Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Lesson 1 Joshua Conquers Fear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Lesson 2 David Conquers Threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Lesson 3 Hezekiah Conquers Worry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Lesson 4 Shadrach Conquers Peer Pressure . . . . . . 25 Lesson 5 Gideon Conquers Discouragement . . . . 31

Young Teen Teacher

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Young Teen TeacherWritten by

Darlene Walls

Darlene was born and raised Iuka, MS. She was married in 1990 to Roy Walls. She has two children which are both married and serving in the ministry. She also is blessed with one grandchild. She has been a nurse for fifteen years, and currently attends school to further her education. She and her husband have worked in youth ministry for about nineteen years. Working with young people has always been a special part of her life. She has enjoyed teaching in children’s church, Sunday School and camp. Darlene’s husband has recently taken the position as superintendent at Yellow Creek Youth Camp in Hodges, AL, which will open a new door to ministry for them both. They attend church at Bethel MBC in Iuka, MS where they serve as youth directors. She has also been blessed to serve as president in our local district ladies association, as well as vice president of the MS State Ladies. She also serves as Director of the MS State Ladies Retreat. Darlene has had the opportunity to write camp literature, ladies programs, VBS literature, and lessons for teens and adult ladies. She has always enjoyed writing and sharing the things God has laid on her heart. Darlene’s prayer is that the Lord will continue to give her more opportunities to serve Him. E-mail address: darwalls2002@yahoo.com

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Editor in Chief: Kyle W. Elkins, kyle.elkins@bogardstore.orgBusiness Manager: Wayne Sewell, wayne.sewell@bogardstore.org

© 2016, Bogard Press, 4605 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, TX 75503-2928www.bogardpress.org; 1-800-264-2482

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5Introduction

Introduction Some people may say that after one is saved his life will be free of trouble; however, this is far from the truth. We as saved individuals will encounter fear, threats, worry, peer pressure and discouragements. The devil will use all these tactics to divert, dishearten and generally defeat God’s children. Troubles and trials will come, but we have a promise in the Word of God that should bring great encouragement. Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39). A very familiar Scripture informs us that, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9). As Christians we will face problems, but we do not have to live a defeated life. In The Conquerors, we will look at five areas that will help young teens learn how they can live victorious lives and be true conquerors through Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul could personally testify to the fact that a godly life is often filled with experiences that are hazardous to Christian growth. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, he listed over twenty perilous experiences he went through and came out a true conqueror. Fears, intimidations, temptations and discouragements are not exclusively the lot of an individual like Paul or the other first century Christians. Jesus warned His followers through the ages to expect problems. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” Unfortunately tribulation is a part of life; however, James stated, “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2). What gives Christians such optimism? The answer is found in our theme verse, “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).

What Are the Lessons About? The first lesson is Joshua Conquers Fear. The text is Deuteronomy 31:7-13, 23; 34:5-9 and Joshua 1:1-9 as the scriptural basis for students to learn as Joshua did, that they too are to abide in God when faced with fearful circumstances. Lesson 2 is David Conquers Threats and uses the text 1 Samuel 17:32-51. Students learn from David’s encounter with Goliath that threatening situations can be overcome when we trust God. In Lesson 3, Hezekiah Conquers Worry, from Isaiah 37:1-20, 33-36, students will learn that Hezekiah responded to the danger of an invading pagan king with prayer. His response can be used by Christians today when they are faced with worry. Shadrach Conquers Peer Pressure is Lesson 4 and is taken from Daniel 3:1-30. Shadrach and his friends resisted temptation by taking a courageous stand for God. This lesson reminds young teens that they do not have to yield to the peer pressure of

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Young Teen Teacher • Grades 7-96

this world, they can stand for God. The final lesson is Gideon Conquers Discouragement from Judges 7:7-21. Students will learn that times of discouragement will come; yet, it is of utmost importance to remain faithful and obedient to God. Satan is our enemy. He works to hinder the Christian’s walk with God. He wants nothing more than to steal the joy of Christians, which results in lives that are less than victorious. However, by applying the life applications contained in these lessons, believers can be “more than conquerors” through Christ (Romans 8:37).

An Observation About the Curriculum After reading a lesson presentation, a teacher may wonder why a particular point concerning a lesson is not mentioned. Making changes in a lesson when necessary is an important part of being an effective teacher. The Young Teen Teacher contains information concerning specific Bible truths and a guide that can be used to present the material. It contains the information a teacher needs to be informed about the lessons and aids to help facilitate learning on the part of the student. There is more material contained in the Young Teen Teacher than is needed for an adequate lesson presentation. The teacher should not feel compelled to use every piece of information supplied but should adapt the materials and information to fit his style of teaching.

Each lesson is set up as follows:

Class Time

Attention Getter The Attention Getter is an activity that gives the teacher an opportunity to focus the students on the lesson. Regardless of what form the activity takes, make it interesting, fun and challenging to them. The size of the class may require adapting the exercise.

Bible Account The heart of every lesson is the Bible record. Since the Bible account merely is a vignette of the lesson material, the teacher should tell the account without spending too much time on it. While it does not tell the complete account, the Bible account should give the setting and emphasize the aim of the lesson.

Life Application Teaching a lesson is one thing. Helping the students see how to use the lesson is another. The life application takes the biblical teaching of the lesson and concisely explains it in a way the students can use it in their daily lives.

Memory Verse Each of the five lessons contains a memory verse activity. The purpose of this activity is to encourage students not only to commit to memory a Bible passage relating to the lesson but also to understand its meaning. Memorizing a verse is important, but understanding what a passage means is also important.

Visuals Use Visuals A-E (Young Teen Visuals) to display in your classroom for decoration or use them on a bulletin board. Your classroom can be identified by the Young Teen sign (Young Teen Visuals). The Theme Poster (Young Teen Visuals) is to promote your VBS prior to the event. Use it in your room as part of the décor.

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7Introduction

Student Book Student books contain active learning projects for students in the classroom. Each lesson is introduced by an illustration of story relating to the lesson subject. There are exercises in each lesson that should help reinforce the lesson aim. Other pages contain activities that will help teach the memory verse and provide exercises that suggest how the lesson applies to the students in a personal way. The student book contains records that will enable the student to keep track of his attendance and memory verses.

Game Time There is a game time in each lesson. Use the game book provided with this series. Should a teacher wish to use a game, one can be selected he feels would be appropriate for a particular lesson.

Room Decor Artwork that will help you create background to use in your classroom are contained in the Room Decoration Transparency Book. For an interesting teaching area, begin preparing well in advance of the week of Vacation Bible School. Transparencies contained in that book will provide a number of possible ways to enhance your classroom.

Bulletin Board Use a bulletin board to give students an overview of VBS. The Young Teen Visuals contain the items needed to make the bulletin board.

Teaching Young Teens Young teens today compose the second largest generation in history, and they are now making their way through schools, youth groups and churches. This generation is so full of questions and contradictions that teachers of teens are apt to question both their abilities and methods of approach when presenting the Bible lessons. Making it even more difficult to reach youth with the message of the gospel, so-called experts are suggesting to this spiritually curious generation that religion is synonymous with Christianity. Regardless of gloomy prospects suggested by present-day trends, God’s thoughts are neither our thoughts nor are His ways our ways (Isaiah 55:8). His Word continues to be effective, and He still uses dedicated men and women as teachers to communicate with present-day young people. The fact that God has used even a donkey and a rooster to communicate His message may be humbling, but it should be encouraging at the same time. This emphasizes that it is the message and not the messenger that is the most important. God will use whatever or whomever He pleases to express His love to His creatures and help them live lives that please the Heavenly Father. While realizing that the message is the most important aspect of teaching, teachers should also understand they have the challenge of helping students understand and apply the message. As young teens grow older, they may listen to society that tells them reasoning, experience and preferences are the basis of truth and truth should be validated by experience. While this is not the case, effective teachers of young teens will take advantage of this mind-set and create a context for learning by using exercises in the lessons to involve students actively in the process of learning.

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Salvation One of the most effective tools of evangelism for a church is Vacation Bible School. Teachers should use every means possible to introduce students to the plan of salvation in each lesson. It is very important not to push anyone to make a decision he may not be ready to make. It is your job to present the plan of salvation, and the Holy Spirit’s job to convict.

The following is the simple plan of salvation:

• To go to Heaven, you must be born again (John 3:16).• To be born again you must first realize you are a sinner (Romans 3:23).• Because you are a sinner, you are condemned to death. This means eternal separation from

God (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:27).• God loves you so much that He sent Jesus to die for you while you were a sinner (Romans 5:8).• God commands you to repent (Acts 17:30).• You are to call on the Lord to save you (Acts 16:20-31; Romans 10:13).

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BIBLE BACKGROUND Someone has commented that the most difficult instrument in the orchestra to play is second fiddle. This was exactly the position in which Joshua found himself. For forty years, Joshua was at Moses’ right hand, learning from him how to be a leader. One of the lessons he learned was that he could conquer his fear of leading the nation of Israel by relying on the presence of God. As with all great men, Moses’ time as a leader came to an end. After forty years, Moses approached the end of his life, and it was time for someone else to step forward to become the leader of the nation of Israel. Probably as difficult as assuming leadership from a seasoned and highly respected leader is the choosing of a successor by that leader. Moses was delivered from that responsibility by the Lord when He chose Joshua to be Moses’ replacement. Having been Moses’ second in command, there is little doubt Joshua understood that the role he was to assume was monumental and had overwhelming responsibilities. Like anyone who is about to assume a position of leadership, Joshua apparently faced his duties with a sense of trepidation. Having experienced these duties for over forty years, Moses understood the fear this new leader must be feeling. In a public presentation of Joshua as his God-selected replacement, Moses presented Joshua with practical ways to allay his fears and apprehensions. Moses encouraged Joshua to proceed fearlessly in his new position based on four promises from God. First was the promise that God would go before him into the Promised Land. God’s plan for Israel was not merely to get them out of Egypt but to get them back into the Promised Land. God was not going to abandon His plan because Moses’ life was over. When God begins an endeavor, He plans to complete it. Through the psalmist God said, “I have sworn, and I will perform it” (Psalm 119:106). When considering God’s work in the lives of His children, Paul stated, “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Moses could speak to Joshua from experience concerning God’s presence. He had experienced it at the burning bush, in his confrontations with Pharaoh, at the Red Sea, on Mount Sinai and along the way through the desert. On one occasion, fearing God would forsake them, Moses prayed, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence” (Exodus 33:15). Moses knew from experience how much Joshua would need God’s presence and what it would mean to the new leader of Israel. He assured Joshua that God would go before him and be with him (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Lesson 1 - Joshua Conquers Fear

Bible Account: Joshua Conquers Fear—Deuteronomy 31:7-13, 23; 34:5-9; Joshua 1:1-9

Destination: Land of Moab

Memory Verse: Psalm 121:2, “My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”

Aim: The student will understand and say that God is with him in every situation.

Life Application: When I am fearful, I will ABIDE in God.

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There is a saying which reminds people, “It is lonely at the top.” One of the frightening aspects of leadership is the possibility of abandonment. Everyone seems to be willing to follow a leader until he must make an unpopular decision, then things quickly change. The second reassuring promise Moses mentioned to his successor addresses this issue. Moses reminded Joshua that not only would he have God’s presence, but also God’s presence would never leave him. Moses said, “He [God] will be with thee” (verse 8). Many years before, another child of God needed this reassurance. Jacob left his home in fear fleeing for his life. On his journey to Haran, God appeared to him and said, “Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, . . . for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of” (Genesis 28:15). Israel’s King David later testified of God’s faithfulness to be with His children. In Psalm 37:25, David wrote, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken.” Moses knew there would soon be times in Joshua’s life that he would face moments of difficult decisions and times when the pressures of leadership would weigh heavily on him. Moses knew these pressures would produce fear. When Joshua felt the strangling fingers of fear, he recalled the way Moses handled them. No doubt Joshua remembered one of the occasions when the children were threatened by an enemy. Moses encouraged his people and told them to have no fear because “the Lord is with us” (Numbers 14:9). Joshua learned that fear can be resisted and overcome by relying on God’s presence. Joshua gained confidence from God’s personal assurance that He was with him. God did not place Joshua in the position of leadership then leave him on his own. Moses had spoken to Joshua and encouraged him to “be strong and of a good courage” (Deuteronomy 31:7). After Moses died, God Himself spoke directly to Joshua and gave him a reason for him to be strong and not to fear. God gave His personal assurance of His presence. God said, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee” (Joshua 1:5). Along the way, God never failed to be with Moses, and He promised He would be with Joshua as well. God never failed to lead Joshua. God was there to guide him, to uphold and strengthen, to shield him and to give him a successful conquest of the land. Moses suggested to Joshua that a remedy for fear was a reminder that God would not fail him. Moses had felt the disappointment of having members of his family question his leadership. He had faced the anger of a great number of the people. In spite of occasional moments of fear and discouragement, he kept on with the work God called him to do. Because of the faithlessness of a prior generation, Joshua had to lead the Israelites in battle against the tribes of Canaan to settle the land. God never fails to keep one of His promises. Knowing the assurance that God would not fail him eased Joshua’s fears and made him a successful leader. Fear is an emotion that everyone will face at one point or another; however, he does not have to succumb to defeat. Joshua abided close to God; he knew that his fears were no match to God’s power. Joshua faced his fears with the assurance that God would help him. Today’s young teens should learn from Joshua that they should always abide close to God and trust Him to strengthen, sustain and see them through when fear threatens to overwhelm them.

ATTENTION GETTER Divide students into three groups. Give each group an index card, a pen or pencil and a Bible for each group. Say: You are to read and study 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40; Nehemiah 3:11, 12, 15, 18. Based on these passages, each group will plan a meeting with three activities that all young teens can enjoy and from which they can learn. Allow teams to work on the assignment. After several minutes, ask:

1. How does it feel to suddenly be put in charge of a project?2. What was the most difficult part of having to plan a meeting?

• Index cards• Pens or pencils• Bibles

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3. What risks are involved in being a leader?4. What could have prepared you to be a better leader?5. Do you think young teens can be good leaders? Why or why not?

BIBLE ACCOUNTJoshua Conquers Fear—Deuteronomy 31:7-13, 23; 34:5-9; Joshua 1:1-9 Visual: The Bible Account Poster is the first visual in this lesson. Display the poster before presenting the Bible account. The poster reminds students that no matter the circumstance, God can calm fears. Forty years is a long time to be second in command to such a dynamic leader as Moses. That is how long Joshua stood in the shadow of Moses. Joshua is first mentioned in Exodus 17:9 where the Bible states he led Israel in the first decisive battle against Amalek. He was with Moses at Mount Sinai and accompanied him part of the way up the mountain to receive the Law (Exodus 32:17). Through the following forty years he served as Moses’ loyal minister or servant. Joshua and Caleb were two of the twelve men who were sent out at Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land of Canaan. Joshua and Caleb were also the only men who professed faith that God would keep His word and give them the land. Throughout the forty years of wandering in the desert, Joshua served Moses faithfully. At one hundred twenty years of age, Moses’ leadership came to an end. Before his death in response to God’s instructions, Moses announced that Joshua would assume the position of leader of the children of Israel. Joshua was moved from second place to commander-in-chief. One may have difficulty fully imagining how Joshua felt. He would be responsible for the safety and care of over two million people. That would be enough to strike fear into the heart of any man. Moses advised Joshua to continue fearlessly placing his confidence in God’s promises to be with Him as He was with Moses (Deuteronomy 3:28). When Joshua assumed the leadership of the children of Israel, his fears were quieted by following God’s instructions and abiding in His Word (Joshua 1:8).

MEMORY VERSE Have students find Psalm 121:2 and recite the verse in unison. Say: This psalm was recited by Jews as they made their way to Jerusalem for the annual feasts and celebrations. To understand the meaning of the memory verse, one must consider the previous verses along with this passage. In verse 1, the psalmist wrote, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” Many Bible commentators point out that the psalmist was not saying he looked to the hills for his strength, but instead the verse ponders the question whether or not he should lift his eyes to the hills and whether or not they are the true source of his strength. Verse 2 is the response to his own question. The psalmist wrote, “My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” As they approached Jerusalem, the pilgrims would observe the hills on which the city was built as well those which surrounded it. The psalm reminded the pilgrims that their strength did not come from the hills but from God who made the hills and all the earth as well. Have students quote the passage in unison.

LIFE APPLICATION Visual: Display the Life Application Poster as a reminder to the students that they can abide in God at all times even in times of fear. The psalmist clearly was teaching there is safety in abiding or dwelling in the presence of God. The message is to stay close to God. The greater the challenge—the closer to God you should be, abiding under the wings of the Almighty. We as children of God will face storm

Lesson 1 - Joshua Conquers Fear

• Bible Account Poster (Young Teen Visuals)

• Bible

• Life Application Poster (Young Teen Visuals)

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Young Teen Teacher • Grades 7-912

clouds of fear, but there is always a silver lining. No matter what we face, God is there with us. In His presence there is peace, in the midst of the storm. Young teens when faced with fears can learn an important lesson from Joshua. When times of difficulty arise and fears threaten to overwhelm, God will be there to strengthen them, sustain them and be with them through those fearful times. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). We can abide in the safety of our great God and rest assured that He is with us in every situation.

STUDENT BOOK A question that everyone should consider is whether or not he is ready to be a leader. For example, Joshua served as Moses’ second in command for forty years apparently without one word of dissatisfaction. He faithfully served as Moses’ military leader and assisted him in various other ways and was always there to support Moses. There is no indication that Joshua ever seemed to aspire to being anything more than what he was, Moses’ minister. Yet, when the time came for Moses’ to die, God chose Joshua to be Moses’ replacement. How intimidated was Joshua by the task God called him to do? There was no complaining on his part, but the number of times God gave words of encouragement to Joshua, it seems he must have felt some apprehension, Joshua learned that abiding in God was the way to overcome fearful apprehension.

Page 4 Have students read the article. Read Deuteronomy 31:8. Ask: What encouragement should this passage have offered Joshua as he assumed from Moses the task of leading the nation of Israel?

Page 5 I’m Not Afraid of Anything . . . (Right!) Students will tell what their greatest fears would be and how they would overcome their fears in each situation. Ask students to share their answers.

From the History Book Students will list three individuals whom they feel represent fearless leaders and briefly tell why (one present-day, one from the secular history and one from the Bible.) Ask for volunteers to name one of the individuals they selected and tell why.

Find the Correct Scripture Students will fill in the blanks by finding the answers from a list of Scriptures. (Answers: 1. help, deliverer, Psalm 40:17; 2. help, rejoice, Psalm 63:7; 3. trust, afraid, Psalm 56:11; 4. hold, thy, right, hand, Fear, not, Isaiah 41:13; 5. Fear, thou, not, strengthen, uphold, Isaiah 41:10) Call for volunteers to share their answers.

Page 6 True or False Students will answer the five statements with T for true and F for false.(Answers: 1. F; 2. T; 3. F; 4. T; 5. F)

Taking a Closer Look Students will fill in the missing words to the memory verse and answer the questions. (Answers: help, Lord, earth Answers to the questions will vary.)

Have students write their answers to what does it mean to abide in God? in the blanks. Answers will vary. Have students share their answers.

• Young Teen Student• Bible• Pencils

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13Lesson 1 - Joshua Conquers Fear

Page 7 What Frightens You the Most? Have students list three things that frighten them and then circle the one they feel would be the most frightening. Allow students to share why this is the most frightening.

Choose a Promise Students will choose the promise they feel is the most comforting to them. Ask students to share their answers and explain why. Answers will vary.

At the bottom, have students read the article. Explain the necessity of salvation.

GAME BOOK Be sure to consult the Game Book provided with this series from which to select an age-appropriate game. While the game section appears at the end of the lesson, games may be used anywhere the teacher feels they will be most appropriate.

CRAFT BOOKIf a craft time is desired, consult the Craft Book for an age-appropriate suggestion.

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