The object of this lesson is for students to understand that living a life for Christ will not be easy due to the battle that rages between our old sinful nature and our new nature in Christ. It won’t be easy, but it is well worth it.

 

Balloon Stomp – This is old-school but very applicable. Tie a balloon to every student’s leg – for more popping fun, tie one to both legs. The object of the game is to pop everyone else’s balloon while protecting your own. The last person with an intact balloon wins. Provide a prize that makes winning worth it.

 

What was the ultimate objective of that game? It was to keep your balloon(s) from getting popped while trying to win and be the champion of your group so that all may be envious of your competition greatness.

 

Play the video of “Panic Room” by Disciple.

 

In the game we played earlier, the point was to look out for yourself – regardless. It was for you to succeed and reap the reward of winning. The world teaches us that being the best, having the most, and being king of the mountain is the ultimate goal in life. But there is more to life than just conquering everything.

 

In this song, you hear the inward struggle of a life motivated by self – a sinful life. Playing by their own rules, a kingdom of their own, and a castle where they can get rich are thoughts that are all motivated by self and disregard for others. As the song progressed, you see the desire to flip the script and unlearn those things that the world has taught us. By the third verse, you hear the desire to avoid sinful things and stop getting trapped by sin.

 

The movement in this song looks very much like that of someone becoming a believer. We have all been there – where all we care about is ourselves, regardless of what we are doing. At some point, though, we are introduced to the Gospel message of Christ. Once we choose to follow Him, the spiritual battle begins. We constantly wrestle with sinful, selfish desires, and living a life that glorifies Christ.

 

The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 that even though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. Ephesians 6:11-17 tells us to suit up in the armor of God because our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against evil. Once you become a believer, Satan wants to do everything in his power to destroy your witness for Christ, your ability to reach others and to do good. Most of all, he wants to destroy your confidence in Christ as Savior.

 

All of that sounds overwhelming and daunting, but the great news of the Gospel is that although we will fight daily to choose Christ over the world, the ultimate fight is not ours to fight. John 16:37 says that although we will experience suffering in this world, Christ has conquered the world. He has conquered sin, death, and hell. We have victory because He is the victor. Christ as our Savior means that He won whatever battles He fought so that we too can enjoy that victory.

 

This song is featured on “The Linc: Spirtual Warfare” Spotify playlist – which is the perfect way to remind your students what you’ve taught them in this session. To share it with them, click the live link