Lesson: 2 Corinthians 10:8 (Ages 9-11)

📖 2 Corinthians 10:8 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

This Bible verse is like when a teacher in your classroom tells you they have the authority to help you learn and grow, not to make you feel bad. In the same way, the Apostle Paul is saying that the authority he has to teach and guide others comes from God, and he wants to use it to help people become better, not to be mean or tear them down.

Imagine if your teacher had a special power given by the principal to make sure all the students in the class are happy, learn well, and become kinder to each other. That's how Paul felt about the authority God gave him. He wanted to use it to build people up, not to make them feel small or ashamed.

So, when Paul talks about boasting a little about his authority, he means that he wants to share how God has given him the ability to help others in a good way. And even if it might seem like he's bragging a bit, he knows that it's all thanks to God, and he's proud to use that authority to make a positive difference in people's lives.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved to show off his nut-gathering skills to all his forest friends. He would often boast about how many nuts he had collected, making the other animals feel small.

One day, Sammy's boasting hurt his friend Bella the bunny's feelings. Bella felt sad and left out. Sammy realized he had been boasting too much and making others feel bad instead of building them up.

Sammy remembered a verse from the Bible that said boasting should be used to encourage others, not to tear them down. He felt sorry for his actions and apologized to Bella, offering to share his nuts with her. From that day on, Sammy learned to use his talents to help and encourage his friends, just like how God wants us to build each other up.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for giving us authority to help others and build them up. Help us to always use this authority in a way that honors you and brings glory to your name. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think "boasting" means in this verse? Why do you think it's important to be humble instead of boasting too much?
2. How do you think we can use the authority that God gives us to help others and build them up?
3. Why do you think it's important to remember that any authority or power we have comes from the Lord?
4. Can you think of a time when someone used their authority or power to build you up or to tear you down? How did it make you feel?
5. How can we follow the example of Jesus in using our authority to help and encourage others?

Life Application

In this verse, the Apostle Paul is reminding us that any authority or power we have should be used to build others up and not to hurt them. So, a child can apply this message in their life by using their words and actions to encourage and support others. For example, at home, they can help their siblings with their homework or chores instead of putting them down. At school, they can be a good friend by cheering up someone who is feeling sad or left out. With their friends, they can use their influence to promote kindness and inclusivity. By following this principle, they will be following God's example of using their authority and influence for good.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity you can do with children to help them understand and remember the message of 2 Corinthians 10:8 is to create "Building Up" towers. Provide the children with building blocks or Legos and ask them to build towers. While they are building, discuss how just like the blocks are used to build up a tower, our words and actions should also be used to build others up and not tear them down. Encourage the children to think of positive and encouraging words they can say to others to lift them up. This hands-on activity will help reinforce the importance of using our words and authority to build others up, just as the Lord intended.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Remember this verse, it's great to know,
Boasting's not right, it's better to show,
The authority from God above,
Is for lifting up, with kindness and love.

Songs or Videos

There is a beautiful Christian song called "Build Your Kingdom Here" by Rend Collective that encourages us to use the authority and gifts God has given us to build up others and spread His love. Another great song is "Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman, which reminds us that everything we do should be done for the glory of God, not to boast or tear others down. Both of these songs align with the message of 2 Corinthians 10:8 and can inspire kids to use their gifts and authority in a positive way.

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