LESSON 1

“The Best Version of Yourself”
“Knowing Your Creator”

TEACHER PREPARATION

Lesson Summary

Many teens are asking questions like, Who am I? and Why am I here? These questions can only be answered by our Creator, God. In today’s lesson, we will discover that our identity is rooted in our relationship with God. When we seek Him, we will find that He has a wonderful plan and purpose for our lives!

Scripture References

Jeremiah 1:5; 1 Corinthians 1:20; Matthew 7:7; Psalm 8:3–5; 103:5; 139:7, 13–14, 17–18; Ephesians 2:10; Acts 17:25, 28–30; Proverbs 2:3–8

Lesson Goals

  • Teens will recall that God created everything, including them, according to His good design in order to have a personal relationship with Him.
  • Teens will reflect on the Scriptures that speak the truth of how much God personally loves and values them.

Materials

  • Paper
  • Pencil or Pen
  • Book of Hope: A Better Way to Life
    Article: “The Best Version of Yourself” – page 1
    Article: “Knowing Your Creator” – pages 2–3

Additional Information

Teens often determine their identity by cultural traditions, family, friends, and the expectations they feel from people in those circles. Today’s lesson will help them define their identity according to their relationship with their Creator, God!

INSTRUCTION

WELCOME 🕒 20 MINUTES

Say: Welcome! Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring some of life’s hardest questions. As I pass out your books, look through them. Flip through the pages and preview the topics. Once you have looked through the book, go back to the table of contents. Put a mark next to the articles you are most excited to read. In your book, write about why you chose them. Add questions you have about these topics and do not be afraid to write down hard questions! You do not have to share your questions with the class.

TEACHING

Introduction: Write the focus question on the board: Who are you?

Ask:

How do you define yourself? Raise your hand and share the words you might use to talk about who you are. (Allow teens to respond. If they need help, start with words like, “daughter” or “schoolmate.” Write their answers around the focus question.)

Say:

Many of you used words describing the relationships you have with others, like: “son”, “sister” or “friend” or that you are a part of a tribe. You also added the things you do, like: “musician” or “soccer player.” And while all of these titles, interests and tribal names do shape you, the core of who you are is deeper. To find out who you truly are and how you should live, you need to look to the One who designed you: your Creator, God.

Say: Now, open your books to “The Best Version of Yourself” on page 1. Follow along as I read and underline anything that stands out to you.

Read:

“The Best Version of Yourself” on page 1 of the teen book out loud.

Ask:

  • What stood out to you as we read page 1? (Allow teens to respond.)
  • When you have big questions about life, where have you looked for answers? Why would it make sense to look to God for the answers?
    Answers should include: because God made me, He knows everything about me, He has a purpose for my life, the world’s wisdom is foolish, etc.
  • What does it mean to live wisely?
    Answers should include: to live according to God's design, in a personal relationship with Him.

Say:

The world has drifted a long way from God's wisdom, but there is good news: God promises that if you look for Him, you will find Him. Matthew 7:7 says, Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Say: Now, turn to the article, “Knowing Your Creator”, on page 2 in your books where we will learn more about who God is. As you take turns reading out loud to the class, follow along and circle words that show God’s love for you. Stop when you get to the Selfie Challenge.

Read:

Have teens take turns reading page 2, “Knowing Your Creator,” out loud. Do not have them read the “Selfie Challenge” section yet; it will be read at the end of the lesson.

Ask:

  • What words did you underline that show God’s love for you? (Allow teens to respond.)
  • What does this article tell you about how much God values you?
    God created amazing things like the moon and stars, but it is people that He crowns with glory and honour; He cares for you and He knit you together in your mother’s womb; He thinks of you constantly; He never leaves you alone.
  • What do you think it means that human beings are the masterpiece of God’s creation? (Answers will vary.)
  • After you read this page, how does it change how you see God and how He sees you? (Answers will vary.)

Say:

You had some really good answers to those questions. Let us discover what else we will learn as we continue on page 3; follow along as you take turns reading out loud to the class. Be sure to watch for who God is and what He does.

Read:

Have teens continue taking turns reading page 3 of “Knowing Your Creator” out loud.

CLOSING AND REFLECTION 🕒 10 MINUTES

Ask:

Do you ever feel like you do not matter or like you have to earn love? Look back to the words you underlined on page 2. God’s Word is clear. God made you on purpose. You are His work of art. He thinks about you constantly. He is always with you because He loves you.

(Optional Activity)

In the space provided, write a short prayer to God thanking Him for creating you with such care and being present with you always.

Prayer:


    God, thank you for your good design. You are the awesome Creator. Thank you for creating us with a purpose 
    and giving us an identity as your masterpiece. Forgive us for forgetting you and looking for satisfaction 
    in other places. Help us to seek you and grow to know you more as we read your Word, the Bible. 
    Help us to show your love to others. Amen.

Call to Action / Weekly Challenge

Say: Look at the “Selfie Challenge” on page 2 of your book. This week, post a selfie with creation, thanking God in the caption for His great work of art. Share the image on social media and use this hashtag: #ABetterWaytoLifeAfrica

If you do not have a cell phone or social media, give a meaningful comment to someone close to you.