WE’RE CALLED TO WALK IN THE BETTER WAY OF JESUS. 

SCRIPTURE | 1 Samuel 24:1-12,16-22 

CENTRAL TRUTH 

When our desires intersect with the right circumstances, we must pause and take it back to God’s Word. If our opportunity opposes what God has said, then we walk away from it. No matter what. 

KEY QUESTION 

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF LETTING CIRCUMSTANCES AND DESIRES GUIDE OUR DECISIONS? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THIS? 

KEEP IN MIND 

Students sometimes have a difficult time discerning God’s will, especially when circumstances seem to work out perfectly. They may assume that God must have sent any opportunity that easily arises. Many times in Scripture, people are presented with good opportunities, but if we examine them a little closer, we’ll see threads of dishonesty, greed, or pride woven throughout. We must push students to examine every opportunity that comes their way through the lens of God’s Word. They must learn to ask hard questions: Will doing this make me more like Jesus? Does it reflect how God wants me to live? Does it hurt someone else? Does it put me in a position to sin? God’s Word is so trustworthy and reliable; it’s a gift that helps us test all things. Instead of impulsively taking every opportunity, students must place each one next to the Word and wait for direction. 

APPLICATION 

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU FACE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY THAT OPPOSES GOD’S WORD? 

THE WIN 

FOR THE STUDENT: Students can choose the more difficult way. They can choose to wait for God’s timing. Even when the better way is longer or more difficult, it’s best in the end. 

FOR THE LEADER: Ask the Lord to help you not to follow your own desires or to mistake circumstances for His will. He will teach you to seek His will at all times and to model for your students how to walk the better way.