Top 7 Bible Verses For Teens To Study

It is very challenging being a teenager in this day and age, as they face so many temptations and struggles. One of the main issues is the general hopelessness that so many feel about the future. The world is constantly telling them that they can never measure up or that the end is near, so why even try to be the best you can be? Fortunately, God does not want us to feel that way, and he especially wants our youth to be strong, hope-filled, purposeful, and optimistic about the future. God’s word is the best tool to fight the challenges that teenagers face in the twenty-first century, and here is my list of the top seven Bible verses for Teens to Study.

Joshua 1:9 (ESV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Fear is a very crippling part of society today. From horror movies to the alarming news on television or on the internet, the world is constantly filling young people with reasons to be afraid. I love this verse, though, because the Lord was telling young Joshua these words as he stepped up to lead the Israelite people into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. God did not want him to be consumed with fear, rather he was inspiring him to be strong and courageous. Likewise, the Lord wants to propel this new generation into their God-given destiny with boldness and bravery, and to not be dismayed or fearful in any circumstance. He reminded Joshua and he also reminds young people today that he is always with them wherever they go.

Psalm 103:2 (ESV) “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,”

It is imperative that we teach the youth of today the importance of worshipping, praising and blessing the Lord every day! It is too easy to let the distractions of life and daily activities push out our time with God, but if we want our children to succeed then we must remind them to focus on the Lord and to not forget his benefits. Only then will our young people have lives that are meaningful and successful. I recommend studying this whole chapter, as it so valuable for teaching and studying many other truths about God has well. Psalm 103:3-5, goes on to remind us that it is God, “who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” So God is our hope and our strength in every area of life.

Psalm 119:9 (ESV) “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.”

Purity is a word that is often ignored and even forgotten in today’s culture, as everyone is encouraged to do what feels good at the moment. God knows, though, that guarding our minds, our bodies, and our hearts is very important—especially for teenagers. Mistakes can be made when we are young that can have lifelong consequences, so the Lord is reminding all young people to keep their eyes on him and his word. Doing this will protect a young person from pain and suffering, and it will strengthen his or her inner person with God’s truth.

Eclesiastes 12:1 (ESV) “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.”

This is such a great passage for young people to study, because it clearly directs our focus to our Creator God. There are so many distractions in the world today, so teens need to make a conscious decision to keep their eyes on God and on his word. Life can be so less complicated and carefree when we are young, so it is important to set our priorities straight at that time. If we do that, then when life gets harder or complicated through work, finances, health issues, relationship issues, or other evil influences, then our hope and security will be in God. And perhaps if we do keep God in the center of our lives, then we will never get to the point of saying or believing that life has no pleasure left for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

One of my favorite verses to give to young graduates or teens is this passage in Jeremiah. These words are full of promises and hope for the future, and I believe that this generation needs to know and receive these promises. Jeremiah 29:12-13, goes on to say, ”Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” I believe that young people today need to know that God has great plans for them—plans to bless and prosper them—and not to hurt them if they give their hearts first and foremost to Him.

I Timothy 2:22 (ESV) “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

One of the great things about young people is their passion and zeal for life. They are excited about trying new things and being adventurous, so here in this verse the Lord is reminding teens to pursue righteousness first along with faith, love and peace, so that their lives will be blessed. It is so easy for teens to follow their youthful hearts in the wrong direction, and let earthly passion run their lives. God knows the strength and determination that he has given our youth, though, so he cautions them to live pure and exemplary lives by controlling those passions and redirecting them towards godly and righteous endeavors.

1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV) “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

Some folks may think that children or young people are only little or partial Christians, because of their age or their smaller size. However, the truth is that once a person—young or old—accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior, then they are fully committed Christians filled with the Holy Spirit like others that are older than them. So in this verse, the apostle, Paul, reminds young Timothy, that he is a valuable part of the Kingdom of God and no one should look down on him because of his age. This is especially true if he continues to set a godly example to all in his words, in his actions, in the way he loves others, in his faith, and in purity. If he continues to live this way, then no one will be able to despise him because of his youth. So this verse would be a great one for teens to study, as they seek ways to impact society and the world around them for our Savior Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Young people today have so much technology and resources at their disposal, and yet many are more discouraged and fearful than ever. God does not want them to feel that way, but rather he wants to empower them with hope, courage, self-discipline, purpose, and love, so that they can live fruitful and successful lives. The Bible has the keys and the tools to make that possible, and it is crucial that we have our young people study God’s word. If they do this, then they will avoid some serious pitfalls, but they will also live happier and more joy-filled lives. God has great plans for this generation, so all they need to do is seek him first and all the other great things will be given to them as well.

Written by Karla Hawkins

God has been good to me over the years, and I have much for which to be grateful to Him. First of all, I feel blessed to be the pastor’s wife of a thriving church in northern Michigan and the mother of four amazing grown children. It is also very rewarding to be a Christian author, editor and translator for the Kingdom of God. Some of my favorite pastimes include supporting my children’s contemporary Christian band ONLY9AM, singing on the worship team at church, traveling, and connecting with family and friends via social media. My favorite song this year has been “You Make Me Brave” by Amanda Cook from Bethel Church, as God has recently been stretching my faith and walk with Him in new ways. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and especially with my precious three-year-old grandson.