This lesson teaches children that God has made himself known through the world he created, and that the good news about Jesus is powerful and never something to be ashamed of. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. You can use it with a small group or a whole class.
Big Idea
God made the world so we can see that he is powerful and real. The good news about Jesus is strong enough to save everyone who believes, so we never need to be embarrassed to share it.
Memory Verse
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
(WEB)
Cup both hands over your heart when you say the words “I am not ashamed,” then open your arms wide on “good news.” Do this motion each time you say the verse together so children connect the words with their bodies.
The Story: Romans 1 for Kids
A man named Paul wrote a letter to the church in the city of Rome. Paul had never visited them yet, but he had heard how strong their faith was, and he thanked God for them every time he prayed. He wanted them to know he loved them and was longing to see them soon.
Paul called himself a servant of Jesus Christ. He said he was not ashamed of the good news about Jesus, because that news has power to save anyone who trusts in him. Paul said the good news was for everyone, first for the Jewish people and also for the Gentiles, who were people from other nations.
Next, Paul told them something about God that is easy to see if we look around. The world God made shows us that he is powerful and wise. Even people who do not know God can look at the sky, the trees, and the animals and notice that something great made them. Paul said that people who turned away from God chose to worship made things instead of the Creator who made them.
Paul was sad about this, because people had traded the truth about God for lies. They had stopped thanking God and their hearts had become foolish and confused. Paul wanted everyone to understand that choosing to live without God leads to trouble, and that God does not want anyone to be lost.
Paul did not end his letter with fear. He wrote about the good news so they would trust Jesus and live by faith. The people in Rome could hear that God loved them and had a plan to save them.
Read It Together
Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s power and greatness can be seen in what he made. Ask children to name something in creation that shows how big God is, such as stars, mountains, or a tiny seed growing into a tree.
Romans 1:7
To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(WEB)
Show children that Paul called the Roman believers “beloved of God” and wished them grace and peace. Explain that God loves his people and wants them to have peace with him and his Son.
Romans 1:21
Because, knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.
(WEB)
Explain that people who knew God sometimes stopped thanking him, and their thinking became confused. Help children see why thankfulness is a good habit that keeps our hearts close to God.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that makes you think, “Wow, God is really powerful”?
- Why do you think Paul said he was not ashamed of the good news about Jesus?
- How can you show someone you love them, like Paul showed the Romans he cared for them?
- What are some things you can thank God for today?
- Who is someone in your life you could tell about Jesus this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw God’s Creation
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a few leaves, rocks, or pictures of nature. Ask each child to draw one thing God made that shows his power, such as a mountain, a sunset, or a bird. Let them share their picture and tell the group one thing it shows about God.
Good News Relay
You will need a small ball or bean bag and a space where children can stand in a circle. Pass the ball while saying the memory verse together, and when the music stops or you clap, the child holding the ball says one good thing about Jesus. Keep the game lively and let every child have a turn to speak.
Take-Home Thankful Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen or pencil. Give each child a few slips and ask them to write or draw things God made that they are thankful for. Encourage them to add a new slip each day at home and read them aloud at dinner or bedtime.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Romans 1 shows that God has made himself known through creation, so people are without excuse when they ignore him. It also presents the good news of Jesus as God’s power for salvation for everyone who believes. Paul’s words here set the stage for the rest of the letter, which explains how we are made right with God through faith.
Avoid making the passage sound like a list of rules children must avoid. The main focus is God’s power, his love, and the saving power of the good news. Speak about God’s character and invitation rather than describing in detail the sins Paul lists, which are not suitable for young children.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for making the world so we can see how powerful and loving you are. Help us remember to thank you every day and never feel ashamed of the good news about Jesus. Give us courage to share your love with our friends and family. Amen.
