Praxis: Pet Sin

Location: A house where a well-groomed pet lives, preferably a dog or cat.

Focus: Struggling with reoccurring sin.

Bible References: Romans 7:15-20

Background/Setup: The lesson teaches how we often times don't let go of a sin that keeps popping up in our lives. Using the pet as an example of primped and "well-dressed", illustrate how we do the same with sin.

Warm up: Go to a house where the family has a pet that they treat very well, maybe putting bows in the hair, or having a special bed, or the like. Ask your youth: 1. Why do you think the pets like it here and don't run away? 2. How hard do you think it would be to get the pet to run away after living here?

Study: Have someone read the Romans passage. Do you think Paul did a good job of describing "pet" sins?

Application: What are some ways you can keep control over things you say or think? Would having someone to answer to help, especially in key times like after a date?

Reflection: What is a pet sin of yours? How do you "dress it up?" Is it affecting the people around you? Have the youth pray for the person on their right, without knowing the specific sin.

by Amy Zakrajsek