This lesson teaches children that God wants every one of us to live in a way that shows His goodness, at any age. It is best for children ages 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives us good ways to live, and we show His love by being kind, honest, and helpful to the people around us every day.
Memory Verse
Titus 2:7
In all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility…
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out, palms up, then bring them together in front of the chest as if forming a heart. Say the words slowly while they do the motion with you, and repeat it three times so it sticks.
The Story: Titus 2 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to his good friend Titus. Titus was a leader in a town on the island of Crete, where many people were learning about Jesus for the first time. Paul wanted Titus to help the church grow strong and healthy.
Paul told Titus to teach everyone in the church how to live well. Older men were to be calm, wise, and steady. Older women were to teach the younger women how to love their husbands and their children. Young men were to think carefully about their choices.
Paul also talked about the workers in the church, who were called servants. He said they should work hard, be honest, and not steal from their masters. Paul said that when people act this way, they make the good teaching of God look beautiful to everyone who sees them.
Then Paul reminded Titus why all of this matters. He said that God showed His kindness to all people. Jesus gave Himself for us so that we could be free from doing wrong. He made us His very own special people, who love doing good things.
Paul told Titus, “Say these things, and do not let anyone look down on you.” Titus was a young leader, and Paul wanted him to be brave and stand strong. Paul trusted Titus to teach the truth with love.
Read It Together
Titus 2:11-12
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age…
(WEB)
Point out that God’s grace came to bring salvation to everyone. Help the children see that this grace teaches us to say no to things that are wrong and yes to living in a good way. Ask them what kinds of choices this might look like at school or at home.
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.
(WEB)
Explain that Jesus gave Himself for us so we could belong to Him. Show the children that God made His people special and that He wants them to be eager to do good things. Let them name one good thing they could do this week.
Titus 2:2
That older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance…
(WEB)
Point out that Paul asked older men to be calm and steady in their faith and love. Explain that everyone in the church, including children, can learn from people who keep trusting God through hard times. Ask the children who they look up to for being steady and kind.
Talk About It
- What is one good thing you can do for someone in your family this week?
- How can being honest and kind show other people what God is like?
- Who in your church helps you learn how to follow Jesus, and what have they taught you?
- What is a choice you might have to make at school that shows you belong to God?
- Why do you think God wants us to be eager to do good things?
Activity Ideas
Heart Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a large heart and write one good thing they can do this week inside it. Let them decorate the heart with colors and small pictures, then cut it out and keep it somewhere they will see it each day.
Good Works Relay Game
Set up two cones or chairs at one end of a room and a bucket of soft toys at the other end. Divide the children into two teams and have them take turns carrying one toy at a time to the cones, naming a kind thing as they go. Each team cheers for every good work named, showing that doing good together is fun.
Take-Home Kindness Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Give each child a few slips and ask them to write or draw one kind act they plan to do for someone at home. Have them place the slips in the jar and bring it back next week to share how their good works went.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Titus 2 shows that sound teaching is meant to shape how we live in our homes, churches, and workplaces. Paul connects our daily faithfulness with the grace God has shown us through Jesus. Good living is a response to God’s kindness, not a way to earn it.
With children, avoid overstating that being good makes God love us more. Children should understand that God loves them already, and that our good choices are a loving response to Him. Keep the focus on God’s grace and kindness rather than on pressure to perform.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us and giving Yourself for us. Help us to be honest, kind, and helpful to the people around us. Show us how to live in a way that makes You look good to everyone. Thank You for making us Your own special people. Amen.
