This lesson teaches children that being happy with what God gives us is a treasure, and that loving money more than God can cause big problems. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives us what we need, and when we trust Him and are thankful, we have something better than lots of stuff. Loving money too much makes us unhappy, but loving God brings true riches.
Memory Verse
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are receiving a gift. Then slowly bring them to your heart. Say the verse together while you do the motion, and every time you say “contentment” give your hands a little shake to show they are full.
The Story: 1 Timothy 6 for Kids
Paul was writing a letter to his young friend Timothy, who was taking care of the church in the city of Ephesus. Paul wanted Timothy to tell the people there about something very important. Some people in the church were servants, and some had masters who were believers. Paul said that servants should treat their masters with respect, and that everyone should honor the name of God by how they live.
Paul also warned about teachers who argued all the time and cared more about fights than about the truth of Jesus. Those teachers thought that following God was just a way to get rich. Paul told Timothy to stay away from people like that.
Then Paul said something that stands out. He reminded everyone that we came into this world with nothing, and we will leave it with nothing. He said that when we have food and clothing, we should be happy with that. Paul said that people who really want to be rich can get caught in a trap, and that the love of money can lead people away from their faith.
Paul told Timothy, “But you, man of God, flee these things.” In other words, run away from wanting money more than God. Instead, Paul said, follow after what is right, godly, faithful, loving, patient, and gentle. He told Timothy to fight the good fight of faith and to hold on to the eternal life God promised.
Paul then spoke to people who were rich. He asked them not to be proud, and not to trust in money, which can disappear fast. He asked them to trust the living God, who gives us everything we need to enjoy. Rich people should do good things, share with others, and be ready to help. In that way they store up treasure that lasts forever.
Read It Together
1 Timothy 6:7-8
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. 8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul says we brought nothing into the world and cannot take anything out. Ask the children what things they think they would miss most, and then talk about how food and clothing are the things God gives us to live.
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(WEB)
Show children that the verse says the love of money is the root of trouble, not money itself. Explain that loving money more than God and people is what gets us into trouble, and point out how greed can make people unhappy.
1 Timothy 6:17-18
17 Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; 18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share…
(WEB)
Help children see that God wants us to be generous and to share what we have. Point out the words “good works” and “willing to share,” and talk about simple ways children can be generous at home or at school.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you are thankful God has given you, even if it is not something you can buy?
- How do you feel when you really want something new and you do not get it? What can you do to help your heart feel happy?
- Why do you think Paul said that loving money can make people sad?
- What is a way you could share something you have with someone who needs it this week?
- How can you show that you trust God to take care of you?
Activity Ideas
Treasure Box Drawing
You will need a sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a small empty box. Have each child draw a picture of something God has given them that money cannot buy, such as family, sunshine, or friends. Place the drawings in the box and talk about how the box holds real treasure that lasts forever.
Hands Full, Hands Open
Ask children to hold a small object like a pebble in one hand, then open the hand and give the pebble to a partner. Play music and have them pass pebbles around the room. When the music stops, ask who is holding the most and talk about how giving makes us feel richer inside, just as Paul described.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need a jar, paper scraps, and a pen. Each day for a week, have your child write or draw one thing they are thankful for and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for each one. This helps children practice contentment and gratitude.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a sober warning and an encouragement at the same time. Paul is not condemning wealth itself but the love of money, and the pursuit of riches that pushes out trust in God, honesty, and generosity. The call to contentment is rooted in the confidence that God provides, which frees believers from anxious striving.
With children, be careful not to overstate the idea that being poor is automatically holy or that God always rewards faithfulness with money. The lesson is about the heart, trusting God and being generous with what we have, not a formula for getting rich or a guilt trip about having things.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us food, clothes, and everything we need. Help us to be happy with what You give us, and to trust You more than money. Help us share with others and love You most of all. Amen.
