Teen Class: “All or Nothing: Living Fully for Jesus”

Theme: Following Jesus is not a half-hearted commitment—it’s all or nothing!

Key Verse: Matthew 16:24-26

Objective:

• Help teens understand the cost and reward of following Jesus.

• Challenge them to evaluate whether they’re treating faith like a subscription or ownership.

• Equip them with practical ways to live boldly for Christ.

1. Opening Activity: “Would You Rather?” (5 Minutes)

Start with some fun “Would You Rather” questions that illustrate making tough choices:

1. Would you rather give up your phone for a week or all sweets for a month?

2. Would you rather have unlimited money but no friends, or great friends but always be broke?

3. Would you rather live 100 years comfortably or 50 years making a huge impact?

Transition: “Life is full of choices, and following Jesus is no different. Today, we’re talking about a choice that’s even bigger—choosing between the world and the cross.”

2. Teaching Time: “Faith: Subscription or Ownership?” (10 Minutes)

Ask:

• How many of you have a subscription to something—Netflix, Spotify, or a gaming pass?

• What happens when you stop paying? (You lose access!)

Explain:

• Many people treat their faith like a subscription—they “log in” to church on Sundays but cancel when it’s inconvenient.

• Jesus calls us to ownership—full commitment, not just when it’s easy.

Read Matthew 16:24-26:

• What does it mean to “deny yourself”?

• What does “take up your cross” mean?

Illustration: The Trust Fall of Faith

• Choose a volunteer to do a trust fall. Have them fall backward into the arms of a leader.

• Ask: “Was that scary? Why?”

• Point: Following Jesus is like that—we have to trust Him fully, even when it’s scary.

3. Small Group Discussion: “What’s Holding You Back?” (10 Minutes)

Break into groups and discuss:

• What’s the hardest thing to give up for Jesus?

• When has following Jesus been difficult in your life?

• What’s one thing you can do this week to live fully for Him?

4. Challenge & Prayer (5 Minutes)

• Challenge: “Are you subscribed to Jesus, or do you own your faith?”

• Final Prayer: Ask students to surrender anything holding them back from following Jesus fully.

This class will set the tone for the sermon by getting teens thinking deeply about their commitment to Jesus in a fun and engaging way! 🚀🔥