In this lesson, children learn that Jesus is worth more than anything else, so we keep running toward him like a runner heading for the finish line. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Nothing is more valuable than knowing Jesus, so we keep moving toward him every day and never stop trying to follow him.
Memory Verse
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
Stand up and pretend to run in place while you say the verse together. When you say “press on,” pump your arms like a runner. Ask the children to show you their fastest running motion.
The Story: Philippians 3 for Kids
Paul was a very important man who followed all the strict rules of his religion. He was proud of his family and his careful obedience. He thought these things made him right with God, and he was very sure of himself.
Then Paul met Jesus, and everything changed. He realized that the things he had been proud of were not the most important things after all. He decided to count them as nothing compared to knowing Jesus. He said, in his own words, that Jesus was worth losing everything for.
Paul wrote a letter to his friends in the city of Philippi. He told them he had not yet reached the finish line of following Jesus. He was not perfect, and he knew it. But he kept going forward, reaching out for the goal God had given him.
Paul reminded his friends to look at the people who lived well and loved Jesus, and to follow their example. He also warned them about people who only cared about food and themselves, and who did not trust Jesus. Paul said these people would not finish well.
Paul then told his friends something wonderful. Our true home is in heaven, and we are waiting for Jesus to come back for us. One day he will make our bodies new, like his own glorious body. Paul was sure that Jesus is powerful enough to do this.
Read It Together
Philippians 3:7-8
7 However, I consider those things that were gain to me as a loss for Christ. 8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
(WEB)
Point out that Paul counted his old achievements as loss compared to knowing Jesus. Ask the children what they think is more valuable than anything else in the world. Help them see that Jesus is the greatest treasure.
Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
Show the children how Paul forgot what was behind him and looked ahead. Explain that God forgives our mistakes and helps us keep moving forward. Encourage them that every day is a new chance to follow Jesus.
Philippians 3:20-21
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.
(WEB)
Point out that our citizenship is in heaven and that Jesus will one day make our bodies new. Let the children know that they can look forward to Jesus returning. This promise gives hope even on hard days.
Talk About It
- What is something you love very much, and how does it compare to loving Jesus?
- Why do you think Paul was willing to give up things he was once proud of?
- What does it look like to keep running toward Jesus when you feel tired or discouraged?
- Who is a person you know who loves Jesus well, and what can you learn from them?
- How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is coming back one day to make everything new?
Activity Ideas
Finish Line Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a runner on a path that leads to a finish line with a cross or a heart on it. Ask them to write or draw one thing they want to keep pressing on toward this week. Display the pictures where everyone can see them during the week.
Race to the Treasure
You will need a small box or cup and a few coins or small pieces of candy. Hide the treasure in the room and have children race to find it while you cheer them on. Afterward, talk about how Jesus is a treasure worth searching for, and how we keep moving toward him. Let the winner share one thing they learned about Jesus.
Take-Home Reminder Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a hole punch with a ribbon or string. Have each child write the memory verse or draw a picture of a runner on one side of the card. On the other side, they can write one way they will follow Jesus at home. Punch a hole in the corner, tie the string, and encourage them to hang it on their bedroom door or in the kitchen.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter reveals a heart that rejoices in Christ above every earthly credential or achievement. Paul does not dismiss his past as worthless because it was sinful, but because nothing compares to knowing Jesus. He also presents the Christian life as an ongoing journey of pressing forward rather than a finished accomplishment, and he points to the future hope of resurrection and renewal.
With children, avoid overstating that they must earn God’s love by running hard enough. Make sure they understand that Jesus loves them first and that we follow him out of gratitude, not fear. Keep the focus on the joy of knowing Jesus rather than on pressure to be perfect.
A Prayer to Close
Jesus, we want to know you more than anything else in the world. Help us keep running toward you every day, even when we feel tired. Thank you that you will one day make everything new for us. Amen.
