In I Corinthians 15:3-7, Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to live out the fact that Jesus rose: we share the victory! The Corinthian church was following Jesus and Paul wanted to encourage these church members in the truths that they already knew. Jesus rose and that is why, as believers, we can all experience victory in the Christian life.

As we saw in the video we watched at the beginning of today’s lesson, when sports teams win a game they often take a victory lap. As Christians, Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is our victory lap! All credit goes to Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection, yet, we get to join in the lap of celebration because we have placed our faith in Him. What a celebratory lap that is!

Have a short time of prayer requests. If students feel comfortable, have them share something they are struggling with that could be handed over to Jesus so that He can have victory over it. For instance: a relative’s illness, stress over tests or projects at school, a sporting event, a non-believing friend’s lack of faith, a sick pet, a person who is being bullied, etc.

• How does Jesus have victory over all of these situations? (Invite students to share. Answers will vary. Help students see that Jesus’ resurrection gives us the ability to face adversity head on, with courage, because we know He is victorious.)

Watch the following video together [5:33]:
Victory is Yours (Official Lyric Video) – Bethel Music | VICTORY

Invite your students to think of a personal struggle they are going through. Ask them to think of ways they can “take a victory lap” with Jesus over this situation this week and in the weeks ahead. Examples might be to worship God in song declaring His victory, write a letter to Jesus thanking Him for winning the victory over the situation, pray about the situation thanking Him for having it in His control, draw a poster for their room or locker using symbols that declare Jesus victorious, etc. 

If it seems appropriate, pair up your students and invite them to talk with one another over the next week about how Jesus can be trusted to be victorious in whatever situation they are facing. Students can text, call, email, mail or talk with each other this week to find encouragement in what Jesus has done on their behalf to give them victory in any and every situation. Be sure each student has a partner. If a few seem reluctant to connect with others, take down their contact info and communicate with them yourself some time during the week.

Close in prayer thanking Jesus for what He did for each of us in dying on the cross and in His victorious resurrection. Jesus rose: we share the victory!