A Lesson on Temptation and Waiting
Grab Their Attention
Show the "Marshmallow Test". Young kids are observed on a hidden camera for the audience to see. Each child is given a choice. They can eat the marshmallow now or wait and get two marshmallows later. Waiting is agony, but really fun to watch!
After showing the video ask, "Which kid were you?" (The patient one? The one who gobbled it right up? The one who licked it or took a tiny bite?)
Show the "Marshmallow Test". Young kids are observed on a hidden camera for the audience to see. Each child is given a choice. They can eat the marshmallow now or wait and get two marshmallows later. Waiting is agony, but really fun to watch!
After showing the video ask, "Which kid were you?" (The patient one? The one who gobbled it right up? The one who licked it or took a tiny bite?)
Share God's Word
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Through My Eyes
Share a story telling when you were faced with a tough decision or temptation. How did you over come the temptation? What was your "way out"?
Another Approach
Explain that when you were a kid, it seemed like it took forever for a tooth to fall out. It would start to wiggle, twist around, maybe even dangle out of your mouth awkwardly. You knew a reward would come for each fallen tooth and sometimes you just couldn't wait to get that thing out.
Show this American's Funniest video montage of kids pulling teeth in unusual ways.
After showing the video, ask for creative ways they have pulled teeth. Explain that sometimes there was a little pain before the prize. In the same way, we have to overcome obstacles and trails before we find the prize (God's blessings). It's totally worth it! God's way is always the best way!
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Through My Eyes
Share a story telling when you were faced with a tough decision or temptation. How did you over come the temptation? What was your "way out"?
Another Approach
Explain that when you were a kid, it seemed like it took forever for a tooth to fall out. It would start to wiggle, twist around, maybe even dangle out of your mouth awkwardly. You knew a reward would come for each fallen tooth and sometimes you just couldn't wait to get that thing out.
Show this American's Funniest video montage of kids pulling teeth in unusual ways.
After showing the video, ask for creative ways they have pulled teeth. Explain that sometimes there was a little pain before the prize. In the same way, we have to overcome obstacles and trails before we find the prize (God's blessings). It's totally worth it! God's way is always the best way!
Let's Talk About This
Break into small groups and answer the following questions:
1. What are some common temptations you and your friends face?
2. What are the "ways out" of these temptations?
3. Is it easy to take the way out? Is it easier to follow the crowd?
4. How can you remember 1 Corinthians 10:13 this week when faced with temptation or tough trials?
Bring it Back
Show this "Baby Doesn't Follow the Rules" video clip. Momma tells baby not to touch the glass, but it just looks too good to pass up.
Recap and have students share ideas from discussion groups.
Break into small groups and answer the following questions:
1. What are some common temptations you and your friends face?
2. What are the "ways out" of these temptations?
3. Is it easy to take the way out? Is it easier to follow the crowd?
4. How can you remember 1 Corinthians 10:13 this week when faced with temptation or tough trials?
Bring it Back
Show this "Baby Doesn't Follow the Rules" video clip. Momma tells baby not to touch the glass, but it just looks too good to pass up.
Recap and have students share ideas from discussion groups.
Yikes! There's Time Left Over
Here's a marshmallow Minute to Win It Game to play if you have extra time.
Need more? Here's a whole list of marshmallow themed games to play on the Source for Youth Ministry site.
Here's a marshmallow Minute to Win It Game to play if you have extra time.
Need more? Here's a whole list of marshmallow themed games to play on the Source for Youth Ministry site.
Send Them Home
Send home a small copy of 1 Corinthians10:13 to post in locker, in Bible, or at home. If you really want to drive the message home, send them home with a few marshmallows, too.
Send home a small copy of 1 Corinthians10:13 to post in locker, in Bible, or at home. If you really want to drive the message home, send them home with a few marshmallows, too.