4 | Kids Guide
Head: Know God's Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God's Way
Read 1 Timothy 1-2
Head
One of my favorite verses in all of scripture is found in today’s chapters! 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Paul wrote these words to Timothy, his friend, who was a young leader in the church. Paul was a mentor and coach for Timothy, and these words, written in a personal letter, still provide an awesome challenge and encouragement for us to live by today! Even though Timothy was younger than many people in his church, Paul knew it was very important for Timothy to understand that he was capable of setting an example for others! Paul knew Timothy didn’t have to wait until he was the oldest person in the room. Just like Timothy, God can use us RIGHT NOW to make a difference in the world for His Kingdom. We can show Christ to others by the way we talk, by the way we treat people, and through the decisions we make!
Heart
Sometimes we might think, “I’m too young to make a difference,” or “God can only use someone older, smarter, stronger, or wiser than me.” But God says you can be a leader right now! You can be a reflection of Jesus to people both younger and older than you, being kind, honest, loving, and faithful. Through your actions and choices, you can show Jesus to both your classmates AND your teachers, your younger siblings AND your parents, your teammates AND your coach, and everyone else you meet!
Hands
We don’t have to wait to be an example of Jesus to others! You can start TODAY! This week, think of some ways that you can shine a light for Christ. Set an example by building others up with your words rather than gossiping or saying unkind things. Represent Christ by including people in your class who might feel left out. Be a reflection of God’s love by spending time in prayer over someone you know who is going through a hard time. Wherever you go, whatever you do, no matter your age - Jesus has called you to point others back to Him! How can you set an example today?
Family Challenge/ Activity
Gather together after dinner. Make a list of all the ways you can be an example of Jesus throughout this week! Pray together over this list, asking God to help you show His love wherever you go through your speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
Prayer
Use the P.R.A.Y. Acronym to pray together.
- PRAISE - Open with adoration.
- REPENT - Recall and connect the lesson from today's scripture to yourself and the kids.
- ASK - Petition the Lord on the kids’ behalf.
- YIELD - Close by giving thanks to God for His perfect plan.