This lesson teaches children that God cares about how we treat each other and our bodies, and that we belong to Him. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God made our bodies to belong to Him, so we can honor Him by being fair, kind and pure. We do not have to win every argument to show that we love Jesus.
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
(WEB)
Have children place one hand over their heart and tap twice, then hold their arms out wide like a cross. As you say the verse together, let them tap their chest on “your body” and open their arms on “glorify God.” Repeat it three times.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 6 for Kids
Long ago, the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in the city of Corinth. Some of the believers there were arguing with each other. One friend was taking another friend to court to fight over money. Paul was sad about this, because Christians are family, and family should be able to work things out.
Paul asked them a simple question: “Isn’t there even one wise person among you who could settle this?” He wanted them to see that they could be fair and gentle with each other. Instead of hurting one another, they could choose to be patient and kind.
Paul also reminded them that some people in Corinth had lived in ways that hurt themselves and others. He said, “Such were some of you, but you were washed.” Jesus had made them clean and new. Their lives could now belong to Him.
Then Paul gave them an important picture. Our bodies are like a temple, a special place where God’s Holy Spirit lives. Because Jesus paid a great price for us, we belong to Him. So Paul told them to honor God with their bodies.
The lesson is clear: because God loves us and made us His own, we should treat ourselves and others with respect. We can ask God to help us live in ways that show we belong to Him.
Read It Together
1 Corinthians 6:1-2
1 Dare any of you, having a matter against his neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? 2 Don’t you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
(WEB)
Point out that Paul is talking about believers handling disagreements. Explain that Christians can ask God for help to be fair and to forgive, instead of rushing to get even.
1 Corinthians 6:11
Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.
(WEB)
Point out the three words “washed,” “sanctified” and “justified.” Explain that God cleans us, sets us apart as His own, and makes us right with Him through Jesus, all because of His love.
1 Corinthians 6:15
Don’t you know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!
(WEB)
Point out that Paul says our bodies are members of Christ. Explain that because Jesus lives in His people, we want to keep our choices pure and good, honoring the Lord who loves us.
Talk About It
- What is one way we can be fair to a friend when we disagree?
- Why do you think Jesus paid such a big price to make us His own?
- What does it mean that our bodies can be a temple for God’s Spirit?
- How can we show that we are clean and new because of Jesus?
- What is one thing we can ask God to help us do this week?
Activity Ideas
Temple Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper and crayons. Ask them to draw a simple temple or church with a door, then add a small heart inside to show that God’s Spirit lives in us. Let them color it and talk about what makes them feel close to God. Use paper, crayons, and a pencil.
Fair Share Game
Set out a bag of pretend coins or dried beans and divide it unevenly between two children. Ask them how it feels, then let them share until both have the same amount. Talk about how God wants us to be fair and kind to one another. You need a bag of beans or small toys and a timer.
Take-Home Reminder Card
Cut an index card in half and write “My body belongs to God” on one side. Ask each child to decorate the other side with a simple drawing. Encourage them to keep it in a pocket or on a bedside table and read it aloud each morning. Use index cards, markers, and tape or a small ring for hanging.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that the church is called to resolve conflicts with humility and fairness, and that our bodies are meant to honor God. Paul’s words about holiness and sexual purity reflect the historic Christian teaching that our bodies, relationships and choices matter because we belong to Christ.
With young children, avoid overstating the more mature topics in this chapter. Keep the focus on God’s love, being fair and kind, and belonging to Jesus, and leave deeper discussions about specific sins for older youth and parents to address in age-appropriate ways.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us and making us Your own. Help us to be fair and kind to our friends and family. Help us to take care of our bodies and honor You in everything we do. Thank You that You always make us clean and new. Amen.
