Doing "all things through Christ" did not include his being able to bring all of his countrymen to Christ. Here are the following twelve ideas for your Sunday school lesson for you to choose from: * Fellowship in the Spirit - an introduction activity. 2:19-30. Each lesson contains questions, study notes, cross-references and applications. Potatoes for every participant and for the facilitator (ripe potatoes work best), Straws for every participant and for the facilitator (make sure the straws are sturdy), Flip chart and markers (for memory verse if you want to post it), Draw the Pig Personality Test (ICEBREAKER), Samson, Delilah and the Lion (ICEBREAKER), God Is There When It's More Than We Can Bear (OBJ LESSON), Strategic Planning and Nehemiah (BIBLICAL CASE STUDY), Animal Sounds from Different Cultures(ENERGIZER), Easter Foreshadows of Jesus Death and Resurrection(DEVOTION). Paul wanted to go to Thessalonica, but Satan hindered him (1Thessalonians 2:18). If we can just get fair treatment, we think well be happy. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Someone says, If God is sovereign over the tragedy that happened to me, then He is not good. What would you reply? That means no permission is needed as long as you credit this Ministry-To-Children.com in the final work. He can obey God, he can live in holiness in thought, word, and deed. In the context He is talking about how to be free from anxiety, or how to be content in our soul. Also, he was firmly committed to the principle of not making his financial needs known to anyone, except to God in prayer. When I was a kid I used to sit in a rowboat down there, fishing. It means having our focus on the kingdom of God and serving Him, not on the love of money and things. . Colossians 4:2-4 Continue in Prayer 13. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. This lesson in Philippians shows the importance and urgency of helping others in need. View lesson 2, Discover how we can serve others with joy and humility through Christ's example. Original Teaching Context: Sunday School Copyright Ministry-to-Children. (I had made it a bit further than eight feet, but I had to admit she was right, which made me think, how might I do this in other areas of my life?) In spite of all the weakness Paul suffered in the flesh, he was able through Christ to magnify and glorify God in his body dedicated to servingGod. SundaySchoolNetwork.com Paul is our example of why we can be content. Philippians 4 is a continuation of lessons helping older elementary students to establish and make a daily quiet time with God a priority. He wants to express his heartfelt thanks, but at the same time he doesnt want to give the impression that the Lord was not sufficient for his every need. Were always on the move, looking for a better house, a better job, a better place to live and raise a family, a better place to retire. No unauthorized use or duplication permitted. If youre in an unpleasant job, there is nothing wrong with going back to school to train for a better job or from making a change to another job, as long as you do so in submission to the will of God. You will observe that "nothing" is the counterpart of "all things". Doing "all things through Christ" did not include being able to stop all error and apostasy in the church he had helped to build (Acts 20:28-31). 5:6-7). But sometimes God withheld support, and so Paul had to learn to get along with humble means. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. But this doctrine is under attack by the Christian psychology movement, which claims that Christ is sufficient for your spiritual needs (whatever that means! NLT: New Living Translation . Philippians 4:10-13 OPENING PRAYER (5 to 10 minutes) GROUP BUILDING (10 minutes) (Have everyone take a piece of paper and number it one to ten. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information. - Philippians 4:13 The thoughts you believe and the words you say are directly linked to the actions you take and the habits you form. Even though I was safely harnessed in, with my friends holding the rope and cheering me on, I At those times, he did not grumble or panic, but submitted to the sovereign hand of God, trusting that God knew what was best for him and that He always cared for His children (1 Pet. (Verses 1,4,10), Circle-All/Any/Anything/Every/Everything/Nothing with green. ", "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness", "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. (Candy) What if the person throwing the party put sand and pebbles in it? Growing Closer to Jesus. When we dont make spending time with God a daily priority we will allow our sinful nature to be our boss. Please use our childrens ministry curriculum and Sunday School material for any purpose that brings honor to Jesus. 4:13 and use them out of context they get closer and closer to distrusting God. Below you will find all of the Sunday school lessons from the Book of Philippians taught by Pastor Welder in the adult Sunday school class. Sample instruction sheet: Test: Review Questions This clearly is not the sense in which Paul meant the word, since in 4:10 he shows that he rejoiced in the Lord greatly when he received the gift, not because of the money, but because it showed the Philippians heartfelt love and concern for him. | List What do you think our lives would look like when we are going through our day and something makes us nervous and fearful? Finally, when we guard our hearts we will be content. Would anyone be happy with that? Kids Sunday School Place, Inc All rights reserved. Tap the title next to the arrow to start playing thevideo onYouTube (simplybible channel). 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.) Version. . But we never quite get there. 3:16-17) if youre an emotional wreck. Learning Goal: Students will learn that when believers make having a quiet time with God a priority they are guarding their hearts from sin. Preach or teach the verse expositionally and in context. If youre single and feel lonely, there is nothing wrong with seeking a godly mate, as long as youre not so consumed with the quest that you lack the sound judgment that comes from waiting patiently on the Lord. The answer lies buried in the midst of a thank-you note. Even though he had been in a very difficult situation (4:14, affliction), he doesnt want his donors to think that he had been discontented before the gift arrived; but he does want them to know that their generosity was truly appreciated. Use this free Sunday school lesson with kids from Hands-On Bible Curriculum to help preschoolers learn that Jesus can do anything! Paul wanted to go to Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit prevented him (Acts 16:7). Content in Christ. What does it mean practically to seek first Gods kingdom and righteousness? If God asks me to do it, He will give me strength to do it." Say, "But back to the potato, I bet you're wondering whether or not you might be able to put a straw through one, right?" Before class, cut crepe paper streamers into three-foot lengths. However, Gods greater blessings and riches are such as the following We can obtain these blessings and accomplish great things with them through Christ. When youre ready for your parade, set the CD or cassette player in your doorway (or carry it with you if its battery-operated) and lead children along your planned route. Others put too much emphasis on through Him who strengthens me. These folks sit around passively not doing anything, because they dont want to be accused of acting in the flesh. ", "If the Lord wills we will do this or that". God said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2Corinthians 12:9). Home Then it was my turn. If your treasure is in the kingdom of God, your heart will be there, and it is a secure, certain realm. He was extremely careful not even to give hints about his own needs or the needs of the orphanage. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. What makes you anxious? Help children sing the words of the verse along with the melody. This Bible study focuses on how you handle difficult circumstances in your life. But there were times when Mullers faith was tried, when the Lord took them down to the wire before supplying the need. Since Christ cannot be taken from the believer, we can lean on Him in every situation, no matter how trying. Copyright 1995, Steven J. Cole, All Rights Reserved. Children will: play fishing games; hear about the disciples' miraculous catch of fish . On February 8, 1842, they had enough food in all the orphan houses for that days meals, but no money to buy the usual stock of bread or milk for the following morning, and two houses needed coal. Sometimes God supplied abundantly, and so Paul had learned how to live in prosperity. And a little earlier he speaks of "the peace ofGod which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). Give your volunteer the following instructions to help him or her put the straw through the potato. My friend's son climbed first. We cant stand it, he told the rabbi. All Rights Reserved, Episode 296: What Volunteering Taught Me About Ministry, Episode 250: The Value of Events in Discipleship. Paul's statement, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Your email address will not be published. That secret is stated in verse 13, I can do all things in Him who continually infuses me with strength (literal rendering). 3 Surprising Ways I Can Do All Things through Christ Who Strengthens Me (Philippians 4:13) 3 Surprising Ways I Can Do All Things through Christ Who Strengthens Me John UpChurch May 20, 2022 I confess that I'm one of the millions of Christians who regularly recite Philippians 4:13. Every kids church ministry deserves the very best resources for teaching Gods Word, even when they dont have the financial resources. This sign really reminds me of what God tells us about peace in Philippians 4:6-7. Back-To-School : God's Got This! If your treasure is in this world, your heart will be in this world, which isnt the most secure environment! "What do you mean?" Lets read 4:10-13. There's another angle to this. The next time I face an impossible Paul taught the same thing (see 1 Tim. But we want people to know why were celebrating. A few years ago a good friend and I visited her son at college. When Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Jesus was teaching that if we will put our focus on serving Him and growing in righteousness, God will take care of our basic material needs. children's ministry resources to churches across the world. Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ", "the peace ofGod which surpasses all understanding", "In nothing shall I be ashamed so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body", "I can do all things through Christ who strengthensme! (The peace of God) Thats the secret of contentment--to be captivated by Christ--as the Sovereign to whom I submit; as the Savior whom I serve; as the Sufficient One whom I trust in every situation. Our hearts are kind of like that piata. * Christ emptied Himself - a creative activity. 3) OBJECT LESSON: GOD'S ANSWER: YOU'RE ON MY TEAM. (Philippians 4:13). To use it correctly, you must begin to meditate on it and fully understand the One who wrote it. I couldn't go further! Object Needed: Sunglasses. We do not know what had prohibited their sending a gift sooner, whether it was a lack of funds, not having a reliable messenger to take the gift, not knowing about Pauls circumstances, or some other reason. Do you believe that? Now push both of your hands down and away from you. Rather, apply the promise to your endurance of trials and suffering, your joy and peace of heart, and your ministry for God's glory. Part of this understanding lies in what God said to Paul in the last example above. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. What has Paul learned in verse 11? If you are not in a place that you can pray out loud, you would pray in your heart and ask God to help you not to be anxious. Teach this message to children, click here. Paul is in love. The merchant looked puzzled. He uses all our circumstances to train us in godliness if we submit to Him and trust Him. She climbed slowly and methodically, wanting to stop and turn back several times. *Learning is interactive and hand . had taught Paul to trust him. 149.). 25 views, 0 likes, 2 loves, 13 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church: . 115-116). Do you generally have a negative outlook or a positive one? In spite of any difficulty or pain that he suffered, Paul was able, through peace and strength from the Lord, to continue being a faithful and true Christian. By doing this you are guarding your heart. When the music is soft, wave your streamers in front of you slowly. Pauls letter to the Philippians is full of encouragement. This object lesson helps people to see that the impossible is not always as impossible as it seems. He is the Sovereign One to whom I must submit; He is the Savior whom I must serve; He is the Sufficient One whom I must trust. Filed under Belief, Christianity, Coping skills, faith, Hands-on, Object Lesson, Trust, Tagged as air pressure, all things are possible, Belief, children, Christ who strengthens me, Christianity, faith, force, Hands-on, impossible, Object Lesson, Philippians 4:13, possibility, possible, potato, straw, straw through a potato, Trust. Our discontent is reflected in our high rate of mobility. We care about you and the kids you serve! When students take verses like Phil. Paul had learned to be content in every situation (Phil. As Paul says (2 Cor. Philippians 4:13 Sample Lesson Overview: Preschool Bible Activity: Samson, Samson! Join thousands of other childrens ministry leaders, getting fresh, helpful ideas delivered weekly to your inbox. But some of it is fueled by a gnawing discontent that we think will be satisfied when we find the right living situation. document.getElementById("ak_js").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Stay up to date and follow me on Instagram! In love? he asked. The Hope of Glory Sunday School Bible Ministry. The son's friend, who was terribly afraid of heights, went next. . Arrange to lead children on a parade route through your church. This lesson series will help equip students to serve those around them, helping to meet the spiritual needs of others, while remaining grounded in their own faith by cultivating strong friendships with other believers. Philippians 3:17-21 - Keys to Faithfulness Printable Version . Pray for the students who have a relationship with Christ to daily walk with Him and guard their hearts. Jesus Christ is willing to empower everyone who will come to him for strength. Yes, said Timothy, Paul is in love with Jesus Christ. The merchant looked even more bewildered. Ask for a volunteer to come to the front of the room. Muller knew many instances like that where God tried his faith. Because everything we do and say is an overflow of what is in our hearts. That is until my friend made that profound statement, In the letter to Philippi, Paul hardly mentions sin, hell, God's wrath, and other such topics, to which he attaches much importance in his other letters. to the site helps us distribute our So when passing through Rome, he got in touch with Timothy and arranged an interview with Paul the prisoner. If God has called you to get up in public and speak, He will give you the power to do it. "You can do it. The children never knew about any financial difficulties, nor did they ever lack good food, clothes, or warmth. Here he was in prison, unable to pursue his tent-making trade, and he was in a tight spot (affliction in 4:14 literally means pressure). Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson with a link back to this page. After you practice with the music several times, say: Thats great! 1: . He decided not to retrace his steps then, but to drop off something that evening. 3. Use this object lesson on purity to teach kids why God wants them to protect their hearts and eyes. Paul had learned to be content through the circumstances in his life. Outside the cell, he asked Timothy, Whats the secret of this mans power? The living Christ and His Word are powerful to strengthen you to serve Him, which includes emotional well-being. Lets turn to Philippians 4. * Mirroring one another - a creative activity. Or take a look at our chronological list of Bible Stories for Kids. Often the verses are cross-referenced so that you can see the Bible interpretation rather than a mans interpretation from a commentary. (Allow responses) When you and I choose to think on the things God tells us to we are guarding our hearts from evil things that take our minds off of Jesus. Freedom From Fear. The indwelling, renewing, outpouring, annointing, leading, seal, and intercession of the Holy Spirit. View lesson 5, In this lesson, the students will learn how they must stand firm and hold on till the day of resurrection with our Lord. The Philippian church had sent a financial gift to Paul the prisoner. | The Hub Listen as I read Philippians 4:13. 6:6-11). You Can Help: Please share your feedback and suggestions to improve this childrens Bible lesson. Legend has it that a wealthy merchant during Pauls day had heard about the apostle and had become so fascinated that he determined to visit him. We stop and pray that God would help us to put these verses into practice. I thought. (Satisfied with what we have, not wanting more or anything else) Some folk have run away with this promise, "I can do all things through Christ". A look into Paul's relationship with the Christians in Philippi and how the people we know can affect our relationship with Christ. had he forgotten all those things that he was unable to do? Then list who they believe are the ten richest people in the world in decending order. What does it mean to be anxious? We believe that children and parents benefit from a strong Christian education program in the church. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed! 4:11). For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.. Some might even say were passionate about helping kids and adults (thats you!) He trusted in and submitted to the sovereignty of God to provide for his needs. A week later the man returned looking more distraught than before. difference! Paul was not detached from people nor from his feelings. When you marked your observation sheets you underlined the things we are to think about. The second day we went with my friend's son, and one of his friends, to climb a manmade rock-climbing wall. But the Stoic philosophy was marked by detachment from ones emotions and indifference to the vicissitudes of life. Wheres the balance between being content and yet trying to better your situation or solve certain problems? This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. He can ask for the provisions needed to carry out the work and expect God to answer. We cant find happiness in our marriages, so we trade our mates in for a different model, only to find that the same problems reoccur. Learn how your comment data is processed. He can help us do anything. View lesson 1 Lesson 2 - Seize the Day A study of the circumstances that affected Paul's witness and how we can learn from his experience to seize the day for Jesus. Say, "What Philippians 4:13 means is that I can do all things that God asks me to do. wouldn't go to the top. We examine what this means. Lets read verse 4. Reread your list, then reread the passage. If God grants us material comforts, we can thankfully enjoy them, knowing that it all comes from His loving hand. Most of us would like to learn that lesson! Big Idea: Protect your mind and heart. Group Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Okay, now browse and stay awhile. If you so apply the promise, you will be disappointed. This 4 lesson study looks at 4 different roles of Jesus: Sustainer, Servant, Savior, and Sovereign King. 4:11-13). But Paul expresses great frustration and despair concerning this (Romans 9:1-3). Play the march music, and let kids practice waving streamers. by Roger Steer [Harold Shaw Publishers], pp. She too was fearful, but made it to the top, and repelled down like a pro! Bible Story Title: A guarded heart is a contented heart If your treasure is in the kingdom of God, your heart will be there, and it is a secure, certain realm. Say: Jesus gives us the strength to stand up to people who pick on us, be nice to people who are different than we are, and forgive people who are mean to us. Perspective helps, doesnt it! Sign up for this weekly e-newsletter to get sound advice and encouragement from todays childrens ministry experts and hundreds of ideas thatll have kids begging to come back! In Proverbs 4:23 why are we told to guard our hearts? Check out these posts! 15:10), But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. In Philippians 4:13, the verb is present tense, meaning, Gods continual, day-by-day infusing me with strength as I serve Him. "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. We can only say, "If the Lord wills we will do this or that" (James 4:13-15). Later that day, as we drove home, we talked about our climb. Key to this process is understanding that everything, major and minor, is under Gods sovereignty. 1:12-20, Pauls Helpers in the Ministry Phil. We've included the text for this object lesson below and we even recorded a video to help give you ideas for how to teach it. The past 3 weeks we have been discovering the importance of a daily quiet time. Philippians 4:13. Even though she was weak-kneed, she was 13-14) Daniel continues to watch the vision unfold and saw the Messiah, who in the text was called "one like the Son of man" because He was made in the likeness of a human (Romans 8:3) and was found in appearance as a man (Philippians 2:8). Paul says that he had learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need (4:12). Children's Ministry Magazine is the most read magazine for people who minister to children from birth through sixth grade. However, the Philippians have allowed God to supply for the needs of Paul through them. A wonderful resource for Christian schools, Sunday School, Children's Church, and homeschool families. The first day there, we biked twenty miles through a state preserve. (Give an example and model it) Tap the title above, next to the arrow, to go to thatlesson with a link back to this page. Yet it would be rather silly, for the reasons given, to say we can do these things through Christ. Shop our Sunday School Curriculum and Bible Lessons for Kids. We enjoy every minute of it now that theres no goat--only the nine of us. (Readers Digest [12/81].) May the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart, and the actions of my life, be pleasing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my also proud of herself! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. We go after what we think will make us happy only to find that it didnt work; in fact, we were happier before we started the quest. In Victory 4-Week Children's Ministry Curriculum, kids will look at a different sport each week to learn a new lesson about living for Christ. Cancel. I created free Bible study worksheets for Philippians 4:13 that will help you come up with strategies and a plan to replace ungodly speech with phrases that glorifies God and correctly represents His Word. Help them see the error in taking passages out of context. Tap the title next to the arrow to start playing thevideo onYouTube (simplybible channel). I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. easy." Change Language . Bible Verse: Philippians 4:8. 6:6-10, 17-19). Then you won't be disappointed in the least. He became a servant and was even willing to die on a cross. Target Time Frame: 60 Minutes Example 2. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ministry-To-Children.com helps you tell kids about Jesus by providing age-appropriate Bible study material and Sunday School curriculum all 100% free online. But ask yourself: what have you come through in life that you could never have "done" except for. On the contrary, we want to give the promise solidity, for some people have tended to trivialise it. Its like the story of two teardrops floating down the river of life. View lesson 7, God knows what we need, but gives us so much more. It didnt come naturally to him, and it wasnt an instantaneous transformation. So drop by (often) and check out all of the helpful tips, tools, and resources we have for you right here (go ahead, bookmark this page right nowwell wait!). Students will discuss worries and thought thieves, and come up with methods of remaining thankful through all things. I can do everything through him who gives me We're partnering with you to make Jesus irresistible to kids. View lesson 1, A study of the circumstances that affected Paul's witness and how we can learn from his experience to seize the day for Jesus. He scurried up the wall without a care. Our attitude in trials and our deliberate submission to His sovereignty in the trial is crucial. Whilst Paul could not avoid many trials and tribulations, he could endure "all things through Christ" and even rejoice "in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4). Everywhere and in all things I have learned to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Whatever your needs, learn to trust daily in the sufficient Savior and you will know His contentment in your soul. Preschool Bible Snack: A Delicious Lesson in Thankfulness, Easter Object Lesson for Preschoolers: Wobbly Eggs, How to Recognize Kids With Special Learning Needs, Why You Should Build Up Preteen Leaders in Your Childrens Ministry, 11 Ways to Challenge Your Volunteers to Grow Their Faith, Elementary and Preteen Craft: Colorful Easter Cross, a recording of a march or other upbeat instrumental music. Our website has teaching material for children of all aged starting with the church nursery (age 0-1 years old), toddlers (age 2-3 years old), preschool (age 4-5 years old), young elementary (age 6-8 years old), older elementary (age 9-10 years old), and preteen youth ministry groups (age 11-12 years old). The goat is filthy. The rabbi said, Go home and let the goat out, and come back in a week. A week later the man returned, radiant, exclaiming, Life is beautiful. Bible Activities and Sermons Activity Type Kids' sermon/message. I came to understand that we can limit ourselves with our words and thoughts. If our focus is on our Savior and on doing what He has called us to do for His kingdom, which includes growing in personal holiness, then we can be content with what He provides. Our lack of contentment is seen in our clamoring for our rights, all the while claiming that we have been victimized. It is not Gods purpose to make us materially wealthy in this world or to indulge us in all kinds of physical pleasures and comforts.