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 run our race for Jesus with self-control. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Following Jesus takes practice and self-control, and we can choose to put others first so they can learn about him.
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)
Have children stand up and jog in place while they say the verse together. On the word “win,” have them raise both arms high like a runner crossing the finish line. Repeat it three times, getting a little faster each time.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 9 for Kids
Paul was a teacher who traveled from town to town telling people about Jesus. Some people asked Paul hard questions about whether he was a real apostle, and whether he had the right to be paid for his work. Paul could have asked the churches to take care of him and his friends, and he had every right to do so. He wanted the people to know that he was not doing this just to get things for himself.
Paul explained that a soldier does not pay for his own food, and a farmer gets to eat from the fruit of his vineyard. He also reminded the people of an old rule from Moses: a farmer should not stop an ox from eating while it works. Paul said that workers who serve God deserve to be cared for too. Still, Paul said, “We did not use this right.” He chose to work hard and not ask for help so that nothing would stand in the way of people hearing the good news about Jesus.
Paul did not stop there. He told the people that he tried to meet each person where they were. When he spoke to Jewish people, he lived in a way that made sense to them. When he spoke to people who did not know the law, he tried to connect with them too. He said, “I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.” Paul wanted to help as many people as he could come to know Jesus.
Then Paul used a race to explain his heart. He asked the people, “Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?” Runners train hard, and they keep control of their bodies so they can finish well. Paul said that he ran his race like that, not wandering around without a goal. He trained his body so that he would stay strong and faithful to Jesus.
Paul wanted to keep his life pointing toward Jesus until the very end. He knew that running a race for Jesus means staying faithful every day. The people in the church could learn from his example and run their own races with the same goal in mind.
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 chose to serve others even though he was free. Ask children how they might serve a friend or family member this week, even when it is not what they want to do.
1 Corinthians 9:22
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.
(WEB)
Show children that Paul adapted himself to reach different people, but his goal stayed the same. Explain that we can be kind and friendly to everyone, while still caring most about helping them know Jesus.
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 out the word “self-control” and how athletes train with discipline. Help children see that running for Jesus means making good choices and running with a purpose, not aimlessly.
Talk About It
- What do you think it means to give up something good so that someone else can hear about Jesus?
- Why do you think Paul worked hard instead of asking the church to take care of him?
- What is one way you can practice self-control this week?
- How did Paul try to help different kinds of people learn about Jesus?
- What helps you keep going when something is hard to do for Jesus?
Activity Ideas
Finish Line Crown Craft
You will need paper, scissors, tape, markers, and crayons. Have each child draw a crown on paper, decorate it with a favorite color, and write “Running for Jesus” across the front. Cut out the crown, fit it to each child’s head, and tape it closed. Talk about how the crown reminds us that Jesus is the prize we are running toward.
Relay Race with Self-Control
You will need cones or chairs, a small ball, and an open space. Set up a simple course and split the children into two teams. Have each child carry the ball around a chair and back to the next runner without dropping it. Stop the game midway and ask children to think about how self-control helped them finish well.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a rubber band. Have each child write a short reminder on one side, such as “I can run my race with self-control,” and draw a small finish line on the other side. Encourage them to keep the card in a pocket or backpack and read it aloud each morning this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Paul voluntarily gave up personal rights for the sake of the gospel, and that faithful ministry involves both generosity and discipline. Paul’s flexibility in reaching different groups did not mean he changed his core message, only how he connected with people. His race imagery calls every believer to purposeful, disciplined faith rather than drifting through life.
Avoid overstating to children that serving Jesus always means giving up everything you want, or that good behavior earns a prize from God. Keep the emphasis on Jesus as the one we run toward and the one who strengthens us to keep going.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, thank you for showing us how to love and serve others. Help us to make good choices, practice self-control, and keep running our race for you. Help us share your good news with our friends and family, so that everyone can know you. Amen.
