In this lesson, children learn that God is merciful and that He can change anyone, even someone who once did wrong things. You can teach this lesson to children aged 5 to 11 in about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God forgives people who are sorry, and He can use anyone to do good work for Him.
Memory Verse
1 Timothy 1:15
The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
(WEB)
Have children stand up and reach both arms high above their heads when they say “Christ Jesus came into the world,” then slowly lower their arms and hug themselves on “to save sinners.” Repeat it together three times, changing the motion each time.
The Story: 1 Timothy 1 for Kids
A man named Paul wrote a letter to his good friend Timothy. Paul loved Timothy like a son, because Timothy had come to believe in Jesus through Paul’s teaching. Paul wanted Timothy to be strong and brave as he helped the church in the city of Ephesus.
Paul warned Timothy about some people who spent their time arguing about silly stories and long lists of family names. These arguments did not help anyone love God more. Paul said the most important thing is love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a true faith.
Then Paul told a story about himself. Long before, Paul had been a man who hurt Christians and spoke against Jesus. He said, “I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man who acted with pride.” But Jesus showed Paul mercy, because Paul had not understood what he was doing. Paul said that the grace of Jesus filled his life with faith and love.
Paul shared the most important message in the letter. Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and Paul called himself the worst sinner of all. Yet Jesus was patient with Paul, so that other people would see how much God loves them too. Paul ended by praising God, the King who lasts forever and can never be seen.
Paul then reminded Timothy to hold on to faith and a good conscience. Some people had turned away from these things and their faith was damaged. Paul wanted Timothy to keep trusting God and to stay strong in the good work God had given him.
Read It Together
1 Timothy 1:12-13
12 And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; 13 although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul was once a bad person who hurt others, yet God chose him for important work. Ask children what it means that God can change a person’s heart completely.
1 Timothy 1:14
The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
Show children the word “abounded” and explain that it means God’s kindness was overflowing and more than enough. Help them see that God’s grace is always bigger than our mistakes.
1 Timothy 1:16
However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life.
(WEB)
Explain that Paul was an example of God’s patience, so that others would learn they can trust Jesus too. Encourage children to think of someone they know who needs to hear about God’s love.
Talk About It
- What is something bad you did once, and what helped you feel better about it?
- How do you think Paul felt when Jesus forgave him?
- Why do you think Paul wanted Timothy to focus on love instead of arguing?
- Who is someone you know who might need to hear that God forgives people?
- What is one way you can show someone patience this week, like God showed Paul?
Activity Ideas
Paper Heart Mobile
You will need construction paper, scissors, string, and crayons or markers. Have each child trace and cut out a large heart, then write or draw one way God shows mercy on it. Tie a few strings to a hanger or stick so the hearts can hang and turn in the air as a reminder of God’s grace.
Balloon Patience Game
You will need several balloons and a open space in the room. Children gently toss a balloon back and forth in pairs, and each time it drops they must say “God is patient with me” before trying again. Keep the game gentle so that children practice patience with one another.
Forgiveness Bookmark
You will need cardstock, markers, a hole punch, and ribbon. Have children draw a simple picture of a heart or cross on the cardstock and write “God forgives” on the back. Punch a hole at the top, add the ribbon, and encourage them to use it while reading their Bible at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s grace is not earned and that He can use people who once opposed Him. Paul calls himself the worst of sinners, and his story reminds every believer that the gospel is for the humble. The chapter also stresses that faith and a good conscience go together, and that love is the goal of right teaching.
Avoid telling children that God only forgives people who are very bad, or that bad things always happen to people who do wrong. Keep the focus on God’s mercy toward anyone who turns to Him, and avoid suggesting that children must earn forgiveness through good behavior.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being merciful and patient with us. Help us remember that Jesus came to save sinners, and that You can make us new. Help us show love to others the way You show love to us. Amen.
