Leader Guide

Theme
Evangelism; Witnessing

Objective
Students will be reminded to be a witness for Christ in all that they do and in all circumstances.

Warm Up
As the students arrive, have these questions printed or looping on a video screen. Encourage the students to answer them individually or in groups.
• What is a witness?
• Can a person always be a witness in all circumstances?
• How difficult is being a witness amid so many false ideas and religious opinions?

Transition
Ask the students to focus on the calling that is placed on their life as a messenger of Christ.

The Video
Show the video.

Transition
Ask, “What is a messenger called upon to do?”

Bible Study
1 John 2:18-19 – Have you left the church to follow others, or are you a messenger for Christ?
• “It is the last hour.” This is the only time this phrase occurs in the New Testament. How important is it to be a messenger in this “last hour”?
• The fact that the antichrists have come proves that the last hour had begun. Some people in the church followed the antichrists, leaving the church. Have you left God to follow those who are not of Him? Do those who are labeled “antichrist” have a stronger hold on this world than those of us who are believers?

1 John 2:20-23 – You have been anointed by the Spirit to be a messenger. You have been given the truth to embrace and to share.
• Being a messenger means that you need to be willing to share your story. What is the beginning of your story? How did Christ change your life?
• How will you share your story when you encounter the “nonbeliever”? When you encounter a false teacher, will you be able to defend the Lord of your life?

1 John 2:24-26 – John teaches us how to cope with false teachings. We must remain in what we have been taught. John challenges us to hold fast to the tried and true Word of God. Then, we can rest in the promise of eternal life.
• How important is it for you to “abide” in Him?
• What is your reward/blessing when you “abide” in Him?
• The issue is reassurance in face of false teaching. False teaching causes doubt about our salvation; true teaching based on God’s Word reassures us of our salvation. How are you reminded of God’s assurances?

Wrap Up
Show the video again. Encourage the students to think of ways that they can put into practice the applications from this lesson. This week, consider ways to:
• Show your love for God by loving others and by obeying his commandments.
• Not allow personal desires, possessions, or pride to get in the way of your love for God and others.
• Hold fast to the conviction that Jesus is the divine Son of God.
• Not allow anyone to lure you from your Christian faith.