This lesson teaches children that Jesus is worth more than anything else, and that we can keep following him, even when we have not finished growing yet. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Knowing Jesus is the best thing we could ever have, so we keep running toward him every day.
Memory Verse
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
Put one hand flat in front of you, then slowly slide it forward like a runner reaching for a finish line. Say the verse as you move, and ask children to do the motion with you every time they say it.
The Story: Philippians 3 for Kids
The apostle Paul wrote a letter to his friends in the city of Philippi. He wanted them to be happy in the Lord, and he warned them about people who were trying to lead them away from Jesus. Paul knew those people well, because he used to be one of them.
Paul had many things he could have been proud of. He had grown up in a careful Jewish family, he had studied hard, and he had worked hard to follow the rules God gave to Israel. Many people admired him for it. But then Paul met Jesus, and everything changed. He began to see that all his good work could never make him right with God on its own.
Paul decided that Jesus was far more valuable than all his proud achievements. He said that he counted those things as loss, because knowing Jesus was worth much more. Paul did not stop there. He wanted to know Jesus more and more, and he trusted Jesus to make him right with God through faith.
Paul did not say he had already become perfect. He said he was still running toward the goal. Paul told his friends, “I press on, so that I may take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” He was saying that Jesus had reached out to him first, and now Paul kept going toward Jesus with his whole heart.
Paul also told the Philippians to follow the example of people who lived faithfully for Jesus. He reminded them that our true home is in heaven. One day Jesus will come back, and he will make our bodies new and glorious, just like his own.
Read It Together
Philippians 3:1
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul begins by telling the church to rejoice in the Lord. Ask children what it means to rejoice, and explain that joy in Jesus does not depend on what is happening around us.
Philippians 3:8
Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
(WEB)
Show children how Paul counted everything else as less valuable than knowing Jesus. Ask them what things they sometimes want more than Jesus, and talk gently about how Jesus is always better.
Philippians 3:20-21
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.
(WEB)
Point out that our citizenship is in heaven and that Jesus will one day change our bodies to be like his. Help children see that God’s promises are certain, which gives them hope when life feels hard.
Talk About It
- What do you think Paul gave up so that he could know Jesus better?
- What is something you love doing, and how can you show Jesus that he matters even more to you?
- When you feel like you are not doing very well at following Jesus, what can you do to keep going?
- Who is someone who has shown you what it looks like to follow Jesus?
- How does knowing that heaven is our home help you when you feel sad or scared?
Activity Ideas
Race to the Finish Line Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a running track with a finish line at the end, then draw themselves running toward it. Write Philippians 3:14 across the top. Children can add a small picture of Jesus waiting at the finish line.
Follow the Leader Movement Game
You will need an open space and a few chairs to act as obstacles. One child leads by doing simple movements like jogging in place, stepping over a chair, or reaching forward. The others copy the leader while saying the memory verse together. Switch leaders so every child gets a turn.
Take-Home Finish Line Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a sticker or two. Write the memory verse on one side of each card. On the other side, ask children to draw a path with a small star at the end. Encourage them to show the card to their family at dinner and say the verse together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter reminds us that our standing with God rests on what Jesus has done, not on our own record or achievements. Paul shows that a mature believer still keeps pressing forward, humbly aware that growth in Christ is ongoing and that the final hope is the resurrection and a new body in heaven.
With children, avoid suggesting that Paul’s sharp warnings about false teachers should be used to label or shame people around them. Keep the focus on Jesus being worth more than anything else and on the joy of following him, rather than on who is wrong.
A Prayer to Close
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us and for being worth more than anything we could have. Help us to keep running toward you each day, even when we make mistakes. We trust you to bring us home to heaven one day. Amen.
