LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In Philippians 4:10-20, the Apostle Paul writes a thank you letter to the church at Philippi. Paul had been traveling throughout the Mediterranean region telling people about Jesus and starting new churches. During his missionary journeys, Paul often did not have food, clothing, or a place to stay. The believers at Philippi heard about Paul’s needs and sent him money and supplies through a man named Epaphroditus. This was a great sacrifice for them because they did not have much themselves.
Paul expresses deep gratitude for their generosity and explains that their gift was more than just money. It was an act of worship to God and a partnership in spreading the Gospel. Paul teaches that when believers share what they have been given, God multiplies their gifts to do greater work than any one person could accomplish alone. God had provided everything Paul needed through the generous hearts of the Philippian believers. Paul reminds them that God will supply all their needs as well, according to His riches in glory.
OPENING ACTIVITY 10:15-10:30 | Coin Sorting
Items Needed
- Various coins (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters)
- Bowls of water
- Paper towels
- Magnifying glasses
Give each child a collection of mixed coins. Have them sort the coins by type into different piles. Let them examine the coins with magnifying glasses to see the details. Then place some coins in water and observe what happens (they sink). Discuss how coins are made of metal, which is heavier than water. Talk about how God gives us money to use wisely and help others.
BIBLE VERSE GAME 10:30-10:40 | Heart and Hand Match
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
Items Needed:
- Paper heart and hand cutouts
- Popsicle Sticks
- Tape
Tape paper hearts around the room at child height. Give each child a paper hand attached to a popsicle stick. Children walk around the room finding a heart. When they find one, they place their hand on it and practice saying the memory verse. Then they find a new heart. This reinforces that giving comes from the heart, and we use our hands to help others. After a few minutes, gather and say the verse together while making heart shapes with hands.
SONG 10:40-10:50
BIBLE STORY 10:50-11:00 a.m.
Question 1: Where is this found in the Bible? Philippians
Question 2: Is this in the Old Testament or New Testament? New Testament
The Story:
Today we’re going to learn about a man named Paul and his friends who lived in a city called Philippi. Paul loved Jesus very much and wanted to tell everyone about Him.
Paul would pack his bag and travel to many different places. He would walk very far, ride in boats, and go to towns and cities he had never been to before. Everywhere Paul went, he would tell people the wonderful news about Jesus! Can you imagine walking and walking and walking to tell people about Jesus?
Sometimes when Paul was traveling, he would get hungry. He didn’t always have food to eat. Sometimes he didn’t have warm clothes to wear or a comfortable place to sleep. Traveling to tell people about Jesus was hard work!
But Paul had special friends in the city of Philippi who loved Jesus too. These friends heard that Paul needed help. They wanted to help Paul keep telling people about Jesus! So do you know what they did? They collected money and supplies and sent them to Paul. They shared what they had to help him!
When Paul received the gifts from his friends in Philippi, he was so happy! He wrote them a thank-you letter. He said, “Thank you so much for helping me! You gave me what I needed. When you help me, you are helping tell people about Jesus. God sees your cheerful, giving hearts, and He is pleased!”
Paul told them something very important: “My God will supply everything you need.” That means God will take care of the people who give and help others. When we share what God gives us, God promises to take care of us too!
The friends in Philippi didn’t have a lot of money, but they gave what they could with happy hearts. And together, their gifts helped Paul tell many, many people about Jesus!
Theological Questions:
- Who gives us everything we have? (God does! God gives us our food, clothes, home, and family)
- Why did Paul travel to different places? (To tell people about Jesus and God’s love)
Life Application Questions:
- Can you think of someone we could help or share with? (Families can discuss specific people or situations)
- What makes you happy to give or share? (Listen to children’s responses and affirm their generous hearts)
Prayer: “Dear God, thank You for giving us everything we need. Help us to be cheerful givers like the friends in Philippi. Help us to share what You have given us so others can know about Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
BIBLE CRAFT 11:00-11:15 a.m. | Giving Jar
Items Needed:
- Jars or cups
- Stickers
- Markers
- My Giving Jar Labels
- Tape/glue
Give each child a small jar or cup to decorate with stickers and markers. Cut strips of paper that say “My Giving Jar” and help children attach them to their jars. Explain that they can use this jar at home to collect coins to give to church or to help others. Each time they add a coin, they can remember the Bible story about Paul and the Philippians.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
Philippians 4:10-20 (KJV)
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
COLORING PAGE
PARENT TAKE HOME SHEET
Today’s Key Takeaway: Cheerful Giving
What I learned today: Today we learned about Paul, a missionary who traveled far to tell people about Jesus. Paul’s friends in the city of Philippi heard he needed help, so they sent him money and supplies. Paul was very thankful and wrote them a letter praising their generous hearts. We learned that God loves when we share what He has given us with cheerful, happy hearts.
Questions to ask me:
Theological Questions:
- Who gives us everything we have? (God gives us everything – our food, home, clothes, and family)
- What did Paul do when he traveled? (He told people about Jesus and started churches)
- Who helped Paul with food and money? (The believers/friends in the city of Philippi)
- Why did the Philippians send Paul gifts? (Because they loved God and wanted to help Paul tell others about Jesus)
- What does God promise to those who give? (God promises to supply all our needs)
Life Application Questions:
- What is something you can share with others? (Toys, snacks, helping hands, kind words)
- How do you feel when you share with someone? (Happy, good, joyful – encourage positive responses)
- Who can we help in our family or neighborhood? (Discuss specific people or situations together)
- What does it mean to give with a “cheerful heart”? (To give happily, with a smile, being glad to help)
- Can you give something to someone this week? (Help child identify an action they can take)