In this lesson, children learn that Abraham was made right with God because he trusted God’s promise, and that God makes us right in the same way, through faith. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, using a short story, a memory verse with motions, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God counts us as right with him when we trust him, just as he did for Abraham. We do not have to earn it. We just believe God and his promise.
Memory Verse
Romans 4:3
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
(WEB)
Have children place both hands on their chest on the first word, then open their palms upward and lift them slowly on the words “believed God.” Repeat the motion together three times until the verse feels familiar.
The Story: Romans 4 for Kids
Long ago, there was a man named Abraham. God had made a promise to him. God said Abraham would have a great family, more people than he could count, even though Abraham was very old and did not yet have a child. Abraham did not have to be perfect to receive this promise. He simply trusted God to keep his word.
Abraham could have worried that he was too old, or that his wife Sarah was too old to have a baby. Those worries were real. But Abraham did not focus on his own tired body or on Sarah’s age. He looked at God, who keeps promises and who gives life even where there seems to be none. Abraham believed God would do what he said.
God looked at Abraham’s trust and counted him as right with God. Abraham did not earn this by doing lots of good works. It was a gift, received by believing. The Bible says this happened before Abraham was given the sign of circumcision, so God’s welcome was never only for one group of people.
Paul, who wrote this letter, wanted the people in Rome to understand that the same kind of trust is open to everyone. Just as Abraham believed God, we believe in Jesus, who died for our wrongs and was raised to make us right with God. One line from this part of the letter is that God counts faith as righteousness, which means being made right with him.
So the story teaches us that Abraham’s faith was not a magic trick. It was simply trusting the One who keeps his promises. And God invites us to trust him in the same way.
Read It Together
Romans 4:5
But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
(WEB)
Point out that this verse talks about God making people right even though they do not deserve it. Ask children to notice the word “believes” and explain that God does this kind of work for everyone who trusts him.
Romans 4:16
For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
(WEB)
Show children that God’s promise is “according to grace,” which means it is a free gift. Explain that Abraham is called “the father of us all,” so people who believe in God are part of his family too.
Romans 4:20-21
20 Yet, looking to the promise of God, he didn’t waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was also able to perform.
(WEB)
Point out that Abraham did not waver through unbelief but grew strong through faith. Explain that he was fully sure God could do what he promised, and encourage children to think about a time they trusted someone who kept their word.
Talk About It
- What did God promise Abraham, and how did Abraham feel about it?
- Why do you think God counted Abraham as right with him even before he did lots of good things?
- What is something you have trusted someone to do, and how did it help you?
- How can we show God that we trust him in our everyday lives?
- Why is it good to know that God’s promises are not based on how good we are?
Activity Ideas
Star Count Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw a night sky and count stars as they draw them, reminding them that God told Abraham his family would be as countless as the stars. Let them write or draw one word on each star that describes trust, such as “believe,” “promise,” or “God.” Hang the pictures where the family can see them during the week.
Trust Walk Game
Clear a safe space in a room or yard and set up a short course with soft obstacles like pillows. Pair children up so one closes their eyes and the other gives simple spoken directions. Afterward, talk about how it felt to trust a partner to guide them safely, and connect it to trusting God’s promises even when we cannot see the whole path.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a hole punch with string. Have each child write “God keeps his promises” on one side and draw a simple heart on the other. Punch a hole and tie the string so they can hang it on a bedpost or carry it in a pocket. Encourage them to read it aloud each night as a reminder that God is faithful.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter teaches that God’s favor comes through faith and not through works or heritage. Abraham was counted righteous before the covenant sign of circumcision, which shows that the promise was always meant for all who believe, both Jew and Gentile. Paul uses Abraham to show that justification rests on trusting God, who raises the dead and creates life where there is none, and that this faith looks to Jesus, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that Abraham never struggled or doubted, since the text says he considered his body and Sarah’s womb, which were clearly real limits. Also avoid suggesting that faith is a feeling or that trusting God guarantees every outcome we hope for. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and his free gift, not on the strength of a child’s belief.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you for keeping your promises, even when they seem impossible to us. Help us to trust you the way Abraham did, and to know that you make us right with you by your grace. Thank you that you love us and welcome us into your family. Amen.
