THE ONLY WAY TO FAITHFULLY WALK WITH CHRIST IS TO HOLD ON TO HIS WORD. 

SCRIPTURE | Proverbs 4:10-27 

CENTRAL TRUTH 

Guarding our heart requires intentional action on our part. Our hearts aren’t protected if we’re passive. We must set some godly boundaries to protect our heart because it’s the source of life (v. 23). We guard our heart when we are selective about what has access to it. We don’t give anything access to our heart that could lead us away from the Lord. 

KEY QUESTION 

WHAT DO YOU THINK IT LOOKS LIKE TO GUARD YOUR HEART? 

KEEP IN MIND 

Some of your students may struggle with guilt and shame from getting off course in their relationship with God. If they’re not careful, some of them let this become a permanent state instead of a slip up. There’s a difference. We all sin because our lives here are a constant battle between our flesh and the Spirit living within us (Gal. 5:17). At times, though, we stop battling. Instead of confessing, repenting, and moving forward, we sit down and give up. We decide that because we’ve stumbled, trying again is pointless. This isn’t how God wants us or our students to think. His Word gives us instructions about sin and stumbling because He remembers we are dust (Ps. 103:14). When our students sin, they don’t have to let it become a pattern. God has equipped them with what they need to fight against sin and Satan (Eph. 6:10-18). 

APPLICATION 

INSTEAD OF COMPLETELY AVOIDING THE EVIL PATH (V. 15), WHAT DO WE TYPICALLY DO? WHY DO WE THINK IT’S SAFE TO STEP ONTO THIS PATH? 

THE WIN 

FOR THE STUDENT: Students often stray because they worry they’re missing out. They can trust God’s instructions to them. He isn’t withholding anything from them. He’s directing them toward life and light and away from “the darkest gloom” (Prov. 4:19). 

FOR THE LEADER: Even as leaders, we must never stop guarding our hearts (Prov. 4:23); this command doesn’t expire. May you be reminded of that truth as you prepare to teach this week and as you lead your students.