Orthodox Church in America - The Hub for Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Notes and Guidelines for Clergy

Session 1: Be Strong in the Lord

In this lesson for today, the youth are going to learn an overview of what it means to “Be Strong in the Lord”

Feel free to emphasizes these points:

What is spiritual warfare

How the Holy Spirit helps us at battle… (focus on feast of Pentecost if it helps)

Mention the different weapons talked about in Ephesians chapter 6…

Even our Lord was tempted in the wilderness as the Gospel says. He went through spiritual warfare in the flesh also when He took up the cross to His very own death and crucifiction…

Make the point that every time we choose Christ there will be a spiritual warfare. Every time we choose Christ we choose to Be Strong in the Lord.

Epistle: Ephesians 6: 10 – 20 to point out spiritual warfare
Gospel: Luke 4: 1 -13 to point out even our Lord went through a spiritual warfare

Session 2: “Gird your waist with truth.”

In this lesson for today, youth will learn that Christ is the truth and discuss how to discern truth for themselves.

Feel free to emphasize these points:

Truth is not relative… truth is Christ… Explain

If we do not pray, we will never know the “real” truth…. Or what Christ wants us to do with our lives.

Some pointers on how to deal with “other” truths. Maybe some example of what appears to be true but what might not be.

Explain this phrase in light of discerning truth… 2Cor 11:14 “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11: 10 – 15
Gospel: John 14: 1 – 6

Session 3: “Breastplate of Righteousness”

In the lesson for today, youth are going to discuss what it means to live a righteous life. There is much to be said about this lesson, so feel free to discuss:

What does righteousness mean

How does one live a righteous life

How can living a righteous life strengthen us in the Lord

Why the Beatitudes are important to us

Epistle: Galatians 5: 13 -25 for a list of unrighteous and righteous living
Gospel: Matthew 5: 1 - 12 for a list of the Beatitudes

Session 4: Gospel of Peace

Youth will learn how important the Gospel (Jesus’ words) is to us. Discuss how the Bible can bring us closer to God and how Christ’s words bring peace to our souls, making us Stronger in the Lord…

Epistle: Hebrews 4: 9 – 13 talks about finding rest in the word of God. When we are at odds with what the gospel is saying our souls do not find peace and we are easy prey for the evil one.
Gospel: Luke 8: 5 – 15 The parable of the sower… The word of God is the seed … the Gospel of peace…

Feel free to point out that our minds and hearts have to be ready and listening attentively to the word of God. Otherwise, the Gospel will not bring us peace and we will not be strengthened. This is a good time to tell them to pay attention in their religion classes and their evening devotions.

Session 5: Faith and Salvation

Youth are going to learn that through faith and good works combined with God’s mercy and love, we gain our salvation.

Feel free to talk about or give examples of your favorite saint… how he/she believed in God and how he/she gained salvation for your talk today.

Epistle: Hebrews 11: 1 – 7 What is faith?
Gospel: Matthew 14: 28 – 33 Peter walks on water and looses his faith. Calls out “Lord, save me.” Jesus rescues him who had little faith. We just need to call out to our Lord… Talk about the Jesus prayer if you like and the power and mercy of God to save us in times of trouble.

Session 6: Wrap up session

(regular Epistle and Gospel for the day)

Wrap up sermon: Talk about the week, the theme and how we can continue to “Be Strong in the Lord”