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Free Preteen Bible Lesson on Revenge

Guest Writer — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:25:44 +0000

**This is a guest post from Nick Diliberto from PreteenMinistry.net

Topic: Revenge
Movie: Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
Bible Passage: David spares Saul’s Life: 1 Kings 24
Activity: When? Where? Why? & How?
Respond: Leave a comment below with your feedback on this lesson.

Divide preteens into small groups. Give each group a large sheet of butcher paper with the word “REVENGE” written on it. Ask each group to write a definition for “REVENGE” on their butcher paper. Next, ask preteens to brainstorm scenarios when they would likely be tempted to seek revenge. (i.e.—someone steals from them, someone hits them, says nasty things about them, makes a joke about them)

After the activity, say: Let’s hear some of the definitions that you wrote for the word “REVENGE.” (Take responses from groups) What about some situations when you might be tempted to get even? (Take responses from groups) We’re going to watch a clip from Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. In this clip, you will see how jealousy and anger can make someone try to get even by doing cruel things.

[Play Movie Clip] You’ll need to rent or borrow a copy of this DVD before the lesson.

Start: 11:43—Dave is seated at the Captain’s Table for dinner
Stop: 13:43—Ian tells Dave that he’ll be watching “like a hawk”, and walks away

Clip Description: In all of the Chipmunk movies, Ian has tried to manage the Chipmunks and Chipettes for his own success and fame. Despite his efforts, Ian has always failed. He blames Dave, the loving father of the Chipmunks. Ian has decided to take revenge on Dave by ruining his vacation.

After the clip, say: If you’ve seen any of the Chipmunk movies, you know that Ian is always trying to use the Chipmunks to get rich and famous. Even when he is mean and cruel, he always fails.

Ian is very jealous of Dave, and he blames Dave for all his failures. Ian has problems controlling his jealousy and anger. His jealous is so big now that Ian wants revenge. So, he decides to do anything he can to ruin Dave and the Chipmunks’ vacation.

We all have a tendency to be jealous at time. Maybe a friend gets a better grade than you or a teammate wins the game on a last second shot—if we’re not careful, we can become jealous and seek revenge. When we try to get even, we destroy our friendships.

Ian chose to handle his jealousy and anger the wrong way by taking revenge on Dave. So, how should we respond when we’re tempted to get even? This situation reminds me of a story about King Saul and David. They had a great relationship but jealousy and revenge almost killed them…literally!

David had served King Saul faithfully. David became a hero when he went up against Goliath and won. He continued to serve God and King Saul, and the people continued to love him more and more. Eventually, Saul started to be jealous of David’s popularity. Saul was afraid the people would love David more than him. God was blessing David, and Saul just couldn’t take it. He became so jealous that he started to have some crazy thoughts. He was thinking about killing David!

One time, Saul asked his son, Jonathan, to kill David. Jonathan was a friend of David, so he warned David about Saul’s plan. David ran and hid while Jonathan talked to his dad. He begged Saul to not kill David because David was such a loyal servant, so Saul changed his mind. David came back to King Saul, and everything was cool, at least for a little while.

One day as David was playing his harp for King Saul, Saul got jealous and angry. Like a crazy man, Saul threw his spear and tried to kill David. It was close, but Saul missed. David ran for his life and hid from the jealous King. He hid in the hills and the caves, but Saul gathered his men and went after David!

As Saul and 3,000 men hunted for David, they decided to take a break just outside of a cave. It just happened to be the same cave that David was hiding in. This is where the story gets really cool!

As David was hiding in the cave, Saul had to…well, the Bible says that he had to relieve himself. That means he had to use the restroom. So, Saul walked into the cave to have some privacy, but he didn’t know that David was hiding in the exact same cave! This was David’s chance. He could sneak up on Saul and kill him. That would end this fight once and for all! This was David’s chance to take revenge on the crazy King.

As Saul was doing his business, David snuck up behind him without making a sound. But instead of killing Saul, David cuts off the bottom corner of his coat. Then, David sneaks back to his hiding spot and waits for Saul to leave the cave.

After Saul had left the cave, David came out and began to speak. Listen to the words he said to Saul:

¹⁰ This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD’s anointed.’

¹¹ See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. Now understand and recognize that I am not guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life.

¹² May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. ¹³ As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.

David could have had his revenge in the cave by killing Saul. Saul had done many things to try and hurt David, but David responded with love and respect instead of revenge.

Proverbs 25:21-22 says, “²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. ²² In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” Instead of revenge, we need to show kindness and compassion to others. When we do this, it helps them to see their own wrong actions. Look at what King Saul said when he heard what David had done:

Read 1 Samuel 24:16-19

¹⁶ When David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that your voice, David my son?” And he wept aloud. ¹⁷ “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. ¹⁸ You have just now told me of the good you did to me; the LORD delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me. ¹⁹ When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today.

Saul’s heart was changed because of David’s action. David did not try to get even with Saul. Instead, he chose to show love and compassion to Saul. How do you think God wants you to respond? Does he want you to seek revenge like Saul? Or do you think God would want you to show kindness and compassion like David? When you’re tempted to get even, trust God to show you ways to show compassion instead.

Break into Small Groups and discuss the following questions:

1. Why was Saul trying to kill David?

2. How did David respond to Saul?

3. When David spared Saul’s life, what was Saul’s response?

4. What should your response be when tempted to get even?

5. When are you most tempted to “get even?”

6. What is it about those situations give in #5 that upset you?

8. How does the Bible command us to respond to an “enemy?” Read Proverbs 25:21-22.

9. How does God want us to respond to “getting even?” Read the following Bible verse and discuss the answer:

Matthew 5:38-39
Romans 12:19
Hebrews 10:30
Proverbs 20:22
Leviticus 19:18
Proverbs 25:21-22

Small Group Activity: Wrong Way vs. Right Way

Divide preteens into small groups with the sheets of butcher paper used in the opening activity. Instruct groups to review the scenarios listed earlier regarding when they would seek revenge. For each scenario, have preteens list a better response that would show compassion to others. If time allows, ask groups to share their responses with other groups.

Nick Diliberto is the creator of PreteenMinistry.net, which provides creative curriculum and resources for preteen ministry. He is also the preteen columnist for Children’s Ministry Magazine and Children’s Pastor at Seven San Diego Church.

Lesson: Paul Finally Arrives in Rome

Kelly Henderson — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:14:05 +0000

This lesson is about Paul’s experience in Malta and finally arriving in Rome where he remained under house arrest. The students will learn how the Holy Spirit enabled Paul to use whatever situation he was in to point others to Jesus.

This lesson was created for older elementary students and is only a suggested guide for your ministry needs. Click here to see all the lessons in this curriculum series.

Bible Story: Paul Arrives in Rome
Scripture: Acts 28
Target Age Group: Age 9 – 11 (U.S. 3rd – 5th Grade)
Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 60 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please share your feedback and suggestions to improve this children’s Bible lesson. Click here to respond

Supply List: Bibles, snake, ‘fire pit’, sticks

Learning Goal: Students will learn that the Holy Spirit enables all believers to use their circumstances to point others to Jesus.

Test: Review Questions

Memory Verse: Philemon 1:6 “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”

Memory Verse Activity: Create a dice for students to roll that has places/situations where they can share the Good News. (School, neighborhood, grocery store, hospital, etc.) or put pictures on paper plates and have students throw a bean bag on to the one they choose. When the place/situation is revealed have students share how children their age can share the Good News.

Bible Lesson: Rome at Last!

(Open with prayer)

(If you studied the lesson on Acts 27 begin by allowing students to re-enact the Shipwreck)

Let’s open our Bibles to Acts 28. The last we heard of Paul and the passengers they were frantically swimming with pieces of a broken and sinking ship.

All of the passengers swam safely to the shore of an island. They survived a terrible shipwreck and were standing cold and wet on the shore of an island.

Let’s stop for a minute and put ourselves in Paul’s shoes. Let’s briefly recap the last few years of his life. Where had he been for the last 2 years? (Imprisoned in Caesarea) Where did God promise Paul he would go to share the Gospel? (Rome) What happened as Paul set sail to Rome? (A terrible storm came and the shipwrecked)

How would you feel if you were living Paul’s life? How would you react to his circumstances? What would be a very natural reaction to so much difficulty? (Quit) How was Paul able to persevere no matter what circumstance he faced? (The Holy Spirit gave him courage and power to persevere)

The Holy Spirit enabled Paul to see each situation that he faced as an opportunity to share the Good news with others. As we continue our journey with Paul to Rome let’s keep our eyes open for how he used the situation to point others to Jesus rather than throw a pity party and quit.

Let’s turn our attention back to Acts 28:2. The people living on the island must have heard the noise and cries of the people from the shipwreck. The islanders were walking in the direction of the survivors. A thought that must have crossed Paul and the rest of the survivors’ minds was: “Were these people friends or enemies? Did they survive a shipwreck to be killed on an island of complete strangers?” Knowing what you already know about Paul do you think he was afraid that he was going to be killed on this island? (Why or why not?)

Let’s read verse 2 to find out what kind of people were coming to the group of survivors. God’s word tells us that they showed the survivors unusual kindness. They must have spoken kind and comforting words. They welcomed everyone to the island of Malta. Immediately they began to start a fire so the survivors could get warm.

Paul helped the people from Malta by going and gathering a bunch of sticks to help keep the fire burning. As he threw his sticks onto the fire a viper slithered out of the sticks to avoid the burning hot flame and clamped his fangs right on the hand of Paul. (Choose a student to be Paul to act this story out. Have the pretend snack under your ‘fire pit’ and ss he throws the stick into the fire pull it out and latch it on his arm.)

The natives of the island stood there with their eyes wide open. One of the people said, “Surely this man is a murderer. He should have died at sea but since he didn’t he is going to die by the poison of this viper.” The people of this island most likely didn’t worship the One True God and they had their own superstitious beliefs. They thought that because this viper had bitten Paul he must have been a sinful man and the gods were going to kill him because of it. What they didn’t know is that Paul was a servant of the Most High God and He had a plan for Paul’s life. He had told Paul that he would be going to Rome to share the Gospel of Jesus with the Roman people.

The natives stood there waiting to see Paul fall to the ground and start writhing in pain with froth coming from his mouth as he gasped for his last breath. That’s not what they saw. They saw this man shake the viper of his hand and the slimy creature flew into the fire and Paul went on warming himself by the fire.

The natives were still waiting to see Paul’s hand swell up as big as a balloon and fall down dead. They waited and watched, and waited and watched but Paul did not fall down dead. God did not allow Paul to be harmed by the poison of the viper.

“This man is not a murderer,” they said. “This man must be a god.” They were amazed that a man could survive a bite from a very poisonous viper!

On the island of Malta there was a chief official named Publius. He invited Paul and his friends to stay with him for three days. While staying at Publius’ house, his father became very ill. He had a high fever and was not able to get out of bed. Paul went into his room and got on his knees and prayed for this man and asked God to heal him. God healed Publius’ father.

When the news got around the island that Paul had healed Publius’ father many people who were sick and had diseases came to Paul so that they could be healed. God healed those people who had come to Paul to be healed.

The Bible doesn’t tell us that any of these people believed in the Lord Jesus. Do you think Paul told these people in Malta about Jesus? Do you think he let the people believe it was his power healing the people?

The Holy Spirit enabled Paul to use this opportunity to point the people on Malta to Jesus. They were blessed because Paul was on their island. They treated Paul and his friends kindly and gave them things they would need when they would be traveling on a ship to Rome.

After three months of being on the island of Malta, Paul and his friends boarded a ship called the Twin Brothers and they set sail for the city of Rome. When they finally arrived in Rome, many believers who lived in Rome came and greeted him as he got off the ship. When Paul saw them he was greatly encouraged and thanked God for sending them to him.

Paul has finally arrived in Rome. All the prisoners were taken to a prison, except for Paul. He was allowed to live in a house by himself with a soldier who guarded him.

Paul used every opportunity that God gave him to share the Good News. Being allowed to live in his own home with a prisoner guarding him was a great opportunity to share the Good News to anyone who could come to his house.

After three days of being in Rome Paul invited the leaders of the Jews to come to his house. Let’s read verses 23-24.

These Jews heard Paul explain the Good News. All these years the Jewish people had been waiting for God to send the Savior. Now they had heard the truth that God had sent His Son Jesus as the Savior of the world.

As they heard Paul’s message some of the people believed what Paul was saying but others did not believe. The two groups did not agree with one another and when Paul saw them disagreeing he quoted a verse from Isaiah. Choose volunteers to read verses 26-27.

The Jews left Paul’s house and continued to disagree with each other. One group believed Paul and the other did not and they were continued to quarrel among themselves as they left.

Paul stayed in his home guarded by a soldier for 2 years and whoever came to him to hear him preach about Jesus he welcomed into his home. Read verse 31. Every time someone came to him he freely taught him/her the Good News. The Holy Spirit enabled Paul to use whatever situation he was in to point others to Jesus.

Paul didn’t waste any time feeling sorry for himself. He wasn’t bitter, angry or resentful toward God or those who were responsible for his imprisonment. The Holy Spirit enabled Paul to trust God and walk with Him no matter what his circumstances were. Philippians 1:12-13 “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”

As a result of Paul’s willingness to use each opportunity that God gave him to point others to Jesus many people believed in Jesus.

Paul lived over 2,000 years ago. I don’t think we could ever know until we get to heaven how many people have become believers because Paul was obedient to the job God had given him to do. He allowed the Holy Spirit to empower him to do whatever God told Him. Even as we read about Paul’s life the Holy Spirit can use his example to cause people to believe in the Lord Jesus.

Today believers have the same exciting privilege and responsibility to obey God and do what He tells us to do. Each of us has been placed in our situations so we can share the Good News about Jesus with those we come in contact with. The Holy Spirit will empower believers to do whatever God asks him/her to do.

Close in prayer.

Review Questions:

What is the name of the Island the survivors landed on?
How did the people of Malta treat the survivors?
Why did the people think Paul was a murderer?
How did God use Paul on the island of Malta to help others learn about God?
When Paul was in Rome how was his life as a prisoner different than the lives of other prisoners?
What happened when Paul taught the Jews about the Scriptures and how Jesus is the Savior?
How long did Paul teach anyone who visited his house about Jesus?
The people on Malta were very kind to Paul. How can you show kindness to someone this week?

Personal Application Questions:

The believers who met Paul when he arrived in Rome encouraged him. How can you encourage another believer this week?

For believers: What is hindering you from boldly sharing the Gospel with others?

For unbelievers: Have you heard the Good News and have chosen not to believe? Today you can be saved. Each day you put off believing that Jesus died for your sins, was buried and rose again you are closing your heart and mind to the Truth making it harder for you to be saved.

Bible Lesson: Paul Sails to Rome

Kelly Henderson — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:10:39 +0000

The following lesson is based on Paul’s trip to Rome. The focus of this lesson is that no matter how hard the enemy tries to stop God’s work in a believer’s life, believers can trust that God will do what He says He will do. The Holy Spirit enables believers to trust God and persevere during difficult times.

This lesson was created for older elementary students and is only a suggested guide for your ministry needs. Click here to see all the lessons in this curriculum series.

Bible Story: Paul Sails to Rome
Scripture: Acts 27
Target Age Group: Age 9 – 11 (U.S. 3rd – 5th Grade)
Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 60 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please share your feedback and suggestions to improve this children’s Bible lesson. Click here to respond

Supply List: Bibles, cardboard boxes to create a ‘ship’, map of ship’s travels,

Learning Goal: Students will learn that God keeps His promises and the Holy Spirit enables believers to trust God when facing difficulties.

Learning Activity #1: Create a ‘ship’ from card board boxes. On the inside of the ship students can draw a picture, write a favorite Scripture verse and initial and date it (that way if you teach this lesson each year there will be a memorial of the students that ‘traveled’ with Paul on his way to Rome). This can be a very simple (or complicated) project. If you need inspiration, just search for cardboard boats on Google images.

Test: Review Questions

Memory Verse: Job 42:2 “Then Job replied to the LORD: I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted.” You can use our Bible memory games to help the kids have fun while learning.

Bible Lesson: Paul Sails to Rome

(Begin with prayer)

Every day there is a battle going on. We can’t always see this battle with our eyes because it is an unseen war. The enemy is Satan and he hates God and does anything he can to destroy God and the things God loves. Satan knows God loves believers. He knows that once a man, woman, boy or girl believes in Jesus he can do nothing to destroy their soul by keeping them from heaven. He does know that he can wage war against God’s work in this world by attacking believers and fighting against them.

Satan knows he is fighting a losing battle but that doesn’t stop him from trying to do as much damage and destruction as he can to keep believers from spreading the Good News.
We have witnessed this unseen battle throughout our study of Acts. Whenever there has been persecution against followers of Jesus it was the unseen spiritual battle taking place. Can you think of examples of persecution against believers that was intended to keep them from sharing that Jesus died, was buried and rose again? (Stoning Stephen, Simon the sorcerer, imprisonment, etc.)

Believers do not need to fear Satan because God is all-powerful. Nothing that God’s enemy does against Him will ever stop God from doing all that He has said He will do. When we face difficulties that the enemy has intended to harm us or keep us from obeying God we can trust that God will take care of us and enable us to get through whatever comes against us.

Paul has been a perfect example to us from God’s Word how believers can trust God in any situation. The Holy Spirit has given Paul power to share the Good News. The Holy Spirit has enabled Paul to persevere in times of great difficulty.

All believers will face difficulties as we serve God and share the Good News with others. We can trust the Holy Spirit to give us power to obey God and persevere no matter what difficulty we face.

(Depending on the size of your ‘ship’ and your class you can tell the story from inside the ship)

Let’s turn in our Bibles to Acts 27. Finally after 2 years of being imprisoned in Caesarea, Paul is finally on a ship heading for the destination God told him he would go. (Acts 23:11 “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”)

Paul boards a ship along with other prisoners. A centurion named Julius is in charge of making sure the prisoners do not escape on this long journey to Italy. Also on this ship are two of Paul’s friends. Luke (his name isn’t mentioned but remember he wrote Acts and he writes ‘we ‘indicating he is with Paul) and Aristarchus a believer that had traveled from Thessalonica travel with Paul.

(Use map showing the travel route) The ship sets sail from Caesarea and stops in Sidon the next day. Let’s read verse 3. Why do you think Julius showed Paul kindness? (Allow responses. Paul treated others with gentleness and respect even when he was being unfairly treated)

The winds were making sailing very difficult so the captain sailed the ship as safely as he could arriving in Myra. In Myra, Julius found that an Alexandrian ship was leaving for Italy. He got all the prisoners and Paul’s friends on the ship and they began to sail. The traveling went slowly because the winds made it difficult to travel. The captain of the ship traveled slowly along the coast of Crete and with great difficulty arrived at a place called Fair Havens.

A lot of time had passed since Paul had left Caesarea. At this time it is in the fall (after the Day of Atonement). Travelling at this time of year is very dangerous. Read verse 10. Julius heard what Paul said but listened to the advice of the captain and the owner of the ship. They felt that Fair Havens was not a good place to stay for the winter. They decided to sail to Phoenix hoping they could stay there for the winter.

As the winds softly blew they set sail thinking they would be able to get to Phoenix liked they planned. Unfortunately as they began to sail the Northeaster, a very strong wind storm with hurricane force winds came against them. The ship was unable to go in the direction the captain wanted to take it so the ship was driven along where the wind sent it.

Sometimes ‘storms’ or difficulties come into our lives quickly and the confusion that comes may feel like the ship that Paul is on that is just traveling along where the storm takes it. We can trust God to help us when these storms come. God is powerful and in control even when things in our lives seem out of control. He will give us peace even when the difficulties like the loud winds of the storm make it hard to understand.

Read 16-18. If you were on this ship, how would you feel?

In the days that Paul was traveling by ship they didn’t have gps systems to tell them where they were so they could make corrections and go the way they wanted to. Sailors used the stars in the sky to help them to navigate. Let’s read verse 20. How would these weather conditions affect the navigation of the ship? (They couldn’t see the stars so they had no idea where they were)

How did the passengers on the ship feel about ever making it to dry land alive? (They gave up all hope of being saved)

Through physical eyes this situation looked impossible. Nothing is impossible with God. He had a plan for Paul’s life and He told Paul he would go to Rome. If God said Paul would go, nothing not even a life-threatening storm was going to stop him.

Let’s read verses 21-26. God sent an angel to encourage Paul. The Holy Spirit gave Paul courage and he encouraged the frightened passengers to trust God.

When believers face difficult times, God comforts us. When we are comforted by God we can share that comfort with others. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Fourteen days of drifting on the sea in a terrible storm have passed. The sailors were afraid and wanted to save their own lives. Even after hearing Paul’s share that God would keep them safe, they pretended to let down some anchors they planned to escape on the life boat. Paul said to Julius, “Unless these men stay on the ship you cannot be saved.” Julius told his soldiers to cut the ropes from the lifeboat and it fell into the ocean.

Early the next morning before the sun came up Paul encouraged the passengers to eat something. He knew that they would need strength to swim once they were close to shore. Let’s read the words he spoke to encourage the passengers in verses 33-37. Luke tells us how many people are on the ship. How many were there? (276)

The Holy Spirit gave Paul courage to speak words of encouragement to all the passengers. He helps all believers to encourage others when they are facing difficult times.

When the sun began to rise they could see a sandy beach. The sailors decided to steer the ship to run aground. The ship hit a sand bar and the force of the ship crashing into it caused the ship to break into pieces because the waves were still strong.

As the ship is quickly falling apart the soldiers didn’t want any prisoners to escape so they planned to kill them all. Julius did not want Paul to be harmed so he told them they could not kill the prisoners. Julius ordered all who could swim to jump in and swim. Those who could not swim need to grab a board and paddle to safety.

Let’s read verse 44. Every person reached the land safely just as God said. Not one life was lost. God’s Word can be trusted. He will always do what He says He is going to do.
We began our lesson by talking about God’s enemy trying to keep God’s people from doing what God told them to do. In this story in the unseen world it seems like Satan was doing everything in his power to kill Paul in a shipwreck. God’s power kept Paul safe. God’s power will keep you and I safe from the enemy’s attempts to destroy. Let’s trust Him!

Close in prayer.

Review Questions:

What are some difficulties that children your age face? How can you be like Paul and encourage others to trust God in that difficulty?
What encouraged you from this lesson about Paul’s difficult journey to Rome?
What Scriptures can you memorize to help you trust God when ‘storms’ come into your life and threaten to discourage you? (Teacher: Prepare a sample of helpful memory verses)

You might enjoy our Boats in the Bible lesson as a possible follow-up to this one. It includes a “ship themed” Gospel illustration.

Lesson: The Spiritual Discipline of Telling Others

Brandi Riddle — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:16:58 +0000

This Bible lesson will teach children about the spiritual discipline of evangelism. Sometimes we forget that children can speak God’s truth, even better than grown-ups. (See Matthew 21:16) Telling others about Jesus is also a key for kids to grow in their own faith. This lesson is designed for a smaller group of children, but could be adapted for any Sunday School or Children’s Church setting.

Bible Topic: Telling Others (Evangelism)
Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20
Target Age Group: Elementary (1^st -5^th grade)
Learning Context: Any small group setting like Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 30 minutes
You Can Help: Please share your feedback and suggestions to improve this children’s Bible lesson. Click here to respond

Lesson Objective: Children will learn about the spiritual discipline of telling others.

Introduction: Begin the lesson by reading the key verse to the children. For older elementary, encourage a volunteer to read this verse to the group.

Explain: Jesus commands us to tell other people about Him. Besides our main verse in Matthew, Jesus also speaks of telling others in Mark (16:15), Luke (24:47), and Acts (1:8). If we wish to be more like Jesus, we should strive to be obedient to the command to tell others about Christ. Telling others about Jesus doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. We can say something as simple as, “let me tell you what Jesus did for me.”

Sometimes it may seem scary to tell others about Jesus, but we have the Holy Spirit with us to guide us as we speak. Our actions allow others to “see” Jesus in us, and thus show them the Gospel. If we live in a way that is pleasing to God, others will take notice and may even ask us why we are different. We have to understand that we as humans have no power to “make someone get saved;” the Holy Spirit must be at work in the person’s life. It is only our job to tell them and leave the door open for them to accept Jesus as Savior.

Activity: Practice telling others! Challenge kids to tell friends at school about Jesus. The next time you meet, ask them to tell you about the conversation they had with those classmates. If time allows, use role playing in the classroom where one child pretends to not know about Jesus.

Craft: Kids can make a beaded bracelet to give to a friend that shares the Gospel message. You can attach a small piece of paper that tells what each colored bead stands for. We recommend the Wordless Book or Who Will Be King? as tools for kids sharing the Gospel with other children.

Black stands for our sin
Red stands for Jesus’ blood that took our sins away
White stands for our sin washed clean
Blue stands for baptism
Green stands for us growing in faith
Gold stands for our reward in heaven

Bible Memory: Use any of our creative methods to help the children memorize the Matthew 28:19-20 Bible verse from this lesson plan.

Related Resources: You could also use our Gospel Coloring Book. For more about sharing Jesus with children, read our articles on how to witness to kids.

Lesson: The Spiritual Discipline of Stewardship

Brandi Riddle — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:34:29 +0000

This Bible lesson will teach children about the spiritual discipline of stewardship and giving. This is an often overlooked way that God grows the faith of children. Remember, it’s not the size of the gift but the heart that matters most. This lesson is designed for a smaller group of children, but could be adapted for any Sunday School or Children’s Church setting.

Bible Topic: Stewardship
Scripture: Colossians 3:2
Target Age Group: Elementary (1^st -5^th grade)
Learning Context: Any small group setting like Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 30 minutes
You Can Help: Please share your feedback and suggestions to improve this children’s Bible lesson. Click here to respond

Lesson Objective: Children will learn about the spiritual discipline of stewardship.

Introduction: Begin the lesson by reading the key verse to the children. For older elementary, encourage a volunteer to read this verse to the group.

Explain: Stewardship is a big word that simply means the management of something important. Biblical Stewardship involves us managing that which God has given to us. When we speak of stewardship, we are not only speaking of tithing (giving 1/10 of our money to God), we are also talking about our time. Stewardship of our money is very important. Leviticus 27:30 tells us that “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.”

God commands us to give back to him financially; however, how we use our time is just as important. We must never put anything before God. It is important to give of our time just as we give of our money. Our time should be spent doing things that have eternal value more than things that don’t. It is okay to do fun things like playing football or taking dance or playing video games, but we should not let these activities become more important than doing things for God. We must do our best to keep our time balanced between “other” things and the things of God. He deserves our very best – whether time or money, and we should strive to be good stewards of what he has given us.

Click above to download

Craft: During craft time, you can create a log to use with your family during the week. Write Colossians 3:2 at the top of your log. Draw columns for the activities you do during the week. Customize your log for your family. Click on the preview image to download our template to help the children get started.

Activity: Practice tithing and using your time wisely! If you get an allowance from your parents, ask them about giving a tenth during your offering time at church. Keep a daily or weekly log of how you use your time (outside of school and chores) and see where you are spending the most time. Is it being spent on things of God or “other” things? Make sure there is a balance between the two. Involve the entire family in these activities!

Bible Memory: Use any of our creative methods to help the children memorize the Colossians 3:2 Bible verse from this lesson plan.

Related Resources: You might enjoy our “Giving To Orphans” printable to company this lesson. We’ve posted a coloring page based on “No One Can Serve Two Masters” from Matthew 6:24. We also have a free Bible lesson and object lessons on giving.

Bible Lesson & Skit: Paul’s defense before Agrippa

Kelly Henderson — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:35:48 +0000

The following lesson is a drama created for students who have been studying the Book of Acts. The previous lessons have been Paul’s trial before Felix and Festus. Finally Paul appears before Agrippa before his departure for Rome. This lesson is only a guide to help you as you prepare for your students. Adapt to your individual classroom needs.

From Paul’s life, students will learn that the Holy Spirit helps believers effectively share how they became a Christian. Click here to see all the lessons in this curriculum series.

Bible Story: Paul’s defense before Agrippa
Scripture: Acts 26
Target Age Group: Age 9 – 11 (U.S. 3rd – 5th Grade)
Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 60 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please share your feedback and suggestions to improve this children’s Bible lesson. Click here to respond

Supply List: Costumes, print outs of drama for each student to read (Highlight the speaking parts for the volunteers who will act out the character), yellow, black, red, white and green construction paper, wordless book guide for students

Learning Goal: Students will learn that the Holy Spirit helps believers effectively share how they became a Christian.

Learning Indicator: Students will demonstrate their understanding by answering review questions. They will also have an opportunity to share the Good News in a safe environment helping prepare them for daily opportunities.

Learning Activity #1: (Before class make wordless books from construction paper. Using the colors yellow, black, red, white and green cut construction paper into four squares. Staple squares in this order: Yellow, black, red, white and green. Make enough books for each student. Use this example as a guide to type up a simpler version for students to take home. This will enable them to read and practice using their wordless book with others.) As you wait for the students arrive, teach the students how to share the Wordless book. Demonstrate it a few times and then have students practice with each other.

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Memory verse activity: Role play what sharing the Good News looks like with gentleness and respect and how it looks sharing with an argumentative and arrogant attitude.

Bible Lesson: Paul’s defense before Agrippa

(Pray before beginning the drama)

Characters: Festus, King Agrippa, Bernice, narrator and Paul

(King Agrippa and Bernice walk in to the room with their heads held high. Everyone claps and cheers. Agrippa and his sister sit in their seats of honor.)

Narrator: While King Agrippa and his sister are seated in their seats of honor Festus stands and speaks to them.

Festus: King Agrippa and other guests, look at this man! Every Jew from Jerusalem and Caesarea has come to me, demanding for him to be put to death. I have not found him guilty of any crime deserving death. But because he has asked to be judged by the Emperor, I have decided to send him to Rome.

I need to write a letter to the Emperor explaining why I have sent Paul to him. I need to know what to write so after you hear his defense I will know what to write. It makes no sense to send a prisoner to the Emperor without stating what crime he has committed.

King Agrippa: Paul you have permission to speak and defend yourself.

Paul: King Agrippa, I am glad for this chance to defend myself before you today on all these charges my own people have brought against me.

You know a lot about our religious customs and the beliefs that divide us. So I ask you to listen patiently to me.

All the Jews have known me since I was a child. They know what kind of life I have lived in my own country and in Jerusalem. If they wanted to, they could tell you I was a Pharisee, a member of a group that is stricter than any other.

Now I am on trial because I believe the promise God made to our people long ago. Day and night our twelve tribes have earnestly served God, waiting for His promised blessings. King Agrippa, because of this hope, some of our leaders have accused me of committing a crime. Why should any of you doubt that God raises the dead to life?

Narrator: Everyone in the room is listening carefully to Paul as he makes his defense. They knew that Paul spoke truthfully about God’s promises. Paul begins to help the audience to see that he once felt the same way about Christians when he first heard them teaching that Jesus is the Promised Messiah who was crucified, buried and raised to life on the third day.

Paul: Before Jesus saved me I did everything I could to fight against the Name of Jesus from Nazareth. I did this first in Jerusalem, and with permission from the chief priests I put many of God’s people in jail. I even voted for them to be killed. I often had them punished in our synagogues, and I tried to force them to deny their faith in Christ. In fact, I was so angry with them, that I went looking for them in foreign cities so I could persecute them as well.

Narrator: It must have been painful for Paul to remember the sins he was guilty of before God. Paul shares how Jesus saved him from his sins and how his life was different after believing.

Paul: King Agrippa, on the day I traveled to Damascus to persecute Christians, I saw a light brighter than the sun. We all fell to the ground. I heard a voice say to me, “Saul, Saul, why are you so cruel to me? It’s foolish to fight against me!” I asked, “Who are you?” “I am Jesus! I am the one you have been persecuting. I have chosen you to be My servant. You are to tell others what you have learned about Me and what I will show you later. I will protect you from the Jews and from the Gentiles that I am sending you to. I want you to open their eyes, so they will turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then their sins will be forgiven, and by faith in me they will become part of God’s holy people.”

Narrator: Paul explains to Agrippa that he was obedient to what the Lord Jesus had commanded him to do.

Festus: (Jumps up and interrupts Paul) “Paul you are out of your mind!! All of your great learning is making you crazy!”

Narrator: The Holy Spirit gives every believer the power to effectively share the Good News with others. Paul was empowered by the Holy Spirit to acknowledge that Festus was being used by the enemy as a distraction to keep Agrippa from hearing the truth about Jesus.

Paul: I am not crazy, most excellent Festus. What I am saying is true and makes perfect sense.

Narrator: The Holy Spirit enabled Paul to answer Festus’ accusation of being crazy with gentleness and respect.

Paul: (Turns his attention again to Agrippa) “I know the king is familiar with all these things I have spoken about. None of these things have taken place in a secret corner but out in the open. King Agrippa do you believe the prophets? I know that you do.”

Agrippa: Do you think you can persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?

Paul: Whether it takes a short time or a long time I pray that you and everyone who heard this message today will become a Christian just as I am. However, I do not pray that you would have to be a prisoner as I am.

Narrator: The King, Bernice and Festus leave the room to discuss what they should do with Paul.

Agrippa: Festus, this man has committed any crime. He doesn’t deserve to be in prison for any reason. If Paul would not have asked to stand before Caesar he could be set free at this very moment.

Narrator: Paul’s time to set sail for Rome has finally come. The Holy Spirit enabled Paul to be patient during this time of being a prisoner. Paul faithfully and truthfully shared his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ each time he had to give a defense. All believers can trust that the Holy Spirit will help them to share faithfully the Good News about Jesus.

THE END

Close in prayer.

Review Questions:

What can you do on a daily basis so you can be prepared to give an answer to those who ask you why you believe in Jesus? (Pray, read and study God’s word, memorize scripture)
How different does your life look after you have become a Christian?

Lesson: Take Heart! Jesus Has Overcome the World

Kristin Charles — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:50:22 +0000

This lesson can be utilized at any time of the year because children repeatedly need to hear that God is near. It was created because my own children had seen visual representations of Jesus rising from the dead and had made assumptions that He was now gone. In their young minds, when He was lifted up, He was present in Heaven, but not on this earth; He was present with God, but not with us.

This Bible lesson challenges that misconception; encouraging children to “take heart,” knowing that God has overcome any trouble on this earth and is very present with us.

This Bible lesson was been prepared for elementary age students, but can be adapted to meet the needs of your ministry. Leave a comment below with your suggestions or new ideas for making it even better.

Learning Goal: Students will be given tools to overcome difficult situations; with the foundational knowledge that Christ has already overcome death through His resurrection. Therefore, they are not overcoming alone.

Central Bible Passage: John 16:33
Scripture: Various verses in the Old and New Testaments
Target Age Group: 1^st – 5^th grade
Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 60 minutes

Supply List: Bibles, newspapers to serve as a background for a bulletin board or object lesson (taped or pinned up), red marker, memory verse on display, puzzle piece hearts (directions below), black markers or black crayons (one for each team), tape or pushpins to hang the hearts up on the newsprint, various recylable items for a sculpture such as cardboard, bottles, cans, newspapers, books, jars, etc, rope and duct tape or a hot glue gun to adhere sculptures, “troubled” balloons blown up with individual words (or two word phrases) of the memory verse inside (on the outside of the balloon are common problems written with a sharpie: death, sickness, divorce, war, sin, bullying, feeling alone, fighting, etc.)

Directions for Puzzle Piece Hearts: Take large sheets of red poster board, tape them together, and cut out a huge heart. Then cut out 10 pieces of the heart, like puzzle pieces. On the back of each, include a scripture verse (listed below).

Optional: Browse our free Jesus coloring pages for an easy printable activity for kids. Carlos has made several sheets about Jesus overcoming sin.

Bible Lesson Introduction:

If applicable, briefly review previous lessons about the death and resurrection of Christ. Ask the children what they love most about the account.

We’ve talked a lot about the death and resurrection of Jesus lately; how He died on the cross for our sins and rose again to new life. Today, Jesus is with God in Heaven and He is fully alive. But He is not gone. He is as close to us as the beating of our hearts. Even though we cannot see Him any longer, He is still present with us. He has not left us alone.

When people know they’re going to die, their last words are very important. What they say matters. What we hear from them matters. Today, let’s hear some of Jesus’ last words. They are cool. They are scary. They are incredible.

In John 16, Jesus is hanging out with His disciples. He knows He is going to die. He also knows His disciples are going to freak out! Because of this, He warns them about the future, He tells them where, when and why He is going, and He makes sure that they know that they are not alone. His disciples don’t understand then, but they will one day soon.

In verse 33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Learning Activity #1: We’ve Got Trouble

No one has to think very hard to come up with a list of troubles, right? Trouble is all around us. Jesus said that it would be. He said, “In this world you will have trouble.” There are stories of troubles written all over newspapers and troubles in all of our lives. What kind of troubles are in our world? Let’s write down as many of them as we can in one minute. If we take any longer than that, we might be in trouble! All of us will be crying and running to hide under our beds!

Have pages of the newspaper hung up as a display (as the background to a bulletin board or wall mural.) In a red marker, write down the one minute student brainstorming session. When you write the troubles, write them close together in the center of the board. When the students complete the puzzle, it will create a heart that will cover all of the trouble completely. This will serve as a visual object lesson.

Troubles could include: darkness of sin, death, tears, fears, failing, heartache, disease, pain, bullying, natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, hunger, broken relationships, war, abuse, being separated from someone you love, shame, fighting, weakness, etc.

Learning Activity #2: Take Heart Puzzle

So before anyone runs away from all of these troubles, let’s hear what God has to say. He says that there will be trouble, but He also says, “Take heart!” Take heart means to be confident or courageous in a difficult situation. It means don’t freak out! Be brave! You’ve got this! Go get em! You can do this! But there’s more to it…. because Jesus says, “Take heart (because) I have overcome the world.”

You see… we don’t have to be brave alone. We aren’t fighting troubles alone. We can be courageous and tough because Jesus showed us how to be. He chose to die on that cross for our sins. He rose again three days later to prove that He can overcome ANYTHING!!!! Overcome means to win over something. If you can overcome death, you can overcome anything!!!! And we can too, with Christ.

Let’s read our memory verse together:

Memory Verse: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” – John 16:33

Separate students into groups and distribute the ten puzzle pieces and a black marker or crayon to each team. If your class size is small, give multiple pieces to each team. In teams, the students will look up the references on the back of the pieces, read them, and write on the other side: I can overcome with ____________. Once each team has completed their hearts, have one person from each team selected to figure out the puzzle. Once the puzzle is completed, hang up the completed puzzle over the “trouble brainstorming session,” as a visual reminder to “Take Heart” – Christ has overcome.

As we can see, God can and will overcome troubles in our lives. Do you remember what overcome means? It means to win over something. God, because of the cross, has won over our troubles. That certainly doesn’t mean that we won’t have any more. It does mean that God will help us to get through them. What I want you to remember from today is how to ”Take Heart.” Let’s learn from each other and see how we do that. Refer to the hearts posted on the board and review each of them, making additions or clarifications as necessary. .

Scripture References:

1 John 5:4
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
I CAN OVERCOME WITH FAITH.

Joshua 1:3-9
I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you … No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Obey this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
I CAN OVERCOME WITH HIS PRESENCE, HIS WORD, and OBEDIENCE.

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
I CAN OVERCOME WITH GOD and HIS WORD.

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
I CAN OVERCOME WITH HIS HAND and HELP.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
I CAN OVERCOME WITH HIS POWER, LOVE, and SELF DISCIPLINE.

Hebrews 13:5-6
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
I CAN OVERCOME WITH GOD BEING NEAR (HIS PRESENCE).

Matthew 9:2:
Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
I CAN OVERCOME WITH HIS FORGIVENESS.

John 14:27:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
I CAN OVERCOME WITH HIS PEACE.

2 Corinthians 4:7:
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
I CAN OVERCOME WITH HIS POWER.

ROMANS 8:37:
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
I CAN OVERCOME WITH HIS LOVE.

Learning Activity #3: Take Heart Art

If we were to compare the bad stuff in our lives - the trouble - to something, I think we would probably compare the troubles to trash. Trash is disgusting. It gets worse the longer you keep it around. But God wants us to learn in the trouble something about Himself. He may want us to go to Him with our troubles by praying. He may want to show us His goodness in the trouble – maybe we would never know who Jesus was without the trouble. He may want us to feel the love of His people through the trouble. We really don’t know why troubles come into our lives, but we know that God is good. Because God is good, He can bring good out of the worst troubles.

Let’s work together today to create a sculpture reminding us that Jesus has overcome. Let’s take trash and recycle it to make something good out of it. Depending on teacher preference, this activity could be done individually, as a small class, or in teams of three to five. Please note that this particular activity takes longer than anticipated. Students could work for one entire class on their sculptures! Some suggestions of sculptures would be a cross, a heart, flowers, medals or a trophy, hands holding hands, etc.

Learning Activity #4: Take This, Trouble! Jesus Has Overcome! (A Memory Verse Game)

Review the memory verse before playing the game. Make sure that it is displayed for students to reference during the game.

Today we have talked about overcoming our trouble. Let’s play a game that says, “Take this Trouble!” On the outside of each of these balloons is a problem. That problem or trouble will need to be taken care of – POPPED! You will have to read the trouble and then demolish it to find the good inside – God’s word. Once each balloon is popped, work together as a team to put the memory verse together. Let’s see how quickly you can do it! I’ll be timing you. Any questions? Ready, set, go!!!! Let’s win over our troubles!!!!

Distribute “troubled” balloons around the room. Have individual words from the memory verse hidden inside (If you go with one word in each balloon, it ends up being 30 balloons – that’s a lot of hot air!!!!; you may want to put two word phrases in each one or get some help with the prepwork.). Students will need to read the outside of the balloon, pop it, find and read the word, and work together to build the entire verse. Depending on the size of your class, you could do two competing teams (each team’s balloon color would be different). Have the two teams race to see which can build the verse the fastest. Just make sure your facility allows for the noise factor on this game!

Suggested Music: Take Heart Bible Memory Song from Seeds Family Worship (Video or Music Only)

Additional Resources: Hillsong United’s “Take Heart” song.

Lesson: The Spiritual Discipline of Serving

Brandi Riddle — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:32:45 +0000

This simple Bible lesson will teach children about the spiritual discipline of serving others. It’s designed for a smaller group of children, but could be adapted for any Sunday School or Children’s Church setting.

Bible Topic: Serving Others
Scripture: Mark 10:45
Target Age Group: Elementary (1^st -5^th grade)
Learning Context: Any small group setting like Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 30 minutes
You Can Help: Please share your feedback and suggestions to improve this children’s Bible lesson. Click here to respond

Lesson Objective: Children will learn about the spiritual discipline of serving.

Introduction: Begin the lesson by reading the key verse to the children. For older elementary, encourage a volunteer to read this verse to the group.

Explain: Give a definition of what serving means. Explain the key verse: Jesus didn’t come for others to serve Him, but to serve and help others. Our motivation for serving must come from a love for God and others and our desire to be more like Jesus. We can see examples of serving in Scripture.

Look at John 13:2-5 and see that Jesus washed the disciples feet. This is an act of serving. Serving isn’t something that we should dread doing. It should be something that brings us joy! We don’t have to wash feet as Jesus did to be serving. As children, we can serve by helping our parents with chores around the house. We can help out at church by opening a door for an elderly person. Serving is possibly one of the easiest of the disciplines to practice – IF we have the right attitude about it. There are always ways to serve and help others.

Another way to serve is to pray for others. Instead of only praying for our own needs, we can be servants by praying for those around us. Serving is basically about others and not ourselves! When we serve, we should strive to be more like Jesus, caring for those around us more than we do our own needs and wants.

Activity: Practice serving! Take kids out to the church parking lot after the lesson and have them clean car windows! Have them help take out the trash collected during the church service. Pray for others specific needs. Set up a time to rake leaves for a shut –in or to help clean up the church grounds.

Craft: Make cards for shut-ins or someone you know is sick and deliver them personally (or mail them if delivering them isn’t possible). For younger children, use our free coloring pages to create artwork to give away.

More Options: Another option would be our love your neighbor coloring page or short video. For additional ideas, you can explore our preschool Bible lesson about serving others based on this same passage of Scripture. You could also encourage church families to take on their own service projects.

Lesson: The Spiritual Discipline of Worship

Brandi Riddle — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:12:57 +0000

This simple lesson plan will help introduce children to the concept of worship as a spiritual discipline. It’s designed for a smaller group of children, but could be adapted for any Sunday School or Children’s Church setting.

Bible Topic: Ways to Worship God
Scripture: Psalm 100:2
Target Age Group: Elementary (1^st -5^th grade)
Learning Context: Any small group setting like Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 30 minutes
You Can Help: Please share your feedback and suggestions to improve this children’s Bible lesson. Click here to respond

Lesson Objective: Children will learn about the spiritual discipline of worship.

Setup: Before class, you will need to print off or handwrite ways to worship on pieces of paper. These should include: singing, reading your Bible, praying, clapping your hands, dancing, worship alone, corporate worship, etc.

Introduction: Begin the lesson by reading the key verse to the children. For older elementary, encourage a volunteer to read this verse to the group.

Explain: Give a definition of what worship means. Worship comes from the Old Saxon word “worth ship,” meaning something we would assign worth or value to. To worship God is to assign the proper worth to God. Another way to define worship is to say it is giving glory and honor to God.

Talk about worship: God calls us to both private worship (being alone) and corporate worship (with other believers). Both of these can include Bible reading, prayer, singing, preaching. The point of worship is that our hearts are prepared to glorify and honor God in all that we do. We should seek to view every moment of the day as an opportunity to worship God. Worship doesn’t just have to happen at church on Sundays; it can happen throughout your week while you are at home or school. We can worship God by singing along with our favorite Christian song or by thanking Him for the beautiful sunshine He provided. Worship is about showing God our love and respect in everything we do by giving Him glory and honor.

Activity: Ask the children to name ways that we can worship God. Post those that you wrote or printed before class on a board as the kids name them. Help them review the ways we can worship. Practice worshipping by having some read scripture, praying and by singing worship songs together.

Optional Songs: We’ve collected several children’s worship songs from YouTube. Have the children view these and sing along. Talk about the different feelings and facts represented in each song. Explain how both the emotions and the truth in songs can point to God’s worth.

More Ideas: You might enjoy another free lesson plan we’ve posted based on Psalm 100 called “A Heart of Worship. You might enjoy our prayer coloring sheets or our free love God coloring page.

Lesson: Paul’s trial before Felix

Kelly Henderson — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:39:36 +0000

This lesson is about Paul’s trial before Felix. He is falsely accused but Paul knows he has a clear conscience before God and man. This lesson teaches students that believers should always strive to keep a clear conscience. This is only a guide for the lesson. Adapt to your individual classroom needs.

From Paul’s life the students will be challenged to strive to keep a clear conscience before God and man.. The lesson was prepared for older elementary students but can be easily modified. This is only a suggested guide to help you teach your students. Click here to see all the lessons in this curriculum series.

Bible Story: Paul’s Trial Before Felix
Scripture: Acts 24
Target Age Group: Age 9 – 11 (U.S. 3rd – 5th Grade)
Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 60 minutes
Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. this lesson plan
You Can Help: Please share your feedback and suggestions to improve this children’s Bible lesson. Click here to respond

Supply List: Bibles, Visuals for story (court, judge, etc.) stoplight (for object lesson on the conscience), dice for Learning Activity #1

Learning Goal: Students will learn that believers should always strive to keep a clear conscience before God and man.

Learning Activity #1: Have several examples where students can make a right choice and keep a clear conscience. Make a cube with pictures of different places (school, church, store, playground etc.) As student rolls the dice and a place is revealed create a scenario that allows a right choice and a wrong choice. (Example: You buy a candy bar and the cashier gives you back too much money. What are your choices when you realize that you have been given back too much money? Keep the money, give back the extra money. The right thing to do is to give the extra money back. Why? It would be stealing to take the extra money. By giving the money back you will have a clear conscience.)

Test: Review Questions listed below

Memory Verse: Acts 24:16 “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”

Bible Lesson: Paul’s Trial before Felix

Introduction: Keeping a clear conscience. Keys for Kids devotional

Using an image of a stop light explain how our consciences are like stop lights. When we are about to do something that we shouldn’t our conscience is warning us to stop. If we stop we avoid danger. If we ignore that warning over and over again our conscience is no longer sensitive to doing what is right. If you are a believer the Holy Spirit is like a traffic light. He will warn you if you are about to go somewhere or do something you shouldn’t. If you obey His warning, you will have a clear conscience. If you ignore Him you will have a guilty conscience. You can have a clear conscience once again by confessing your sin. If you continue to disobey the Holy Spirit you harden your heart to Him and can’t hear Him as clearly as you can when you are walking in obedience to Him.

As we have followed the life of Paul in the Book of Acts we have seen a believer who obeys the Holy Spirit and as a result has a clear conscience before God and man.
Let’s recite our memory verse: Acts 24:16 “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”

Let’s turn in our Bibles to Acts 24.

Paul is falsely accused before Felix. Acts 24:1-9

Paul was in Caesarea for five days before his accusers arrived. The high priest Ananias with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus came to make their charges against Paul before Felix.

Have you ever been in a court room? In a courtroom a judge is seated to hear the case that is brought before him/her. He/she will hear statements from both sides of the issue and make a decision of what to do.

In our lesson today the person that is like the judge in the courtroom is the Governor of Caesarea, Felix. He is seated waiting to hear this case against Paul that has been brought to him so he can decide what should happen to Paul.

The high priest and the unbelieving Jews of Jerusalem have brought a lawyer named Tertullus to present their charges against Paul to Felix. The following are the charges they have brought against Paul (Read verses 5-8):

Paul is a trouble maker who stirs up riots among the Jews all over the world.
He is the ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple.

After Tertullus brought these charges against Paul for the unbelieving Jews, the Jews that were present indicated that they were in full agreement with the charges made.

Paul has been falsely accused. None of the charges that were presented to Felix were true. From our study from Acts who was really responsible for stirring up riots when Paul was preaching the Gospel? (Unbelieving Jews)

Jesus was falsely accused by unbelieving Jews. Believers can expect that people may falsely accuse them (lie about them). 1 Peter 2:12 tells us to “live such good lives among the pagans that though they may accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”

Paul makes his defense before Felix. Acts 24:10-22

After hearing the unbelieving Jews’ side of the issue, Felix nods to Paul to present his side. Paul doesn’t have a lawyer speak for him. The Holy Spirit enables Paul to speak in his own defense.

Paul states that the facts that he is presenting can be proved to be true (Read verses 10-16).

Paul states:

Twelve days ago he went to Jerusalem to worship.
He was not found arguing with anyone at the temple or stirring up trouble in the synagogues or in the city.

Paul admits:

He worships the God of his fathers.
He is a follower of the Way (Christians) (which the unbelieving Jews call a sect).
He believes all that is written in the Law and the prophets.
He believes in the same hope as these Jews that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

As a result of Paul’s beliefs he makes every effort to always keep his conscience clear before God and man.

What does it mean to have a clear conscience? How do you feel when you have a guilty conscience? (Weighed down, sick to your stomach, etc.)

How can a believer keep a clear conscience before God and man?

Obey God and confess sins when we disobey. (1 John 1:9) “Draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22)
Stay in God’s Word so your life will be in alignment with God’s Ways. (Ephesians 5:26, Psalm 119:9,11,105)

Paul makes his defense against the unbelieving Jews’ accusations (Verses 17-21):

He went to Jerusalem after being away for several years to bring gifts to the poor and to make an offering.
He was ceremonially clean when he was found in the temple courts.
He was not with a crowd of people when he went to the temple.
He was not involved in a disturbance. The Jews from Asia should be present to make a case if they have something against him.
He already stood before the Sanhedrin. Those that were present should make their case what crime he committed. He is on trial because he shouted ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead’ that he is on trial before Felix.

Paul boldly proclaims God’s Word to Felix and Drusilla. Acts 24:23-27

Felix was very familiar with the Way (Christianity-belief in Jesus-that He died, was buried and rose again the third day) that Paul spoke about. He ended the proceedings and said he would decide the case when Lysias the commander arrived. He ordered a centurion to guard Paul and allowed him to have some freedom and allowed his friends to take care of him.

A few days after the trial, Felix and his wife Drusilla brought Paul before them to hear him speak. Paul spoke about faith in Jesus Christ. Paul also spoke to them about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come. When Felix heard Paul’s message it frightened him. He sent Paul away. Let’s read what he says to Paul in verse 25.

Felix was hoping that Paul would pay him to release him. Paul would not have a clear conscience if he bribed Governor Felix to be set free. The power of the Holy Spirit living inside him enabled him to be obedient to be a prisoner. Paul had the Lord Jesus’ comfort and promise that he would testify about Him in Rome. Paul would wait and do things God’s way even if that meant he had to sit in prison while he waited.

Let’s read verse 27. Paul was left in prison for two years. Felix had an opportunity to do what was right and release Paul because he had not committed a crime but he wanted to grant a favor to the Jews so he kept Paul in prison.

As we close how is your conscience today? Can you say with Paul “I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man?”

Can you relate more to Felix? Does the truth about Jesus make you afraid and you don’t want to hear it?

How do you respond when you hear the news that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, was buried and rose again the third day so you can be made right with God? If Jesus were to come today would you live forever in heaven with Him because you believe by faith that He has paid the price for your sins, or would you be separated from God forever in a place called hell because you chose not to accept the gift of eternal life? You don’t have to respond like Felix did, today you can believe in the Lord Jesus and be saved from your sins.

(Close in prayer)

Review Questions:

What crime did the unbelieving Jews accuse Paul of? (Being a troublemaker, stirring up riots, desecrating the temple)
Who did Paul say he worshiped? (The God of our fathers)
What does Paul say the real reason is that he is being accused? (For his belief in the resurrection of the dead)
What did Paul speak to Felix and Drusilla about? (Faith in Jesus Christ, righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come)
How did Felix respond? (He was afraid and sent Paul away until it was a more convenient time)
How many years was Paul in prison? (2)
Why did Felix leave Paul in prison? (As a favor to the Jews)