This lesson teaches children that Paul worked hard and gave up some of his own rights so that people could hear about Jesus, and that we can do the same. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Good things are worth working hard for, and sometimes we give up what we want so that other people can learn about Jesus.
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 9:24
Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.
(WEB)
Stand up tall and jog in place as you say it. Then pretend to cross a finish line with both arms raised. Repeat it three times together, speeding up each time.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 9 for Kids
Paul was a helper who told people about Jesus. He had every right to ask the churches for food and a place to stay, because other workers did that too. Some of the other helpers, like Peter and Barnabas, were allowed to be paid for their work. Paul chose not to take that help, so no one could say he was only doing it for money.
Paul said he was free to do many things, but he chose to become like a servant to everyone. When he was with Jewish people, he lived the way they lived. When he was with people who did not follow the Jewish law, he lived in a way that made sense to them. He wanted to help every kind of person hear the good news about Jesus.
Then Paul told his friends in the city of Corinth about a race. He said, “Don’t you know that the runners all run, but only one wins the prize? Run like that, so you can win.” Runners train hard every day, skip treats, and keep going when they feel tired. Paul said he trained his body the same way, so that he would stay faithful.
The prize in the race would wear out, like a crown of leaves that dries up. But the prize Paul was running for would last forever. He wanted to finish strong, so that he could share Jesus with others and stay close to Him.
Read It Together
1 Corinthians 9:19
For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul was free, but he chose to serve others. Ask children what it looks like to put someone else first in their own home or class.
1 Corinthians 9:22-23
22 To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. 23 Now I do this for the sake of the Good News, that I may be a joint partaker of it.
(WEB)
Show that Paul adjusted how he lived so that people could understand the good news. Explain that the message stayed the same, but he made it easy for each person to hear.
1 Corinthians 9:25-26
25 Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore run like that, not aimlessly. I fight like that, not beating the air…
(WEB)
Point to the idea of self-control and running with purpose. Explain that Paul was not running without a goal, but had a clear finish line in mind.
Talk About It
- What is something you had to practice hard before you got good at it?
- Why do you think Paul chose not to take money from the people he helped?
- How can you be kind to someone who is different from you?
- What does it mean to run the race of faith in a way that pleases God?
- What is one thing you could give up this week so that someone else could feel loved?
Activity Ideas
Paper Medal Craft
You will need paper plates, yellow or gold paper, crayons, string, and tape. Have each child draw a picture of someone they could help this week on one side of the plate. On the other side, write the words of the memory verse together. Tape a string to the top so the medal can hang on a neck or a doorknob.
Finish Line Relay
Set up two cones or chairs at each end of a room or yard. Let children take turns racing from one end to the other, then have them stop and hand the baton, a sock rolled up, to the next runner. Between turns, pause and ask one child to say a way Paul helped others. This keeps the message in their minds while they move.
Take-Home Helper Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write or draw one way they will help someone at home this week, such as setting the table or sharing a toy. Let them keep it on the fridge or in a backpack. At the next class, ask who remembered to do the task and how it went.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Paul voluntarily set aside his rights for the sake of the gospel. He did not see his freedom as something to protect at all costs, but as something to use for others. The chapter also shows that discipline and purpose matter in following Christ, and that the reward Paul pursued was eternal, not temporary.
With children, avoid suggesting that God rewards good behavior with prizes or that serving others guarantees a happy life. Paul’s point was about faithfulness and eternal reward, and it is best to keep the focus on loving others and staying close to Jesus.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, help us run our race with you and not give up. Show us how to help others, even when it is hard or when we would rather do something else. Help us share your good news with our friends and family. We love you. Amen.
