If your class is meeting online, invite students to bring supplies with them to class.

Through the sacrifice of our Savior, we have been rescued from sin; however, we are still susceptible to sin’s temptations. As today’s lesson discussed, the key to beating our sinful habits lies in the power of the Holy Spirit. In order to access the Spirit’s guidance, we must learn how to listen and respond when He is trying to communicate with us.

The Holy Spirit is the most powerful Being there ever was or will be; however, He often chooses to speak in a way that few take notice of. For many, the thoughts and desires of our own minds block out our ability to receive the information we so desperately need. Because of this, we need to practice putting ourselves in a place in which we can hear and respond to the guidance of the Spirit. But the more we spend time on our relationship with God, the more we are open to listening to God. We can take time to learn and practice different spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines are ways to practice spending time with God. Spending time with God helps to beat sinful habits.

Spend the rest of the time talking through the following spiritual disciplines. Display them on a whiteboard or screenshared document so students can follow along.

• Reading God’s Word – Go away by yourself, find a quiet place without distraction, and spend time reading God’s Word. What is it saying to you?
• Journaling – Reflecting on God. How do you see God in the everyday moments of your life? What hopes, dreams, emotion, and fears do you have? You can share those with God.
• Scripture Memory – What verses and passages speak to you? Write them down and practice learning them. Be open to knowing a verse when it pops into your head in a situation.
• Prayer – Spend time talking to God. What is in your heart to share with Him: worries, fears, praises, thanks, etc?

Distribute supplies (or invite students to have them ready at home). Ask students to write down which of the spiritual disciplines they want to work on during the week. Encourage them to also write down the different questions as well as the definition.

Finally, challenge your students to use this coming week to identify the sinful habits from which they personally need to be rescued. When tempted to sin, encourage them to abstain from engaging in this sin and, instead, replace this time with their chosen spiritual discipline, opening their hearts to receive the healing power of the Holy Spirit.

Close in prayer thanking God for the power of the Holy Spirit to deliver us from sinful habits. Ask for strength for you and your students this week to allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you through time in His Word and contemplation.

Building new habits is hard work. Be sure to text or email your students during the week to encourage them with practicing their spiritual discipline.