Lesson: Galatians 1:23 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Galatians 1:23 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In Galatians 1:23, the Bible talks about how someone who used to be mean to Christians, like a bully, is now telling everyone about Jesus and how good He is. It's like if a kid who used to tease others at school suddenly started being really nice and telling everyone about a new game or toy that makes them happy.

This verse is saying that sometimes people who were not kind or didn't believe in Jesus can change and become really passionate about sharing God's love with others. It's a reminder that everyone can change and that God's love can transform even the most unlikely people into messengers of His truth and grace. So, we should always be open to seeing the good in others and giving them a chance to show us how they have changed for the better.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, in a forest filled with chatter and laughter, there lived a little squirrel named Sammy. Sammy used to play pranks on his friends and hide their nuts just for fun. But one day, he realized his pranks were hurting his friends' feelings.

Sammy decided to change his ways and started helping his friends instead. Word spread quickly through the forest about Sammy's transformation. His friends couldn't believe it! They kept hearing, "The one who once played pranks is now helping others selflessly."

Just like Sammy, a man named Paul in the Bible used to do bad things. But then he changed and started telling people about Jesus with all his heart. The verse in Galatians reminds us that anyone, like Sammy and Paul, can turn their life around and do good things for others.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for changing hearts and showing us your amazing grace. Help us to remember that no one is beyond your love and forgiveness. Just like how Paul turned from persecuting Christians to spreading the good news, may we also have hearts open to your transforming power. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think it means that someone who used to hurt Christians is now telling others about Jesus?
2. How do you think the people felt when they heard that the person who once hurt them now believes in Jesus?
3. Have you ever changed your mind about something important? How did it feel?
4. Do you think it's important to forgive others who have hurt us in the past? Why or why not?
5. How can we show love and kindness to someone who has hurt us in the past?

Life Application

This verse from Galatians 1:23 teaches us about the power of forgiveness and redemption. Children can apply this message in their lives by being open to giving people second chances. Just like how the apostle Paul was forgiven and accepted by the early Christians despite his past mistakes, children can practice forgiveness and kindness towards others who may have hurt them in the past.

At home, children can choose to forgive a sibling or family member who may have done something to upset them. They can show understanding and support, just like the early Christians did for Paul.

In school, children can apply this verse by being inclusive and kind to classmates who may have acted unkindly in the past. They can choose to see the good in others and give them a chance to show that they can change for the better.

With friends, children can use this verse as a reminder to not hold grudges but instead offer forgiveness and understanding when conflicts arise. By being willing to see the good in others and give them a chance to grow and change, children can embody the message of Galatians 1:23 in their everyday interactions.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a "Transformation Tree" craft to help children understand and remember the message of Galatians 1:23.

Materials needed:
- Construction paper (green for tree, various colors for leaves)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers or colored pencils

Instructions:
1. Cut out a tree trunk and branches from the green construction paper.
2. Cut out leaf shapes from the various colored papers.
3. Write or draw situations where someone's actions or beliefs have changed for the better on the leaves (e.g., "helping others," "showing kindness," "sharing love").
4. Glue the leaves onto the branches of the tree to represent the positive changes.
5. On the trunk of the tree, write "Transformation Tree" and the Bible verse Galatians 1:23.
6. Discuss with the child how Saul (who later became Paul) had a transformation in his life, changing from persecuting Christians to proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.
7. Encourage the child to reflect on times when they have seen positive changes in themselves or others, just like the leaves on the tree.

Through this craft, children can visually see and understand how God can transform someone's life, just like He did with Paul in the Bible verse.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

From foe to friend, a story of grace,
Saul turned Paul, a new embrace.
Once against us, now he stands tall,
Proclaiming the faith, the greatest of all!

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of Galatians 1:23 is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective. This song talks about how Jesus is our light in the darkness and how He can change our lives completely, just like how Paul's life was transformed after encountering Jesus.

Another wonderful song is "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong Kids. This song reminds us that we are chosen and loved by God, no matter our past mistakes or shortcomings. Just like how Paul's past as a persecutor was not held against him when he turned to faith, this song reassures kids of God's unconditional love and acceptance.

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