In this lesson, children learn that the Thessalonian believers turned away from idols to follow the living God, and that they can trust Jesus to rescue them. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is real and true, and when we turn to Him, we can trust Jesus to take care of us now and forever. We don’t need to be scared of what comes later, because Jesus rescues His people.
Memory Verse
1 Thessalonians 1:9
For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you; and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God…
(WEB)
Cup your hands together as if you are holding something very precious, then lift them up toward the sky. Say “living and true God” slowly while you lift your hands, so the motion reminds you that God is the one we turn to.
The Story: 1 Thessalonians 1 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to a church in a city called Thessalonica. Paul had visited there with his friends Silvanus and Timothy. They told the people about Jesus, and the people believed. Paul wrote to say, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul was very thankful for these friends. Every time he prayed, he thought about them. He remembered how they worked hard because they loved Jesus. He remembered how they kept going, even when things got hard. He remembered how they kept hoping in Jesus.
The Thessalonians did not hear the good news only with their ears. The message came with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with great certainty. Paul and his friends had shown them what kind of people they were, and the Thessalonians began to copy them and follow Jesus too. Even when life was hard for them, they were full of joy.
Soon, people in many other places heard about how the Thessalonians trusted God. Paul said that their faith had gone out everywhere, so he did not even need to talk about it much. People told him how the Thessalonians had turned away from their idols. They stopped worshiping statues made of wood and stone. Instead, they began to serve the living and true God.
Paul told them that they were waiting for God’s Son to come from heaven. This is the Son God raised from the dead. His name is Jesus, and He is the one who rescues us from the anger that is coming.
Read It Together
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
2 We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul thanked God for these believers and prayed for them often. Ask the children who they pray for, and remind them that God hears every prayer.
1 Thessalonians 1:6
You became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit…
(WEB)
Show how the Thessalonians followed the example of Paul and the Lord, even when life was hard. Explain that they stayed joyful because the Holy Spirit helped them.
1 Thessalonians 1:10
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus rescues us from the wrath to come. Explain that wrath means God’s righteous anger against sin, and that Jesus is the one who saves us from it.
Talk About It
- What did the Thessalonians stop doing when they started following God?
- How can we show our faith to people, like the Thessalonians did?
- What is one thing you can thank God for today?
- When life feels hard, what can help us keep going and stay joyful?
- Who is the one we are waiting for, and why can we trust Him?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Living God Picture
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask the children to draw something that shows a living, true God, such as the sun, a tree, or a family. Then ask them to write or say one sentence about what God does for them. Hang the drawings where the family or class can see them during the week.
Waiting and Rescue Relay
You will need a few chairs and a small soft object like a rolled sock. Have the children line up and pass the object down the line while they walk. Stop the game now and then and say, “We are waiting for Jesus!” When the children hear this, they freeze and hold their hands up as if waiting. Explain that waiting for Jesus means trusting that He will rescue us.
Take-Home Thank You Card
You will need a sheet of paper, a pen, and an envelope. Ask each child to write or draw a thank you note to someone who has helped them follow Jesus, such as a parent, teacher, or friend. Encourage them to mention one way that person showed them God’s love. Help them deliver the card that week.
Teacher Notes
Paul wrote this letter to encourage a young church that was facing hardship. For adults, the chapter shows that faith, love, and hope are visible in how we live and serve, and that the gospel brings real change when people turn from idols to the living God. It also points us to Jesus’ return and His rescue from God’s coming wrath.
Avoid overstating to children the details of when or how Jesus will return. Keep the focus on the simple truth that Jesus is coming and that He rescues those who trust Him, without trying to explain every detail about the end times.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are the living and true God. Help us turn to You every day and trust Jesus, who rescues us. Help us to work hard, love others, and keep hope in our hearts, just like the Thessalonians did. We wait for Jesus with joy. Amen.
