Christian Youth & Young Adults
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, and in purity" (Timothy 4:12)
Youth Bible Study Devotions
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, and in purity” (Timothy 4:12)
Welcome to our most in depth article dedicated to youth Bible study devotions. We know the challenges of growing up in today’s world, and we hope that this article can help young people understand the importance of Christ’s love and guidance. The youth of our families are the future of our world, and we want to empower them and encourage them to be leaders in spiritual growth and awakening.
We have all been young once, and we at G.Q. King's Palaces, LLC believe that it is important to reach out and help those that are still developing into maturity. It has never been more difficult to be young. Our youth are faced with countless challenges and grand expectations, which can make life tough, confusing and chaotic. It is most important in these times, when it may be the hardest, when you may feel the furthest away, that you reach to Christ and feel his love. Whether it is difficulties in your life or a moment of doubt, it is important to hold on to faith and practice it continuously.
The journey of faith is not always a smooth one, and along with the many challenges youth face today, it is normal to question and doubt oneself and faith. However, remaining constant and connected is important for young people to stay grounded and to develop into the spiritual person that they want to be. While each and everyone’s journey is different, there are also similarities and scripture will be the guide. This article compiles some of the best practices for youth Bible study devotions and other tips that help connect youth to the power of God’s love.
“The LORD is the one who is going ahead of you. He will be with you. He won’t abandon you or leave you. So don’t be afraid or terrified.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Build Positive Youth Bible Study Habits
It is said that it takes about 21 days of consistently doing something for it to become a habit. This is important to recognize when considering youth Bible studies or youth devotions because setting specific times of each day to pray or read the Bible is an important way to stay consistently connected. By developing this practice as a young person, it will influence your path and make it easier to continue doing so as an adult.
When conducting your daily Bible studies, you should set a minimum time that you are allowed to expand upon. It is important to do this not only to allow yourself to stay organized and prompt, but allowing for a minimum amount of time for reading the Bible will help you achieve a set standard for each day. We all have busy lives, but this practice will help ground you every day. While there is no amount of time that should be argued as right or wrong, we suggest at least 10 minutes in the morning before you start your day.
Reading the Bible in the morning is a great practice for a few different reasons. The first is that it guarantees that it happens for that day. It will become a routine that you look forward to, just like a morning cup of coffee. It will also make sure that you do not get caught up in other things and put it off. Second, the morning read will allow you told hold those words and lesson throughout your day, reflecting on them and what they mean to you. The third and final reason to read the Bible in the morning is that if you can contemplate any questions you may have about the scripture throughout your day.
Creating a positive study routine in this manner is a way to create a successful path for continued studies as you get older and make your way into adulthood. When developing behavioral patterns as a young person, such as routinely reading the Bible, you are creating pathways in the brain that allow these actions to be acted upon easier as an adult. As a youth, it is important to demonstrate the dedication needed to develop these routines, and you will find that it will help you keep the practice in your older age. Beyond connecting with God’s love on a daily basis and making it easier to practice these routines as an adult, there are many more reasons and benefits of reading the Bible daily.
Youth Bible Study has Many Benefits
Creating a habit of reading the Bible on a daily basis will help youth continue to do so as they make their way into adulthood. However, there are many other benefits to studying the Bible as a youth. From learning more about the religion and spirituality to understanding themselves better, youth Bible studies are not only beneficial, but they can also be exciting. Reading a devotion for youth is also a great mental exercise to perform daily.
Learn More About the Basis of Christianity
While many of us have heard or read about what is in the Bible, we often hear its messages through the voice of others. By reading the words written in the Bible for yourself, you will be able to gain knowledge from the text that you were not able to before. The Bible provides the foundations for which we understand Christianity, and when reading the words directly, you will discover more about our faith every single day.
Through youth Bible study you will be able to dig deeper and gain a greater understanding of the lessons that the Bible teaches. When reading the written text, it is possible to expand your knowledge and sharpen your own image of God. For thousands of years, people have used the Bible as a tool to connect with God and share their faith. Do not be scared to take this role into your own hands and shape your own faith; it is possible to build the foundations for a long-lasting and beneficial relationship with the Lord.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Phillippians 4:6-7)
Make Your Own Inferences and Connections to the Bible
When you are reading the words of the Bible for yourself, you will be able to understand the context of each lesson with your own references. As much help as a priest or a youth leader can provide through youth sermons, reading verses from the Bible yourself is a fantastic way to learn and understand Christianity. By reading the words yourself, you will be able to provide your own context and understanding. We are all unique beings who are constantly having new experiences and discovering the world around us, so it is important to have our own understandings of the Bible’s wisdom.
Looking further, youth Bible studies will also allow you to get a better understanding of your own life. For many people, the Bible is God’s way of communicating to us and offering advice. Within the Bible, there are many different verses, for many different situations. By studying it as a youth, you will learn wisdom beyond your years passed on by God, Christ, and his disciples. Whether you have or have not read the Bible before, there are always new lessons to be learned as certain verses will stick out, or become clearer depending on what you are going through at that time of your life.
Use Youth Devotions to Slow Down and Take a Breath from Today’s Media
Today we live in a fast-paced world, where we are constantly bombarded by advertisements and media telling us what to do, where to be, and what to look like. The Bible offers an old, yet refreshing, perspective on how we should be acting when we are out in the world. When growing up and developing a moral framework, it is especially important to take the time for youth devotions or youth Bible studies and to use those moments to slow down and take a breath.
It is important to take the time to reflect on how you feel about yourself and your life. There are often many emotions and difficulties growing up, and stopping to reflect on them can often be a very scary and challenging thing to do because it opens the door up for vulnerability. While it is often unpleasant at first, using youth devotions will allow you to know your emotions and feelings and become more honest with yourself and others.
Today’s media often promotes negative imagery or advice as many sources have their own personal agenda behind it. The Bible has no other prerogatives, and truly is a source of knowledge and wisdom for the benefit of the reader. Strictly looking to improve the lives of youth and the people willing to hear its wisdom, the Bible stands alone for offering positive advice in order to make our lives better. This is not to write off all other sources of media, but when you are tired of hearing about which products to buy, it is very nice to hear the Bible’s refreshing advice about finding inner beauty.
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter: 3:3-4)
Taking these moments for youth devotions will provide moments of solitude throughout the hustle and bustle of everyday life. More than that, these moments provide youth with the strength to tackle the tough times ahead empowered by a strong foundation of moral groundwork. Allow the Lord’s words and lessons to guide these moments for a stronger connection not only to your spirituality, but also to yourself and your inner beauty.
What is Better: Youth Bible Studies Alone, or in Groups?
The answer to this question is often a personal one and can change from person to person, but this section here will highlight some of the benefits of being alone or in a small group for both youth sermons and youth Bible studies.
Youth Bible Study in Groups
Youth Bible studies can benefit greatly from being done in small groups. For some, practicing and discussing faith is a very personal thing, which can make the idea of joining a group a little intimidating. If you can be comfortable with praising faith in groups, then it is possible to have the benefits of accountability, sharing experiences and learning from each other.
Just like anything else in this world, remaining accountable to yourself and your faith is important. Having other group members that hold you accountable for doing your readings is beneficial because these external forces will apply extra encouragement to follow through. This is not to be confused with not wanting to practice or study but instead should be seen as a tool to achieving something one wants to achieve. Take the example of a person dieting to lose weight. While they definitely want to lose the weight, there are some challenges to doing so, and every now and then that person may give in and eat a chocolate bar. However, some of these same challenges can become easier when dieting with another person, as they now become accountable to each other and can encourage each other.
As previously stated, sharing faith can be a very intimate and vulnerable time. This vulnerability can make youth Bible study groups scary, but also very beneficial. Often these small youth groups yield personal growth, friendships, community and connections through shared experiences.
When connected through devotion for youth everyone is looking to better themselves in one way or another, and because of this the best is brought out of everyone. It is important to surround yourself with people that want you to grow, and youth Bible study groups are the perfect source for this. Not only do these groups bring the best out of each other, but having close spiritual communities allows for the fostering of a “safe net” for the tough times.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
Through these close relationships, group members will not only encourage personal growth but also teach the important lesson that we are not alone. When lifting each other up and prompting personal testimonials and breakthroughs, these groups allow for sharing in safe spaces. By creating a nurturing atmosphere open for sharing group members will learn that much of the human experience is a shared one. It is possible to discover that two people who seem like they have nothing in common may be having the exact same issue at home.
The communities and friendships developed in youth Bible study groups will likely shape the futures of the individuals involved and last a lifetime. Beyond learning from only the Bible, those involved learn to form each other and harness the benefits of accountability. While there are many benefits to studying in a group, it is important to have the right people in your group.
Youth Bible Study Alone
While there are many benefits to youth Bible studies being held in small groups, there are also many reasons to keep your time with Lord for when you are alone.
Bible study can be used as an almost meditative break from the rest of your day. Looking at it in this sense, these moments can be used to create a space for silence and for your own personal reflections. Some people are introverts, and others are extroverts. If someone is an introvert, then they may gain energy and focus from being on their own. Following this logic, it may be beneficial for introverts to spend their Bible study time on their own in order to be more focused and comfortable during their studies.
While the company of others may be comforting for some, and although it can allow for certain growths, there is also something to be said for personal growth on your own. The moments when we are truly alone with ourselves are getting fewer and fewer in this modern age. Studying the Bible can provide more of those moments, and it makes the perfect excuse to turn off your connection to social media and truly focus on the scripture. Taking these moments to be with yourself gives you a perfect opportunity to be truly alone. While frightening and avoided by some, these moments really can bring out some of our most profound realizations.
There is no right or wrong way to do youth Bible studies. Seeing as there are benefits to being alone and to studying in small groups, it cannot be said that one way is definitively better than the other. Depending on what one is looking for, it may be beneficial to choose whether you will practice alone or with a group. Of course, there is no reason that you can’t try a little bit of both. The important thing to keep in mind is that it is most beneficial to read a dedicated devotion for youth daily.
Benefits of Youth Bible Study in Daily Life
The benefits of Bible studies and devotion for youth extend far past a better understanding of Christianity. By learning and studying the lessons in the Bible, you will gain insight into your own feelings that will help you tackle the everyday problems that we are constantly faced with. Studying the Bible also provides life guidance, new perspectives on our problems, and can help build stronger relationships with other Christians.
Scripture Reveals Answers to Questions
Life is full of questions, and while the Bible will not directly tell you which job you should have, or who you should marry, it will offer insights into many of the unknowns that we wonder every day. Whether it is a general reflection on a question about your life or a greater reflection regarding life itself, the Bible holds the keys. Hidden within lines of scripture there are lessons for every single problem that youth face growing up, as well as answers to some of the biggest questions ever asked.
Reading a Devotion for Youth Develops Strong Character
“Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27)
Learning through youth devotions will build character in two separate ways. First of all, the simple act of doing something constantly with determination will train you for the future and build good habits. Secondly, through the lessons learned in the Bible, the character will build and blossom inside as you develop a positive way to view the world and those around you.
One of the biggest challenges of this world is being able to train and control our mind. While much of the training done in the military or for sports teams appears to be physical, it truly is the mind that these exercises are attempting to train. As you get older, you will see that even the most talented people get surpassed by the most dedicated and persistent. By committing with a dedication to study and to learn from the Bible, you will be developing positive character traits such as perseverance, which are transferable to almost anything else in life.
By taking part in youth sermons and youth Bible studies, you will learn that a moral framework is important to living a positive and successful life. The lessons taught in the Bible will teach you about kindness, ethics, and selflessness. These important teachings will guide you in every action of your day and help foster positive and influential relationships.
Truth is Your Weapon Against the Devil
Whether it is obvious or not, every single day we face tests from the devil. The words in the Bible are there not only to guide us but also to protect us. When confronted by the devil’s tests, we can draw back onto the words of God provided by his disciples in the Bible. Much like when Jesus was tempted by the devil during his 40-day fast, we can draw back on studied verses in order to pass over the constant and relentless temptation of the devil. Use these verses to provide strength in times of weakness and provide comfort in times of loneliness for the Lord is never far from your side.
Sources of Inspiration for Your Youth Sermons
The Bible can be fairly big and scary when first getting started. There are many different versions out there that have specific tones and translations. It is important to find a version that connects with you and that will keep you engaged. Below are a few different verses and sources to help you get started.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?”– (Romans 8:35)
This passage demonstrates the strength of God’s love. There is no doubt that there are difficulties in everyone’s life, and especially as youth we can feel like the devil’s tricks are telling us that we are not loved or not good enough. However, this passage helps to remind us that no matter how far we feel from our Lord or how bad we feel, nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ. Using “Who” as a reference to a person and then citing things such as “danger” or “sword” the intensity of God’s strength and goodness is highlighted in this passage. Suggesting that neither our doubt nor another person can separate us from the highest of God’s love.
“The commandments, ‚You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever another command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”
As one of the most powerful and commonly referenced sections of the Bible, you have probably heard many different versions of this passage growing up. For the most part, people suggest that this passage is saying that you should not harm your neighbor and that you should treat others how you want to be treated. When reading the text for yourself, it becomes clear that you are expected to actually dig deeper than that. It is about more than just being kind. God expects us to love our neighbors actively, to reach out to them, and to help them in any way we can.
This means big selfless actions such as volunteering, or supporting an orphanage in another country. It also encourages you to demonstrate active love for your neighbors through small daily actions towards people you know and the people you do not. These simple actions can create a better world for everyone you touch, and will also help you to develop and radiate God’s love more and more every day. Sometimes just a simple compliment to someone who normally does not get them or by speaking up for that person getting bullied, we can make a big difference in the lives of others.
"’I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.’" (Jeremiah 29:11)
No matter how much confusion or doubt that you have in your life, it is important to remember that God does have a plan for you. Even the most committed and dedicated Christians will experience difficulties and have their doubts. It is in these moments of doubt that we must remain faithful and hold God close. Remember to hold his love above everything else, and during the tough times, God is making us stronger and only better preparing us for his ultimate plan.
Remember not to use this passage as a scapegoat for any actions you take or any suffering you endure. You must remember that God is not promising that you will not suffer, he will not provide a cover to hide you from everything negative in your life. The context of this script demonstrates this even further. This line is delivered only after Jeremiah discredits a previous statement from Hananiah suggesting that Israel would be freed in two years. The prophet Jeremiah confirms that there will be prosperity in the future, but not without some hard times before.
“Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17)
A reminder that respect is not only for your parents, friends, and people that you agree with. Respect is to be demonstrated to everyone that you encounter, whether they are older or younger than you. Respect is what God wants for everyone. For some people, this will be easier than others. Not only must we respect our younger siblings, or someone a few grades below us, but even those people that we do not agree with. If there is someone who is being mean to you, you must still respect them. This does not mean that you can’t stand up for yourself, but instead it suggests that when doing so, you must do so in a respectful manner. We are all humans, and while someone else may not be following Gods words, they may find the light one day. To truly find God’s light means that in those tough situations, you always have to be the bigger person.
Remember to love all Christians. Love is greater than respect, and it is important to remember that the bond between fellow Christians often goes deeper than any other bonds we can experience. The key to the core of Christianity is holding this strong and deep love for your fellow believers. Not only does it create a strong and beneficial community, but it will also demonstrate the power of Christianity and God’s love, which in turn, will make others want to share the experience.
Fearing God can be a confusing topic as more often than not, we talk about experiencing his light and love. How is it possible to fear something that you love? While confusing at first, those who have fallen in love before can understand how scary it can be. This is a similar feeling, but it is embodied by the immense power of God’s unconditional love. It is important to remember how powerful God truly is. When one fully and utterly commits to God’s love, we put him above everything, we feel tremendous passion, and in turn, we fear him as well.
When the Bible was written, kings were often the most powerful people exercising the will of God and thus were deserving of the highest honor. Since this time, how countries are run has changed vastly and often our governments are no longer formally connected to religion. However, this last section can still be relevant today as there are many people in the world still selflessly serving God’s will. Whether it is your priest or someone who is volunteering in a soup kitchen, if they are exemplifying God’s will on a daily basis these people are deserving of your honor.
How to Incorporate Youth Sermons into Your Daily Life
This article has touched on many different ways to promote devotions for youth, and many different reasons why youth Bible studies are beneficial for developing into a successful adult. Today’s day and age has provided youth with more information than ever before, so it is important to be conscious of what information you are reading and where it is coming from.
Spiritual Bridge is a website that has set out to help combat the issue of misleading information online. By creating a space on the internet for spiritual growth, we have decided to fill this spiritual gap as we transition into the digital era. Coming from the purest intentions, our website hopes to build a stronger faith in our world by creating new and innovative ways of spreading God’s word. As exemplified by our vision statement “Using our hearts, minds and gifts to increase world faith,” we hope to eliminate the darkness of the world and shine God’s glorious light on to his people.
As a young person, you are the future of the world, and we hope that you can see that this website will help you develop into a mature, spiritual adult. Use this site for daily inspiration, tips for difficult situations and motivation to walk daily with Jesus. Under the Christian Youth section of our website, you will find many resources to guide you through your spiritual journey to adulthood.