Break the ice
What is a strange habit that you have (for example, collecting something strange, drinking too much Dr. Pepper, eating the same thing every day)?
Small group questions
- What bad habits or addictions do you see the people around you facing today?
- Read James 1:13. How do our bad habits ultimately harm and destroy us?
13And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong,[1] and he never tempts anyone else.
Translation notes (1)
- 1:13 Or God should not be put to a test by evil people.
3. Read Psalm 32:3. How is hiding our bad habits or addictions harmful to us?
3When I refused to confess my sin,
my body wasted away,
and I groaned all day long.
4. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. What hope do we have from these verses as we think about fighting against our bad habits and addictions?
13The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
- What are some practical ways we can “take every thought captive” like we are called to do in 2 Corinthians 10:5?
- We talked about several different ways to act against our bad habits: Be honest with yourself, be honest with God, take it one day at a time, be honest with someone who will hold you accountable. Which of these steps do you think is the hardest when it comes to dealing with your bad habits or addictions. Why?
- Pick one of those 4 steps to work toward this week. Share it with your group. Next week, talk with your group about how it went!
Moving forward
If we keep our bad habits or addictions in secret, we will never find our way out of them. (Each leader needs to have 3 x 5 cards). Let the group know that you want to give them some time to think about a bad habit they want to pray for and then have them write it down. If they want help with it, have them put their name and then ask them to give it back to their leader. Each leader needs to be ready to care and assess the needs of that person who is hurting. Here are some suggestions:
●If it is a normal teenage issue, but not deeply concerning (not drugs, alcohol, porn, sexuality, suicidal, or hurting themselves), commit to praying for them and reaching out to them during this week.
●If it is one of those other things or a matter that you as a leader are concerned about, let your student director or pastor know about the situation to come up with appropriate Next Steps. Pray for them in the coming week and reach out to them.
●If the opportunity opens up, thank the student for being open and honest. If they come from a home where they feel safe, encourage them to talk to their parents about what is going on.
Close your time together in prayer at the end. If they have cards they want to give to you, collect them and then take action. We are praying for you as a leader in navigating these delicate conversations.
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