Clouds Without Rain
SECTION 1 — Looking Alive but Running on Empty
READ: (Jude 1:12)
Teaching
Jude uses four pictures to show what it looks like when someone seems spiritual on the outside but is empty on the inside. A dangerous reef under calm water. A shepherd who cares about himself instead of the sheep. A cloud that never rains. A tree in autumn with no fruit. It’s all image, no substance. It’s the kind of faith that can blend into church life, but underneath, it’s dry.
He isn’t telling students this so they’ll judge other people. He’s telling us this because teens can learn how to look spiritual pretty quickly. You can volunteer, post verses, raise your hands, and still be disconnected from Jesus. Jude wants us to slow down and ask honest questions about where our roots actually are.
Small-Group Questions + Possible Answers
Why do you think it’s easy for students to “look” spiritual without actually being close to Jesus?
“Because you can copy the behavior without having the relationship. It’s easy to mimic what everyone else is doing.”Which of Jude’s pictures hits you the most, and why?
“The ‘cloud without rain.’ It looks helpful, but it doesn’t actually bring anything real.”How can someone tell the difference between real spiritual growth and just looking the part?
“You can see change in their decisions, not just their words.”What are some ways teens ‘go through the motions’ with their faith?
“Showing up to youth group but not really thinking about God the rest of the week.”Why does God care so much about roots instead of appearances?
“Because roots last. Appearance can be faked, but roots actually change you.”What helps you stay sincere instead of performing?
“Being honest with God and having friends who actually ask how I’m really doing.”What’s a sign someone might be running on empty spiritually?
“They’re still doing church stuff, but they’re not actually growing or caring anymore.”
SECTION 2 — The Drift That Feels Like Movement
(Jude 1:13–15)
Teaching
Jude talks about “wild waves” that never settle and “wandering stars” that burn bright but never help anyone navigate. It’s the picture of someone who’s constantly moving but not anchored. A lot of students live like that—busy schedules, strong emotions, fast-changing opinions—but no real direction.
Jude also reminds us that drifting has an end. It doesn’t feel dramatic in the moment, but it slowly shapes someone’s future. When your decisions, emotions, or desires lead you more than Jesus does, you eventually end up far from the life He wants for you. Jude brings up the return of Jesus to remind us that the road we choose matters.
Small-Group Questions + Possible Answers
What does “restless faith” look like for teens today?
“Constantly switching what they believe based on whatever’s trending.”Why do people confuse emotional moments with spiritual maturity?
“Because emotions feel powerful, so we assume that means something deep happened.”What are some “waves” that pull students off course spiritually?
“Drama, relationships, pressure to fit in, or whatever’s happening on social media.”Why is drifting so easy to miss in the moment?
“Because it happens slowly. You don’t notice until you’re far away.”How does knowing Jesus sees everything affect your choices?
“It reminds me that God sees the places I compromise, even if others don’t.”What’s the difference between having emotions and being led by emotions?
“Having feelings is normal, but letting them control you leads to bad decisions.”What helps someone stay anchored when life feels chaotic?
“Consistent time with God, and friends who keep you grounded.”
SECTION 3 — The Cure: Stay Close, Not Just Busy
(Jude 1:16)
Teaching
Jude explains the heart behind drifting: complaining, self-focused desires, pride, and the need to impress people. These are small things, but over time they weaken someone’s connection to Jesus. Most people don’t walk away from God overnight. It starts in little ways long before anything big happens.
Jude doesn’t leave us hopeless. He points us toward closeness instead of performance. The way you avoid drifting isn’t by trying harder. It’s by staying near Jesus. Staying in the Word. Praying honestly. Staying planted in church. Staying teachable. The closer you are to Jesus, the steadier your life becomes.
Small-Group Questions + Possible Answers
Why do small attitudes like complaining or pride have a big spiritual impact?
“Because they slowly make your heart harder toward God.”What does it look like when someone imitates faith instead of actually follows Jesus?
“They act spiritual in public but live differently when no one’s watching.”What helps you personally feel close to Jesus instead of just ‘church busy’?
“Reading the Bible on my own and having quiet moments with God.”Why is being teachable so important for spiritual maturity?
“Because if you think you already know everything, you stop growing.”How can youth-group community help someone stay anchored?
“By having friends who call you out or encourage you when you drift.”What’s one small daily habit that keeps someone rooted?
“Reading even a few verses and thinking about them.”Why is closeness to Jesus more powerful than trying harder?
“Because trying hard can burn you out, but closeness actually changes you.”
