Stay In Charge

Host

Welcome to the Lab!

Co-Host

What?

Host

What was that?

Co-Host

What was what?

Host

That.

Co-Host

My outfit?

Host

No this.

Co-Host

I call that a disaster. (Pause) Oh, you mean my dance? I can’t help myself. I have to dance whenever I hear the music.

Host

Then you need to hear about the Fruit of the Spirit because the one we’re talking about today can help you learn how to control yourself, which is something I hope you learn to do. To begin today, we’re going to play a game that will require some self-control. It’s called a flinch test. We’re going to have some kids to come on stage and try it out. The goal is not to move, even an inch.

Co-Host

It was hard to completely avoid moving. Are you sure I can do that?

Host

I’m going to help our friend get under control. While I do that, You get to see what's going on today in the lab. As you do, tell someone which is harder: not to complain when dinner is something you dislike or not complaining when you have to go somewhere boring.

Host

Rusty is having some serious chicken issues. We should quickly reveal today’s Big Point to help him out.

Host

You did it again.

Co-Host

Did what? Oh, right, the dancing. Yes, not my fault. I hear the song, and I can’t control what happens. I wish I could.

Host

Then we need to choose a Lab Assistant to come up and help us reveal the Big Point so we can discover the truth from the Bible.

Co-Host

Get ready to read our Big Point. We’ll count down from three, and then it's all you!

Co-Host

Let’s all say it together, Stay In Charge? Impossible? Maybe?

Host

It’s not impossible.

Co-Host

Have you heard the song?

Host

You can control your actions. Let’s let this group of kids show you how it’s done. When you hear the music, show (Co-Host’s name) the craziest dance you’ve ever done. Wiggle your arms, jump up and down, shake a leg. Whatever. But when the music stops, freeze wherever you are. If your arms and legs are up in the air, stay there until the music starts again.

Co-Host

Maybe you can control your dancing, but what about when you’re so frustrated you just want to scream and call people names?

Host

We have help controlling ourselves. When we listen to and follow the Holy Spirit, He helps us produce good fruit, like self-control. Even when it seems impossible, God can help us stay in charge. He gives us power.

Co-Host

He gives us power to choose. I like that. It’s much better than being controlled by an 80s dance song. We should see if Rusty has learned that yet.

Co-Host

Rusty seems convinced that he has no option but to act like a chicken.

Host

He’s having a hard time believing that the Big Point is true. But it is. Anyone in this room can do it with the Holy Spirit’s help. Let’s say it again,

Host

Stay In Charge!

Co-Host

We need a Lab Assistant to help us reveal the Big Verse so we can find out what the Bible says.

Host

The Big Verse helps us understand more about the Big Point. After we count down from three read the verse.

Co-Host

2 Timothy 1:7 (NIrV), “God gave us His Spirit…He helps us control ourselves.”

Host

The Holy Spirit helps us control ourselves. That’s why followers of Jesus can be more successful at having self-control.

Co-Host

It actually works in any situation. We’ll choose some of you to come up and pick an item from this bag which represents a place where you might need self-control. We’ll talk about how we can stay in charge in that place.

Co-Host

I’m glad I have help controlling myself in situations like that.

Host

That’s the power of walking in step with the Holy Spirit. He is always there to help us produce good fruit. Let’s stand and worship God.

Some of you might feel out of control today. No matter what has happened, remember that God hasn’t given you a spirit of fear, but a spirit of self-control. We have some volunteers at the front who want to pray with you. If you’re having a hard time staying in control, come to the front, and let’s pray together. God wants to help you stay in charge.

Host

Paul helped the crew of that ship stay under control through the storm. If he hadn’t been there, they might have all lost their lives.

Co-Host

Stay In Charge!

Host

You can share that story with your family when do this week’s Big Do.

Co-Host

The Big Do is to test your family’s ability to resist making a noise. Yep, it’s a simple quiet game. See who in your family can stay the quietest the longest.

Host

Let’s try it now. We’re going to see which group (divide the kids by section, gender, or grade) can avoid making a single noise for the next 30 seconds. Our adult volunteers will monitor the groups to make sure. If even one person makes a peep, your whole team is out.

Co-Host

Remember our Big Point,

Co-Host

Stay In Charge! Let’s gather in our Small Groups and discuss what we’ve learned.

• When is it most difficult to control your actions or feelings? When you are angry? During a storm? At school? At home?

• Where is one place you’d like to have more self-control?

• How can God help us make better choices?

• How was Paul able to stay in charge during the shipwreck? He looked to the Holy Spirit for help, guidance, and strength

• Our Big Point says, Stay In _____!

  • Fear

  • Charge

• Who was on a ship headed to Rome in the Big Story?

  • Peter

  • Paul

• What happened on the trip at sea?

  • Storm

  • Seasickness

• 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIrV), “God gave us His Spirit…He helps us control _______.”

  • Ourselves

  • Others

• Paul lost control of his emotions during the storm.

  • True

  • False

• Who told Paul that he would be safe during the storm?

  • Angel

  • Soldiers

• What can the Holy Spirit help you control?

  • Thoughts

  • Actions

  • Words

  • All of these

• What is something you can do when you feel out of control?

• How many people died in the shipwreck? zero

• What is this week’s Big Do?

Play the quiet game. See who can stay quiet the longest.