Salvation; Redemption

 

Students will demonstrate a new understanding of the power of redemption through Christ by writing a statement expressing how they have experienced redemption, what it has done in their lives, and how they can use their experience to help others.

 

Before the session, prepare index cards (enough for every student to have one) with various lifestyle issues written on them (e.g. alcohol addict, drug addict, crooked politician, dishonest business person, unfaithful spouse, rapist, murderer, etc.) as well as a stack of index cards with the word “redeemed” on them (again, enough for every student). Enlist one student to be the “redemption agent” and have them put all of the “redeemed” cards in a pocket before the other students arrive.

 

As students arrive, give each of them one of the lifestyle cards and tell them they are taking on the character of a person with that characteristic but they can trade cards with other students if they like. Every time a student trades with the “redemption agent”, he/she will give that student a “redeemed” card and put the other card in an envelope. Be sure to let the “redemption agent” know not to tell other students of his/her character.

 

Give enough time for most but not all of the students to be redeemed. This will depend on the size of your group. After you call time, have students write in the “Redeemed” section of the worksheet the lifestyle card they had, whether or not they were redeemed, and how that made them feel.

 

Debrief by asking the redeemed students how they felt when they got rid of the lifestyle. Also ask if they told others where to get a “redeemed” card, and why or why not.

 

In an interview, Jason said; “‘Smile’ is pretty much what the lyrics say. ‘He can take all our problems, make us all shiny and new.’ No matter what we have done we can be redeemed through Christ.” As students listen to the song, have them write responses in the Make Me Smile section of the Student Guide.

 

• Discuss:

• What makes him smile?

• What makes him shine?

 

This song and video are focused on some pretty extreme life situations that most of us are not facing. However, as we look at some Scriptures about redemption, we will see that Christ’s promise covers every variety of sin and harmful habit.

Have students look up Titus 2:11-14 in their Bibles and ask for a volunteer to read those verses aloud while the others follow along. Have them answer the questions in The Word section of the Student Guide.

• What has the grace of God brought? v.11a (Salvation)

• For whom? v.11b (All people)

• How does that promise to change us? v.12 (Eliminate ungodliness and empowers us to live godly lives.)

• What are we anticipating? v.13 (Christ’s return)

• What makes this possible? v.14 (Jesus gave Himself to redeem us and purify us for Himself)

• Does that realization make you smile?

• Is it news worth sharing?

 

Have students write about their experience of redemption and how God might use their experience to share the good news of redemption with people they know in similar situations. Be sure to let students know that if they have not had this experience yet, you will be available after the session to talk with them. Close in prayer.