This lesson teaches children that God keeps working on the people who belong to him, and he always finishes the good work he begins. It suits children aged about 5 to 11 and takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion, and one activity.
Big Idea
God starts a good work in us, and he will keep working on us until it is complete. We can trust him to finish what he began, even when life feels hard or unfinished.
Memory Verse
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out in front of them, then slowly bring them together and clap once when they say “finish.” Repeat the verse together while making the motion each time, so the clap marks the word “complete.”
The Story: Philippians 1 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to his friends in a city called Philippi. Paul was in prison at the time, chained up for telling people about Jesus. He could not visit his friends, so he wrote to them instead.
Paul told the Philippians that he thought about them often and prayed for them with joy. He remembered how they had helped spread the Good News of Jesus from the very first day he met them. He was sure that God, who had started a good work in them, would keep working until everything was finished.
Paul had some other news too. Even though he was in chains, the soldiers guarding him heard about Jesus, and many other believers became brave enough to speak about him. Some people preached about Jesus for the wrong reasons, but Paul was happy that Jesus was being told to everyone. Paul said, “Christ is proclaimed, and I rejoice in this.”
Paul wanted his friends to live in a way that showed they belonged to Jesus. He wanted them to stand strong together and to keep trusting God even when people opposed them. He reminded them that suffering for Jesus was a gift from God, and that Jesus would help them through it.
Read It Together
Philippians 1:3-4
3 I thank my God whenever I remember you, 4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy…
(WEB)
Point out that Paul thanked God every time he thought of his friends. Ask the children who they could thank God for today, and remind them that prayer can be full of joy.
Philippians 1:21
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
(WEB)
Explain that Paul’s whole life centered on Jesus, so living and dying both belonged to him. Show the children how this verse shows what a life focused on Jesus looks like, using simple words like “Jesus is the most important person in my life.”
Philippians 1:27
Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News…
(WEB)
Point out that Paul asked his friends to live in a way that matched the Good News. Talk about one small way children can live like Jesus at home or at school, such as sharing a toy or helping a sibling.
Talk About It
- What is one good thing you have seen God do in your life so far?
- How do you think Paul felt when he was stuck in prison, and what helped him stay happy?
- What does it mean that God will finish the good work he started in you?
- How can you show your friends that you belong to Jesus?
- When something feels hard, what is one thing you can remember about God?
Activity Ideas
Unfinished Picture Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw the start of a picture, such as a tree with only a trunk, then let them swap papers with a partner who finishes the drawing. Explain that God is like a patient artist who keeps working until his picture is complete.
Musical Chairs of Praise
You will need a few chairs, a music player, and a small open space. Play music and have children walk around the chairs, then stop when the music stops and sit down. Each time they sit, ask them to name one thing God has done, and say the memory verse together before the next round begins.
Thank You Card Home
You will need cardstock, glue, stickers, and a pen. Have children make a card for someone at home and write one thing they are thankful for about that person. Encourage them to deliver it, reminding everyone that Paul thanked God for his friends, and we can thank people too.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Philippians 1 shows that Paul’s confidence rested on God’s faithfulness, not on his own circumstances. Paul was in prison and facing uncertainty, yet he rejoiced because the good work God began would be carried through to completion. The chapter also models prayer rooted in gratitude and a deep love for the church community.
Avoid overstating to children that every hard situation will end the way we hope. Instead, emphasize that God is faithful and present in every season, and that he finishes what he begins in his own perfect timing.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for starting a good work in each of us. Help us trust you to finish what you began, and help us live in a way that shows we belong to you. Give us joy as we walk with you every day. Amen.
