In this lesson, children learn that God helps us say no to wrong choices and that we should live in a way that shows love for God and others. It is best for children ages 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is faithful, and He helps us choose what is good and say no to what is wrong. We can do everything in a way that honors Him.
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)
Hold both hands up flat like a shield in front of your chest when you say the words “God is faithful.” Then point up toward the sky. Doing this motion each time you say it will help children remember that God is always there to help them.
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. He helped them cross the sea on dry ground, and He fed them bread from heaven and gave them water to drink. God was with them every step of the way.
But many of the people did not stay close to God. They wanted things that were wrong. Some of them started worshiping idols, and some of them grumbled and complained against God. Because of this, God was not pleased with many of them, and they did not reach the promised land.
Paul, a man who wrote letters to the church, reminded the believers in Corinth about this story. He told them that these things happened as examples, so that they would not make the same mistakes. He said, “Don’t grumble” and “Flee from idolatry,” because worshiping false gods was dangerous.
Paul also told them something very encouraging. He said that God never lets us face a temptation that is too strong for us. God always gives us a way out, so we can stand strong and keep following Him.
Paul then talked about the Lord’s Supper, the bread and the cup. He explained that when we share in them, we are joined together with Jesus and with each other, like one family. Paul wanted the believers to remember that they belonged to God and to one another.
Finally, Paul said that whatever we do, whether we eat or drink, we should do it to honor God. He wanted everyone to think about others, not just themselves, so they could help people come to know Jesus.
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 how the people were guided by the cloud and passed through the sea, and how God gave them food and water. Show children that God took care of His people even in the desert, just as He takes care of us today.
1 Corinthians 10:12
Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.
(WEB)
Explain that being careful means paying attention to what we do and asking God for help. Tell children that even strong people can make mistakes, so we should always stay close to God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
(WEB)
Point out that everything we do, even eating and drinking, can show love for God. Help children think of small ways they can honor God during their normal day, like sharing toys or saying thank you.
Talk About It
- What did God do to help the Israelites when they were in the desert?
- Why do you think the people started to grumble and worship idols?
- What is one wrong choice that is hard for you to say no to, and how could God help you?
- How can you show love for God in the things you do every day, like eating breakfast or playing with friends?
- Who is someone in your life who helps you stay close to God?
Activity Ideas
Shield of Faith Craft
You will need paper plates, markers, crayons, and tape or glue. Have each child draw a picture of something God helps them with on the plate, like courage or kindness. Tape a craft stick or straw to the back so it looks like a shield. Let children hold their shields while they say the memory verse together.
Red Light, Green Light Choices
Play a simple game where the leader calls out choices. When the choice is good, like sharing or helping, children move forward toward the finish line. When the choice is wrong, like grumbling or taking what is not theirs, children stop and say no with a shield motion. This helps children practice choosing what pleases God.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a small piece of ribbon or string. Write the memory verse on one side of the card and draw a simple heart on the other side. Punch a hole in the corner, tie the ribbon through it, and send the card home. Ask families to read it together at dinner or bedtime.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is faithful to His people even when they fail, and that He gives a way out of temptation. Paul uses the Israelites’ story to warn the church against idolatry and complaining, and then he urges believers to live for the good of others. The Lord’s Supper is presented as a shared unity in Christ.
When teaching children, avoid making it sound like God only helps us if we are perfect, or that every struggle is caused by a specific wrong choice. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His desire for us to love Him and others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always being faithful to us. Help us say no to wrong things and choose what pleases You. Show us how to do everything in a way that honors You and helps others. Thank You for always making a way for us to stand strong. Amen.
