Youth Group Lesson For Teens: Choosing Wisely: Making Decisions God's Way James 1:5-6 - Youth Group Ministry (2024)

From picking college majors to handling peer pressure, from dating choices to career paths – life is full of decisions that can feel overwhelming. Sometimes it seems like one wrong choice could ruin everything. But here’s the good news: God hasn’t left us to figure it all out alone. Today, we’ll discover Biblical principles for making wise decisions and learn practical steps for choosing well, even when the path isn’t clear.

Bible Reading 1: James 1:5-6 (NIV)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.”

Explanation for Teenagers:

• God isn’t annoyed when we ask for help with decisions
• Wisdom is available – we just need to ask
• God gives wisdom “generously” – He wants to help us choose well
• Doubting isn’t about being unsure – it’s about trusting God’s guidance

Youth Group Discussion Questions:

1. What’s the toughest decision you’re facing right now?
2. Why do you think we sometimes hesitate to ask God for wisdom?
3. What’s the difference between doubt and normal uncertainty?

Bible Reading 2: Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Explanation for Teenagers:

• God often provides wisdom through other people
• It’s okay (and wise) to ask for help with decisions
• Not all advice is equal – choose advisers carefully
• Success often comes through collaboration, not isolation

Youth Group Discussion Questions:

1. Who are the wise people in your life you can turn to for advice?
2. How do you know which advice to follow?
3. Why is it sometimes hard to listen to counsel from others?

Bible Reading 3: Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Explanation for Teenagers:

• God’s Word guides our decisions – big and small
• The Bible might not name your specific situation, but it gives principles
• A lamp shows the next step – not the whole journey
• Sometimes God reveals the path one step at a time

Youth Group Discussion Questions:

1. How can the Bible help with modern decisions it doesn’t directly address?
2. What makes it hard to trust God when we can’t see the whole path?
3. What Bible principles have helped you make decisions before?

Youth Group Activity: “Decision Making Workshop”

Objective:

Practice using Biblical decision-making tools in real-life scenarios.

Materials Needed:

• Decision-making worksheets
• Pens
• Scenario cards
• Bibles
• Sticky notes

How to Play:

1. The WISE Method Practice

• W – What does God’s Word say?
• I – Input from godly counselors
• S – Seek God in prayer
• E – Evaluate the options

1. Scenario Stations

• Groups rotate through different life scenarios
• Apply the WISE method to each
• Present solutions to the group

1. Decision Tree Building

• Create visual decision trees
• Include Scripture references
• Mark points to pray/seek counsel

Debrief:

Discuss how these tools can help with real decisions students are facing.

Practical Decision-Making Steps:

1. The Three-Question Test

• Is it Biblical?
• Is it wise?
• Is it beneficial?

1. The Peace Check

• Does this option bring God’s peace?
• Am I rushing out of fear?
• Have I fully prayed about it?

1. The Future Impact Assessment

• How might this affect my walk with God?
• What are the potential consequences?
• Does this align with God’s best for me?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for caring about every decision we face. Thank You for promising to give us wisdom when we ask. Help us trust You even when the path isn’t clear. Give us discernment to recognize Your guidance through Your Word, wise counsel, and Your Holy Spirit. Help us make choices that honor You and align with Your best for our lives. Give us courage to choose wisely even when it’s hard. Thank You for being with us every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Follow-up Challenge:

This week:

1. Write down one decision you’re currently facing
2. Apply the WISE method to your situation
3. Spend 10 minutes daily praying specifically about this decision
4. Meet with one wise adviser to discuss your choices
5. Journal about how God guides you through the process

Key Takeaways:

• No decision is too big or small to bring to God
• Wisdom comes through multiple channels: prayer, Scripture, counsel
• It’s okay to take time with important decisions
• God promises to guide us – we’re not alone
• Sometimes the hardest part is trusting God’s timing