Leader Guide

Objective
Students will recognize the need to live according to the Spirit instead of the flesh and learn how to do so.

Warm Up
Tic-Tac-Toe Relay- Clear a large enough area for a relay race. Using masking tape or hula hoops, create a 3x3 Tic-Tac-Toe board on the floor on one end of the space.

Divide students into two teams and line them up on the other end of the space. Give each team 3 objects of the same color (bean bags, t-shirts, wash cloths, or even socks will work).

On “GO” the first player from each team will run to the board and drop their object in an unoccupied space. When they return, the second player will do the same, and then the third player will follow suit.

Beginning with the fourth player, players may move one of their team’s objects to any unoccupied space. First team to get 3-in-a-row wins!

Transition
After letting students get a drink, head back to meeting area.

• How easy was it in making the first decision on where to place your marker?
• Did you go for placing it where you thought you could win or to try and stop the other team from winning?
• Have you ever experienced a time when you had to decide between what you thought you wanted and what you actually needed? What happened?

The Video
As we watch the music video for “Supernatural” by Trip Lee, think about the choices he mentions.

• What were some of the seemingly obvious good choices or desires?
• What things get in the way of those good choices or desires?

Transition
Share about a time when you struggled with choosing between what you desired and what you knew was right for you. If possible, share two stories: 1 failure and 1 success.

Bible Study
Give a quick refresher on who the Apostle Paul is.

If possible, break into small groups of guys and girls and have them discuss these questions.

After some time, gather the groups back together and ask them to share some of their insights.

Read Romans 7:14-20

• What’s the difference between God’s Word and us?
• What does Paul say about the struggle he has in life and its implications?
• What are some examples of this struggle that students deal with today?

Read Romans 7:21-25

• Have you ever felt the struggle that Paul spoke about? When? Where?
• Paul speaks very clearly about two residing powers within him. What are they called and how can one recognize them?
• Where or to whom should our focus be for a solution?

Read Ephesians 6:10-20

• What does it mean to be watchful? (be alert or on guard)
• What should we watch in our Christian walk?
• How can we be watchful of supernatural things?

Wrap Up
In “Supernatural” and Romans 7 we see the struggle between our sinful nature and that of following Jesus. In the end, the solution is to accept the reality of the struggle, and a continued thankful focus on Jesus as the solution.

Pray for your students asking God to protect them from the enemy’s attacks, help them to remain watchful, and strengthen them for any battles they might face.

Playlist
This song is featured on “The Linc: Spiritual 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 on the web version of this study.