A major goal in youth ministry should be to help students develop an intimate relationship with God through the study of God’s Word. Bible study for youth will include encouraging students to think and apply the Word, which leads us to using a variety of Bible-Study methods.
There are so many different Bible studies for youth that it can be hard to pick one. Below is a list of my 10 favorite Bible studies for youth. These are from different categories, too, so there should be something for everyone here.
It is always a good idea to do some preparations before starting your youth ministries. For example, you can have a bible study for youth 10 suggested topics, that will help you in making meetings and lessons.
How to Read and Study Your Bible
…this is an introduction to what you can teach the youth in your church or things you should be teaching your own children.
Young people need to be taught the value of reading their Bible. Often we hear things like, “the Bible should not be read like any other book.” However, I think many times we miss some of the power of the Bible because we don’t read it like a book. God has given us His revelation from the beginning of time to the beginning of eternity. He shows His plan systematically through history. Yet we often teach and read the Bible without regard to when events took place chronologically.
Read the Bible from beginning to end. Find out how God reveals His plan little by little. Don’t be guilty of teaching and reading the Bible without considering the context that surrounds what is being read.
Then, of course, there is a need to study the Bible through individual stories and studies. There are many great ways to study the Bible. Teaching various Bible study methods will help young people approach the Bible to find answers to their questions
Bible Study For Youth 10 Suggested Topics
If you’re looking for a good topic to study, there are a few suggested topics in the Bible that can be taken as inspiration. These were selected because they are universal topics but also could inspire deep discussion between you and anyone else you study with.
Spending time together in Bible study groups is a great way to deepen your relationship with God, strengthen your friendships and lead you closer to the heart of God.
If you are looking for some good Bible study topics for young people, then I hope these suggestions can be a help to you. You will need to do more personal study in these subjects to be able to teach them effectively, but this is an introduction to what you can teach the youth in your church or things you should be teaching your own children.
10 Suggested Topics for Bible Study For Youth
1. Understanding the purpose of the Bible
Youth can delve into the deeper meaning of why the Bible was written and how it can guide their lives.
2. Studying different Bible translations
Exploring various translations of the Bible can help youth gain a better understanding of the text and its nuances.
3. Learning about key biblical figures
Study sessions can focus on important figures in the Bible such as Moses, David, and Mary to understand their significance in biblical history.
4. Exploring biblical themes
Youth can examine recurring themes in the Bible such as love, forgiveness, and redemption to see how they apply to their own lives.
5. Applying biblical principles to daily life
Discussing how to apply biblical teachings to real-life situations can help youth see the relevance of the Bible in their day-to-day activities.
6. Understanding the structure of the Bible
Explaining the different sections of the Bible such as the Old Testament, New Testament, and various books can give youth a better grasp of its organization.
7. Studying specific books of the Bible
Diving into individual books of the Bible like Psalms, Proverbs, or Romans can provide in-depth insights into their teachings and messages.
8. Discussing controversial topics in the Bible
Engaging in conversations about controversial topics such as gender roles, sexuality, and violence in the Bible can help youth navigate these complex issues.
9. Exploring the historical context of biblical events
Learning about the historical background of events in the Bible can help youth understand the cultural and societal norms of the time.
10. Encouraging personal reflection and application
Encouraging youth to reflect on what they have learned and how they can apply it to their own lives can help them internalize the teachings of the Bible.
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Being a Disciple of Christ
What does it mean to follow Christ? That is the question on which the New Testament is focused on answering. Study the life of Christ and His followers, but don’t stop there in learning how to live for the Lord. A great place to start your study is Romans chapter 12, I wrote a summary that you may want to review here: Romans 12: Bible Study and Summary. This chapter, as well as the rest of Romans, tells practical things that a disciple of Christ should be doing.
The 10 Commandments
Study the 10 commandments in context as well as what they have meant historically. An interesting study for young people would be to find out which countries use the 10 commandments or the Mosaic law as part of their founding and constitution.
God’s law, and specifically the 10 commandments, can be effectively used as a soul-winning tool. Christ did not do away with the law when He came, but He completed the law (Matthew 5:17). The law is in place to show sinners their need of a Savior (Galatians 3:23, 24).
Spiritual Gifts
As a young person it would be good to study about and learn your spiritual gift. There are two main passages in the Bible dealing with spiritual gifts: 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 8. There are other passages too, but these are the two large ones. When studying about or teaching the spiritual gifts you should have a good understanding of these two passages.
There are spiritual gifts tests that can be taken to help people know what their spiritual gifts are. Even without taking a test, a young person who is following God properly and living in obedience to his parents and other authority around him is probably already using his spiritual gifts. Work to encourage that behavior in the young people you are teaching.
Controlling the Tongue
The Bible often talks about the tongue being a destructive power (Jeremiah 9:8). Controlling the tongue is a difficult thing (James 3:6-8). The tongue can pour out blessings and cursings (James 3:9, 10). It is unnatural for a well to give sweet and salty water, yet we do it with our tongues.
Learning to control the tongue is a sign of spiritual maturity. The tongue can also bring healing to others (Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 15:4).
Considering Marriage?
God has clear instructions to men and women in marriage. God also tells us what He expects from us as godly leaders of our homes. Study passages in the Bible on how God wants men and women to live. Also spend time studying the relationship men and women should have towards one another.
While doing a study of relationships and marriage you can teach young people how they should approach marriage so that they can prepare themselves for their future mate.
Forgiveness
The Bible often talks about us forgiving others because of the forgiveness we have found in Christ (Matthew 6:12-15, Luke 6:37). We are specifically commanded that we should forgive others before we ask the Lord for forgiveness (Mark 11:25).
Forgiveness should not be done hypocritically. We should be honest in our forgiveness of others (Mark 7:6). This is also not denying that there is a problem. To forgive does not necessarily mean to forget. The Bible says that God does “not remember” our sins, but this means that He does not hold them against us (Isaiah 43:25, Hebrews 8:12). We may not be able to forget the past actions of others, but we don’t have to hold that sin against them in our future dealings with them.
Forgiveness is a topic that young people need to study and understand. These are trying times in their lives when they will be put to the test. However, forgiveness does not get any easier as they get older. They must learn to forgive so that they can live a victorious Christian life.
Basic Bible Doctrines
There are some basic Christian beliefs that every Christian young person should know. It would make a good study to spend time going through some basic Bible doctrines in your personal study or in Sunday School class at church.
Here are some of the basic topics of Bible doctrines to get you started:
- Who God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are.
- What the Bible is and why God wrote it for us.
- Why God created man and how God plans to save mankind.
- What the church is and how it fits into Gods purposes.
Bible Topics For Youth
Coming up with great youth group lessons can sometimes be challenging. Planning lessons and finding ways to make the Bible come alive in relevant ways for teens is important to successful youth group meetings. Try these free printable Bible lessons for youth.
Three Youth Group Bible Lessons and Activities for Middle School and High School
Below are three, Scripturally-based, print-and-go lesson plans that you can use with your youth group today. Note that in order to view and print the lesson plans properly, you have to have the most current version of Adobe reader, which you can download for free from the Adobe website.
Battling Giants
This lesson focuses on putting on the full armor of God to battle the unique situation each teen deals with. To use the lesson plan, read the sheet all the way through and then print out a copy to take to class with you. You’ll also want to gather the materials needed beforehand. If someone in the church has a shield, broadsword, etc., these can make interesting visuals for the activity.
Respecting Your Parents
This activity helps youth see why it’s important to show parents and other authority figures respect. It also gives students a chance to admit to areas they’d like to improve on and release it to God. To use this activity, read through the printable carefully and then print a copy to help you gather the necessary supplies and as a reference while teaching the class.
Washing Sin Away
This activity helps students see more clearly how forgiveness works. To use this activity, you’ll need some supplies you likely already have around your house. Read through the activity and then print a copy to use while you gather supplies and teach the class.
Youth Group Topics
Teens live in a volatile whirlwind of emotions and activity. It can be a crazy, frustrating time and having spiritual guidance and discernment is critical during the difficulties in adolescence. Subjects for youth group lessons might include:
- God’s view on sex/making a stand for abstinence
- Making decisions/living a Christian life
- Witnessing to peers
- Scriptural answers to dealing with addictions and/or peer pressure
- Biblical messages about why gossiping and spreading rumors are destructive
- God’s view on honesty
- What God says about language/cursing
- Christian help for getting along with parents/family
- How a Christian teen can avoid and respond to violence/fights at school
- Making sense of the Bible
- Trusting God during conflict
- Feeling far away from God/ how to draw closer to Him
- Discerning God’s will
- Christian answers to dealing with emotions:
- Anger
- Disappointment
- Sadness
- Depression
- Frustration
Many tangents from these topics are relevant for lessons as well. For example, teens may be aware that according to the Bible, sex outside of marriage is wrong, but they may have other questions about sexuality and the Bible or be unsure about where and how to set boundaries when it comes to being physical.
Because teens are experiencing such conflicting emotions and facing difficult choices, recurrent messages of God’s love and forgiveness are important in lessons.
Tips for Youth Group Lessons
Youth group lessons have important main ideas, but keeping sessions fun and relevant is just as important. Include lighthearted activities and humor in the lesson when possible (and appropriate). Practical suggestions and life application is vital to include. Knowing what the Bible says on specific matters is significant, but teens also need to know how they can apply what they’re learning in their daily lives. At the end of the group meeting, give examples and ask the group to come up with additional ways to practice what they’ve learned.
Elements of Youth Group Lessons and Meetings
Although leaders and youth pastors may each conduct youth group meetings according to how they feel led by God, general elements might include:
- Opening prayer
- Icebreakers/fun youth group activity
- Lesson or speaker
- Discussion
- Life application suggestions
- Closing prayer/prayer requests
Other aspects that might be included are adults or teens sharing personal testimonies of how Christ is working in their lives, youth group games and choosing a youth group name, relevant DVD clips, and opening praise and worship music.
Having a plan for youth group security, such as sign ins, parent or leader assistance, and other safety precautions is also important for youth group sessions.
Go Where God Leads You in Youth Group Lessons
If there is one thing every youth pastor knows, it is that things will almost never go as planned. If you are holding a lesson about putting on the armor of God and a youth member suddenly admits that he got drunk last weekend and feels he has failed God, it is fine to get a bit sidetracked and deal with an important issue that many other youth members may be struggling with as well. If the students bring up topics, you can be certain those topics are important to their spiritual walk with God. So, while preparing a lesson is vital, knowing when to set aside the printable and just minister to your youth is even more important.
Interesting Bible Topics To Discuss
Here’s the truth: People want topical Bible studies that they can apply to their life or topical events happening in the world. These bible study topics and questions will help your church to deeply understand modern issues through a biblical lens.Here are some topics for bible study:
- Money
Most Christians have a very mixed relationship with money.
The poor want more money.
The rich struggle to know how to use it responsibly.
Everybody feels guilty about wanting more.
Especially in church—most people just feel guilty when they don’t put enough in your church offering. The church’s culture of addressing financial issues is odd.
Here’s the good news:
Your church can create a healthy culture of addressing financial issues that is based on the Bible and aimed toward helping people create financial freedom and become generous.
Explore this article on Bible verses about money as the place to develop a good Bible study lesson on money that can rescue your church from an awkward relationship with money.
- Tithing
People are often confused about how to give to their church. What access should they have to the church’s financial documents? What do they get from giving? Is it okay to tithe with time and talents instead of money?
Take the confusion out of tithing and overcome common barriers members have to partnering in God’s mission of disciple-making through the church.
Use this article on tithing scriptures in the bible to construct your Bible study on tithing.
Pro tip: Don’t make it a guilt trip about giving. Make it an opportunity to educate Christians on how economic generosity is an essential component of one’s spirituality—of their walk with God.
- Leadership
Most people who attend Bible studies are highly motivated to self-improve. These Christians are likely in leadership positions outside the church. Kill two birds with one stone.
Enrich your members’ knowledge of the Bible and make them better and more ethical businessmen and businesswomen. This will increase their witness for Christ in the workplace.
Leaders are generous. When you teach your church members a biblical perspective on leaders, you are teaching them that people who want to lead in the church give to the church.
- Business
America is moving toward a “gig economy,” and many people have a side hustle. This means that most young people are entrepreneurs who own their own businesses and do fee-for-service freelance work.
Teach a Bible study on how biblical wisdom guides best business practices, work ethic, and Christian witness in a changing and uncertain marketplace.
Use this article to build your Bible study on business.
Pro tip: This topic, in particular, will attract a lot of young people to your Bible study.
- Stewardship
People are blinded by toys. Marketing is getting better and better, and people are more and more inclined to spend money on themselves.
Teach a Bible study on how having a “stewardship” philosophy of money can free people of self-obsession and build a healthier relationship with money and material possessions.
Use this article on Stewardship in the bible to build your Bible study lesson on stewardship.
- Technology
Lastly, do a Bible study on technology.
You might think that this would draw a young crowd, but this will more likely draw an older crowd. Boomer and “Greatest Generation” Christians have high biblical literacy, but low technological literacy.
Bridge that gap for them.
Teach a balanced perspective that helps people to gain confidence in using technology that rescues people from old-school Luddism and new-school tech-obsession.