Christ-Centered Bible Studies for Kids, Students and Adults

Weekly Leader Training for Students: Unit 29, Session 4—The Spirit Empowers

| Alecia Bryant

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, guides us toward truth, and leads us to know Jesus more.


Scripture: John 16:7-14; Romans 8:12-17; 1 Corinthians 2:14    

Central Truth

God always convicts us to do what lines up with His character and nature. The Holy Spirit grips our hearts to do things, to stop doing things, and to honor the Father with our lives.

Key Question

How can having our sin brought to light be a gift? Why is it dangerous to leave our sin in the dark?

Keep in Mind

You may have students struggling with secret sin. In fact, it’s highly likely. They would rather keep it private than risk shame or judgement. If they struggle with this long enough on their own, they may even begin to pull back from meeting with your group. They may feel conviction, but they don’t know what to do with it. Having our sin exposed is a gift. When our sin is brought into the light, we can deal with it. We can confess, repent, and turn toward godly living. But when we allow our sin to remain in the dark, it gains power over us. We allow feelings of shame to keep us in the dark, and usually this leads us to make more bad decisions. The light is a gift. Conviction through the Holy Spirit draws us closer to Jesus and frees us from the bondage of sin. 

APPLICATION

What steps can you take to prevent falling back into old patterns of sin?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: Accountability with another believer is an important tool in helping students stay on the right track. These are people they can trust to speak up when they are slipping. God’s Word commands us to do this for one another (see Gal. 6:1-2). Encourage students to seek out someone to hold them accountable when they’re tempted to revert to old sin. 

FOR THE LEADER: Accountability is good for the soul. We need it just as badly as our students. If you don’t currently have someone to hold you accountable, pray about this. Ask God to send someone to you. This is an important tool for us as leaders to also remain faithful in seeking God. Having our own accountability helps us to hear wisdom from someone else seeking Jesus too. 

About Alecia Bryant

Alecia Bryant is the Publishing Team Lead for The Gospel Project for Students. She enjoys studying God's Word, leading worship, and traveling. Alecia and her husband live in Louisiana, with their two children and a goofy golden retriever. In her free time, you can probably catch her at a local Mexican restaurant eating chips and salsa with her family.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Johnny Garner says

    The Leader Guide often refers to Doctrine Video, however I have never found it listed at gospelproject.lifeway.com/students.

    Also, is there a more indept background study available for teachers. The Leader Guide seems to be just that a discussion guide.

    • Alecia Bryant says

      Hi Johnny! Those Essential Doctrine videos are available for separate purchase here: https://www.lifeway.com/en/searchpage.html?prod.taxonomy.lwc%5Bquery%5D=essential%20doctrine%20video

      The Leader Guide provides extra commentary for Leaders as they prepare to study. However, when The Gospel Project starts back in Genesis in the Fall ’24, we are going to include more background context with each lesson! It will include information about the author, the original audience, the historical culture, and so on. So be on the lookout for that exciting addition! Please reach out to me if you have any further questions. We’re excited about where The Gospel Project is headed! [email protected]