IDOLATRY LEADS US TO IMITATE THE WORLD AROUND US INSTEAD OF CHRIST. 

SCRIPTURE | 1 Kings 12:25-33; 14:21-26 

CENTRAL TRUTH 

Who we follow matters greatly. When we follow Christ, He always leads us to the Father. He also points us toward faithful obedience. He is the only One we should follow in all things. 

KEY QUESTION 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT WHO YOU’RE FOLLOWING? 

KEEP IN MIND 

Many students may not think about who they’re becoming because they’re too wrapped up in the present. Maybe they’re growing spiritually and making godly choices. Maybe they’ve walked away from sin that used to hold them hostage. They can look back and see how much knowing Jesus has transformed their daily lives. On the other hand, some of your students may feel ashamed of who they’re becoming. Some of them can’t believe the choices they’re making or how far they’ve fallen. They’ve chosen to imitate the world, and in doing so, they’ve become just like the world. They may not know how to get back. But the truth is that God hasn’t left them. They can repent and return to Him. They’re not too far gone because if they’re His children—if they’ve placed their faith in Christ for salvation—then they’re still His children. We can remind them of this and challenge them to take steps toward God through confession and repentance. 

APPLICATION 

WHAT DID IMITATING PAGAN NATIONS COST GOD’S PEOPLE? WHAT DOES IT COST US TO FOLLOW THE WORLD? 

THE WIN 

FOR THE STUDENT: When students choose to sin and serve themselves, they open themselves up to oppression. Sin takes, enslaves, robs, and destroys. But our students can choose another way! They can choose to imitate our Savior instead of the world around them.