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Preparing High School Seniors for Spiritual Success in College

Friday, 25 April 2008 04:58

Passing the baton is crucial in every relay race. In that one moment, the race could be won or lost. As many of our high school seniors prepare to graduate and enter adulthood, we must do everything we can to spiritually prepare them for this transition.

1. Freedom: What will you do with it?

Galatians 5:13-14 13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

  • What type of freedom will you have with your schedule after high school is done?
  • How could you use your new freedom to indulge the sinful nature?
  • How could you use your new freedom in a spiritual way?

(You probably will never have this much free time at any other point in your life. Do not use it to indulge in sin, but use it to grow spiritually and make an impact on those around you.)

1 Co 10:23-24 23"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. 24Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

  • What are some examples of things that are permissible but are not beneficial? Why aren’t they beneficial?

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

  • What does this Scripture teach us about the value of advice? What do you think this Scripture means by death?
  • As a college student, what type of things should you consistently get advice about?From whom should you get your advice?

 

Matthew 10:16 16I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

  • What happens when sheep and wolves are together? What is the goal of the wolves?
  • What types of wolves are awaiting you on a college campus? Is it possible for there to be wolves in your campus ministry??? (Matt 7:15 -- Wolves in sheep’s clothing)
  • How can you be as shrewd as a snake? How can you be as innocent as a dove?

2. The Mission: Which mission is most important to you?

Luke 19:10 (see also Mark 1:38-39; Matt 28:19-20) 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

  • What type of things do most people seek in college? (degree, relationships, boyfriend/girlfriend, having fun)
  • Which of those things are necessary to focus on?
  • How can you keep your priority to seek and save the lost number one while balancing other goals you have?

3. The Top Three Things Incoming Freshman Need to Know (Troy Criss, Evangelist & Campus Minister, Gainesville, FL)

1. You must have deep convictions about the basics.
a. Regular quiet times
b. Commitment to the God & the church; attendance
2. Be prepared to fight stronger temptations after high school.
a. 1 Peter 5:8-9
b. Temptations of high school could be “child’s play” compared to the temptations you may face in college.
c. Be aware of not just the obvious temptations (drunkenness, immorality, etc.), but the sins of laziness & selfishness
i. Example: Playing video games until 3:00 am & sleeping until noon.
3. Come to the campus ministry ready to serve, NOT to be served.
a. Find ways to volunteer and serve, rather than have the attitude of “Who is taking care of me?”
b. Examples: arranging your own rides to events, serving by cleaning up, ushering, kingdom kids, etc.
c. Key principle: Give, not just receive.

PRACTICALS:

  • Pray now for the people in your apartment complex & dorms.
  • Pray now for the people God will put in your classes.
  • Pray now for your Bible Talk.
  • Set goals.
  • Have great Bible Study now.
  • If you move, make yourself known to the leadership in the church.
  • Offer to serve.
 
Read 7739 times Last modified on Saturday, 26 April 2008 03:50
Published in Teens