In this lesson, children learn that when we do good things, we should thank God for helping us, not show off. Use this lesson for children ages 5 to 11. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is the one who makes us strong and helps us do good. When we do something good, we should give Him the credit, not brag about ourselves.
Memory Verse
2 Corinthians 10:17
But “he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.”
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are giving a gift. Then slowly raise them up toward the sky. Do this each time you say the verse, so children remember that the Lord gets the glory.
The Story: 2 Corinthians 10 for Kids
The apostle Paul was writing a letter to the church in the city of Corinth. Some people there did not like Paul. They said his letters were strong, but that he seemed weak when he stood in front of them. Paul knew they were saying this, and he wanted them to hear the truth.
Paul wrote that the tools he used to help people were not like the tools of the world. He said his weapons were from God, and they could knock down the walls that keep people away from God. Those walls could be proud thoughts or ideas that go against what God knows is true.
Some people in Corinth were bragging about themselves. They compared themselves to others and said they were better. Paul said that was not wise. He wrote that a person is not approved just because he says good things about himself. A person is approved when the Lord says good things about him.
Paul did not want to brag about work that other people had done. He said he wanted to share the Good News of Jesus in places where no one had heard it yet. He even said, “Let the one who brags brag in the Lord.” That means we should be proud of what God is doing, not of ourselves.
Read It Together
2 Corinthians 10:1
Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul writes gently, using the word “gentleness.” Ask children how they can be gentle with a friend today, even when they feel strong or right.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…
(WEB)
Show children how thoughts can be like walls that keep them from God. Explain that God helps us take those thoughts captive and make them obey Jesus, so we can think kind and true things.
2 Corinthians 10:18
For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
(WEB)
Point out that the one who is approved is the one the Lord commends. Remind children that God sees their hearts, and that pleasing Him matters more than being praised by people.
Talk About It
- What is something you are good at, and who helped you learn how to do it?
- How does it feel when someone brags about themselves? How does it feel when someone thanks God for their help?
- What are some ways you can show gentleness to your family this week?
- What kinds of thoughts do you think God wants us to chase away?
- When you do something kind, who should get the credit, and why?
Activity Ideas
Thank You Tree Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Have each child draw a tree trunk and branches on their paper. Then ask them to draw leaves and write or draw one thing they thank God for. Tape the finished trees to the wall to make a thankful forest.
Stop and Start Movement Game
Gather the children in an open space. Call out “boast” and have them stand tall with their chests puffed out. Then call out “humble” and have them kneel or bow their heads. Mix the two calls for a few rounds, then end with everyone raising their hands and saying the memory verse together.
Take-Home Gratitude Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Give each child a few slips of paper and a jar to take home. Ask them to write one thing God helped them do each day and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the slips together as a family and thank God for each one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God gives us authority and gifts to build others up, not to tear them down. Paul is confident in his calling, but he points every result back to the Lord. The passage challenges us to measure our lives by God’s standard, not by comparison with other people.
With children, avoid suggesting that the spiritual “weapons” in this passage are a call to fight other people or to argue with those who disagree. Paul is talking about truth and prayer working against false thinking, so keep the focus on God’s power and on loving our neighbors.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for helping us every day. Help us remember that every good thing we do comes from You. Make our hearts gentle, and teach us to think about what is true and kind. We want to bring our praise to You alone. Amen.
