Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (Ages 9-11)

📖 1 Thessalonians 1:9 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

This Bible verse from 1 Thessalonians 1:9 is like a story about how the people in the city of Thessalonica changed their ways. Before, they used to worship statues made of wood or stone, like toys, instead of the one true God who loves and cares for them. But then, they heard about Jesus and the good news of God's love. They decided to stop worshipping those statues and turned to God instead. It's like if you were playing with broken toys that couldn't do anything, but then someone gave you a brand new toy that could talk and play with you – you would want to play with the new toy instead, right?

So, the people in Thessalonica chose to follow God and serve Him because they realized He is real and powerful, unlike the idols they used to worship. Just like how we choose to follow someone we trust and love, they made the choice to follow and serve the living and true God. This verse teaches us that when we turn away from things that don’t really matter and focus on God, our lives become better and more meaningful because we are following the one who truly loves us and wants the best for us.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time in a faraway village, there was a curious squirrel named Sammy. Sammy loved collecting shiny acorns and climbing trees. One day, he noticed his friend, Rosie the rabbit, spending all her time admiring a beautiful gemstone she found.

Sammy became so fascinated with the gemstone that he stopped collecting acorns and spent all his time with it. As days passed, Sammy realized he was neglecting his acorn-gathering duties. His other squirrel friends were worried about him.

One evening, during a gathering under the old oak tree, Sammy shared his dilemma. His friends reminded him of the joy he found in collecting acorns and how important his role was in providing food for everyone.

Sammy realized he had turned away from his true love of acorns for the false allure of the gemstone. He decided to return to his acorn-gathering ways, serving his community with joy once again. Just like Sammy, we can turn away from things that distract us from serving God and others with love.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for showing us how to turn away from idols and serve You, the living and true God. Help us to always remember to put You first in our lives. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to "turn to God from idols"? Can you think of some examples of things that people might put before God in their lives?
2. Why do you think it's important to serve the living and true God? How can we show our love for God by serving Him?
3. How do you think our actions and attitudes can show others that we have turned to God? Can you think of ways we can share God's love with those around us?
4. Why do you think it's important for others to see the change in our lives when we turn to God? How can our example help lead others to Him?
5. How can we continue to grow in our relationship with God and serve Him faithfully each day?

Life Application

In 1 Thessalonians 1:9, the verse is talking about how the people in Thessalonica stopped worshiping idols and started following the one true God. Children aged 9-11 can apply this message in their everyday lives by making sure that they are putting God first in everything they do. This can mean praying to God, reading the Bible, and talking to Him every day.

At home, children can show love and kindness to their family members, just like God wants us to. They can also help out around the house and be obedient to their parents, which pleases God.

At school, children can be kind to their classmates, help those in need, and stand up for what is right. They can also share God's love with their friends by being a good example and telling them about Jesus.

With their friends, children can choose to do things that honor God and avoid things that go against His word. They can also pray for their friends and be a light for Jesus in everything they do.

By following these examples, children can turn away from things that distract them from God and serve Him with their whole hearts.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity to help children understand and remember the message of 1 Thessalonians 1:9 is to create a visual representation of turning from idols to serve the living and true God. You can provide children with clay or playdough to mold idols and symbols of things that may distract them from serving God, such as toys, gadgets, or even negative emotions like fear or anger. Then, encourage them to reshape the clay into symbols of serving the living and true God, like a heart, a cross, or a helping hand. This hands-on activity can help children grasp the concept of turning away from idols and focusing on serving God.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

In Thessalonians, we learn with glee,
Turning from idols, to God we flee!
Serving the Lord, living and true,
In all we do, He helps us through!

Songs or Videos

One Christian song that relates to the message of 1 Thessalonians 1:9 is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective. The song talks about turning to God for guidance and strength, just like the Thessalonians turned from idols to serve the living God. Another great song is "You Are My All in All" by Dennis Jernigan, which emphasizes serving the true God above all else, just as the verse encourages. Both songs can help kids understand the importance of turning to God and serving Him wholeheartedly.

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