In this lesson, children learn that when we trust Jesus, we are free from sin’s power and alive to God, and they can repeat it as “Jesus makes me new.” This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will need a few simple items and a willing group of young listeners.
Big Idea
When we believe in Jesus, we belong to God now, and we get to live new lives that please him. Sin does not have to be our boss anymore.
Memory Verse
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out flat, then lift them up high like a gift being given. Say the words slowly, lifting your hands on “free gift of God” to show that eternal life is a present, not a payment.
The Story: Romans 6 for Kids
Paul wrote a letter to the friends in the city of Rome, who loved Jesus. He wanted them to understand something important about what Jesus had done for them. Some people thought that since God forgives sin, it did not matter how they behaved. Paul said that was not right at all.
Paul reminded them of something they had already done. They had been baptized, which is like being buried under water and then raised up again. He explained that this was a picture of dying to the old way of sin and coming up into a new life, just as Jesus rose from the grave. The old way had lost its hold on them.
Paul told them that sin was like a cruel master who had once ruled their lives. But now they had a new Master, God, who was kind and good. Paul said, in simple words, “Your life now belongs to the One who made you new.” They could choose to serve God and do what is right.
Paul asked them a question to make them think. When you were a servant of sin, what good came from those things you are now ashamed of? Those things only led to death. But now, serving God brings a life that lasts forever.
Then Paul finished with the most important truth of all. Sin pays people what they earn, and that payment is death. But God gives a free gift, and that gift is eternal life through Jesus our Lord.
Read It Together
Romans 6:4
We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
(WEB)
Point out the picture of being buried with Jesus and then raised up to walk in a new life. Ask children what a new life looks like at home or at school. Connect the baptism picture to the way we start fresh each day with Jesus.
Romans 6:11
Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(WEB)
Explain that “consider yourselves” means to think about and believe something true about yourself. Show children that they are alive to God because Jesus is their Lord. Encourage them to remember this when they feel tempted to do something wrong.
Romans 6:14
For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s grace is not a reason to do wrong, but a gift that helps us do right. Say that sin will not be our ruler anymore because we belong to God. Ask children who helps them choose what is good.
Talk About It
- What is one new thing God helps you do when you trust Jesus?
- Why do you think Paul compared sin to a master who gives bad pay?
- What is a free gift you have received, and how did it make you feel?
- How can you ask God for help when you feel tempted to do something wrong?
- What does it mean to belong to God, and how can you show that at home?
Activity Ideas
Paper Sunrise Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a sunrise over a hill on the paper, then add a small cross or heart in the sky to show Jesus giving new life. Let them talk about how the sun rising is like a fresh start every day with God.
Stand Up and Sit Down Game
Ask the children to stand tall when you say something that is a good choice, like sharing or helping. They should sit down when you say something that goes against God’s way, like lying or being mean. After each round, remind them that Jesus helps us choose what is right and gives us new life.
Free Gift Box at Home
Take an empty shoebox and wrap it with plain paper. Write “Eternal Life from Jesus” on a small slip of paper and place it inside. Encourage each child to open the box with the family during the week and talk about one way they can live as someone made new by God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Romans 6 teaches that believers have died to sin’s rule through their union with Christ, so they should no longer live as slaves to it. Grace does not give permission to sin, but it frees us to live for God. Paul uses the picture of baptism to show this truth in a clear way.
Avoid overstating to children that they will never sin again. Paul is clear that believers still struggle, but sin no longer has the final say. Keep the focus on God’s faithful love and the new life he gives, rather than on fear of getting things wrong.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for the free gift of life through Jesus. Help us to live as people who belong to you every day. Please help us say no to what is wrong and yes to what is good. Thank you for making us new. Amen.
