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Royals: a 4-Week Teaching Series for Youth Ministry TOPIC: Authority SCRIPTURE: the Old Testament & Psalms DECORATING THEME: Royalty AGE GROUP: Student (Get the Elementary version here !) Have you ever wished you had a little bit more power - or influence - or control? Whether you dream about ruling the world or just wish you could get a little respect once in a while, the desire to be in charge is something we've all experienced. But in this 4-week series, we'll hear about a few kings from the Bible whose stories show us power isn't always easy to yield. Through their failures and successes, we'll discover that when you make mistakes , God can help make things right; when you think you know best , be humble instead; when you're not sure who to listen to , ask God for guidance; and when obedience is difficult , stay close to Jesus. BIG IDEAS & BIBLE STORIES When you make mistakes, God can help make things right. (David and Bathsheba : 2 Samuel 11:1-27, 12:1-13; Psalm 51:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 1:9) When you think you know best, be humble instead. (Absalom is Defeated: 2 Samuel 15:1-14, 18:1-15,31-33; Matthew 23:12; 1 Peter 5:5-6) When you're not sure who to listen to, ask God for wisdom. (Solomon Chooses Wisdom: 1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14; James 1:5, Proverbs 16:16) When obedience is difficult, stay close to Jesus. (God's Promise to David: 2 Samuel 7:8-13; John 6:50-66; John 14:23) WEEKLY CURRICULUM SUMMARIES: This week, we'll learn through the mistakes of King David that God shows us grace. Most rulers don't like to admit when they've messed up-but real power begins with honesty and grace. This week, we look at King David, who made some huge mistakes but still turned back to God and found forgiveness. His story shows us that when you make mistakes, God can help make things right. This week, we'll observe how Absalom's arrogance led to his downfall and why living a life of humility is a better choice. The desire for power can be tempting, but chasing it for the wrong reasons usually leads to disaster. This week, we see how Absalom let pride and ambition drive him to take the throne by force-but instead of gaining control, he lost everything. His story reminds us that when you think you know best, be humble instead. In this week, we'll hear how King Solomon chose wisdom when he had the opportunity to ask for anything he wanted. Imagine being offered anything-fame, power, wealth-and choosing wisdom instead. Solomon had the chance to ask God for whatever he wanted and he chose what would help him lead well and serve others. Solomon shows us that when things feel overwhelming or unclear, the smartest move is asking God what to do. When you're not sure who to listen to, ask God for wisdom. This week, we'll see how, after centuries of failed human kings, Jesus came to set up a brand new kind of kingdom. After centuries of imperfect kings, Jesus arrived with a kingdom like no other-one built on love, not power plays. Obedience to Jesus can feel difficult when it costs us comfort, control, or the approval of others, but his way leads to something far better. His life and leadership show us that when obedience is difficult, stay close to Jesus. MEMORY VERSE: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

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