In this lesson, children learn that God has given us everything we need to grow close to Him, and that we can add good qualities to our faith one step at a time. This lesson is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives us everything we need to grow strong in faith, and we can grow by choosing kind, good, and loving things every day.
Memory Verse
2 Peter 1:3
Seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue…
(WEB)
Ask the children to cup their hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them wide, like a gift being given. Say “God gives us everything” as they open their hands, and repeat the motion each time you say the verse together.
The Story: 2 Peter 1 for Kids
A man named Simon Peter wrote a letter to his friends who believed in Jesus. Peter had walked beside Jesus for years, and he loved these friends very much. He wanted them to remember something important before he went home to be with God.
Peter told them that God had already given them everything they needed to live a good life. God had called them by His own glory and goodness. He had also given them great promises that they could trust.
Then Peter gave them a helpful plan. He said they should add good things to their faith, like steps on a staircase. They could add goodness, then knowledge, then self-control, then patience, then love for God, and then kindness to their friends and love for everyone.
Peter said, “If you have these things, you will not be lazy or empty in your faith.” He wanted them to grow like healthy plants that bear fruit. He also reminded them that friends who forget these things are like someone who cannot see far ahead.
Peter explained that he had not made up stories when he told about Jesus. He had seen Jesus’ greatness with his own eyes. He had even heard God’s voice from heaven say, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Peter wanted his friends to know that these things were true.
Peter ended by saying that God’s Word is like a lamp in a dark room. It shows us the way until morning comes and the light fills our hearts. He wanted his friends to hold tightly to God’s Word every day.
Read It Together
2 Peter 1:5-7
5 Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control perseverance; and in perseverance godliness; 7 and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love.
(WEB)
Point out the list of good qualities that grow one after another. Show the children how each quality builds on the one before it, like stacking blocks to make a tower.
2 Peter 1:8
For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(WEB)
Explain that these good qualities help us bear fruit and not stay empty. Ask the children to think of a plant that grows fruit when it has sun and water.
2 Peter 1:19
We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts…
(WEB)
Point out that God’s Word is like a lamp that shines in a dark place. Help the children see that reading the Bible guides them, just as a lamp helps us walk safely at night.
Talk About It
- What is one good thing God has already given you that helps you every day?
- Which good quality from the staircase do you think is the easiest to grow, and which one is the hardest?
- How can you show kindness to a friend this week?
- What do you think it means to be like a plant that bears fruit?
- How can God’s Word act like a lamp in your life when things feel dark?
Activity Ideas
Staircase of Faith Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Have each child draw a staircase with seven steps, and write one good quality on each step, such as faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, and love. Let them decorate each step with a picture that reminds them of that quality.
Lamp in the Dark Game
You will need a flashlight and a dark room or a closet with the lights off. Have the children take turns walking across the room while holding the flashlight, and then walk again without it. Talk about how the light helped them see where to step, and how God’s Word helps us know which way to go.
Growing Plant Take-Home Project
You will need a small cup, potting soil, and a bean seed for each child. Help each child plant the seed and water it, then send it home with a note reminding them that God helps us grow in faith. Encourage them to water their plant each day and talk with their family about one good quality they want to grow.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that faith is a gift from God, and growth in faith is a response to His grace. Peter encourages believers to actively build on that gift, not as a way to earn God’s love, but as an expression of a life already held by Him. The list of qualities moves from faith outward into love for others, which reminds us that real growth shows up in everyday relationships.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God only loves them when they are good, or that growing in faith is something they must do perfectly on their own. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His gifts, and let children know that growing is a process that God helps them with every day.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for giving us everything we need to grow strong in faith. Help us add goodness, kindness, and love to our lives each day. Thank You that Your Word is a lamp that shows us the way. Help us to follow You all our days. Amen.
