This lesson teaches children that God gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-control, so we never have to be afraid to be brave for Jesus. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God gives us courage, love, and a calm mind, so we can stay brave and kind even when something is hard. We do not have to be scared, because God is with us.
Memory Verse
2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and lift the other arm up strong like a muscle as you say the verse. The strong arm reminds you that God gives power, and the heart reminds you that he gives love.
The Story: 2 Timothy 1 for Kids
A man named Paul was writing a letter to his young friend Timothy. Paul had been a good teacher and leader for Jesus for many years. Now he was in prison, and he was not sure what would happen next.
Paul remembered how Timothy had cried when they said goodbye. He thanked God for Timothy and prayed for him every day and every night. Paul also remembered Timothy’s grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, who had loved God and taught Timothy about faith.
Paul knew Timothy might feel nervous about being a leader. So Paul wrote, “God did not give us a spirit of fear.” Instead, God gives us power, love, and self-control. Paul wanted Timothy to remember that God would help him.
Paul also told Timothy not to be ashamed of telling others about Jesus. Some people in the region had turned away from Paul, which made him sad. But a man named Onesiphorus had been a good friend. He visited Paul in prison and was not ashamed of his chains.
Paul asked God to show mercy to Onesiphorus. He wanted his friend to know that God sees every kind thing we do. Paul ended his letter by reminding Timothy to hold on to the good teaching he had learned.
Read It Together
2 Timothy 1:3-5
3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day 4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul prayed for Timothy every day and remembered the faith of his family. Ask the children who in their family has taught them about God and how they can thank that person.
2 Timothy 1:9
Who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal…
(WEB)
Show the children that God saved us and called us, and that this is a gift of his grace, not something we earn by being good. Explain that God chose us because he loves us, not because we did everything perfectly.
2 Timothy 1:13-14
13 Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul asked Timothy to hold on to the good teaching and guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit. Explain that the Holy Spirit lives in every believer and helps us remember what is true.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel scared, and what do you think God wants you to remember about it?
- Who in your life has helped you learn about Jesus, like Lois and Eunice helped Timothy?
- How can you show love to someone even when it feels hard to do?
- Why do you think Paul was thankful for Onesiphorus, even though he did not have to be?
- What is a way you can be brave and kind this week at school or at home?
Activity Ideas
Power, Love, and Self-Control Hearts
Give each child a paper heart, crayons or markers, and a glue stick. Ask them to write or draw three things on the heart: power, love, and self-control. Let them show a picture of something brave or kind they could do, such as helping a classmate or speaking up for someone who is being left out.
Strong Like Timothy Game
Set up a simple course with pillows or chairs. Have the children walk, hop, or crawl through it while calling out “God gives me power!” at each stop. Then pause and let them say together, “God gives me love and self-control!” The movement helps children connect the words to their bodies.
Take-Home Brave Card
Fold a sheet of construction paper in half to make a card. Help each child write “God did not give me a spirit of fear” on the front, and let them decorate it. Encourage them to place it on their bedroom door or bathroom mirror and read it each morning as a reminder that God is with them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Paul encouraged Timothy to use the gifts God had given him, even while facing hardship and fear. Paul points to the faith of Timothy’s family and to God’s grace as the foundation for courageous service. The passage reminds believers that God’s power, love, and self-control are available to them through the Holy Spirit.
Avoid suggesting to children that being brave means never feeling scared or that God will always remove every difficulty. Paul himself was in prison when he wrote this letter. It is better to explain that God gives us strength to face fear, not that fear will never come.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for giving us power, love, and self-control. Help us not to be afraid when things are hard. Help us be brave and kind, just like Timothy and Paul, and remind us that you are always with us. Amen.
