This Changes Everything

1. The Gospel Transforms Every Aspect of a Teen's Life

Jesus changes everything about a person's life, from the obvious to the unseen.

Comprehensive transformation. The gospel is not just a set of beliefs, but a life-altering reality that impacts every facet of a teenager's existence. It reshapes one's identity, worldview, actions, and relationships. This transformation is not superficial or compartmentalized; it penetrates to the core of one's being.

Visible and invisible changes. The effects of the gospel are both outwardly visible and inwardly profound:

• Outward changes: speech patterns, entertainment choices, priorities, friendships
• Inward changes: motivations, desires, thought patterns, emotional responses

The gospel's transformative power is ongoing and progressive, continually molding the believer into the image of Christ. It's not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of growth and renewal.

2. Embrace Your Identity as a Jesus-Follower

Christians are called to follow Jesus in death but equally in ordinary, uneventful, everyday life.

Radical redefinition. Embracing one's identity as a Jesus-follower means a complete reorientation of life's purpose and goals. It's not just about believing certain truths, but living them out in every aspect of daily existence.

Countercultural living. This new identity often puts teenagers at odds with societal norms:

• Rejecting cultural expectations of teen behavior
• Prioritizing spiritual growth over worldly success
• Making choices based on biblical principles rather than peer pressure

The challenge for Christian teens is to live out this identity consistently, not just in dramatic moments of faith, but in the mundane routines of everyday life. This requires courage, conviction, and a deep understanding of one's worth and purpose in Christ.

3. The Church is Your Essential Community

After the gospel saves us, it grabs our hands and leads us to church.

Vital connection. The church is not an optional add-on for Christians, but an essential part of spiritual life. It provides:

• Support and accountability
• Opportunities for growth and service
• A family of believers to share life with

Active participation. Being part of a church community goes beyond mere attendance:

• Serving in various capacities
• Building relationships with believers of all ages
• Participating in worship, learning, and outreach

For teenagers, the church offers a unique space to develop their faith alongside peers and mentors. It's a training ground for spiritual maturity and a launching pad for living out the gospel in the world.

4. Confront and Overcome Sin Through God's Grace

If Jesus changes nothing, they're right. Who cares about Christianity? But the opposite is true too. If Jesus changes everything, following him is worth risking all.

Honest acknowledgment. Confronting sin requires a truthful recognition of one's failings and shortcomings. This honesty is the first step towards growth and change.

Grace-empowered change. The gospel provides both the motivation and the means to overcome sin:

• Motivation: gratitude for Christ's sacrifice
• Means: the indwelling Holy Spirit

Practical steps for overcoming sin:

• Regular self-examination and repentance
• Accountability with trusted believers
• Immersion in Scripture
• Practicing spiritual disciplines

The journey of overcoming sin is ongoing, but through God's grace, progress is possible and promised. The goal is not perfection, but continual growth in Christlikeness.

5. Cultivate Spiritual Disciplines for Growth

The gospel pushes us into the arms of a family, not a skin-deep social club.

Intentional habits. Spiritual disciplines are not about earning God's favor, but about positioning oneself to receive God's grace and grow in faith. Key disciplines include:

• Bible study and memorization
• Prayer
• Worship
• Evangelism
• Fasting

Joyful obedience. The motivation for practicing these disciplines should be love for God and a desire to know Him more deeply, not duty or guilt.

Practical tips for cultivating disciplines:

• Start small and build consistency
• Find accountability partners
• Use technology wisely (e.g., Bible apps, prayer reminders)
• Integrate disciplines into daily routines

Remember that the goal of spiritual disciplines is transformation, not just information or ritual. They are means to deepen one's relationship with God and become more like Christ.

6. Develop Discernment in a Complex World

Discernment changes everything. As Jesus-followers, our entire lives are different because of what God says is true and what he says is false.

Critical thinking. Discernment is the ability to distinguish between truth and error, good and evil. It's essential in navigating the complexities of modern life.

Biblical foundation. True discernment is rooted in God's Word and developed through:

• Regular Bible study
• Prayer for wisdom
• Guidance from mature believers
• Practice in applying biblical principles to real-life situations

Areas requiring discernment:

• Media consumption (books, music, movies, social media)
• Friendships and relationships
• Career and educational choices
• Cultural trends and philosophies

Developing discernment is a lifelong process that requires humility, patience, and a willingness to learn. It equips teenagers to make wise choices and stand firm in their faith amidst a world of conflicting messages.

7. Steward Your Time for God's Glory

We each have a blink. We can waste it in sinful busyness or laziness or discontentment or distraction. Or the gospel of Jesus Christ can change how we spend our time.

Eternal perspective. Understanding that time is a gift from God changes how we approach each day. Every moment becomes an opportunity to glorify Him and serve others.

Intentional living. Stewarding time well involves:

• Setting priorities based on biblical values
• Balancing responsibilities and rest
• Eliminating time-wasters
• Investing in activities that promote spiritual growth and kingdom impact

Practical time management tips:

• Use a planner or digital tool to track commitments
• Set specific goals for spiritual growth
• Schedule regular times for prayer and Bible study
• Learn to say no to activities that don't align with your values

Remember that the goal is not just productivity, but fruitfulness in God's kingdom. This may sometimes mean slowing down to invest in relationships or serve others, rather than always striving for maximum efficiency.

8. Build Christ-Centered Relationships

The gospel transforms our relationships by giving us one purpose in them: to become more like Christ.

Selfless love. Christ-centered relationships are marked by putting others' needs before one's own, following Jesus' example of sacrificial love.

Diverse connections. Building Christ-centered relationships applies to various contexts:

• Family (parents and siblings)
• Friends
• Romantic interests
• Church community
• Classmates and coworkers

Practical ways to nurture Christ-centered relationships:

• Practice active listening and empathy
• Serve others without expectation of return
• Encourage and build up others in their faith
• Be willing to have difficult conversations when necessary
• Forgive readily and seek reconciliation

Remember that all relationships are opportunities to reflect Christ's love and grow in Christlikeness. Even challenging relationships can be instruments of spiritual growth when approached with a gospel-centered mindset.

Last updated: September 5, 2024