This lesson teaches children that God always gives a way out when we are tempted, and that we should run toward Him instead of toward things that hurt us. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we feel tempted to do wrong, God is faithful and always shows us a way to say no. We can choose to run away from wrong things and stay close to Jesus.
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, as if they are receiving a gift. Then have them lift their hands higher and make a running motion with their feet in place while they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting faster each time.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 10 for Kids
Long ago, God led His people, the Israelites, out of Egypt. He guided them with a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. Then He opened the Red Sea so they could walk across on dry ground. God gave them food from heaven and water from a rock. Everyone had the same spiritual food and drink.
But many of the people did not stay close to God. They wanted bad things and started worshiping idols. They complained and tested God, and some of them were punished. Paul wrote this to the church in Corinth so they would learn from their mistakes.
Paul knew that temptation comes to everyone. He told the Corinthians that no temptation is too big for God to help us through. God always gives us a way to escape, so we can handle it. Paul said to flee from idolatry, which means running away from anything that takes God’s place in our hearts.
Paul also said that the people of God are like one body, all joined together. When we eat the bread and drink the cup together, we remember Jesus and share in His body and blood. Paul told them to think about other people and not only about themselves. He said, in simple words, that we should do everything to honor God, whether we eat, drink, or do anything else.
Read It Together
1 Corinthians 10:1-4
1 Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 and all ate the same spiritual food; 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.
(WEB)
Point out that God took care of His people in the wilderness with a cloud, a sea crossing, food, and water. Ask the children to notice that God never stopped providing for them, even when they were not faithful. This shows God’s constant care for us.
1 Corinthians 10:12
Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.
(WEB)
Explain that feeling strong on our own can make us fall. Tell the children that being careful and humble helps us stay safe from temptation. Remind them that everyone needs God’s help, even grown-ups.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
(WEB)
Show the children that even everyday things like eating and playing can bring glory to God. Ask them how they might honor God while they play, eat, or help at home. Keep the focus on small, simple choices.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that sometimes makes it hard to do the right thing?
- How did God take care of the Israelites in the desert, and how does He take care of you?
- What do you think it means to run away from something bad, and what could you do instead?
- Who is someone who helps you say no to things that are wrong?
- What is one way you can show God’s love to someone at home or school this week?
Activity Ideas
Escape Route Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a maze with a tempting picture, such as a cookie or a toy, at one end and an open door or the words “Jesus” at the other. Have them draw a clear path from the temptation to the door. Talk about how God always shows us the way out.
Stop and Run Game
You will need an open space and a timer or a drum. Call out a “temptation” word such as “candy” or “cheating,” and have the children freeze. When you say “God’s way out!” they run to a spot across the room. Play a few rounds, then discuss how running away from temptation is a choice we can make every time.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a marker for decorating. Have each child write the memory verse reference on a card and draw a small picture of a door or a path. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or on the bedside table. Ask them to show it to a family member and say the verse together each evening.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that spiritual privilege does not guarantee faithfulness. Paul uses Israel’s history as a warning that we, too, can drift toward idols and sin if we become complacent. Yet the passage ends with hope: God provides a way of escape and calls us to honor Him in everything we do.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the punishments or the idols described in the chapter. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness, the choice to run from wrong, and the joy of staying close to Him. Use simple, gentle language and let the children ask questions at their own pace.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always being faithful to us. When we feel tempted, help us remember that You give us a way out. Help us run toward You and choose what is good, true, and kind. Thank You for taking care of us every day. Amen.
