In this lesson, children learn that God gives us courage, power, and love, so we do not have to be afraid when it is hard to do the right thing. The lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-control, so we can be brave and kind even when it is scary.
Memory Verse
2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
(WEB)
Make two fists, hold them up high, and say the verse together while you stand tall. Then pat your heart twice on the words “power, love, and self-control” so children remember where the courage comes from.
The Story: 2 Timothy 1 for Kids
A man named Paul wrote a letter to his young friend Timothy. Paul loved Timothy like a son, and he wrote to say that he thought about him every day and prayed for him every night. Paul was happy that Timothy had a strong, true faith.
Timothy’s faith started long ago. His grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice both trusted God first, and then Timothy learned to trust God too. Paul was glad to see that this faith was alive in Timothy’s heart.
Paul reminded Timothy of something important. He said, “God did not give us a spirit of fear.” Timothy sometimes felt timid and worried, but God had given him gifts to use. Paul told him to keep those gifts strong and burning brightly.
Paul was in prison, and he was not afraid to say so. He asked Timothy not to be ashamed of the good news about Jesus, even when it brought hard times. Paul said God is strong enough to help His people through those hard times.
Paul also told about a friend named Onesiphorus. This friend often cheered Paul up and was not ashamed to visit him in prison. When Onesiphorus came to Rome, he searched hard until he found Paul. Paul was thankful and prayed that the Lord would show mercy to his friend.
Read It Together
2 Timothy 1:1-2
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul calls Timothy his beloved child. Ask children how it feels to be loved like that, and explain that God’s grace, mercy, and peace are given to us through Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:5
Having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.
(WEB)
Show children that faith can be passed down in families, from grandmother to mother to child. Let them name people in their own family who help them know about God.
2 Timothy 1:12
For this cause I also suffer these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.
(WEB)
Explain that Paul was not ashamed because he knew whom he had believed. Help children see that trusting Jesus means we can be confident, even when we feel unsure.
Talk About It
- What are some things that make you feel scared, and how can God help you feel brave?
- Why did Paul want Timothy to stir up the gift God had given him?
- What does it mean to be ashamed of Jesus, and why should we not be?
- How did Onesiphorus show kindness to Paul when Paul was in prison?
- Who is someone in your life who has helped you learn about God?
Activity Ideas
Power Hands Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace one hand, cut it out, and write “God gives me power, love, and self-control” across the palm. Children can decorate the fingers with bright colors and hang the hands on the wall as a reminder of God’s strength.
Brave Heart Relay
You will need a few chairs, a bean bag or soft ball, and open space to move. Set up a simple course with chairs to walk around. Children carry the bean bag on their heads or hands, and each time they finish the course, they shout a brave word like “courage” or “strong.” This shows that God helps us move forward even when things feel hard.
Take-Home Memory Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a pencil. Write the memory verse on the card and let each child draw a picture of something that makes them feel brave. Encourage them to read the verse to a family member at dinner and show them the drawing. This helps the lesson continue at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Paul is writing to encourage a younger leader who feels discouraged. The gifts God gives are meant to be used with courage, love, and a clear mind, not with fear. Paul also models faithful friendship and endurance through suffering.
Avoid suggesting that children should never feel afraid. Paul’s words are about trusting God when we are afraid, not about pretending that fear does not exist. Be honest that God helps us face fear rather than making it disappear.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for giving us a spirit of power, love, and self-control. Help us to be brave when we feel scared and kind when others need us. Remind us that You are always with us, and help us trust You every day. Amen.
