Leader Guide

Theme
God’s Provision

Objective
Students will recognize that the Lord is their greatest need, and they will also learn that they can be used by God to fulfill others’ needs.

Warm Up
Needs – Students form teams of five. Give a list of items (such as water, hatchet, fire-starter, flare gun, first aid kit, knife, deodorant, rope, spear, tarp, canned food, generator, etc.) and ask the teams to choose three different items that would give them the best chance of survival in the rainforest. Give them a few minutes to discuss. Call on groups to discuss why they chose what they did. Then, ask them whether what they’d choose would be different if they were stranded in the desert—if so, what items would they change? Go over other scenarios such as: stranded in a rowboat; on a deserted island; lost in the arctic, etc.

Transition
Our needs oftentimes depend on our circumstances; if we have fresh water access, we wouldn’t need to choose it as one of our needs in that certain scenario. It is still a need, but we don’t really “need” to worry about access to it. However, regardless of any situation, our greatest need is Christ.

The Video
Explain to students that Lecrae’s “All I Need Is You” is a song that puts into perspective that all we really need in this life is Christ. Sometimes we get off track, but that’s one of the many reasons why we need Jesus. Play video.

Transition
Take a few minutes to have the students answer the questions from their “Lingering Lyrics” section on their Student Guide. Take a few minutes and go over what students wrote as their answers.

Bible Study
Have students read 1 Samuel 17:1-11, 32-51 and fill out the All I Need section on their handouts, and discuss the questions as well as their answers.
• Why was David so confident that he could take on Goliath?
• David refused to use what the average soldier “needs”—sword, armor, and spear. What was his greatest weapon? (His confidence and faith in God.)

Explain that the Lord always meets our needs and that no matter what we go through, He will never leave us. Discuss some of the basic needs that humans need—water, shelter, clothing, food—and then explain that no matter what the environment is around the world, God has made a way for humans to live there with these basic needs. In the desert, some cacti are edible and contain vital nutrients and fluids. Some trees/bushes can grow very large and can provide shelter capabilities, etc. In the mountains, animals can be hunted, and provide clothing options, and the snow can be packed in such a way to offer housing (look at the Eskimos). Read Luke 12:24 and Matthew 4:4.

Discuss:
• The first verse talks about physical needs; what does the second verse talk about?
• What is the difference between needs and wants?
• Can God use you to fulfill someone’s needs? How?

Wrap Up
God will always provide for our needs. Having the Lord on our side is our biggest weapon. Just as David had faith entering his battle, we too must have faith that God will supply our needs. What’s important to point out is the role we can play in fulfilling others’ needs. When you see someone in need of a coat, and you have five at home, you could be the blessing for that person who had been praying for one. Our Creator loves us, and that love drives the fulfillment of our needs. Have students fill out the Request section on their student handout, and then close in prayer.