Every teenager feels things deeply. Whether it’s insecurity, anxiety, the need to be liked, confusion around love, or a fear of being awkward, emotions hit hard and fast during adolescence. But too often, students let those emotions steer the direction of their lives.
This series helps students recognize that their feelings are real—but they don’t have to rule their lives. Through a gospel-centered lens, Up empowers students to look upward instead of inward or outward, and discover what God says about what they feel.
In middle and high school, emotions can feel overwhelming. Students are desperate to be liked, riddled with anxiety, tempted to boast to fit in, confused about love, and hesitant to act on faith when it feels awkward. These emotional pressures often push them toward decisions they later regret—and away from the security found in Christ.
But the truth is: Christ has freed them from bondage to their feelings. And when they begin to see life through that gospel lens, things change.
This five-week series walks students through the most intense emotional challenges they face:
Week 1 (1 John 1:5-9): Insecurity – When being liked becomes the highest goal, students often compromise. This week redirects them to the security only Christ can offer.
Week 2 (Philippians 4:6-7): Anxiety – When pressure builds and students feel overwhelmed, this week reminds them that looking up at God brings peace that surpasses understanding.
Week 3 (1 Corinthians 1:28-31): Pride – Students learn that the need to brag fades when they understand how deeply loved they already are in Christ.
Week 4 (Romans 5:6-8): Love – This week dismantles the cultural confusion around love and replaces it with God’s sacrificial definition.
Week 5 (Daniel 3:13-28): Awkwardness – Students are challenged to trust God even when obedience feels awkward and costly.
Each week offers students an honest look at what they’re feeling, a clear gospel truth to anchor them, and a path toward spiritual transformation.
Every G Shades series includes everything you need for a full month of gospel-centered programming:
5 fully-written, gospel-centered sermon manuscripts
Interactive small group discussion guides
Graphics package (slides, promo graphics, social media images)
Leader prep guides for each week
Choosing youth group lessons for your church is hard. Here’s how to decide what’s right for you.
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Check out our full year of youth group lessons, complete with message manuscripts, video messages, volunteer-friendly discussion guides, games, and graphics! Everything you need to run your weekly youth group this year!
G Shades creates youth ministry curriculum focused on helping middle and high school students see life through a gospel lens. Learn more about our story.
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