10 Scripture Verses Every Teen Should Memorize

1. John 3:16-17

“For God so loved the word that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Many of us recited this verse when we were younger, but did we ever consider the depth of its message? What other verse so perfectly encapsulates the heart of the gospel? Our teens need to know that God loved them so much he was willing to die for them. There is no stronger foundation on which to build their lives.

2. Philippians 4:6-7

“Don’t worry about anything, instead prayer about everything. And the peace of God that surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.”

Teens today face a number of challenges: school, peer pressure, not to mention competing voices in the public square. In these moments, it can be tempting to give into fear and anxiety. Instead, parent should teach their children to bring every concern before God. Don’t worry, pray.

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3. 1 Corinthians 10:13

“No temptation has overtaken you, but such is common to man, and God is faithful, he will not allow you to tempted beyond what you are able, but when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

Part of being a mature Christian is recognizing the forces of temptation in your life. Teens need to know that God is faithful and will strengthen them in times of crisis. Don’t give in to the workings of the world, choose to follow God in all things.

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4. Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”

It’s easy to get lost on the road of life. For teenagers, everything is changing so quickly that if they don’t keep their feet, who knows where they’ll end up? That’s why it’s important for them to trust in the Lord. No matter where life takes them, Christ can always lead them home.

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5. John 14:6

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

We live in a very pluralistic society. Your teens will often hear the only rules are the ones they make for themselves. In truth, God desires to be in their hearts both on earth and in heaven. Teach them there is only one way to our Good Father, through his son.

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6. 2 Timothy 1:7

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control."

There are a lot of angry people masquerading as Christians today. These false prophets sew fear and division among their community. They encourage their listeners to believe the worst about other people. Your teen needs to know that our God is one of courage and love. A voice for the voiceless, and a hand of friendship for the lost.

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7. Ephesians 6:10-11

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

There will be times when your teen is called to stand up and fight for what they believe in. When those days come, be sure they go equipped in the armor of God. From the shield of faith, to the sword of the spirit, teach them the tools they’ll need for victory.

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8. Romans 8:1-2

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”

All humans make mistakes, and your teen is no exception. How we respond to our failures is what truly matters. Teach your teenager that in Christ we have been set free from sin. The wrongs of our past have been washed away, and Christ is calling us into a brighter future.

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9. Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

The world will be watching your teen. As a Christian, they may be the closest thing a nonbeliever meets to Jesus in this lifetime. Are they representing the God who died for their sins? Encourage them to demonstrate the fruits of the spirit and always be mindful of their Christian witness.

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10. 1 John 5:12

“He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

Above all, your teenager should center their identity on Christ. Everything else in this world will pass away. Money, fame, and material possessions will eventually be lost. Only the love of God endures forever, and only it can fill the empty space in all our hearts.

*Editor's Note: the following is an abridged version of 25 Scripture Verses Every Teen Should Memorize by Debbie McDaniel. To read the full article, simply follow this link.

**Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives.

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