond to others who you don’t think deserve God’s
compassionate love and forgiveness?

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 31

 session F O U R does GOD STILL LOVE me?

FIRE IT UP!
FIND THE CLUES
Locate the numbered words around the room. Write the words
corresponding with the numbers in the spaces below.

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16

DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

We live in a world filled with brokenness and sadness. Apart from Jesus,
this is who we are, people broken by our sin and separated from God.
The good news is that God loves us and that has never changed. Even in
a world filled with brokenness, we can celebrate the good news that God
still seeks after people and wants them to trust Him for salvation.

32
 Condemnation
to find someone guilty
DAY ONE of wrong and deserving
of punishment
(Romans 5:16)
Who was the rich ruler?
M Read Luke 18:18-23.
In today’s Scripture passage, the rich man asked what he needed to do
to have eternal life. He believed if he kept the law, he would be good
enough to receive eternal life, but the law was never meant to provide
salvation. God gave us commandments to show us our sin and our need
for a Savior. Following rules does not lead to salvation because we can
never do anything to earn salvation. Salvation comes only by grace
through faith.

M What do these verses teach you about yourself?

M Do you know anyone who is trusting in something other than Jesus to

save them?

DAY TWO
Who was Jonah?
M Read Jonah 1:17–2:1-2,7-9.
God had a plan for Jonah to tell his enemies—the Ninevites—
to repent and trust in God, but Jonah disobeyed and sailed
God in the other direction. God caused a great storm to overtake
Jonah’s boat, and Jonah was tossed overboard to save the
loves other men. God appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah to
and rescue him. Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and
seeks three nights. Then he prayed to God and asked for forgiveness.
after God showed He loved and cared for Jonah, and God forgave
him. After repenting of his sin, Jonah obeyed God. God used
people. Jonah to preach to the Ninevites, and they too repented and
followed God. God showed the same love, kindness, and
forgiveness to Jonah and his enemies—the Ninevites.
continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 33

 session F O U R does GOD STILL LOVE me?

M What do these verses teach you about God?

M What effect do you have on people’s lives when you tell them about
God’s forgiveness?

M What can you say to people to help them discover how much God loves
and cares for them?

DAY THREE
Who was Nicodemus?
M Read John 3:1-2,14-21.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee. He was part of a group of people who did
not like Jesus. He came to Jesus asking how he could be born again.
Jesus explained that He would be lifted up and when people looked to
Jesus (trusted in Him for salvation), they would live and receive eternal
life. Jesus shared with Nicodemus that God sent Him into the world to
save the world and that anyone who believed in Him would be saved.

M If you could have a face-to-face meeting with Jesus, what would you
ask Him?

M What does God want you to know from these verses?

34
Cross out the letters in the box from the sentence below and write the
remaining letters and numbers on the lines underneath.

bgjklpquvyz

Tbhjlgejrkepfqourvez, tbhgezyre bis

nkolwp cjoknbbldpeqmunvaytzibognj
fgojrk ltphqousvey iznb
Cghjkbqurbpukilsptq Jueqvsyuzqsb.
gjRpoqumypbjvanlks 8lq:1vy

Verify the words by reading Romans 8:1 in your Bible.

DAY FOUR
Who was Saul?
M Read Acts 9:1-9,17-20.
God loves us and seeks after us to repent and believe in Him, no matter
what we have done. God sought after Saul, a man who was known for
persecuting believers in Jesus, and transformed his heart and identity
from an enemy of God to a child of God. God changed Saul’s life and
used him as a great missionary. No one is too far from God. He can
transform anyone’s life to fulfill His purpose for them to bring Him glory.

M What do these Scriptures teach you about God?

continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 35

 session F O U R does GOD STILL LOVE me?

M In what ways is God preparing you to share His love with others?

DAY FIVE
Who were Paul and Silas?
M Read Acts 16:23-34.
Paul and Silas were severely beaten and thrown into prison, yet they were
confident in God’s faithfulness despite their suffering and circumstances.
Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of worship to God when
He caused an earthquake to shake the doors of the jail open and their
chains loose. Paul and Silas were free to leave, yet they remained. They
did not look to their own safety or freedom, but they trusted God and
took every opportunity—even suffering—to point others to Him.

M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life?

M How should these truths change the way you think and live?

36
JOURNAL & PRAYER

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 37

 SESSION FIVE

I AM
ACCEPTED
As followers of Jesus, we are
accepted by God.

KEY PASSAGE GET DOWN TO IT!

Ephesians 1:3-8 Starting with the word below, change or add one
KEY VERSE letter to reveal something true about you.

Ephesians 1:7-8
F U L L to be filled up
the season following
summer
a narrow space
connecting rooms
a small mountain or
sloping plain
to relax, or to become
cold
you are a __ of God

38
SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
Who do I say I am?
M What are some words or phrases you often hear to describe you or people
around you? What are words you use to describe yourself? List them below.

________ ________
________ ________
________ ________
________ ________
________ ________
M What words do you often allow to define you?

Who does God say I am?

M Read Ephesians 1:3-6. Fill in the blanks with what you learn from the verses.

I am ____. (v. 4) I am ____. (v. 5)

I am lavished with ___. (v. 6)

Where does my true identity come from?

M Read Ephesians 1:7-8 and fill in the missing words below.

In __ we have ____ through his __, the ____

of our trespasses, according to the ___ of his __ that he richly

poured out on us with all ___ and ____.

– Ephesians 1:7-8

M How does it make you feel to know God loved you so much He sent Jesus
to earth to die for your sins so you can be accepted by God?

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 39

 session F I V E I aM ACCEPTED

FIRE IT UP!
MAKE IT CLEAR
See if you can crack the alphabet code to discover something important
to remember!

As a follower of Jesus, I am

_O___, _____T__, ______,

12 15 22 5 4 1 3 3 5 16 20 5 4 3 8 15 19 5 14

_A____, ___ _______!

23 1 14 20 5 4 1 14 4 1 4 15 16 20 5 4

THAT’S ME!
1. If I could visit any place in the world, I would visit ________________.
2. When I’m older, the color of car I want to drive is _______________.
3. When I’m older, the career I hope to have is ___________________.
4. An adjective that describes me is ______________________________.
5. The weirdest gift I have ever received was ______________________.
6. My least favorite food is ______________________________________.
7. If I could change the color of my hair, I would make it ____________.
8. Something I would have a difficult time living without is ____________
____________________________________________________________.

9. If I had a pet dragon, I would name him ________________________.

10. My favorite holiday is ________________________________________.

As followers Spiritual
of Jesus we blessings
the unique blessings
are accepted God gives to all
by God. believers
(Ephesians 1:3-6)

40
DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

Each person allows someone or something to define him. Who do

people say you are? What do they think about when they hear your
name? When a person trusts in Jesus for salvation, he becomes a child of
God. God says, “You are mine.” Think about that for a minute. You are
a child of God. You are a daughter or son of God. He gives you a new
identity and promises you life with Him forever.

This week you will read the Bible to discover more about being accepted
into God’s family. Spend time reading and reflecting on the information
without rushing through it. If possible, read the information in the
morning and reflect on it throughout the day. Listen carefully to what God
says to you each day.

DAY ONE
I am God’s child.
M Read John 1:12-13.
These verses remind believers that everyone who is trusting in Jesus
is called a child of God. This identity is not something we earn, but
something that has been given to us by the authority of Jesus, God
the Son. When we receive or trust in Jesus, we don’t just give mental
agreement to some facts about who Jesus is. We submit to Him in a
personal relationship. Then, God adopts us into His family and we can be
welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever!

M What do these verses teach you about yourself?

continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 41

 session F I V E I aM ACCEPTED

M What are you trusting in to save you?

M Write down your thoughts about being adopted into God’s family.

DAY TWO
I am a new creation.
M Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.
As a daughter or son, God calls you a new creation. Your old identity of
brokenness and rebellion is gone. God calls you a new creation and gives
you a new identity. Through Him you are reconciled (restored) through
Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

M As a new creation, what is different about you now that you are trusting
in Jesus?

M What does God want you to know from these verses?

Reconciled
the removal of
iniquity (sin) and
restoration between
God and people
(See Matthew 5:24;
Romans 5:10.)

42
DAY THREE
I am not alone.
M Read Joshua 1:9; Hebrews 13:6.
In the Book of Joshua, we learn about how God called Joshua to lead
His people into the promised land. Joshua became the leader of the
Israelites after the death of Moses, and God promised Joshua He would
be with him. As a follower of Jesus, God never leaves you either. He gives
you the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you. Your circumstances may
not always be easy, but you are never alone. God is always with you.

M What do these verses teach you about God?

M The words God spoke to Joshua are also meant for you. God will never
leave you. Write some feelings you have knowing that God will never
leave you.

Atonement
the work of Jesus to
cover or cancel sin; Jesus
made atonement for our
sins when He died on the
DAY FOUR cross (See Ephesians 1:5;
Galatians 4:5.)
I am valuable.
M Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
What is most valuable to you? What would you give up to have it? As
His child, you are of great worth and value to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
says that you have the Holy Spirit living inside you. But that’s not all! God
paid a great price for you! God planned to send His Son Jesus to take
your punishment for sin so that you could be restored to God. You are
valuable to God not because of anything you have done, but because of
what Jesus did for you.
continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 43

 session F I V E I aM ACCEPTED

M God accepted you by sending Jesus to pay the penalty for your sins. Do
you ever take Jesus’ sacrifice for granted?

M What does it mean to know Jesus loved you so much He willingly died on
the cross for you?

M Describe who you are in God’s eyes. Why do you feel God sees you this
way? Does God see you differently from the way you see yourself? Explain.

DAY FIVE
I am adopted.
M Read Hebrews 4:14-16.
If your coach wanted to talk to your mom or dad, what would she do?
She would probably have to call or email and wait for your mom or dad
to respond. But if you want access to your mom or dad, what do you do?
You can walk right in and talk to your parents, even if they are brushing
their teeth! You can do this because you are their child and your access
to them is different from a coach or teacher—someone not in the family.
As an adopted child of God, you have direct access to God the Father.
He calls you His child and you can call Him Father. You can approach Him
through prayer or reading His Word with confidence because He has
accepted you into His family.

M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life?

44
 M How should these truths change the way you think and live?

JOURNAL & PRAYER

In him we have redemption

through his blood,
the forgiveness of our
trespasses, according
to the riches of his grace
that he richly poured out
on us with all wisdom and
understanding.
Ephesians 1:7-8

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 45

 SESSION SIX

I AM
SECURE
As followers of Jesus, we are
secure in our salvation.

2 3

KEY PASSAGES CROSSWORD 1

Matthew 26:31-35, SEARCH

69-75;
John 21:15-17; 1. the organ in your body
that pumps blood
Acts 2:36-41
2. some people like these
KEY VERSE scrambled
Romans 8:38-39 3. a disk made of vinyl
that plays music 4

4. the part of your body between

your shoulder and wrist
5. Each of the previous items can
Use the circled be ______.
letters to complete
the answer!

5
B K N
46
SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
What happens when I still sin?
M Read Matthew 26:69-75.
M Have you ever been sorrowful over your sin? Explain.

Does my sin define me?

M Read John 21:15.
M Why do you think Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him? Did Jesus know Peter
had denied knowing Him? Explain your answer.

How do I keep going?

M Read Acts 2:36-41.
M How many people trusted in Jesus that day?

Fill in the blanks with what you have learned in this session.

Our ____ are ___ in who __ says we are, not in

our ___, our ____, or our ___. As followers of

___, we are ___ in our _____.

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 47

 session S I X I AM Secure

FIRE IT UP!
A MESSAGE WORTH NOTING
Cross out the following letters: B, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, N, O, P, Q, T, V, W, X,
Y, Z. Write the remaining letters in the blanks below.

B N H Y F O G P J F
Q O W J I G T D Z L
K D G V X T L H V Y
X G Q K O K L H A T
Z V J W B J M Z X B
S H E C Q U R E D B
P Y N F W N T K D P
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

Imagine having the opportunity to talk with Peter. He had an amazing life.
From walking on water, to denying Jesus, to building the church, Peter
was one amazing guy. You may think, God could never use me like He
did Peter. God called Peter to do some great things, and God will work
in your life in amazing ways as well. One of the key lessons we learn from
Peter is that you can never do anything that will cause God to stop loving
you or take your salvation away. This week you will study some of the
things Peter wrote in 1 and 2 Peter.

48
DAY ONE
I have hope.
M Read 1 Peter 1:3-7.
Imagine being one of the people who received this letter from Peter. His
words are a great summary of what Christians can expect in their lives.
God has promised a great inheritance that is being kept in heaven. He is
guarding believers through their faith. Even when Christians suffer, God is
helping them.

M How do these verses give you hope?

M In what ways has God worked in your life to protect you? How has He
helped you when you have gone through difficult times?

Spend time thanking God for His protection and guidance.

DAY TWO
I am secure.
M Read 1 Peter 1:13-16.
The word holy means “dedicated or set apart to God.” God desires
that you be holy and set apart for Him. He has a special purpose for you
and wants to use your life to bring Him glory. To surrender to God’s plan
for your life, you have to make yourself available to Him. Just as Peter
made himself available to God by following Jesus, God is calling you to
serve Him. He may not reveal every detail of His plan for your life, but be
patient and trust Him. He has great things in store for you!
continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 49

 session S I X I AM Secure

M What do these verses teach you about God?

M What areas of your life need to change to live a life of holiness?

DAY THREE
I can grow spiritually.
M Read 2 Peter 1:5-8.
Just like we grow and mature each year as we get older, God desires for
us to grow in our faith too. He wants you to grow to look more like Jesus
in faith, in goodness, and how you treat other people. He wants you to
mature in knowledge of who God is, in self-control of your thoughts,
in your actions, and in your attitudes. God longs for you to trust Him in
endurance when things are difficult. He wants you to grow in godliness
and in your love for God and others. As we grow in our faith, we learn to
act on our faith and trust God no matter our circumstances.

M What do these verses teach you about yourself?

M How are you growing as a Christian? Be specific in the ways you

are growing.

As followers
of Jesus
we are
secure in our
salvation.

50
 M In what ways is God using you right now?

DAY FOUR
I am responsible.
M Read 1 Peter 3:8-12.
As a believer you are secure in your relationship with God. Sometimes
people believe that once they trust in Jesus they can live however they
want, but we know that isn’t true. When you follow God, He changes
your heart to want what He wants. You are free from the punishment of
sin and free to live for God. Peter wrote these verses describing some of
the ways we can know we are pursuing the things God loves.

M Fill in the following statements using today’s verses.

Be like-______ and _____,

_______ one another, and

be _______ and ______.

M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life?

M How should these truths change the way you think and live?

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 51

 session S I X I AM Secure

DAY FIVE
I am strong.
M Read 1 Peter 4:12-14.
Trusting Jesus and following Him is the best decision you can make, but
that doesn’t mean everything will be easy. Following Jesus will often be
difficult, but you are stronger than you think! As a believer, you have the
Holy Spirit who lives inside you. No matter what happens, you can trust
that God is with you, He loves you, and He will give you everything you
need to keep pressing on.

M What does God want you to know from these verses?

M How should these truths change the way you think and live?

JOURNAL & PRAYER

52
For I am persuaded that
neither death nor life, nor
angels nor rulers, nor things
present nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height
nor depth, nor any other
created thing will be able to
separate us from the love of
God that is in Christ Jesus
our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 53

 SESSION SEVEN

I AM
SIGNIFICANT
God cares about us and
has created
us for good works.

KEY PASSAGE MATCH IT UP!

Ephesians 2:1-10 Match each word with its definition below! Draw a
KEY VERSE line to connect each pair!

Ephesians 2:10

too large to be
Immeasurable measured
Trespass
God not
giving us strong, fierce,
what we do
Mercy
anger that
God giving deserve seeks justice
us what
commit
we do not
an offense
deserve Wrath Grace
against

54
SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
Life without Jesus (v. 1-3) Life with Jesus (v. 4-6)

M We were ___. M We are ___.

M We were ___ to __. M We are __ ___ for God’s
M We were ___ under ___ and __.
___. M We have ___ from God.
M We were _____. M We have _____ to God.
M We ___ after M We have a __ ____
___. through ___.

What defines my life before trusting Jesus?

M Read Ephesians 2:1-3.
M Based on these verses, complete the “Life without Jesus” section of the
chart above.
M Do you think this is an accurate description of people Works
before they trust in Jesus? Why or why not? right actions that
give evidence of
genuine faith and
transformation
that has occurred
in the life of a
believer
What defines my life because of Jesus? (Matthew 5:16)
M Read Ephesians 2:4-6.
M Based on these verses, complete the “Life with Jesus” section of the chart.
M According to verse 4, what did God do and why?

How does God want to work through me?

M What does it mean to be God’s workmanship? (See Ephesians 2:10.)

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 55

 session S E V E N I AM SIGNIFICANT

M In what ways do you think God could work through you to point other
people to Jesus?

FIRE IT UP!
TRUTH OR LIE?
Look at the statements on the table and decide if they reflect your
significance based on who God says you are. Shade in “truth” or “lie”
depending on your answer. Fill in the last three blanks with statements
you feel make a person significant.

I play a sport. Truth Lie

I am loved by God. Truth Lie

I have a lot of money. Truth Lie

I speak well in front of people. Truth Lie

I treat people in kind ways. Truth Lie

I was created in God’s image. Truth Lie

I make good grades. Truth Lie

I have a purpose. Truth Lie

I have a lot of followers on social media. Truth Lie

I play a musical instrument. Truth Lie

I am forgiven. Truth Lie

I am judged on my actions. Truth Lie

Truth Lie

Truth Lie
Workmanship Truth Lie
the work of God’s
masterful creativity
(Ephesians 2:10)

56
DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

God says you are significant, you are loved, and you are
deeply wanted. There is nothing you can do or did do God cares
to earn His love, but He loves you all the same. He cares about us and
about you and has created you for good works. As you has created
study God’s Word this week, spend time thinking about
what God says is true about you.
us for good
works.
DAY ONE
I am not a mistake.
M Read Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 139:13-16.
Stand in front of a mirror and look at yourself. What words come to your
mind to describe you? Now imagine God looking at you. What would
He say about you? God sees you as an amazing individual, someone He
made just the way you are. You are not a mistake. From the top of your
head to your little toe, God designed you. Others may tell you that you
are not good enough, that you need to make changes to yourself, or that
you need to become something better. Recognize those statements and
call them what they are—lies. God accepts you and loves you just as
you are.

M What do these verses teach you about God?

continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 57

 session S E V E N I AM SIGNIFICANT

M How would your life be different if you looked at yourself the way God
sees you?

DAY TWO
I am equipped.
M Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
If you had a superpower, what would you want it to be? Why? While
God has not given you a superpower like in movies, He has given you
something better. He has given you His Word (the Bible) to equip you to
do amazing things for Him. As you continue to study God’s Word and put
it into action, God uses it to refine you to look more like Jesus.

M According to these verses, what does God want you to know?

M What are some amazing things God has done in your life? How did it make
you feel for God to use you in this way?

DAY THREE
I have direct access to God.
M Read Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 3:12.
Gaining access to a highly secure location is difficult. Consider what it
would take to walk into the Oval Office at the White House. You would
need a direct invitation from the President of the United States! Getting
an invitation from a powerful leader like the President would be a big
deal. However, even better than the President, you have direct access
to the Creator of the universe. When you pray, you have direct access to
God. He thinks you are so significant that He listens to everything you

58
say. He knows everything you think. He even knows everything you want.
He wants you to talk to Him and tell Him what concerns you. He is always
there to listen and answer.

M When was the last time you spent time praying to God and being honest
with Him about your concerns? How did it make you feel?

Spend time praying to God. Thank Him for providing access to Him and
for always listening to your concerns.

DAY FOUR
God always answers my prayers.
M Read 1 John 5:14-15.
Prayer is talking to God and listening to Him through the discernment of
the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we think about prayer as talking to God to get
something from Him, but the primary purpose of prayer is to help us lean
into God and trust Him more. You can trust He hears you and will answer
your prayer. As you pray, you learn to depend on God and trust that He
is good even when your circumstances aren’t what you want. Prayer helps
you worship God and thank Him for who He is and what He is doing in
your life. Remember, God loves you and calls you His child. You have
direct access to Him and He always hears and answers prayer.

M When was the last time God answered one of your prayers? How did
He answer?

M When you pray, do you take time to listen to God, or do you do all the
talking? Is your prayer request a list of things you want God to give you, or
do you seek His will when you pray?

continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 59
 session S E V E N I AM SIGNIFICANT

M The best way to learn to pray is to practice praying. Be aware of how many
times you pray today. Do you pray only before meals? Is your prayer a
memorized prayer? Do you mean what you say when you pray?

DAY FIVE
I am complete in Jesus.
M Read Colossians 2:9-10.
As we grow to look more like Jesus and know God more deeply, we
begin to understand the true identity we have in Christ. Yet, sometimes
we can still compare ourselves to other people or listen to the lies of
popularity around us. It can be easy to fall into the trap of looking to
something else to satisfy us—friends, social media, our possessions, or
even our family. But, we don’t have to look anywhere else to find our
satisfaction and purpose. God’s Word reminds us that Jesus is God’s Son
and we are complete in Him.

M Where do you sometimes turn to to find your purpose and identity?

M According to these verses, what does God want you to know?

60
 M How should these truths change the way you think and live?

JOURNAL & PRAYER

For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus
for good works, which God
prepared ahead of time for
us to do.
Ephesians 2:10

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 61

 SESSION EIGHT

I AM
CALLED
As believers, we are called to live out
God’s mission to share the gospel.

KEY PASSAGES COMMUNICATION STATION

Matthew 28:16-20; How many different ways can you think of to
Mark 16:15-16; communicate with someone? On the blanks
John 20:21 below, write the year you believe these items were
KEY VERSE invented.

Matthew 28:19-20
__ Telephone __ Internet
__ Typewriter __ Text Message
__ Computer __ Pager

Can you imagine any ways we might communicate

differently in the future ?

62
SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
What is my calling?
M Read Matthew 28:16-20.
M What did Jesus remind His disciples was true of Himself?

M Read Matthew 28:19 and John 20:21.

M According to these verses, what did Jesus commission His followers to do?

How do I carry out God’s mission?

M Read Matthew 28:19-20.
M Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples through what two things?
Unscramble the words below to fill in the blanks.

______ & ______

gbzatiinp htenciga

M Read Mark 16:15-16.

M Is there anything different you notice in these verses from the passage in
Matthew 28?

What if I don’t want to join God’s mission?

M Read Matthew 28:20.
M What promise did Jesus give His disciples?

M Where and when are some opportunities you may have to

tell people about Jesus?

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 session E I G H T I AM called
Commission
an instruction,

FIRE IT UP! command or duty

given to a person
or group of people;
THE PEOPLE I KNOW Jesus gave the
Great Commission
How many people do you know who may not have a to His followers
relationship with Jesus? Write their first names or initials (Matthew 28:19-20)
in the blanks below.

School Church Neighborhood Family

KEYPAD CODE
The first digit on each code number tells you which number to look at
on the keypad. The second number will tell you to use the first, second,
or third letter under the larger number. (For example, 43 = L.) Use the
keypad to solve the answer to the question!

1 2 3
What is one way we live out
God’s mission?
ABC D EF GH I
_____ ___
71 32 11 63 22 72 32 22
4 5 6
____ ____ __
31 53 53 21 52 22 82 71 53 23
J KL MNO PQR

_____!
41 22 71 73 71
7 8 9
S TU V WX YZ

64
MY TESTIMONY
Your testimony is your story. No one has your testimony; it is unique to
you. When you share your testimony with someone, answer the following
questions.

M What was my life like before I became a Christian?

M How did I learn about Jesus and become a Christian?
M What has my life been like since I became a Chrsitian?

Discipleship
the process of
faithfully following
Jesus and pointing
others to Him
(2 Timothy 2:2)

Testimony
a believer’s faith story of
salvation in Jesus and how
He changed his or her life
(John 3:33)

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 65

 session E I G H T I AM called

DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

Every believer is called to join God in His mission.

God’s mission is His plan to share the gospel of Jesus
As believers
with all people. Everywhere you go there are people we are called
who need to hear about Jesus. Think about the to live on
places you will go this week—school, sports, dance,
mission and
your home, and even church. How can
you fulfill your mission to tell people about Jesus share the
at these locations? gospel.

DAY ONE
I am a disciple.
M Read Matthew 4:18-20.
Andrew and Simon (who was called Peter) were fishermen. As He walked
by, Jesus called out to Peter and Andrew and asked them to follow Him.
Did you notice how the men responded? Jesus told the men they would
fish for people—teaching other people about Jesus. Peter and Andrew
immediately left everything. They simply put down their nets, trusted
Jesus, and followed Him.

Every Christian is called to be on mission with God. While Jesus will not
walk by and speak to you as He did Andrew and Peter, He has called you
as a Christ follower to tell others about Him.

M What do these Scriptures teach you about God?

66
 M Based on these verses, what does God want you to do?

DAY TWO
Jesus sees my potential.
M Read Luke 5:27-32.
Imagine being in the crowd as Jesus called Matthew, the tax collector, to
leave his booth and follow Him. What do you think Jesus saw in Matthew
that made Him select him as a disciple? Jesus sees beyond what people
see in us. He sees the potential you have and what you can become.
Notice, just like Andrew and Peter, Matthew left everything and followed
Jesus. He immediately began following Jesus. He invited his co-workers
to a banquet at his home. What impact do you think this had on the
people as they listened to Jesus?

M Following Jesus cost Matthew his job and probably some friends. What
does it cost you to follow Jesus?

M Matthew invited people to his home so they could hear about Jesus. What
can you do to tell people about Jesus?

DAY THREE
What if I don’t want to go?
M Read Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1-3.
What if God told you to do something, but you didn’t want to obey?
God called Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach to the people there. The
Ninevites were Jonah’s enemies. Jonah thought he could run away from
God, but he couldn’t. After repenting of his disobedience, God called
Jonah a second time, and Jonah obeyed. Many people repented and
turned to God because of Jonah’s obedience.
continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 67

 session E I G H T I AM called

M How do you feel about being called to be on mission with God?

M Is there anything God is calling you to say “yes” to in obedience?

DAY FOUR
I am transformed.
M Read Acts 9:1-6.
Saul was a religious leader who persecuted Christians. He was on his way
to Damascus to arrest Christians when he encountered Jesus through a
bright light from heaven. Saul fell to the ground and asked, “Who are
you, Lord?” Saul recognized the authority of the One speaking to him.
Saul trusted in Jesus and began following Him. God can transform the
heart of anyone and use him to point people to Jesus. Saul (later called
Paul) went on to become a missionary, plant churches, write several
books of the Bible, and point many people to Jesus.

M Do you ever doubt if God could use you as part of His mission?

M What do these Scriptures teach you about yourself?

DAY FIVE
I am not ashamed.
M Read 2 Timothy 1:1-12.
The Book of 2 Timothy was written as a letter from Paul to Timothy. As a
young man, Timothy was mentored by Paul. He had even joined Paul on

68
his missionary journeys. Paul invested a lot of time and energy training
Timothy in what it means to be a disciple and how to share his faith with
people. Timothy became a great leader himself.

M Is anyone teaching you about Jesus or the Bible? Who? How has that
person taught you more about Jesus?

M Paul told Timothy not to be ashamed of telling people about Jesus. Have
you ever not wanted to talk about Jesus with others?

Talking to others about Jesus can be difficult, but Jesus promised to be

with you always. Pray to have the courage to obey God in every situation.

JOURNAL & PRAYER

Go, therefore, and make

disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the
name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, teaching them to
observe everything I have
commanded you. And
remember, I am with
you always, to the end of
the age.
Matthew 28:19-20

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 69

 SESSION NINE

I HAVE THE
GIFT OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT
Because we have trusted in
Jesus to save us, we have the
Holy Spirit in us.

KEY PASSAGE UNUSUAL GIFTS

John 14:15-26 In the first gift box, draw the most unusual gift you
KEY VERSE received. In the second box, draw the most unusual
gift you have given to someone.
John 14:26

70
SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
God sent the Holy Spirit.
M Read John 14:15-17.
M Who does God the Father send to be with believers forever?

Jesus made promises to me.

M Read John 14:18-21.
M What do we learn about Jesus in these verses?

M According to verse 21, what did Jesus say was evidence of love for Him?

M What evidence would other people see in you that displays your genuine
love for God?

Holy Spirit
the third Person of
the Trinity; believers
receive the Holy
The Holy Spirit helps me. Spirit when they trust
in Jesus for salvation
M Read John 14:22-25. (Acts 2:38)
M What do these verses teach us about the Holy Spirit?

M List ways the Holy Spirit helps believers. Include the Bible reference beside
each statement.

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 71

 session N I N E I Have the Gift of the Holy Spirit

FIRE IT UP!
A VERSE TO DECODE
Solve the code to discover the words of John 14:26. Hint: Replace each
letter with the letter that comes before it in the alphabet.

___ ___ _________, ___

C V U U I F D P V OT F M P S U I F
____ ______, ____ ___
I P M Z TQJ SJ U X I P N U I F
______ ____ ____ __ __
G B U I F S XJ MM T F OE J O NZ
____, ____ _____ ___ ___
O BN F XJ MM U F B D I Z P V BMM
______ ___ ______ ___ __
U I J O H T BO E S F NJ O E Z P V PG
__________ _ ____ ____
F W F S Z U I J O H J I BWF U PM E
___.
Z P V

DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

Before He returned to heaven, Jesus told His followers He would send

a Counselor to be with them. This Counselor is the Holy Spirit. The
Holy Spirit is a part of the Trinity. The Trinity has three Persons: God the

72
Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit
lives in believers. He helps them grow in their knowledge of Jesus, helps
them know what to pray, and tells them what to say during witnessing
opportunities.

DAY ONE
The Holy Spirit helps me understand truth.
M Read 1 Corinthians 2:10-16.
Have you ever read something and did not understand it? What did you
do? Did you talk with your teacher about the material? How did she help
you understand the material? Sometimes you may read something in the
Bible and not understand it. (That is OK!) There are some things about
Christianity that may be confusing for some people. God has given you
the Holy Spirit to help you understand the Bible and what you hear from
your Bible study leaders and pastor.

M What do these Scriptures teach you about the Holy Spirit?

M What are some things you do not understand about God?

The next time you read a Bible passage and you do not understand, stop
and pray, asking God to help you comprehend what you read and apply
it to your life. God promised the Holy Spirit will help you—you can count
on His promise.

DAY TWO
The Holy Spirit convicts me when I sin.
M Read John 16:5-11.
When was the last time you sinned? That guilty feeling you experienced
because of your sin is the Holy Spirit convicting you. However, conviction
is more than a guilty feeling. When the Holy Spirit convicts you of sin,
He is drawing attention to the holiness of God and to the fact that your
continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 73

 session N I N E I Have the Gift of the Holy Spirit

actions are disobedient to Him. After convicting you of your sin, the Holy
Spirit leads you to ask God for forgiveness.

M What do these verses teach you about yourself?

M Reflect on the last time the Holy Spirit convicted you of sin. How did you
feel? How did you respond to the Holy Spirit?

M Did you confess your sins once you were convicted and ask for God’s
forgiveness? If not, do you want to pray to God and confess that to
Him now?

Counselor
another name for
the Holy Spirit
(John 14:26)
M Did anything change after you repented?

Ask God to help you be sensitive to the Holy Spirit speaking to you.

DAY THREE
The Holy Spirit teaches me what is true.
M Read John 16:12-15.
God is truth and what He says is true. As you read the Bible, you will
discover more of His truth and how to live for Him. The Holy Spirit helps
you know what is true. When you hear something that is not true and the
opposite of what God says in the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaks to you,
teaching you what is true.

74
 M What does God want you to know?

M The last time you heard something about God that you knew was not true,
how did the Holy Spirit help you know the truth?

As a Christian, you can know God is the God of truth. John 17:17 says,
“Your word is truth.” Ask God to help you learn to tell the difference
between truth and lies.

DAY FOUR
The Holy Spirit comforts me.
M Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Just because you are a Christian does not mean you will never
have difficult times. You will experience times of joy, happiness,
disappointment, and sadness. Sometimes it will feel easy to trust God,
but other times it may feel more difficult. Remember the Holy Spirit
is your Comforter. He will be with you when you face difficult times.
Whether it is the death of a family member, failing a test, or not making a
team, you can count on the Holy Spirit to comfort you.

M Can you remember a difficult time in your life? How did you respond to the
situation? How did the Holy Spirit comfort you?

M If someone asked you what the Holy Spirit does, what would you say? How
would you explain the Holy Spirit to someone?

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 75

 session N I N E I Have the Gift of the Holy Spirit

M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life?

Because we
have trusted
in Jesus to
save us, we
have the Holy
DAY FIVE Spirit in us.
The Holy Spirit will never leave me.
M Read John 14:15-16.
God sent Jesus to earth to accomplish a specific mission—to be the
perfect solution to our sin problem. As He was explaining to the disciples
what would happen, He told them He would ask God the Father to send
the Counselor to be with them. The Counselor is the Holy Spirit. Jesus
said the Holy Spirit will be with believers forever!

M How should these truths change the way you think and live?

M God sent the Holy Spirit to live in Christians. He promised the Holy Spirit
would never leave you. In what ways have you felt the Holy Spirit being
present in your life?

Tabernacle
Express your appreciation through prayer and thanks a large, portable
to God for giving you the Holy Spirit. tent the Israelites
made according to
God’s instructions;
the Tabernacle is
where God met
with His people
(Exodus 25:9)
76
 JOURNAL & PRAYER

But the
Counselor, the
Holy Spirit, whom
the Father will send
in my name, will
teach you all things
and remind you of
everything I have
told you.
John 14:26
FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 77
 SESSION TEN

I HAVE
SPIRITUAL
GIFTS FROM
GOD
We have a responsibility to use
our spiritual gifts to build up other
believers and serve God.

KEY PASSAGES OUT OF SHAPE

1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Match the letters in the corresponding shapes to
27-31; complete the definition!
Romans 12:1-8;
Ephesians 4:1-6,11-16
Spiritual gifts: given by God to
KEY VERSE to up the
Romans 12:3
of God

g f i
h r b n o
d
c k
t s u a l
m

78
SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
Why did God give spiritual gifts?
M Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11,27-31; Romans 12:1-8, or Ephesians 4:1-6,11-16 in
your group. Then, answer the following questions and discuss.
M What did Paul say about spiritual gifts in these verses?

M What spiritual gifts did Paul list?

What are some of the spiritual gifts?

M Based on your reading, summarize some of the spiritual gifts God
gives believers.

M Why are these gifts given to believers?

M What spiritual gift or gifts do you think God has given you? Why?

How can I use my spiritual gift?

M Read Ephesians 4:1-6.
M What did Paul remind believers of in these verses?

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 session T E N I HAVE SPIRITUAL GIFTS FROM GOD

M What are some ways you can use your spiritual gifts to help other believers?

FIRE IT UP!
SPIRITUAL GIFT SEARCH
Locate each of the spiritual gifts in the word search. Use the Spiritual Gifts
Index on page 128 to see if you’ve found them all.

God wants you to find your spiritual gift(s) by serving and using your
talents and the things that interest you. He wants you to know what your
gifts are so you can use them to serve Him.

WHICH GIFT?
Read the descriptions on the next page. Decide which spiritual gift is
being described by putting the letter for that gift in the blank.

a. Evangelism f. Faith
b. Administration g. Encouragement
c. Prophecy/Evangelism h. Wisdom/Knowledge
d. Teaching i. Hospitality
e. Pastor/Shepherd
80
_ Carrington has a friend who is not a Christian. Her friend asked
Carrington how she could become a Christian. Which spiritual gift
would Carrington put into practice?

_ Jayden’s Sunday School teacher needs someone to help plan a local

mission trip for the preteen class. Which spiritual gift would Jayden
put into practice?

_ Destiny’s teacher asked her to tell about the most important decision
she has ever made. Destiny decides to share with her class about
her decision to ask Jesus to be her Savior and Lord. Destiny is bold
and speaks with confidence as she shares. Which spiritual gift would
Destiny put into practice?

_ VBS (Vacation Bible School) is a few months away. Jada has wanted to
help for several years. Finally she is asked to work with the first grade
class. Which spiritual gift would Jada put into practice?

_ Cameron hears one of his friends saying something about God that
is not true. When Cameron talks with his friend, his friend asks him to
help him learn more about God. Which spiritual gift would Cameron
put into practice?

_ Denise is confused. She does not know if she can believe what she
hears about God. Amanda shares with Denise how she trusts God
even in difficult situations. Which spiritual gift would Amanda put
into practice?

_ Anderson writes a letter to Mrs. Stephenson when he hears she

recently had surgery. Which spiritual gift would Anderson put
into practice?

_ Anthony is a new Christian. He has read his Bible for the last three
months but does not understand a lot of what he is reading. Samuel
offers to help Anthony understand the verses. Which spiritual gifts
would Samuel put into practice?

_ Hailey’s family was traveling to another state. We have a

While on the way, their car broke down. responsibility
Hailey’s mother was extremely concerned about to use our
having enough money to pay for the car repairs spiritual gifts
and a hotel. A lady at the service center offered
to let Hailey and her mother stay with her until
to build up
the car was ready. Which spiritual gift would other believers
the stranger put into practice? and serve God.

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 session T E N I HAVE SPIRITUAL GIFTS FROM GOD

DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

God is the giver of all good gifts. He gives us identity,

Spiritual
purpose, salvation, and even spiritual gifts to help others. gifts
As a Christian, God has given you spiritual gifts. God unique gifts given
wants you to use your gift to bring honor and glory to by the Holy Spirit
Him. As you study God’s Word this week, be encouraged to every Christian
that God wants to use you to bring encouragement, to build up other
believers and serve
unity, and Christian growth to those around you. God (Romans 12:1-8)

DAY ONE
What’s my spiritual gift?
M Read Romans 12:1-8.
If you’ve never heard of spiritual gifts before this session, the term may
sound odd to you. How are gifts spiritual? What if I do not like the gift
I get—can I exchange it? What happens if I do not use my gift? God
knows exactly what gifts to give you based on your personality and
temperament, and how He wants you to use your gift.

M What do these verses teach you about yourself?

M Look at the different spiritual gifts from today’s Bible reading. Which gift(s)
do you believe God gave you? How are you using your gift?

Thank God for the gift(s) He gave you. Ask Him to help you understand
your gift(s) and how you can use the gift(s) to serve Him.
82
DAY TWO
How can I understand my gifts?
M Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.
While there are many spiritual gifts that are given to different believers,
there is only one Giver—God. Sometimes we can get so focused on the
gifts that we forget who gives us these gifts in the first place. Remember,
God is the one who made you unique. He knows everything about you.
He knows how He has knit you together and the best ways you can serve
others through the gifts He gives.

M What do these verses teach you about God?

M Based on these verses, is there anything God wants you to know?

Spend time thanking God for being the giver of all good gifts.

DAY THREE
How do I receive this gift?
M Read Romans 12:3-8.
You read this passage earlier this week. Did you notice what verse 6
said? Christians receive the gift or gifts God gives them based on God’s
grace. God knows what is best for everyone. The Bible does not have a
list of ways God uses in deciding what spiritual gift to give someone. As a
Christian, you have to trust that God’s plans are best.

M What do you learn about God from these verses?

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 session T E N I HAVE SPIRITUAL GIFTS FROM GOD

M Are you trusting that God’s plan for you is best? How do you display trust in
God through your actions and attitudes?

DAY FOUR
Are talents and spiritual gifts the same?
M Read Colossians 3:23-24.
Spiritual gifts and talents are not the same thing. Spiritual gifts are given
by God only to Christians for the building up of the church. Talents are
natural abilities you have, such as playing a musical instrument, dancing,
singing, drawing, playing sports, and so on. Everyone has talents because
they are made in the image of a creative God. Only believers are given
spiritual gifts. While talents can be used to bring glory to God, they can
also be used to bring attention to people. Spiritual gifts are to be used
only to bring glory to God.

M What talents do you have? In what ways have you used your talents?

M How can your talents bring glory to God?

Thank God for the talents He has given you. Ask Him to help you use
your talents to bring glory to Him.

DAY FIVE
How do I use my gift?
M Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.
You have discovered God gives every Christian spiritual gifts. The gifts
are to be used in service to God. For example, Jesus wants you to tell

84
 people about Him. Those who have the gift of evangelism are often very
comfortable about sharing their faith and asking other people questions.
If you don’t think you have the gift of evangelism, that does not mean
you get a pass not to tell people about Jesus. No matter your gift, God
wants to work through you to glorify Him and serve others.

M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life?

M How should these truths change the way you think and live?

JOURNAL & PRAYER

For by the grace given

to me, I tell everyone
among you not to think of
himself more highly than
he should think. Instead,
think sensibly, as God has
distributed a measure of
faith to each one.
Romans 12:3

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 85

 SESSION ELEVEN

I AM NOT
ALONE
In Christ, we are surrounded by a
community of faithful believers, the
church, that love and encourage us
to follow and obey God.

KEY PASSAGE GRAFFITI

Ephesians 1:1-14 How do you feel when you are alone? When do you
KEY VERSE enjoy being by yourself? When does feeling alone
lead you to want to be around other people? Use the
1 Thessalonians 5:11
space to create a graffiti wall of the word “alone.”

86
SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
Who is our foundation?
M Read Ephesians 1:1-4.
M According to Ephesians 1:3, who does Paul say we are to worship or give
honor to? Unscramble the words below each blank to find out why.

God has blessed us with ___ ____ ____.

ervye ulpsirati ssgilbne

God chose us to be __ and ____ before Him.

yohl slbmaesle

Who does God call His church?

M Read Ephesians 1:5-10.
M Complete the following statements of what spiritual blessings God gives to
His church.

1. We are ____ for ____. (v. 5)

2. We are __ and ____ through Jesus Christ. (v. 5)

3. We are ___ according to the ___ of His __. (v. 5)

4. We have ____ through Jesus’ ____. (v. 7)

5. We have ___ of our sins according to His ___. (v. 7)

6. We know the ____ of God’s ___, to ____

all of ____ to ____. (v. 9-10)

Who determines our hope?

M Read Ephesians 1:11-14.
M According to these verses what do believers have in Christ?

In Christ, we are surrounded by a community of faithful believers, the

church, that love and encourage us to follow and obey God.

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 87

 session E L E V E N I am not alone

FIRE IT UP!
WAYS I CAN HELP
How can you help other people? Choose the word you think is best from
the list on the right to complete each statement.

1. ___ for one another.

2. Write a letter of ______ to someone. missions
3. Show someone how to locate a ___ in the cookies
Bible.
Pray
4. Tell someone how she can _____
a Christian. encouragement

5. ___ your lunch with someone. Share

6. Give some of your _____ to someone verse

who has a need.
become
7. Give someone in your neighborhood a ___
to church. clothes

8. Stop eating candy bars or sodas for one week and ride
give the money you would spend to ____.
homework
9. Help a classmate with his ______.
10. Bake _____ and take them to someone
who cannot leave her home.

M Circle three tasks you will commit to do this week.

M What else could you add to the list?

Adoption
to become part of
a family; God calls
believers adopted
children of God
(See Ephesians 1:5,
Galatians 4:5.)

88
DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

The church is a group of believers who meet together to worship and serve
God. The purpose of the church is to continue the ministry of Jesus on
earth. The people who belong to the church are often called brothers and
sisters in Jesus because we are all part of the family of God and God is
our Father. They worship together, share Jesus with others, and encourage
each other to obey and follow God. As a follower of God, you are not
alone. God has placed people in your life to encourage you and to help
you grow in your faith.

DAY ONE
The church encourages me.
M Read Acts 2:42-47.
Part of God’s design for the church is for people to encourage one another.
The church in the first century gathered together and devoted themselves
to teaching, community, fellowship, and prayer.

M How would you explain these four parts of the church to someone?

M Teaching:

M Community:

M Fellowship:

M Prayer:

M What do these verses teach you about the church?

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FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 89

 session E L E V E N I am not alone

M Do you see any similarities to your church and the church described in
Acts 2:42-47?

M What are some things you have in common with other Christians in
your church?

One way to encourage people is to pray for them. Spend some time
praying for several people in your church today.

DAY TWO
The church prays for me.
M Read James 5:13-16.
James, the brother of Jesus, wrote this letter to Christians scattered around
the world. James gave instructions on how believers (the church) should
live for God, including how they should act. One benefit of being part of
a community with other believers is having someone pray for you. James
said people are to pray for one another all the time, when they are in
trouble, when they are happy, when they are sick, and even when they sin.
Reread verse 16. A person who is committed to God has a big impact on
the people around her.

M What does God want you to know from these verses?

M How much time do you spend praying for other people? When you pray, what
do you say to God? Who do you pray for?

Spend time talking with God today. Pray for people in your church by name
and be honest with God about anything you are struggling with today.

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 DAY THREE
The church helps me.
M Read Philippians 1:3-6.
The church in Philippi played an important role in the ministry of Paul.
The church supported Paul so he could fulfill his mission of traveling
to tell other people about Jesus. Paul wrote to thank them for their
generosity and faithful encouragement. Many churches today give
time, money, or other resources to help people in their congregation,
community, and around the world.

M Do you know how your church helps people? Do you participate when your
church provides help?

M How can you apply these truths of God’s Word to your life this week?

Redemption
God’s work to release
believers from the
consequences of sin
when they trust in Because you are a part of the church, you are not
Jesus (See John 1:13; alone and should participate in helping people. Ask
1 Peter 1:23; Titus 3:5.) God to show you specific ways you can help.

DAY FOUR
The church holds me accountable.
M Read Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:16.
Accountability means having someone ask you about any choices and
actions that might tempt you away from obeying God. As believers, we
are responsible for sharing our concerns and even our struggles to sin
with faithful believers who will love and encourage us in our faith. Having
someone hold you accountable will help you as you grow spiritually. This
person should not make you feel guilty because of the things you do, but
should help you learn to make decisions that please and honor God.
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FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 91
 session E L E V E N I am not alone

M How do you feel about having someone encourage and pray for you when
you struggle with sin?

M Do you have someone in your life who you feel like is a safe person to share
your struggles with? If not, ask God to show you someone who can do this
and talk to your parents or Bible study leader.

M How should these truths change the way you think and live?

DAY FIVE
The church helps me learn about God.
M Read 2 Timothy 3:16.
Another function of the church is to teach people about God. God wants
all people to know Him and have a relationship with Him. As a member
of a church, you have people who are committed to investing in you and
helping you understand the Bible and how it relates to your life. Second
Timothy 3:16 says all Scripture is good for teaching.

M What does this verse teach you about God?

M What opportunities does your church provide for you to learn about God?

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 M How are you growing in your relationship with Him?

Thank God for the people who help you grow in your spiritual journey.
Ask God to show you who you can help and encourage in their faith
journey, too.

JOURNAL & PRAYER

In Christ, we are
surrounded by
a community
of faithful
believers, the
church, that love
and encourage
us to follow and
obey God.

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 93

 S E S S I O N T W E LV E

I AM
EQUIPPED
God has given us the armor
of God to fight temptations and
attacks from the enemy.

KEY PASSAGE I WOULD NEED ...

Ephesians 6:10-18 Read the statement and write the supplies you would
KEY VERSE need to accomplish the task.

Ephesians 6:11 If I wanted to bake a cake, I would need:

If I wanted to travel to the moon, I would need:

If I wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail, I would need:

94
 SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
The Battle
M What are some aspects of spiritual warfare you think preteens face today?

Put on the full armor

of God so that you
can stand against the
schemes of the devil.
M Read Ephesians 6:10.
Ephesians 6:11
M How would you describe God’s strength?

We don’t fight spiritual battles in our own strength. We must depend on

God and His strength to give us everything we need to fight the enemy.

The Enemy
M Read Ephesians 6:11-13.
M According to verse 12, who is this
spiritual battle against? Spiritual warfare
the doctrine that spiritual
enemies are working in the
hearts and minds of people
to confuse, tempt, and
entice them away from God
(2 Corinthians 4:4)
M Why do we experience spiritual warfare?

Demons
angels who sinned against God
and who now continually work
evil in the world; demons are
limited to God’s control and
can be successfully resisted by
Satan Christians through the authority
the personal name that Jesus gives them
of the head of the (James 4:7)
demons; Satan is
limited by God’s
control and has limited
power (Job 1:6,12; 2:6)
FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 95
 session T W E L V E I Am Equipped

The Armor
M Read Ephesians 6:14-18.
M Match each piece of armor to its purpose.

_ Belt of Truth a. Faith in who God is and what He has done

_ Breastplate of Righteousness b. Assurance of your salvation and

protecting your mind from lies of the
enemy
_ Sandals of Peace
c. Pray with perseverance
_ Shield of Faith d. Thoughts, actions, and attitudes that
_ Helmet of Salvation please God
e. Truth of God’s Word
_ Sword of the Spirit f. Standing firm, ready to share the gospel
_ Communication/Prayer of peace
g. Engage with the Word of God

FIRE IT UP!
GRASP THIS!
Use your Glossary of Key Terms (p. 126) to find the correct word that
matches the definitions from today’s session. Use the words to complete
the crossword puzzle.

ACROSS
1 _____: angels who sinned against God and who now
continually work evil in the world. Demons are limited to God’s control
and can be successfully resisted by Christians through the authority that
Jesus gives them (James 4:7)
3 _____: the personal name of the head of the demons;

Satan is limited by God’s control and has limited power (Job 1:6,12; 2:6)
4 _____: the ability or strength to continue despite fatigue,

stress, or struggle
5
Spiritual _____: the doctrine that spiritual enemies
(Satan and demons) are working in the hearts and minds of people to
confuse, tempt, and entice them away from God (2 Corinthians 4:4)

DOWN
2 _____: the urge or attraction to sin and disobey God
(Luke 22:40)
6 _____: steady persistence in a course of action despite
difficulties or discouragement (Ephesians 6:18)

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 6

God has
given us the
armor of
God to fight 5

temptations
and attacks
from the 4

enemy.

DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

You have a spiritual enemy who wants to keep you from fulfilling God’s
mission for your life, but you have everything you need to stand firm in
your faith. Your enemy is not physical, so your weapons for fighting are
not physical either. God has given you truth, righteousness, peace, faith,

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 97

 session T W E L V E I Am Equipped

salvation, His Word, and prayer to fight the attacks of the enemy. He also
has given you the Holy Spirit who lives inside of you. In our own strength,
we will fail to win spiritual battles because we are weak. But God has
equipped us with everything we need and promises never to leave or
forsake us. We can stand firm against the attacks of the enemy because
we can depend on God and His strength as we fight.

DAY ONE
What is the battle?
M Read Ephesians 6:12.
Paul stated that Christians do not battle flesh and blood like in a physical
war. Spiritual warfare is a battle between believers and Satan and his
demons. Satan wants people to turn away from God and listen to him
instead. John 8:44 tells us that Satan is the father of lies. He will tell you
whatever he can to deceive you and make you doubt God. But you are
a child of God. Your identity and purpose come from Him. Through the
authority of Jesus, you can successfully resist Satan’s schemes and follow
God as a believer.

M What do these Scriptures teach you about your enemy?

M How have you seen Satan lie or tempt you to disobey God? How did
you respond?

Spend time in prayer, thanking God for giving you everything you need
to fight the enemy.

DAY TWO
What are my weapons?
M Read Ephesians 6:14-18.
As you battle evil in this world, you grow in your faith and learn how you
can trust God more. He has given you spiritual armor to put on every day.

98
From your head to your feet, God has provided spiritual weapons to use
to win the spiritual war.

M According to these verses, what are the different parts of the armor of God
that He has given you?

M What does God want you to do?

Thank God for giving you the spiritual armor. Ask Him to help you put on
the armor every day.

DAY THREE
How do I fight?
M Read Matthew 4:1-11.
After Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness.
During His time in the wilderness, Satan tempted Him. Did you notice
how Jesus responded? He won each of the battles Satan brought to
Him through God’s Word. Because we are not perfect like Jesus, we
may not win every battle of temptation. That doesn’t mean we should
give up hope but persevere in faith. There will be times when you may
feel discouraged or defeated, but don’t lose heart. The Holy Spirit is
interceding for you, helping you stand against Satan’s attacks.

M What do these Scriptures teach you about God?

M What do these Scriptures teach you about yourself?

Spend time praying today, asking God to help you persevere when you
feel like giving in.

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 session T W E L V E I Am Equipped

DAY FOUR
Who is my enemy?
M Read 1 Peter 5:8-9; John 10:10.
According to these verses, Satan is our enemy because He is God’s
enemy. He is described as a thief and a roaring lion looking to destroy
and devour. Satan is a serious enemy and we need to take him seriously.
Yet, did you notice what 1 Peter 5:9 reminds us? Believers have the Holy
Spirit inside them. This means Christians have the capability to resist
Satan and his schemes through the authority of Jesus. When we use the
armor of God, we are able to stand firm against the attacks of our enemy
and confidently trust in Jesus.

M What does God want you to know from these verses?

M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to you life?

DAY FIVE
Where is the victory?
M Read John 16:33.
You may not be able to tell it right now, but Satan has been defeated.
When Jesus died on the cross, He fulfilled God’s plan for defeating Satan.
When Jesus comes back the second time, He will ultimately defeat Satan
for good.

M How does knowing that Jesus has defeated Satan give you assurance to live
strong in your faith?

100
 M How should these truths change the way you think and live?

Thank God that the outcome of the battle is sure. Satan is defeated, and
Jesus is victorious.

JOURNAL & PRAYER

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 101

 SESSION THIRTEEN

I AM
ON MISSION
We have everything we need to live
on mission for God.

KEY PASSAGE MISSION CODES

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Fill in the blank with the first letter of the picture below to
KEY VERSE complete the sentences.

Acts 1:8

I am responsible to _ _ _ for the _ _ _ _ I live..

God has a _ _ _ _ and purpose for _ _ life.

I have everything I _ _ _ _ to live on mission for God.

102
102
SHARPEN & STRENGTHEN
New Creation
M Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-17.
M How have you seen people live as if this life is all that matters?

M How would you explain your identity and what it means to be a new
creation through a relationship with Jesus?

Reconciled to God
M Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.
M According to verse 18, what did God give us? Unscramble the words below.

The ______ of ______.

ytrimnis corelicitnoia

M Do you think our mission is important? Why?

Ambassadors
M Read 2 Corinthians 5:20-21.
M Do you feel equipped to accomplish this mission?
Why or why not?

Atonement
the work of Jesus
to cover or cancel
sin; Jesus made
atonement for our
sins when He died on
the cross
(Hebrews 2:17)

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 session T H I R T E E N I am on mission

FIRE IT UP!
WHO ARE YOU PRAYING FOR?
One of the first things you can do to accomplish your mission is to pray
for people. Who are you praying for? Write the first name of people
you know who are not Christians. Spend a few minutes praying for each
person by name.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on
you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea
and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

Justification
the truth that when
God says that our
sins are forgiven,
we are made
righteous
(Romans 5:18)

We have
everything we
need to live
on mission for
God. Ambassador
a person who acts as
a representative
(2 Corinthians 5:20)
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DAILY DISCIPLESHIP
Here are a few tips as you read God’s Word and use the following journal
pages to write down what you learn:

M What does the text say? Write down exact truths from the Bible.
M Let Scripture interpret Scripture. What do these verses mean? Be careful
to not insert your own meaning into the text. Think about the message the
original readers or hearers would have understood.
M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life? How should these
truths change the way you think and live?

As an ambassador of God, you are called to join God on mission of

pointing others to Jesus and a relationship with HIm. As you live out your
calling, remember God has equipped you with everything you need to
follow Him and point others to Him. We represent God to the people we
live around. Stand in confidence of who God has called you to be as you
continue to live out your mission in joyful obedience to God.

DAY ONE
I can be salt and light.
M Read Matthew 5:13-16.
Jesus told His disciples they are the salt of the earth and the light of the
world. Salt is used to add flavor to food, but also to preserve the food.
Light is used to illuminate a room, or light a path. As salt and light, you
add flavor as you demonstrate how to live the Christian life. As salt, you
have the opportunity to help people learn how they can have eternal life
in Jesus. As light, your actions and attitudes are seen by others and point
them to Jesus.

M What do these verses teach you about yourself?

continued on next page >

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 105

 session T H I R T E E N I am on mission

M In what ways are you being salt and light in the world?

Pray to be effective salt and light in your world today.

DAY TWO
What if I don’t feel ready?
M Read John 14:25-26.
One of the most common excuses people give for not telling others
about Jesus is that they do not feel like they are ready. They need to
learn more about Jesus. They need to study their Bibles more. They need
to pray more. Jesus told the disciples not to worry about what they would
say—the Holy Spirit will speak through them. You can trust the Holy Spirit
will speak through you when you have an opportunity to tell people
about Jesus.

M What excuses do you give for not telling people about Jesus?

M What does God want you to do?

One way to gain confidence in telling people about Jesus is to practice.

Ask a friend if you can tell him about Jesus. Just tell what you know and
share your testimony.

106
DAY THREE
Do I have to move to another country?
M Read Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20.
God’s call to join Him on mission is different for everyone. Some people
are called to be missionaries in their present communities, some are
called to serve in large cities, and some are called to serve in another
country. God expects people to share their faith wherever they are.
People who share about Jesus in a different country should not be seen
as super-Christians. They are just called to a different location. God may
call you to tell people about Jesus in other countries. If He does, that
would be amazing! Be obedient and go wherever He calls you to go.
Serve God wherever you are and trust Him to lead you as you follow Him
one step at a time.

M What do these verses teach you about God?

M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life?

Ask God to help you serve Him wherever He calls you.

DAY FOUR
What if I feel God is calling me to become a missionary?
M Read Isaiah 6:8; 1 Chronicles 16:24.
Every Christian is responsible to tell people about Jesus where they are.
Sometimes, God places a specific burden on your heart to tell people
about Jesus in a different culture where many people don’t know about
Him. These individuals typically move to a different state or country. They
may be doctors, teachers, farmers, engineers, or a host of other jobs.
Most of them meet people in their community, teach Bible studies, or
help start new churches. If you feel God may be calling you to do this
continued on next page >

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 session T H I R T E E N I am on mission

one day, spend time praying about it. You probably can’t go by yourself
right now (especially if you can’t drive), but that doesn’t mean you can’t
be sensitive to this desire in your heart. Talk with your parents, pastor, or
Bible study leader and ask them to pray for you too. God will make His
plan for your life clear in His time. Trust Him and look for opportunities to
tell others about Jesus, even people from different countries who live in
your community.

M What do these verses teach you about yourself?

M How should these truths change the way you think and live?

DAY FIVE
What if people will not listen to me?
M Read Psalm 14:1-7.
Some people will not listen to what you tell them about Jesus. They
may not understand their need to have a relationship with God. They
could even say hurtful words to you for believing in Jesus. An important
aspect to remember when telling people about Jesus is that you are not
responsible for the decisions people make. You are only responsible for
being obedient in sharing your faith with truth and grace. The Holy Spirit
draws people to God. When people reject God, they are not rejecting
you but God.

M How can you apply the truths of God’s Word to your life?

108
 M Do you know anyone who is not trusting in Jesus?

Spend time praying for this individual. Ask God to open the person’s
mind so he will acknowledge his need for a Savior.

JOURNAL & PRAYER

Now the one who

prepared us for
this very purpose
is God, who gave us
the Spirit as a down
payment.
2 Corinthians 5:5

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 109

 HOW DO I STUDY
MY BIBLE?
1 STUDY ONE BIBLE BOOK
Who wrote the book?
When was the book written?
What is the book about?
What does the book say about God?
What people does the book tell about?
How did the people act toward God?

2 STUDY ONE BIBLE VERSE

Read the verse from different Bible translations.
What are the important words in the verse?
What are the words you don’t understand?
Write the verse in your own words.
What can you learn from the verse?

3 STUDY ONE PERSON

When & where did the person live?
What took place in the person’s life?
How did the person act?
What can you learn from the person?

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THE GOSPEL:
GOD’S PLAN FOR ME
GOD RULES
The Bible tells us God created everything, including
you and me, and He is in charge of everything.
Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16-17

WE SINNED
We all choose to disobey God. The Bible calls this
sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s
punishment of death.
Romans 3:23; 6:23

GOD PROVIDED
God sent Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin
problem, to rescue us from the punishment we
deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never
earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us.
John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9

JESUS GIVES
He lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins,
and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us,
we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity.
This is the best gift ever!
Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18;
Ephesians 2:8-9

WE RESPOND
Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you
through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent,
turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others
that your faith is in Jesus.
John 14:6; Romans 10:9-10,13

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 111

 FAMILY GUIDES
Parents & families,
The following pages are here to help you extend each
session conversation into the home. Each Family Guide
contains a brief summary of the session’s content
including the key passages and verses discussed,
an outline of study and discussion questions, prayer
prompts, and a fun activity to engage the entire family.

No one knows your preteen better than you. We

invite you into this special time as you to disciple your
preteens and help them grow in their faith.

—The Forged Team

112
SESSION 1 FAMILY GUIDE
around you. Today’s culture will try to
WHO DOES GOD SAY I AM? tell you that people are only valuable
Preteens live in a rapidly changing world. based on what they can do for you, but
What is popular today is outdated tomorrow. that’s not what the Bible teaches. We
It can be difficult for preteens to understand know that all people are valued by God
who they are, who God created them to be. because God says people are created in
In this session, your preteen learned that His image. In the same way, God leads
God says people are created in His image. us to respond to people around us in
As the Creator, God has the authority to love, not based on what they can do
determine what is true about His creation. He for us or what they think about us, but
created people in His image and for His glory. because they are made in His image.
God created your preteen by His design and
with purpose to reflect His glory to the world. DISCUSS
M What does culture say about how
Key Verse: Genesis 1:26-27 the world began?
Key Passage: Genesis 1:1-31 M What does the Bible say about
creation?
STUDY M How does this change how you
evaluate what is true in your
What does creation say about God?
own life?
Read Genesis 1:1-25.
M Genesis 1 is not just a historical account
of creation; it is written in the original
PRAY
Hebrew language as a song or poem. Spend time outside observing God’s creation.
Phrases like “then God said,” “evening As you listen and see details of creation,
came and then morning,” and “it was thank God for His design and creativity.
good” are all repeated rhythms in the Thank God for creating each member of your
song of creation. God is creative and family with a plan and purpose. Pray for each
purposeful in how He creates, and He person by name.
enjoys His creation. The culture around
us often believes that the world was FAMILY PICTURES
created through chance or a collision of M Look at pictures of your family,
forces, but the Bible tells us our Creator including baby pictures. Talk about
made the world with order and rhythm the resemblances of family members
and purpose. and what characteristic of each person
What is true about who God created me to changed as he grew.
be? Read Genesis 1:26-27. M Explain to your preteen that God
M God says people are created in His created people in His image to reflect
image. He made us to reflect Him. Him. Being made in God’s image means
Being made in God’s image means you that all people have some characteristics
have some characteristics that are like that are like God or patterned after Him,
God or patterned after Him. You have like the ability to think, to be creative, or
the ability to think, to reason, and make to make decisions. Remind your preteen
decisions. You can be creative and learn that God does not have a physical body
right from wrong. like we do, but He made people with
the ability to think, to feel emotions
How does this truth change how I live?
and to make choices. In this way, we are
Read John 1:1-2,14. made in His image.
M God loves you and made you in His
image to reflect Him to the world

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SESSION 2 FAMILY GUIDE
How can I bring God glory?
WHAT’S MY PURPOSE? Read John 1:25-30.
We are created for God’s glory. God’s M God had a plan and purpose for John
purpose for our lives is not a mystery. He before he was born to point others to
wants us to know His purpose and bring Him Jesus, and God has the same plan for
glory. Like John, your story is part of God’s you and me. We are created for God’s
bigger story to point others to Jesus as you glory, and we bring Him glory as we
trust and follow Him. His plans for you may point others to Jesus. The details of
not be what you expect, but they are always what that looks like in our lives will be
for His glory and your good. Trust that God is different because God’s purposes and
a good Father who loves you and is in control plans for our story are all different, but
of everything. Choose to follow Him even He created all of us to reflect Him and
when you don’t know what comes next. He point others to Jesus!
is writing an important story with your life to
bring Him glory and point others to know and DISCUSS
love Jesus.
M What is God’s purpose for your life?
M What can you do if you do not like
Key Verse: Philippians 2:13 God’s plan? Can we ask Him to change
Key Passages: Luke 1:5-7,13-17; the plan?
Luke 3:3-6; John 1:25-30
M Share with your preteen about your
faith journey and how you have the
STUDY opportunity to point others to Jesus
with your life.
Can I know God’s plan?
Read Luke 1:5-7,13-17.
M God had a special plan and purpose
PRAY
for John’s life before he was even Read Jeremiah 29:11. Pray for each family
born. John would bring God glory by member by name asking God to reveal His
telling many people about God’s truth plan for their lives as they trust and follow
and pointing them to the promised Him.
Messiah. We may not know every detail
of God’s plan for our lives, but we can COMMUNITY CAREERS
be confident that He has a plan and As a family, keep a list of the various careers
purpose for our lives that fits into His you see around your community. Express
greater story. appreciation to God for the individuals who
What is my purpose? serve in these careers.
Read Luke 3:3-6.
M Years before John or his parents were
even born, God had a plan and purpose
for John to bring God glory. The same
is true for you and me. We are created
for God’s glory. His purpose for us is
to reflect Him to the world and to make
much of Him through our lives. The
details of the story He has written for
your life will be different from anyone
else, but God has a plan and purpose to
work through you to bring Him glory.

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SESSION 3 FAMILY GUIDE
from God and don’t reflect Him in the
WHAT WENT WRONG? world the way we were made to do,
God says people are created in His image but we are not without hope. In His
and we are created for God’s glory. We grace and kindness, He also provided
know that God created everything and said it the perfect solution to our sin problem
was good, including us, but something went through Jesus.
wrong. Sin entered the world and changed
everything, including our identities. God sent DISCUSS
Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem,
M What do you think the world was like
to rescue us from the punishment we deserve.
before Adam and Eve sinned?
It is something we, as sinners, could never
earn on our own. Through the sacrifice of M Why are the consequences of sin so
Jesus, we can have forgiveness for our sins severe?
and restored life with God. M How does knowing this truth motivate
you to talk about the gospel with those
Key Verse: Romans 6:23 around you?
Key Passage: Genesis 3:1-24
PRAY
Praying is one of the best ways to learn to
STUDY stand against temptation. Pray for each family
Why is sin a big deal? member by name. Ask God to help her listen
Read Genesis 3:1-7. to Him when she is tempted to disobey God.
M Sin is much more powerful than we often
think it is. It can lead us to doubt who NEWS TALK
we are, who really has the authority to As a family, watch the evening news. Talk
determine what is true about us, or even about the actions of individuals. Ask “How
doubt God and His goodness and His do you see sin in this action?” Discuss the
plans for us. Sin is a powerful temptation consequences of the actions. Pray for the
for us, just as it was for Adam and Eve, people you hear about through these stories.
and we must take it seriously.
How does sin change my identity?
Read Genesis 3:8-13.
M Adam and Eve attempted to hide from
God because of their shame. Sin may
feel good in the moment, but it always
leads to shame and brokenness. When
Adam and Eve disobeyed God, their
identity changed from perfect reflections
of God’s image and glory to broken by
sin. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned,
every person has sinned and disobeyed
God. Because of our sin, our identities
and our relationship with God are
broken.
What are the consequences of sin?
Read Genesis 3:14-24.
M Because God is holy and just, He must
punish sin and He is right to do so.
Because of our sin, we are separated

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SESSION 4 FAMILY GUIDE
grace to us through his kindness to us
DOES GOD STILL LOVE ME? in Jesus.
God loves and seeks after people. He
wants everyone to love and trust Him DISCUSS
for salvation. Trusting in Jesus for salvation
M Some people believe they can live good
transforms your identity from dead in sin to
lives and earn favor with God. What
alive to God. This change does not happen
would you say to these people?
because of anything we do, but because of
what Jesus has already done for us. When we M Even after becoming a Christian, why is
respond to the gospel in faith, we can trust it important to repent of sins?
that God transforms our hearts and lives and M Why do Christians continue to sin even
calls us children of God. God’s salvation is a after trusting in Jesus for salvation?
gift that every person needs and can receive.
PRAY
Key Verse: Romans 8:1 Thank God for the gift of eternal life. Pray
Key Passage: Ephesians 2:1-17 for individuals you know who are trusting in
Jesus. Ask God to provide you opportunities
to share your faith with them.
STUDY
Who Was I? TAKE A WALK
Read Ephesians 2:1-3. Take a walk through your neighborhood. As
M Sin broke our relationship with God, you walk, pray, asking God to reveal families
but it also broke our relationship with who do not have a relationship with Him.
other people. These verses teach us Look for opportunities to build relationships
that before trusting Jesus, our identity with the families in your community.
is broken by our sin and rebellion
against God. We have crossed the line
and disobeyed God, choosing our own
desires over God’s best for us.
Is there any hope?
Read Ephesians 2:4-5.
M In His mercy God does not give us
what we deserve, the just punishment
for our sin. Instead, God provided the
perfect solution to our sin problem and
the punishment we deserved through
Jesus. No one can work hard enough,
be good enough, or do anything to
earn salvation. This is a key difference
between Christianity and religion.
Who Am I?
Read Ephesians 2:6-10.
M Paul reminded the Christians in Ephesus
that just as Jesus was raised to life,
God raised us from death in sin to life
in Christ. God seated us with Jesus in
heaven so that in the coming age, when
Jesus returns and makes all things new,
He will fully display the riches of His

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SESSION 5 FAMILY GUIDE
into God’s family. If you have trusted
I AM ACCEPTED in Jesus to save you, you have been
God defines your true identity and no one adopted. God says that you are chosen,
can change what God says is true about you. adopted, accepted, and loved. That is
Who you are, your worth, value, and purpose what is true of you. That is your identity
does not come from the standards of the far above anything anyone else says
culture around you. It doesn’t come from the of you, including yourself. Remember
lies the enemy tells you, or even the lies you God is Creator and has the authority to
tell yourself. It doesn’t matter how you feel, determine what is true of His creation. If
what you’ve done in the last five minutes or you have trusted in Jesus as Savior and
five years, or even how well you think you’ve Lord, this is what is true of who you are.
obeyed God. As followers of Jesus, we are
accepted by God, not because of what we DISCUSS
do, but because of what Jesus has already
M Our culture often tells people they do
done for us.
not need to be accepted into God’s
family because they are OK on
Key Verse: Ephesians 1:7-8 their own.
Key Passage: Ephesians 1:3-8 M Why do you think someone would
reject Jesus?
STUDY M What are the consequences of
rejecting Jesus?
Who Do I Say I Am?
M If we’re not careful, we can allow the M How can your family help people know
words other people use about us or the about God and His love for them?
words we use about ourselves to define M Why is it important that people not wait
us. The culture around us often tries to until the future to trust in Jesus?
tell us who we are based on our success
or failure, our financial status, how many
likes or followers we have on social
PRAY
media, what our clothes look like, if we Invite each family member to express
have a phone and what kind, or what appreciation to God for accepting him into
we say about the important issues in our His family.
culture. None of those ideas about what
defines us are based in Scripture. ASK ABOUT ADOPTION
Who does God say I am? Spend time researching adoption or visit
Read Ephesians 1:3-6. with a family you know that has adopted or
M The Bible tells us that as believers, fostered children. Talk to them about the
we are chosen by God to be holy and process of adoption and discuss how God has
blameless before Him. We are adopted adopted people into His family. Thank God
as sons and daughters into His family. for giving adoption as a beautiful picture of
There is nothing we could do to earn a the gospel and God’s love for you.
place in God’s family, but because of the
grace He lavishes (freely gives) on us, He
has adopted us and calls us His sons and
daughters.
Where does my true identity come from?
Read Ephesians 1:7-8.
M When a person trusts in Jesus as Savior
and Lord, she is immediately adopted

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SESSION 6 FAMILY GUIDE
that’s not what he did. Jesus helped
I AM SECURE Peter understand that his sins were
As followers of Jesus, our identities are rooted completely forgiven—past, present, and
in who God says we are, not in our choices, future. His salvation was secure and God
our mistakes, or our failures. While we will still planned to work in Peter’s life to point
sin as Christians, we can trust that because many people to Jesus.
of our faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven. As
followers of Jesus, we are secure in our DISCUSS
salvation. As we study God’s Word and grow
M Have you ever doubted if God loves
in our faith, God helps us follow Him and
you because of something you’ve done?
resist the temptation (desire) to sin.
Explain.
M When you sin, how can your relationship
Key Verse: Romans 8:38-39 with God be restored?
Key Passages: Matthew 26:31-35,
M What is Jesus asking you to do for
Matthew 26:69-75; John 21:15-17;
Him today?
Acts 2:36-41
PRAY
STUDY Write a note to each member of your family.
What happens when I still sin? Include ways you see each family member
Read Matthew 26:31-35,69-75. serving God. Pray for the courage each family
M It could be easy for us to read this member needs to continue to serve God.
passage and be quick to judge Peter
because of his sin. But we need to
WHO DO YOU KNOW?
remember that we are just like Peter. Who do you know is trusting in Jesus and
For some people, this could have been pointing others to Jesus? Invite that person
the end of their effectiveness in serving to share a meal with your family. Ask him to
Jesus. However, this was not the case talk about his faith journey and about how he
for Peter. serves God, including any encouragement
when it feels difficult to keep going.
Does my sin define me?
Read John 21:15-17.
M Peter messed up big time. He sinned
against God and denied Jesus three
times, and yet God forgave and restored
him. As a follower of Jesus, you’re
still going to mess up. But even when
we sin, we can know that God has
already forgiven us through Jesus. As
followers of Jesus, we are secure in
our salvation. You will probably still sin
and need to confess that sin to God,
but there is nothing you can do to make
God stop loving you.
How do I keep going?
Read Acts 2:36-41.
M Peter could have run away and lived his
life as a fisherman again, ashamed by
his sin and hidden from the world. But

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SESSION 7 FAMILY GUIDE
How does God want to work through me?
I AM SIGNIFICANT Read Ephesians 2:7-10.
God cares about us and has created us for M Your life is significant and purposeful
good works. God says you are significant, because you are created in God’s image.
but not because of anything you do. You are He planned to work through you as part
significant and valuable because of who God of His bigger plan to point people to
says you are based on what Jesus already did Jesus. As believers, we get to join in
for you. You will hear lies that often tempt you God’s mission of sharing this good news
to believe you are insignificant, meaningless, with others. God convicts people of sin
small, invisible, or inconsequential. But God and leads them to repentance in faith. In
says you are significant, you are loved, and His grace, He allows us to be part of the
you are deeply wanted. There is nothing process by proclaiming His truth
you can do or did do to earn His love, but to others.
He loves you all the same. When you were
still dead in your sin and running far away DISCUSS
from God, He sent Jesus to die for you. (See
M The enemy often tempts people to find
Romans 5:8.) You are saved by grace through
their significance in things around them
faith in Jesus. Nothing you do, have done, or
or other people. What ways have you
will ever do changes God’s love for you.
seen people try and find their identities
in something other than God?
Key Verse: Ephesians 2:10 M Why is it important to share the gospel
Key Passage: Ephesians 2:1-10 with people who have not trusted in
Jesus yet? In what ways can your family
STUDY better reflect Jesus to your friends and
neighbors?
What defines my life before trusting Jesus?
M When you do good works, are you
Read Ephesians 2:1-3.
doing them to point people to God or
M Without Jesus, people who live
to draw attention to yourself? What’s the
according to the ways of the world aim
difference? Why is it important to point
to please themselves, not God. Because
people to God?
of broken identities in sin, all people are
defined by their wrong choices, actions,
and motivations. We were disobedient
PRAY
children who followed after Satan in Pray for missionaries who share Jesus with
rebelling against God. Because of our people in other parts of the world. Pray that
sin we were under the just wrath of God God would show your families opportunities
for our disobedience. But, we know that this week to share about Jesus with someone
God did not leave us there! who may not know Him.
What defines my life because of Jesus?
Read Ephesians 2:4-6.
GLOBAL RESEARCH
M God made you alive, even though you Research a different area of the world.
were dead in your sin because of His Explore more about the people who live
great love for you. God looked at you in there, including the foods they like to eat, the
your sin and said you are significant and holidays they celebrate, and the ways they
wanted. He set you apart to be part of often worship. Create reminders to place
His purpose and plan to point others around your home to pray for the people who
to Jesus. live in that area to come to know Jesus.

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SESSION 8 FAMILY GUIDE
sometimes we can feel nervous or
I AM CALLED uncomfortable. In addition to giving
As believers, we are called to live on the Great Commission, Jesus also gave
mission and share the gospel with those the disciples a promise. He promised to
who do not believe in Jesus. Living out always be with them. Telling others the
our faith by telling others about Jesus isn’t good news about Jesus can be scary at
always easy, but it is always worth it! Just like first, but remember, you are never alone!
someone loved you enough to tell you what is Jesus promised to always be with you
true about you, you are called to love others and help you.
in the same way.
DISCUSS
Key Verse: Matthew 28:19-20 M What is God’s mission and how do you
Key Passages: Matthew 28:16-20; fulfill it? Are there places you go where
Mark 16:15-16; John 20:21 you can meet people who are not
trusting in Jesus?
M What do you say when you tell people
STUDY about Jesus?
What Is My Calling? M How should you respond when
Read Matthew 28:16-20. someone says he does not want to hear
M These verses are often referred to as the about Jesus?
Great Commission. Before Jesus went
back to heaven, He gave His disciples
a commission or a command. Jesus
PRAY
told His followers to make disciples of Pray for opportunities to tell people about
all nations. God’s mission is to restore Jesus. Pray for the courage to be an effective
all of creation, including people, from disciple who looks for opportunities to share
the brokenness of sin. Jesus now the gospel with others.
commissioned His followers to continue
God’s mission of reconciliation. LUNCH NOTES
How Do I Carry Out God’s Mission? Write an encouraging note to place in your
Read Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-16. child’s lunch. Remind her that she is called
M In these verses, Jesus again tells His a disciple of Jesus and that He is with her
disciples to preach the gospel, to wherever she goes. Pray for missionaries and
tell people about their need for Him. opportunities to share about Jesus.
Joining God in His mission of making
disciples of all nations matters. It is
who God made you to be, but it is also
important for the people who don’t
trust in Jesus yet. God wants to use you
to teach others about who they are in
Jesus and their need for Him. Trusting
in Jesus means committing to live out
God’s calling to make disciples, more
followers of Jesus.
What If I don’t want to join God’s mission?
Read Matthew 28:20.
M When we start talking about what it
looks like to have conversations with
our friends and family about Jesus,

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SESSION 9 FAMILY GUIDE
The Holy Spirit helps me.
I HAVE THE GIFT OF THE Read John 14:22-25.
HOLY SPIRIT M Jesus is reminding the disciples that
every believer has direct access to God
Because we have trusted in Jesus to save the Father and the Son. One day Jesus
us, we have the Holy Spirit in us. This truth will return and make all things new and
gives us confidence as we live for Jesus and God’s people will dwell with Him forever.
point others to Him. The Holy Spirit cultivates Until then, the Holy Spirit helps us and
Christian character, comforting believers guides us as we glorify God and follow
and giving them spiritual gifts by which they His plan.
serve God. As you grow in your faith and
understand more of who God says you are,
be encouraged that you are never alone. God
DISCUSS
sent the Holy Spirit to every believer to help M What are some things the Holy Spirit has
and guide them as they learn more about taught you?
Jesus and live for Him. M How does the Holy Spirit help you view
the world?
Key Verse: John 14:26 M When you sin, how does the Holy Spirit
Key Passage: John 14:15-26 help you?

STUDY PRAY
Using the list of actions your preteen created
God sent the Holy Spirit. about the Holy Spirit (p. 71), take turns
Read John 14:15-17. praying one-sentence prayers expressing
M Jesus told the disciples God the Father appreciation to God for the Holy Spirit.
would send a Counselor (Spirit of truth)
to be with them forever. This was the
Holy Spirit. The disciples would not be
SECRET MESSAGES
able to physically see the Holy Spirit like Design special messages about the Holy Spirit
they could see Jesus, but they would for your family to solve. Invite each family
know the Holy Spirit was with them and member to share what the message means
would never leave them. to them.

Jesus made me promises.

Read John 14:18-21.
M Jesus said those who kept His
commandments were the ones who
loved Him. He explained that obedience
to Him was an indication of genuine love
for God. In our culture, we often meet
people who know about Jesus and the
Bible. We even know people who say
they believe in and love God, but the
evidence of their lives doesn’t match up
with what they say. While we can’t judge
a person’s intentions or relationship
with God, Jesus reminds His disciples
here that true transformation of identity
always leads to change of actions.

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SESSION 10 FAMILY GUIDE
How can I use my spiritual gift?
I HAVE SPIRITUAL GIFTS Read Ephesians 4:1-6.
FROM GOD M Paul reminded the believers that they
are called to unity. As they discover their
We have a responsibility to use our gifts, they are to use them to encourage
spiritual gifts to build up other believers and build up other believers, creating
and serve God. God has given each Christian unity. As a preteen you can use your gift
at least one spiritual gift. Spiritual gifts are to to help other believers.
be used for the building up of the church and
not to shine the spotlight on us. No spiritual
gift is more important than another, but each
DISCUSS
is important and purposeful for strengthening M Which spiritual gift(s) do you believe you
other believers in the faith. Paul compared have? Why?
the church to the body—every part of your M In what ways have you used your
body has a function, and every believer in spiritual gift(s)?
the church has a function. If one part does
not accomplish its purpose, the whole body M Why is it important to use your spiritual
suffers. gifts? What happens if people do not
use their gifts?

Key Verse: Romans 12:3 M Why should you have a humble attitude
when using your spiritual gift(s)?
Key Passages: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11,
1 Corinthians 12:27-31; Romans 12:1-8; PRAY
Ephesians 4:1-6,11-16
Using the list of spiritual gifts, pray for people
who demonstrate the gifts. Thank God for the
STUDY gifts He has given your family members.
Why Did God Give Spiritual Gifts? SHARE YOUR GIFTS
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11,27-31.
M There are different gifts, but they are Consider completing an online spiritual gifts
given by the Holy Spirit. The gifts inventory. Share your results with each other.
are given for a common purpose— Talk about the ways you see family members
strengthening the church. The Holy using their gifts.
Spirit is active in each of the spiritual
gifts. Each gift is important and needs
to serve its purpose in the church. The
church has many parts, and each part is
important and should fulfill its purpose.
What are some of the spiritual gifts?
Read Romans 12:1-8.
M Some of the spiritual gifts listed in this
passage are prophecy, service, teaching,
exhorting, giving, leading, and mercy.
If you are a Christian, you have at least
one spiritual gift. As you grow in your
relationship with God you will grow
more in your understanding of these
spiritual gifts.

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SESSION 11 FAMILY GUIDE
community of believers to encourage us
I AM NOT ALONE and push us toward Jesus.
In Christ, we are surrounded by a
community of faithful believers, the church, DISCUSS
that love and encourage us to follow and
M What are some ways people in your
obey God. God did not create people to
church encourage each other?
do life on their own. He created us to be in
relationship with Him and community with M How can your family be an encourager
those around us. God has given the gift of the to someone?
Holy Spirit to live in each believer, but He also M Why should your church correct
placed other Christians in our lives to help us someone when they do not live in ways
grow to look more like Jesus. As a Christian, that honor and glorify God?
you have a responsibility to help others grow
in their faith in discipleship. M What happens when people in
the church do not fulfill the
church’s purpose?
Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Key Passage: Ephesians 1:1-14 PRAY
Make a list of ten people in your church. Pray
STUDY specifically for each person. Write a note to
your pastor thanking him for his leadership.
Who is our foundation?
Read Ephesians 1:1-4. FAMILY MEAL
M We are called as believers to give
honor to God because of who He is. Invite one of the church staff members and his
Remember, God is our Creator. He is or her family to your home for a meal. Thank
where we look to determine what is true your church leader for the faithful commitment
about ourselves because He made us to helping the church fulfill its ministry.
and has all authority to determine what
is true about us.
Who does God call His church?
Read Ephesians 1:3-8.
M All of these statements reveal what
God says is true about His church.
We are adopted, chosen sons and
daughters, saved for God’s purpose,
redeemed, forgiven, and reconciled.
Knowing this is true of believers should
give us great comfort.
Who determines our hope?
Read Ephesians 1:11-14.
M Living in a world that is broken by sin
and with people who haven’t trusted in
Jesus yet can be difficult. We often see
the temptation to live like those around
us who don’t know God and chase after
things that will never fully satisfy our
hearts. But these verses remind us not to
give up and that we don’t have to grow
in our faith in isolation. We have a

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SESSION 12 FAMILY GUIDE
enemy is not physical, so your weapons
I AM EQUIPPED for fighting are not physical either. God
God has given us the armor of God to fight has given you truth, righteousness,
temptations and attacks from the enemy. peace, faith, salvation, His Word, and
God did not promise Christians that they prayer to fight the attacks of the enemy.
would never face temptations or struggles, He also has given you the Holy Spirit
but He provided them spiritual armor to who lives inside of you. You can stand
face the battles in life. In Ephesians 6, Paul firm against the attacks of the enemy
wrote about the armor God, spiritual tools because you can depend on God and
to use in spiritual battles. From the helmet of His strength as you fight.
salvation to the sandals of peace, God equips
His followers to be prepared to face spiritual DISCUSS
warfare. We can stand firm against any attack
M How can you remind yourself to put on
or temptation because our identity and
the armor of God?
confidence rests in God.
M How is your life different when you put
on the armor?
Key Verse: Ephesians 6:11
Key Passage: Ephesians 6:10-18 M When was the last time you recognized
that you were in a spiritual battle
against temptation?
STUDY M When you face temptations, how does
The Battle the spiritual armor help you?
Read Ephesians 6:10.
M When you face spiritual attacks or PRAY
temptations to sin, remember you Using the list of spiritual armor (p. 96), pray,
have the Holy Spirit inside you. The thanking God for the armor He provided to
God who is in you is stronger than the help us fight against spiritual enemies.
enemy against you. (See 1 John 4:4.) We
don’t fight spiritual battles in our own COMPARE/CONTRAST
strength. We must depend on God and
His strength to give us everything we Compare spiritual armor with armor used
need to fight the enemy. by military personnel today. If you know
someone who served in the military, visit with
The Enemy her and ask her to describe the armor.
Read Ephesians 6:11-13.
M Paul advised believers to put on the
full armor of God. This armor isn’t a
physical armor. Paul used this metaphor
to help believers think about preparing
for spiritual battle. People who don’t
know Jesus and think differently about
spiritual things than we do are not our
enemy. They are our mission field. We
can’t forget who our real enemy is when
the battle feels difficult.
The Armor
Read Ephesians 6:14-18.
M You have a spiritual enemy who wants
to keep from fulfilling God’s mission for
your life, but you have everything you
need to stand firm in your faith. Your

124 • FORGED: FAITH REFINED, VOL.2: IDENTITY

SESSION 13 FAMILY GUIDE
ambassadors we are called to join
I AM ON MISSION God in His mission of pointing people
We have everything we need to live on to Jesus.
mission for God. God does not expect us to
know everything about Him before we live out DISCUSS
our calling as His ambassadors, but He does
M In what ways has God equipped you to
call us to be faithful and to trust Him. God
tell people about Jesus? (He has given
has placed you in the family you are in, in the
you the Holy Spirit.)
school you are in, next to the neighbors you
live by all for His good plan and purpose. You M Why does God want you to tell people
are valuable to God because you are made in about Jesus? (So they can have a
His image. He wants to work through you to relationship with Him.)
point many people to Jesus. M Where can your family fulfill this mission?

Key Verse: Acts 1:8 PRAY

Key Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Pray for courage for each member of your
family to share her faith with someone
this week.
STUDY
New Creation LUNCH NOTES
Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-17. Write an encouraging note to place on your
M Paul states that everyone who has child’s mirror or in her backpack. Remind her
trusted in Jesus is a new creation. that she is called an ambassador of Jesus
Because we have been reconciled to and that He is with her wherever she goes.
God through Jesus, our old identities Pray for missionaries and their effectiveness
of sin and brokenness are removed. in ministry.
Instead, God gives us a new identity
as His children and calls us to live for
Him. As we consider who God calls
us to be and how we live for Him, we
must remember the foundation for our
identity is built on who God says we are.
Reconciled to God
Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.
M Reconcile means the removal of iniquity
and restoration between God and
people. When we trust in Jesus and God
calls us new creations, He also removes
our trespasses (sins) and gives us the
gift of reconciliation. God restores our
relationship with Him when we trust in
Jesus for salvation.
Ambassadors
Read 2 Corinthians 5:20-21.
M An ambassador is a person who acts
as a representative. As believers, we
represent God to the people around
us by reflecting Him to the world and
sharing what is true about Him. As

FORGED: FAITH REFINED, VOL.2: IDENTITY • 125

 GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS
Adoption (n.): to become part of a family; God calls believers adopted
children of God (Ephesians 1:5, Galatians 4:5)
Ambassador (n.): person who acts as a representative (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Atonement (n.): the work of Jesus to cover or cancel sin; Jesus made
atonement for our sins when He died on the cross (Hebrews 2:17)
Commission (n.): an instruction, command, or duty given to a person or
group of people; Jesus gave the Great Commission to His followers
(Matthew 28:19-20)
Condemnation (n.): to find someone guilty of wrong and deserving of
justice and punishment (Romans 5:16)
Counselor (n.): another name for the Holy Spirit (John 14:26)
Creation (n.): the perfect world that God created; God created the entire
universe out of nothing for His glory (Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:16)
Demons (n.): angels who sinned against God and who now continually work
evil in the world; Demons are limited to God’s control and can be successfully
resisted by Christians through the authority that Jesus gives them (James 4:7)
Discipleship (n.): the process of faithfully following Jesus and pointing
others to Him (2 Timothy 2:2)
Endurance (n.): the ability or strength to continue despite fatigue, stress, or
struggle (Romans 5:4)
Glory (n.): great honor or praise given to God (Psalm 19:1)
Grace (n.): God giving us what we do not deserve (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Holy Spirit (n.): the third Person of the Trinity; believers receive the Holy
Spirit when they trust in Jesus for salvation (Acts 2:38)
Identity (n.): who a person is in relation to what God says is true about him
(Ephesians 2:1-10)
Image of God (n.): all people are created like God in some ways to
represent and reflect God in the world (Genesis 1:27)
Justification (n.): the truth that when God says that our sins are forgiven,
we are made righteous (Romans 5:18)
Mercy (n.): God not giving us what we deserve (Ephesians 2:4-5)

126
Parable (n.): a story told to help people understand a concept; Jesus told
parables to help people understand more about God and His kingdom
(Luke 15:1-32)
Perseverance (n.): steady persistence in a course of action despite
difficulties or discouragement (Ephesians 6:18)
Purpose (n.): The reason something is done or created
(Ephesians 2:10)
Reconcile (v.): the removal of iniquity and restoration between God and
people (Matthew 5:24; Romans 5:10)
Reconciliation (n.): the doctrine of salvation that refers to God ending the
broken relationship, caused by sin, between God and us (2 Corinthians 5:18)
Redemption (n.): God’s work to release believers from the consequences
of sin when they trust in Jesus (John 1:13; 1 Peter 1:23; Titus 3:5)
Satan (n.): the personal name of the head of the demons; Satan is limited
by God’s control and has limited power (Job 1:6,12; 2:6)
Sin (v.): to think, say, or behave in any way that goes against God and His
commands (Genesis 4:7)
Spiritual blessings (n.): the unique blessings God gives to all believers
(Ephesians 1:3-6)
Spiritual gifts (n.): Unique gifts given by the Holy Spirit to every Christian
to build up other believers and serve God (Romans 12:1-8)
Spiritual warfare (n.): the doctrine that spiritual enemies (Satan and
demons) are working in the hearts and minds of people to confuse, tempt,
and entice them away from God (2 Corinthians 4:4)
Tabernacle (n.): a large, portable tent the Israelites made according to
God’s instructions; the tabernacle is where God met with His people
(Exodus 25:9)
Temptation (n.): the urge or attraction to sin and disobey God
(Luke 22:40)
Testimony (n.): a believer’s faith story of salvation in Jesus and how Jesus
changed his or her life (John 3:33)
Workmanship (n.): the work of God’s masterful creativity (Ephesians 2:10)
Works (n.): right actions that give evidence of genuine faith and
transformation that has occurred in the life of a believer (Matthew 5:16)

FORGED: FAITH REFINED • 127

 SPIRITUAL GIFTS INDEX
Administration: guiding people in tasks related to God’s mission by
understanding the goals needed to accomplish the goals
Discernment: knowing with confidence if what someone is saying and
doing is from God
Encouragement: encouraging others with God’s Word when they
are struggling
Evangelism: sharing with people who aren’t trusting in Jesus how to
become a Christian
Faith: believing God’s promises and having confidence in fulfilling
God’s will
Giving: cheerfully and willingly giving possessions, money, and time to
those who need it
Helps: working with other people so they can use their spiritual gifts
Hospitality: welcoming people into your life and even into your home
when they need a place to stay and food to eat
Knowledge: gaining deep insights and a better understanding of
the Bible
Leadership: giving godly direction and guidance so people can work
together to accomplish certain goals
Mercy: Expressing sympathy to comfort people who are hurting
Prophecy: proclaiming the words of God with boldness and confidence
Pastor/Shepherd: guiding, protecting, nurturing, and leading a group
of Christians into spiritual growth
Service: helping with the ministries in the church so they fulfill
their purpose
Teaching: communicating biblical truths to help people learn and
understand the Bible
Wisdom: useful understanding and discernment of Bible truths and how
to apply them

128
 THEN GOD SAID, “LET US MAKE
MAN IN OUR IMAGE, ACCORDING
TO OUR LIKENESS. THEY WILL FOR IT IS GOD WHO IS
RULE THE FISH OF THE SEA,
THE BIRDS OF THE SKY, THE
WORKING IN YOU BOTH
LIVESTOCK, THE WHOLE EARTH, TO WILL AND TO WORK
AND THE CREATURES THAT ACCORDING TO HIS GOOD
CRAWL ON THE EARTH.” SO
GOD CREATED MAN IN HIS OWN PURPOSE.
IMAGE; HE CREATED HIM IN THE
IMAGE OF GOD; HE CREATED
PHILIPPIANS 2:13
THEM MALE AND FEMALE.

1
GENESIS 1:26-27 2

THEREFORE, THERE IS NOW NO

FOR THE WAGES OF SIN CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN
IS DEATH, BUT THE GIFT CHRIST JESUS, BECAUSE THE
OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN
IN CHRIST JESUS OUR CHRIST JESUS HAS SET YOU
LORD. FREE FROM THE LAW OF SIN
AND DEATH.
ROMANS 6:23
ROMANS 8:1-2
3 4

FOR I AM PERSUADED THAT

IN HIM WE HAVE REDEMPTION NEITHER DEATH NOR LIFE, NOR
THROUGH HIS BLOOD, ANGELS NOR RULERS, NOR
THE FORGIVENESS OF OUR THINGS PRESENT NOR THINGS
TRESPASSES, ACCORDING TO COME, NOR POWERS, NOR
TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE HEIGHT NOR DEPTH, NOR ANY
THAT HE RICHLY POURED OUT OTHER CREATED THING WILL
ON US WITH ALL WISDOM AND BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US
UNDERSTANDING. FROM THE LOVE OF GOD THAT
IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.
EPHESIANS 1:7-8
ROMANS 8:38-39
5 6
 GO, THEREFORE, AND MAKE
FOR WE ARE HIS DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS,
WORKMANSHIP, CREATED BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF
THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND
IN CHRIST JESUS FOR OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, TEACHING
GOOD WORKS, WHICH THEM TO OBSERVE EVERYTHING
GOD PREPARED AHEAD OF I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. AND
TIME FOR US TO DO. REMEMBER, I AM WITH YOU
ALWAYS, TO THE END OF THE AGE.
EPHESIANS 2:10
MATTHEW 28:19-20
7 8

BUT THE COUNSELOR, FOR BY THE GRACE GIVEN TO

THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHOM ME, I TELL EVERYONE AMONG
THE FATHER WILL SEND YOU NOT TO THINK OF
IN MY NAME, WILL HIMSELF MORE HIGHLY THAN
TEACH YOU ALL THINGS HE SHOULD THINK. INSTEAD,
AND REMIND YOU OF THINK SENSIBLY, AS GOD HAS
DISTRIBUTED A MEASURE OF
EVERYTHING I HAVE
FAITH TO EACH ONE.
TOLD YOU.
ROMANS 12:3
JOHN 14:26
9 10

THEREFORE ENCOURAGE PUT ON THE FULL

ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD ARMOR OF GOD SO
EACH OTHER UP AS YOU THAT YOU CAN STAND
ARE ALREADY DOING. AGAINST THE SCHEMES
OF THE DEVIL.
1 THESSALONIANS 5:11
EPHESIANS 6:11

11 12
 BUT YOU WILL RECEIVE
POWER WHEN THE HOLY
SPIRIT HAS COME ON
YOU, AND YOU WILL
BE MY WITNESSES IN
JERUSALEM, IN ALL JUDEA
AND SAMARIA, AND TO
THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.
ACTS 1:8
13
STOKING THE FIRE...
Who am I? What’s my purpose? How can I deal with
the struggles in my life? These questions are at the
forefront of the minds of many preteens today. Much
of your world is changing, and your identity is being
challenged by your friends and the world around you.
As believers, we need to be reminded that our identity
is found first and foremost in who God has created us
to be. Join us as we discover what the Bible teaches us
about true identity and more.

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