IT'S COMPLICATED : WHAT IS CONSIDERED IS CONSUMED.

Navigating Relationships with Integrity

Bible Passage: Ps 101:1–8, Jdg 14:1–9, Pr 7:1–5

Summary: These passages highlight the importance of integrity in relationships, the pitfalls of impulsive decisions, and the wisdom needed to avoid moral compromises.

Application: This sermon can empower teens to make wise choices in their relationships, emphasizing that integrity should guide their decisions in a world full of complexities and temptations.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that acting with integrity leads to fulfilling relationships and helps avoid the dangers of impulsive actions and moral failures, as exemplified by Samson and the advice of Proverbs.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of these passages, Christ embodies perfect integrity and righteousness, calling us to trust in Him for strength to live out our values amidst life's challenges.

Big Idea: Integrity in our relationships is crucial; when we contemplate our actions with care and reliance on God's wisdom, we avoid pitfalls that lead to destruction.

1.

Consumed by Complications: Navigating Integrity in Choices

Bible Passage: Ps 101:1–8, Jdg 14:1–9, Pr 7:1–5

Summary: This sermon explores the complexities of making choices that reflect integrity in our lives, as illustrated in the psalmist's commitment to righteousness, Samson's questionable decisions, and the warnings against immorality in Proverbs.

Application: By examining these passages, teens can learn to recognize how their choices are intertwined with their values and integrity. This awareness can help them navigate relationships and moral dilemmas with clarity and conviction, influencing their decisions positively.

Teaching: This sermon teaches the importance of aligning our actions with our principles of integrity, as well as understanding the consequences of our choices—especially in relational settings where complications arise.

How this passage could point to Christ: In these scriptures, Christ stands out as the ultimate example of integrity. He embodies the perfect commitment to righteousness and provides the strength to resist temptation, fulfilling the law and guiding believers in their choices.

Big Idea: Our choices define us; by seeking integrity in our decisions, we reflect Christ in a world full of complicating influences.

When I was in High School, it wasn’t like it is now. You have separations of groups and passions still but when I was coming up we had borders! Like if I was a computer kid, I was not sitting with the basketball players or if you were an emo kid, do not try and sit with the cheerleaders cause you were getting embarrassed! and we all knew it.

I was always a little chubby kid growing up, but I was funny and got along with everyone and it was easy for me to change to what I needed to survive.

BUT when I was in 8th grade, I lost a lot of weight and grew my hair for braids… and started to get noticed by the popular kids!

I started spending more time with them in and out of school, my old friends fell off,

I was doing things...

saying things...

and looking at things

that felt good in group, but alone didn’t feel like me anymore!

You Know what I’m talking about?

HOW OFTEN DO WE FIND OURSELVES IN SITUATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT CAUGHT YOUR EYE? IT WAS THE HARD TO REACH, EVERYONE IS LAUGHING IN THAT GROUP, THE NEW GIRL OR GUY, OR THE BRIGHT AND SHINY. BUT AS YOU SPEND TIME WITH IT,

IT STARTS TO REVEAL SOMETHING THAT WAS NOT WHAT YOU EXPECTED?!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WHAT CATCHES YOUR EYE LEADS YOU INTO A TERRIBLE SITUATION?

TODAY, I FEEL THAT WE CAN LEARN A LOT FROM SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW COMPLICATED RELATIONSHIPS AND HOW WE SEE PEOPLE AND SITUATIONS...

1. CAPTURE // Pledge to Integrity

Psalm 101:1–4 “I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs. I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.”

THE PSALMIST IS SAYING FIRST OFF THAT “IN MY HOME” OR WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING I WILL LIVE WITH INTEGRITY. WHEN NO ONE IS AROUND! SOMEONE ONCE TOLD ME, “WHO ARE YOU BEHIND CLOSED DOORS? ARE YOU HOLDING THE SAME VALUES AND PRINCIPLES WHEN YOUR OUT OR ALONE? THAT IS WHAT MATTERS...

HE SAYS “I WILL REFUSE TO LOOK AT ANYTHING VILE OR VULGAR!”

YOU KNOW HOW MUCH EASIER IT IS TO FALL INTO SIN OR BAD RELATIONSHIPS IN YOUR TIME COMPARED TO WHEN I WAS GROWING UP? WE DIDNT HAVE SMART PHONES AND UNLIMITED PRIVACY… WE HAD A FAMILY PC IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LIVING ROOM! YOU HAVE TO HOLD INTEGRITY AND SAY I DONT WATCH THAT STUFF! OR TELL YOUR POOKIE ON THE NIGHT FACETIME “I DON’T TALK OR ACT LIKE THAT!”

WE CAN STILL TALK, READ THE BIBLE, OR GET YOURSELF TO SLEEP… YOUR CHOICE!

WHEN SOCIAL MEDIA ALGO IS PUSHING CRAZINESS, MOVIES ARE NO FILTER, AND EVERYTHING IS ACCEPTABLE… ARE YOU GOING TO BE THE ONE TO KEEP YOUR INTEGRITY AND BUILD VALUED FOUNDATION IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP? OR FALL INTO EVERY TRAP THAT CATCHES YOUR EYE?

A CORRUPTED HEART COMES FROM A CORRUPTED MIND, WHICH STARTS AT THE CORRUPTED EYES… WHAT YOU LET INTO YOUR EYES CAN CORRUPT YOU!

2. CONNECT // Purify Your Heart

Ps 101:4–5

Consider discussing how the psalmist distances himself from a perverse heart and slanderous company, suggesting that Christians should be mindful of influences that oppose godly integrity. Emphasize how, like the psalmist, we need Christ's strength to maintain purity of heart and speech amidst complicating influences.

3. CONSIDER // Problem of Passion

Judges 14:1–9 “One day when Samson was in Timnah, one of the Philistine women caught his eye. When he returned home, he told his father and mother, “A young Philistine woman in Timnah caught my eye. I want to marry her. Get her for me.” His father and mother objected. “Isn’t there even one woman in our tribe or among all the Israelites you could marry?” they asked. “Why must you go to the pagan Philistines to find a wife?” But Samson told his father, “Get her for me! She looks good to me.”

Maybe explore Samson's impulsive decision to marry a Philistine, symbolizing how our attractions can complicate our integrity. Contrast his actions with Christ’s unwavering obedience to God’s will. Encourage teens to rely on Christ for wisdom in their relationships, steering away from choices that compromise their spiritual values.

4. COLLIDE // Protective Wisdom

Pr 7:1–5

You could wrap up by focusing on the wisdom of Proverbs, calling believers to embrace God’s commandments and keep them close, much like a treasure or cherished friend. Highlight how Christ, as the fulfillment of wisdom, guides us away from immoral paths, empowering us to prioritize integrity in all decisions.

Integrity involves acting according to personal and professional principles, demonstrating moral completeness and consistency in actions. It requires discerning right from wrong, acting on that understanding, and being open about one's choices. People of integrity uphold high moral standards, embodying honesty and commitment to their values, even in challenging situations.