Lesson: 1 Corinthians 9:15 (Ages 3-5)

📖 1 Corinthians 9:15 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

This Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 9:15 talks about how someone is willing to give up their own rights, even if they are allowed to have them. It's like if you have a toy that you really like, but you see a friend who doesn't have any toys. You might decide to share your toy with them because you care about your friend and want them to be happy too.

In the verse, the person is saying that they would rather give up something important to them than have anyone take away their reason to be proud of doing the right thing. It's a reminder that sometimes it's more important to help others and do what's good and kind, even if it means we have to give up something we want.

So, just like sharing your toy with a friend can make both of you happy, choosing to do good things for others can also make us feel proud and happy inside. It's all about caring for each other and doing what's right, even if it's hard sometimes.

Kid's Story

Once there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved to collect acorns. One day, Sammy found a big, juicy acorn that he really wanted to keep for himself. But his friends were hungry and didn't have any food. Sammy remembered what he had learned from the Bible, that it is better to give to others than to keep everything for ourselves.

Even though Sammy really wanted to keep the acorn, he decided to share it with his friends. They were so happy and grateful! Sammy realized that helping others made him feel even better than keeping the acorn for himself. Just like in the Bible verse, Sammy understood that it is more important to help others and make them happy than to think only about ourselves.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for the message in 1 Corinthians 9:15. Help me to be thankful for the things you give me and to boast only in you. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the person in the verse is saying they would rather die than have anyone stop them from boasting?

2. What do you think "rights" mean in this verse?

3. How can we show kindness and humility like the person in this verse?

4. Can you think of a time when you chose to do something for someone without expecting anything in return, like in the verse?

5. Why is it important to remember to be humble and not always want things for ourselves?

Life Application

This Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 9:15 teaches us about selflessness and humility. Even though Paul had the right to be supported by others in his ministry, he chose not to use that right so that the message of Jesus could be shared freely.

Children aged 3-5 can apply this message by learning to put others before themselves. They can do this by sharing their toys with friends, helping a sibling with a chore, or letting someone else go first in a game. By showing kindness and considering the needs of others, they are practicing the same selflessness and humility that Paul demonstrated in this verse.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity to help children understand and remember the message of 1 Corinthians 9:15 is to create a "Boasting Bracelet." Provide children with colorful beads and strings to make bracelets. As they string the beads, talk about things they are proud of or things they like about themselves. Encourage them to think about how they can boast in the right things, like their love for Jesus and helping others, instead of boasting about themselves. Remind them that just like the Apostle Paul, we should find joy in serving God and others, rather than seeking recognition for ourselves.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Let's chant and sing, a joyful thing,
Remember 1 Corinthians 9:15 we bring!
Paul gave up his rights, he did not boast,
He put others first, loving them the most!
He wrote not for himself, but for all to see,
In serving others, he found true glee!

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of 1 Corinthians 9:15 is "With All My Heart" by Yancy. This song talks about giving up our own rights and desires to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Another good song is "I Surrender All" by Jadon Lavik, which also reflects the idea of surrendering our rights and desires for the sake of following Jesus. Both of these songs can help kids understand the importance of putting Jesus first in their lives.

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