This past Wednesday evening in our middle school program…

We took a look at what it means to be God’s representative. Specifically, what does it mean to be God’s Representative in an ungodly world? Here’s what we worked through with our Middle School students.

Introduction

You have all heard your mom and dad say to you when you were little, “Never talk to strangers!” What if I were to tell you that Christians are strangers?

That’s right, Christians are strange when considered by the world and the people who are of the world. The crazy part is, that we choose to be strangers! We choose to be God’s Representatives on this planet, which often pushes us out of regular social circles, making us estranged.

Tonight, we’re going to explore that concept and see what the Bible has to say about being God’s Representatives and ultimately, strangers. But first, Robert Pierre is a Christian artist who has written a song about this concept.

“Stranger In This Land” by Robert Pierre

This world will try to shut me down,
Push and shove me to the ground but I,
I been covered by the blood of Christ,
I am His and He is mine.

May be hated but this ain’t my town,
Persecuted constantly beat down.
But there’s a joy in the suffering,
Cause He is my identity, I’m not of this world.

I’m a stranger in this land,
There’s a narrow road ahead.
No matter what comes my way,
I’ll be okay, okay, okay, I will keep my eyes on You.
Knowing You will see me through,
No matter what comes my way.
I’ll be okay, okay, okay,
Cause You got me in Your hand.
Cause You got me in Your hand.

It’s always darkest before the dawn,
But I can see the rising sun as it.
Shines bright of what’s to come,
My hope will never be undone, I’m not of this world.
There’s a day coming, There’s a day coming,
There’s a day coming I’ll see Your face. [x3]

Small Group Discussion

1. What do you think the point of this music video was?
2. What do you think the artist is trying to say through his lyrics? Does it line up with the video?  Explain.
3. Read 1 Peter 2:10-11. What do you think Peter meant by “you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy”?
4. What are some of the “sinful desires, which wage war against your soul”?
5. Are there any “sinful desires” that you’re still holding onto?  If so, why?
6. Read John 15:17-19. In your own words, describe what these verses are saying.
7. In your day-to-day life, do your actions and speech resemble a stranger in this world or a citizen of this world?
8. What are you going to change or give up this week, in order to become more like Christ and in turn, more like a stranger to this world?

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• Is it strange being God’s representative?