Synergy Discussion 5-21-25

 

Icebreaker: "What is the weirdest piece of clothing you own?“ (they can also pick their favorite)

If you have a question you like better, feel free to ask it!

 

Groups Leaders: Today we will be studying through Ephesians 6 – and the armor of God – to help us prepare for the changes of Summer and attacks we may face from Satan.


Ephesians 6:10-12

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 


Main Thought: Bold faith fully relies on the Lord’s strength, not our own. While we often face opposition from other people – they are not our ultimate enemy. Our true enemy – Satan – wants to see us fail and turn away from Christ when things get hard.

 

Group Leaders: You don’t have to share specifics, but is there a time you put your energy toward conflict with other people instead of recognizing spiritual warfare? We all do it!

 

Discuss: How does it change our perspective when we recognize our true enemy? What can we do to remind ourselves of this truth from Scripture? (talk about Prayer, Bible Study, Accountability, etc.)

 

Ephesians 6:13-17

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 

 

Main Thought: God has given us everything we need to resist the enemy.

 

Group Leaders: Which of the pieces of armor stands out to you the most? How have you seen its effectiveness in your life?

 

Discuss: Talk through each of these and discuss how we can use them to fight the enemy’s attacks:

  • Truth, Righteousness, Peace of the Gospel, Faith, Salvation, God’s Word

Ephesians 6:18

…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…

 

Discuss: Why is prayer so important in this spiritual battle? What happens when we forget to pray?


Group Leaders: Pray for each person in your group individually – pray for each person that they would be able to recognize spiritual warfare, put on the full armor of God, and lean on others for support. 


Synergy Discussion 3-26-25

 

 

Icebreaker: "If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why?"

If you have a question you like better, feel free to ask it!


Groups Leaders: Today we will be looking at the main thoughts from the past 3 lessons and thinking about how to apply them to our everyday lives.


Lesson 1 – Daniel & His Friends in Exile

Main Thought: Bold believers praise God anywhere they go, look different from those around them, use their gifts to serve, and trust God with the results.

 

Group Leaders: Talk about choices you’ve had to make to look different from those around you. You could also talk about somebody else you’ve seen do this well.

 

Discuss: What does it mean to "look different" from those around you at this stage in your life?


Lesson 2 – Lukewarm Faith

Main Thought: We can resist compromising our faith by evaluating friendships, spending time with Jesus, and serving others.

 

Group Leaders: Talk about a time you felt you were slipping into lukewarm faith and what God used to bring you back.

 

Discuss: What are some signs that someone might be slipping into lukewarm faith? How can we help each other stay strong?

 

Lesson 3 – The Fiery Furnace

Main Thought: Bold faith allows us to keep standing with others because the God who rescues is with us.

 

Group Leaders: Talk about how friendships in your life have impacted your faith in good and bad times.

 

Discuss: How do your friendships influence your faith, for the good or the bad? How can we encourage your friends to stand boldly too?

 

Spiritual Gifts

We have talked several times the past few weeks about using our gifts to serve others. Take the last few minutes to take the spiritual gifts assessment: https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/quizzes-and-assessments/what-type-of-spiritual-gifts-do-you-have-quiz.html

 

After you get your results, share them at this link: https://forms.gle/AqwExXDfsK5wYPG68


Please do this even if you took the assessment with us last Spring!


NOTE: Please be heading back to the youth room by 7:55!


Others can scan this QR code on their phones


Spiritual Gifts QR Code