Lesson: Philippians 3:6 (Ages 6-8)

📖 Philippians 3:6 – Ages 6-8

Explanation

In this verse, the apostle Paul is talking about how he used to be before he followed Jesus. He says that when it came to being really excited and passionate about something (which is what zeal means), he was once very passionate, but for the wrong things. Instead of loving and helping others, he was actually hurting them by not liking the people who followed Jesus.

He also talks about how, when it came to following the rules in the Bible, he was really good at it. He did everything the law said to do, but his heart wasn't in the right place. He was doing it to look good on the outside, but on the inside, he wasn't truly following God's love and kindness.

So, this verse is teaching us that it's not just about following rules or being really excited about something. It's about doing things with a loving heart, just like Jesus did. We should be loving and kind to others, not hurtful or just trying to look good on the outside. Jesus wants us to have a heart that is full of love and kindness for everyone around us.

Kid's Story

Once there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved to gather nuts. He was very zealous about collecting nuts every day and always made sure he had the biggest stash in the forest.

One day, Sammy saw his friend, a bunny named Bella, struggling to find food. He told Bella that she should work harder like him to gather nuts. Sammy thought he was very righteous in following his nut-gathering rules.

But then, Sammy met a wise owl who told him that true righteousness is not just following rules, but also showing kindness and helping others. Sammy realized that he had been persecuting Bella by not sharing his nuts and not being kind.

From that day on, Sammy shared his nuts with Bella and other forest friends. He learned that being truly righteous means being kind and helping others, just like Jesus teaches us.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for loving us even when we make mistakes. Help us to remember that we don't have to be perfect to be loved by You. Just like in Philippians 3:6, Paul realized that following the rules wasn't as important as loving others. Help us to show love and kindness to everyone we meet. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to have zeal for something? Why is it important to have zeal for good things?
2. Why do you think Paul persecuted the church before he knew Jesus?
3. What does it mean to be blameless under the law? Do you think it's important to follow rules and laws?
4. How do you think Paul's understanding of righteousness changed after he met Jesus?
5. How can we show zeal for God and His work today, like Paul did when he persecuted the church?

Life Application

This Bible verse from Philippians 3:6 shows us how before Paul met Jesus, he was very passionate about following the Jewish law and even persecuted Christians. However, after encountering Jesus, Paul learned that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not just following rules.

Children can apply this message in their own lives by understanding that it's important to have a passion for doing what is right, but it's even more crucial to understand that true righteousness comes from having a relationship with Jesus.

At home, children can show zeal by being eager to help their family, showing kindness, and obeying their parents. They can also remember that being blameless in God's eyes means seeking forgiveness when they make mistakes and trying to do better.

At school, children can apply this by being enthusiastic about learning and helping others, showing love and forgiveness to their classmates, and standing up for what is right.

With friends, children can demonstrate zeal by being a good friend, showing love and kindness, and sharing about Jesus with others.

Overall, children can remember that true righteousness comes from believing in Jesus and living out His teachings in their daily lives.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a simple craft to help children understand Philippians 3:6. You can make two columns on a piece of paper or a poster board. Label one column "Zeal for the Wrong Things" and the other column "Blameless in the Law."

Then, provide the child with pictures or cut-outs of people or symbols representing zeal for the wrong things (like a person pointing angrily) and the concept of being blameless in the law (such as a person with a big smile and a gold star). Ask the child to place each picture in the correct column based on what they think represents each idea.

Through this activity, children can visually see the contrast between having zeal for the wrong things and being blameless in the law. It can help them grasp the message of Philippians 3:6 in a fun and interactive way.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In the past, he did persecute,
But now, his heart is pure and cute.
Blameless in the law, he aimed to be,
Now in Christ, he's truly free!

Songs or Videos

One Christian song that relates to the message of Philippians 3:6 is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective. This song talks about how God's light guides us and leads us in the right direction, even when we may have made mistakes in the past.

Another song that children may enjoy is "You Are My Vision" by Rend Collective. This song emphasizes seeking God above all else and finding our righteousness in Him, rather than in our own efforts or achievements.

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