- Participants will be able to explain how Jesus defines success according to Scripture.
- Participants will discuss ways to use their skills to help others in need in their communities.
Lesson Preparation
If we are to achieve what God defines as success, we must know what he calls us to in his Word. The life of Jesus offers us the perfect example to follow as we utilise all that God has placed within us to advance his kingdom. When we centre our decision- making on obeying God and acting in love, we will find true happiness and fulfilment.
Luke 14:16-24; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
- Success: the accomplishment of a goal in a manner that maintains an individual’s integrity
- Kingdom: God’s purpose being accomplished through obedient people on earth
- Workbook
- Pen/Pencil
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- Lesson Summary: The summary provides an overview of what will be covered in the lesson. It includes the Scripture or biblical truths and how the biblical principles apply to the lives of the participants.
- Lesson Objectives: These goals guide instruction and support the main idea of the lesson. They state what participants should know and be able to do once they have completed the lesson.
- Scripture References: These are passages of Scripture used in each lesson. Plan to read these passages prior to teaching the lesson
- Vocabulary: These are the key words discussed in each lesson that should be taught in context.
- Materials: This is a list of supplies needed to teach the lesson and/or to do the activities.
- Welcome and Review: Begin each class by welcoming the participants and reviewing the material from the previous lesson.
- Icebreaker: In Lesson 1, there is an icebreaker activity to start the lesson. This is a great way to get participants talking and comfortable with one another.
- Scripture Study: Includes different parts. The leader shares the Bible story interactively, asking questions and guiding discussion to engage participants in the Scripture.
- Workbook Activity: During each lesson, students will complete a workbook exercise that will help reinforce learning through hands-on engagement. The workbook activities provide structure for applying the lesson content to the project. Completed examples are provided in this leader’s guide and at the back of the participant’s workbook.
- Facilitation Tips: These support the leader with strategies for guiding the group projects. These reminders help facilitators adapt to challenges and adjust for learners with different abilities and styles.
- Project Milestone: This statement is designed to help define the progress goal for the group project. It outlines the key steps that the leader and student should aim to accomplish by the end of the lesson.
Pray: Participants will reflect on the lesson, and the facilitator will end the lesson with a prayer.
Welcome and Review
Greet participants and review the previous lesson.
Before class, hang three signs on the wall that say “Agree”, “Disagree” and “Unsure”.
Say:
We are going to start with an activity called “Agree or Disagree”. I will
read a
statement about success, and you will decide if you agree or disagree.
Move to the
side of the room that represents your choice.
Do not worry about trying to choose
the right answer here.
This is just a chance to think and talk honestly.
Read each statement one at a time and allow students to move as you read each one.
Statements:
1. Success means reaching your personal goals.
2. Success is connected to how much money you make.
3. Success is measured by the impact you have on others.
4. Success is mostly about talent or ability.
Say:
The voices around us constantly try to define success for us—through media, culture and comparison. Success is often pictured as money, recognition, status or possessions. But those things do not last. Cars break down. Fashions go out of style. Even people’s praise fades.
God calls us to something better. His Word shows us that true success is measured by faithfulness, obedience and love. It is accomplishing a goal in a manner that maintains an individual’s integrity. When we live in step with his kingdom, success is not about what we get, but about who we are becoming and how we serve. Now, let us turn to Scripture and see what God’s Word says about success.
Say:
In Scripture, Jesus redefined success. Instead of chasing wealth, power
or
approval, he pointed to the values of God’s kingdom.
Here, success looks nothing like the world’s standards. Earthly kingdoms prize status
and excess, but God honours those who know their need for grace. True success is
found in humility, trust and dependence on him.
To make this clear, Jesus told
parables—simple stories that revealed God’s truth.
Through them, he showed what success looks like in God’s eyes.
Let us read
Luke 14:16-24 together.
Invite students to open to page 5 in their workbook and follow along as you read the Scripture selections .
Luke 14:16-24:
A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his
servant to tell the guests, “Come, the banquet is ready." However, after receiving excuse after
excuse from his invited guests, the man then called all of the poor, blind and lame people of his
city to his table. He filled his home with travellers from the country roads and made this
proclamation, “For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.”
Pause and invite students to respond to questions 1 and 2 in the workbook.
Question 1:
Why do you think the invited guests gave excuses instead of accepting the invitation to the banquet
Question 2:
What are some “excuses” or distractions in our lives today that keep us from fully saying yes to God’s kingdom call?
Say:
This parable gives us a clear picture of God’s kingdom. The banquet represents his invitation to share in salvation and life with him. Jesus shows that what keeps people out is not weakness or brokenness, but misplaced priorities. Those distracted by other concerns missed out, while the poor, hurting and overlooked were welcomed and given a seat at the table.
God’s invitation is for everyone, but it requires a response and a heart that knows what matters most. Real success is not found in possessions, achievements or popularity—it is found in saying “yes” to God and joining him in his saving work.
Say:
Now, let us look at 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 and see how Jesus summarises what God desires most from us.
Invite a participant to read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 in their workbook.
1
Corinthians
13:1-3
I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others,
I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and
if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had
such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.
If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast
about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
Pause and invite students to respond to questions 3 and 4 in the workbook
Question 3:
Why is love central to what we are called to in God’s kingdom, even more than talents, knowledge or great sacrifices?
Question 4:
When you think about the project you are planning, how can you make sure love is the foundation and not just the desire to achieve something “great”?
Say:
Paul is saying that without love, even the most spiritual gifts or impressive sacrifices lose their value. Speaking every language, understanding every mystery or having faith strong enough to move mountains all sound extraordinary, but without love, they amount to nothing. Giving away everything—even laying down your life— becomes empty if it is not motivated by love.
This passage reminds us that in God’s kingdom, love is not optional—it is essential. Success is not about how gifted, knowledgeable or sacrificial we appear, but whether what we do flows from genuine love for God and people.
We are “called to a kingdom” where love is the foundation. Without it, we miss the heart of God’s calling. But with love, even the smallest act of service can carry eternal weight.
Say:
We are in the process of designing and carrying out a project that allows you to use your unique gifts to serve the community around you. Today, let us discern whether the project you have chosen or one that you are thinking about choosing reflects God’s call to his kingdom.
Group Setup
Before completing the workbook activity, divide students into groups of 4-6 students.
When you determine groups, consider the following:
- Keep groups to six or fewer so that everyone has enough meaningful work to contribute.
- Balance strengths. Try to distribute skill sets evenly across groups.
Invite students to turn to page 6 in their workbook. Give them some time to complete the project activity. Then, invite students to share their thoughts aloud with the group.
Sample Completed Activity
| Members | Alex, Rodney, Milly and Sarah |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Tutoring Academically Challenged Kids |
| Project Description |
This should include a 1- to 2-sentence description of what the project will look like. Example: Providing personalised academic support for children who struggle with learning in traditional classrooms. |
| 'Why' Statement |
This should include a 1- to 2-sentence description of the purpose of your project. Focus on why it matters and the problem or need it addresses. Example: Many children fall behind academically, not because they lack potential, but because they need extra attention, encouragement and learning strategies that fit their pace. |
| Goals/Impact |
This should describe what the group hopes to accomplish after completing the project. Examples: Academic growth, confidence building, equal opportunity for all learners |
| Timeline |
Note the planned date and time for the project. Details will not be final at this point, but record a general timeframe and expected duration. Examples: We will host 1-2 tutoring sessions. Ideally, the time will be after school, between 4-6 p.m. |
| Location |
List possible project locations. They do not need to be final, but general ideas help keep the project realistic. Examples: Sarah's local church |
Project
Milestone:
Milestone:
Determine the project direction.
By the end of the lesson, students will decide
on a project direction by completing the project proposal activity in their
workbook.
If possible, review each group’s project proposal and sign the form in their workbook.
If you sense your students need additional support, consider these teaching strategies.
-
Keep it realistic
Direct students to ideas that they can accomplish in their context.
-
Circulate and coach
Move from group to group, asking clarifying questions and checking for realistic plans.
-
Encourage specificity
Students might be tempted to complete the form quickly and will lack detail. Encourage them to think thoroughly about their responses.
Say:
You are God’s child, called by name to advance his kingdom in your world. As we have explored today, true success is measured not by wealth, recognition or convenience, but by loving God fully and loving others faithfully.
As you move forward in designing your projects, remember: God is more concerned about the condition of your heart and the love you show than the size or popularity of the project.
As we pray today, may your “yes” to his kingdom in planning, action and service be the first step toward the kind of success that lasts, both in this life and the next.
Pray:
Allow time for participants to repeat each section after you.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for inviting us into your kingdom and showing us what true success looks like. Forgive us for making excuses and help us to say yes to you fully. Guide our hearts and minds as we plan our projects. Help us to serve others in ways that reflect your love, meet real needs and point people towards you. Amen
Lessons 1-12
- Lesson 1 Being Who I Am Called To Be
- Lesson 2 Called To a Kingdom
- Lesson 3 Called To Image
- Lesson 4 Called To Serve
- Lesson 5 Called To Responsibility
- Lesson 6 Called To Overcome
- Lesson 7 Called To Collaborate
- Lesson 8 Called To Confidence
- Lesson 9 Called To Refine
- Lesson 10 Called To Implement
- Lesson 11 Called To Evaluate
- Lesson 12 Called To Continue