In this lesson, children learn that God sees people who keep trusting Him even when life is hard, and that He will make all things right in the end. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God sees you when you keep trusting Him, even when it is hard. He always keeps His promises, and He will make everything right in the end.
Memory Verse
2 Thessalonians 1:3
We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you towards one another abounds…
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together like a little bowl, then slowly open them wider as they say the verse aloud. The motion shows faith growing bigger, just like the verse says.
The Story: 2 Thessalonians 1 for Kids
A long time ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the church in the city of Thessalonica. He wrote it with his friends Silvanus and Timothy. Paul loved these people very much, and he wanted them to know that God was with them.
The people in Thessalonica had a hard time. Some people did not like that they followed Jesus, and they were treated badly for it. But the church kept trusting God and kept loving each other. Paul was so happy to hear this that he thanked God for them every single day.
Paul told them that God was watching. God saw their faith, and He saw how they kept going when things were tough. Paul said that God would give rest to those who were troubled, just as He had promised. He said it was like a sign that God was fair and good.
Paul also told them about a day that would come. One day, the Lord Jesus would return from heaven with His mighty angels. On that day, everyone would see who He really is. Paul said that the people who trusted Jesus would be glad, and they would be praised by Him.
Paul wanted them to know one more thing. He prayed for them all the time. He asked God to help them grow strong in their faith and to do good things with His power. He wanted Jesus to be honored in their lives. Paul said, in simple words, “Keep going, because God is with you.”
Read It Together
2 Thessalonians 1:4
So that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your perseverance and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul was proud of the church for not giving up. Ask the children what they think it means to keep trusting God when something is hard.
2 Thessalonians 1:11
To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith, with power…
(WEB)
Show the children that Paul prayed for the church all the time. Explain that people who love us pray for us, and God hears every prayer.
2 Thessalonians 1:6-7
6 Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire…
(WEB)
Tell the children that God is fair and that He will give rest to His people. Explain that we can trust God to make wrong things right, even when we cannot see how.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes it hard to keep trusting God?
- How did Paul feel about the church in Thessalonica, and how can you tell?
- Who is someone you can pray for this week?
- What do you think it will be like when Jesus comes back?
- What is one way you can show love to your family or friends?
Activity Ideas
Faith Growing Tree Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a small tree with only a few branches. Then have them add new leaves or branches each time they think of a way they trust God, such as praying, helping someone, or being kind when it is hard. Talk about how faith grows slowly, just like a tree.
Bowl and Bucket Game
You will need a bowl, a cup, and a few soft balls or rolled up socks. Have the children stand in a line and pass the cup or bowl down the line, one at a time. Each time they pass it, have them say a short prayer thanking God for one person they love. This reminds children that prayer and love go together.
Thank You Card Take Home
You will need paper, stickers, and crayons. Ask each child to make a card for someone at home, such as a parent, sibling, or grandparent. On the inside, they can write or draw one thing they are thankful for about that person. Encourage them to give the card to that person this week and to pray for them together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a reminder that Paul wrote to people who were suffering for their faith. He thanked God for their growing trust and love, and he reminded them that God is just and that Jesus will return. The main message is that God sees faithful people and will one day make all things right.
With children, be careful not to make the passage about fear or punishment. Many children may feel scared by talk of judgment, so keep the focus on God’s faithfulness, love, and the hope that wrongs will be made right. Let them know that God is good and that they are never alone.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for loving us and for always keeping Your promises. Help us keep trusting You, even when things are hard. Please help us love our friends and family, and show us how to pray for them every day. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
