Lesson: 2 Corinthians 1:1 (Ages 9-11)

📖 2 Corinthians 1:1 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

Paul was a special messenger chosen by God to tell people about Jesus. In this letter, Paul is saying hello to the people who believe in Jesus in a place called Corinth. He also mentions Timothy, who is like a good friend to him.

Imagine if you had a very important message to share with your friends. You would want to make sure they heard it, right? That's what Paul is doing here, but his message is about Jesus and how much He loves us. Paul is writing to remind the people in Corinth, and everyone in the region of Achaia, that they belong to Jesus and are part of God's big family.

Just like how you have friends in different places, Paul and Timothy wanted to connect with their friends in Corinth and Achaia to encourage them and remind them of God's love. And just like how you care about your friends and want to share good news with them, Paul and Timothy cared about the believers and wanted to share the good news of Jesus with them.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time in a magical forest, there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved to share acorns with all his friends. One day, Sammy found a shiny acorn that he wanted to give to his best friend, Lucy the rabbit. As he scampered over to her burrow, he realized he could share the acorn with all his friends in the forest.

Just like how Paul and Timothy wrote a letter to the church in Corinth and believers throughout Achaia, Sammy wanted to spread joy to all his forest friends. He learned that sharing his treasure with everyone made him even happier than keeping it to himself.

From that day on, Sammy made sure to include all his friends in his adventures, just like how all believers are part of God's family. And the forest was filled with love and friendship because Sammy shared his shiny acorn with everyone.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for choosing Paul and Timothy to spread your love and teachings. Help us to be like the believers in Corinth, always standing together as one big family in Christ. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Who wrote the letter to the church in Corinth and where did he say his authority came from?
2. What does it mean to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God?
3. Why do you think Paul mentioned Timothy in the greeting to the church in Corinth?
4. What does it mean to be a believer who belongs to Christ?
5. How do you think the believers in Corinth felt when they received this letter from Paul and Timothy?

Life Application

In this verse, Paul is introducing himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus, chosen by God. He is writing to the church in Corinth and all believers in Achaia.

Children can apply this message in their daily lives by understanding that just like Paul was chosen by God for a specific purpose, they too are loved and chosen by God. They can remember that God has a plan for their lives and they are part of His family, the church.

At home, children can remember that they are loved and valued by God, and they can show love and kindness to their family members. In school, they can remember that God has a purpose for them and they can work hard and be kind to their classmates. With friends, they can share God's love and be a good example of a believer.

By understanding that they are chosen by God and part of His family, children can live out their faith in their everyday interactions and relationships.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a "Map of Paul's Journeys" craft! Provide a world map or draw one on a large piece of paper. Have the child mark the locations mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:1, such as Corinth and Achaia. They can then draw a path to connect these places, representing Paul's travels as an apostle. This visual aid can help them remember the message and locations mentioned in the verse.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Let's chant together, clear and true,
Paul and Timothy, serving God's view.
To the church in Corinth, with believers so dear,
All belonging to Christ, far and near!

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of 2 Corinthians 1:1 is "We are the Church" by Yancy. This song emphasizes the idea of believers coming together as one body in Christ, just like the church in Corinth.

Another wonderful song is "I Belong to Jesus" by Jamie Grace. This song celebrates belonging to Christ and being part of His church, just like the believers in Corinth mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:1. Both of these songs can help kids understand the importance of being part of the church and belonging to Christ.

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