More Youth Group Games With Scripture Tie-Ins
4. The Temptation Trade (Choices & Consequences)
Biblical Tie-In: Jesus resists temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).
How to Play: Each team starts with a pile of tokens (representing blessings, talents, or faith). Throughout the game, leaders offer tempting trades. For example, give me three tokens, and I’ll give you this candy bar. Or sacrifice five tokens, and you can skip the next challenge.
Some trades are harmless, but others cause long-term losses. For example, teams that take shortcuts can’t complete the final round.
Debrief: Talk about how temptation often looks good in the moment but leads to negative consequences. Compare the experience to Jesus refusing shortcuts in the wilderness. Encourage students to consider what “trades” they face daily and how to stand firm.
5. Identity Puzzle (Who God Says You Are)
Biblical Tie-In: You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood… (1 Peter 2:9).
How to Play: Give each student a puzzle piece. On the back, write different identity statements (some biblical, some false). For example: “You’re worthless,” “You’re loved,” “You’re chosen,” “You’ll never be good enough.” Teams must work together to assemble the puzzle. But only the correct biblical identity statements allow the pieces to interlock. Wrong pieces will not fit.
Debrief: Show how false identities don’t fit the bigger picture of God’s truth. Talk about the lies students hear at school, online, or in their own minds. Emphasize how God’s Word provides the only true foundation for identity.
6. The Light Run (Walking in the Light)
Biblical Tie-In: If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7).
How to Play: Turn off most of the lights in your church gym or outdoor area. Give one team member a flashlight or glow stick. The team must move together across the course while staying within the circle of light. Obstacles like cones, ropes, or hidden traps make the journey harder. If anyone steps outside the light, the team has to restart.
Debrief: Talk about how much easier and safer it is to move in the light. Compare this to living with Christ’s guidance instead of stumbling in darkness. Emphasize fellowship: We walk best in the light when we walk together in community.
Closing Thoughts About Youth Group Games
Youth group games are more than time-fillers. They plant Scripture deep in students’ hearts. With these fun activities, kids don’t just hear the Bible. They feel and experience it.
So have fun with youth group games while pointing teens to Christ. Remember to laugh while learning and living out God’s Word!
