How to use the character studies?
First of all, explain the purpose of the character studies to the teenager if you are using the studies to build their character before they
begin the First principle series. The teenager needs to be displaying a conscious effort and progress toward maturity.
In studying with the teenager, it is essential that you, as a leader, allow the teenager to answer the question. The draw their hearts out by allowing them to respond
Proverbs 20:5
The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
After they have responded add what you see also important and continue to ask stimulating questions to be sure they understand. Have a conviction that shallow and generic responses are unacceptable. When you have a question an example of shallow responses is, "I don't know the answer". Ask them if they would like to know and help them to search for the answer. Examples of generic responses are "I need to obey " and "because God say so," "The Bible," etc.
Ask them why they need to obey, why God say so, and continue to ask these types of questions until you have truly drawn their hearts out. Help them to see that a relationship with god is not knowing the right information or doing things " because I have to ". Rather out of a sincerely loving relationship between teen and god they should want to do what God ask. They need to obey out of willing spirit through an over flow of their personal love for god.
Acts 13:22
After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'
At the end of each study we've asked that teenager write a one page essay on what they've learned from the study. We've asked that
the teenager write a one-page essay to the next study for to you read. This will assist you in determining, how much the teen is learning and
how much they are connecting with god. It also helps draw out the teen hearts through their own words. Feel free to add your own scriptures,
discussion or examples to the studies to most effectively meet the needs of the teenage you are working with.
Pray at the end of the each study.
Finally, believe in each teen you are studying with - even when it takes months 9or years for them to connect with god in a heartfelt way. God word will not return to him empty
Isaiah 55:11
..so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
And each study will plant seeds which will help them develop a godly character.
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