In this lesson, children learn that God has made himself known to everyone through the world he made, and that he loves us and wants us to know him. This lesson suits children aged about 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God made the world so that everyone can see that he is real and good. We can know him, thank him, and trust him every day.
Memory Verse
Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.
(WEB)
Cup both hands like you are holding a little bird, then slowly open them wide as if the bird is flying up. Do this each time you say the verse, to remind yourself that God’s power can be seen in what he has made.
The Story: Romans 1 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the friends of Jesus in the great city of Rome. Paul loved these people very much, and he wanted them to know that he prayed for them every day. He wanted to visit them so he could share the Good News about Jesus with them.
Paul told them that the Good News is the power of God to save everyone who believes. He was not ashamed of it at all. Jesus is the one who shows us how much God loves us, and Paul wanted everyone to hear it.
Then Paul talked about something amazing. He said that people can look at the sky, the trees, the mountains, and the animals, and see that there is a great God who made them all. God’s power and greatness are clear in the things he created. Paul said, “Look at what God has made, and you can learn about him.” Those who look and see are without excuse.
Paul also explained that some people chose not to thank God or honor him, even though they knew about him. They began to worship made things instead of the Creator. This made their hearts dark and foolish, and it caused them to do many hurtful things. Paul wrote about this sadly, because he wanted everyone to turn back to God.
Read It Together
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul says he is not ashamed of the Good News. Ask the children what it means to be proud of something good, and remind them that the Good News is about Jesus saving everyone who believes.
Romans 1:21
Because, knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.
(WEB)
Show the children how this verse describes people who knew God but did not thank him. Explain that giving thanks is a simple way we show God we know he is good, and we can practice it at meals and bedtime.
Romans 1:25
Who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
(WEB)
Help the children see that this verse warns against worshiping things God made instead of God himself. Talk about things that can take first place in our hearts, like toys or screens, and how God should always come first.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that helps you think about how big and powerful he is?
- How can we show God that we are thankful for the things he gives us?
- What does it mean that the Good News is the power of God to save everyone who believes?
- Why do you think it is important to know God and not just know about him?
- What is one way you can tell someone about Jesus this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Creation Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a few small objects from nature such as a leaf or a rock if you have them. Ask each child to draw something God made, like a tree, a fish, or the sun, and label it with one word that shows how God’s power is seen in it. Hang the pictures where everyone can see them during the week.
The Thankful Bird Game
Gather the children in a open space and ask them to stand like birds with their arms out wide. Call out things God made, such as “rain,” “mountain,” or “puppy,” and the children flap their arms if they hear something God made, and stay still if they hear something people made. Finish by having everyone say one thank you to God.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day at dinner, have the family write one thing God made or one thing they are thankful for on a slip and place it in the jar. Read the slips together at the end of the week to remember how God shows his care and power in everyday life.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage explains that God has made himself known through creation and through the Good News of Jesus. Paul is teaching that no one is without excuse, because the evidence of God’s power is all around us. It also shows that the Good News is for everyone, and that God’s grace reaches all people who put their faith in him.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the difficult parts of this chapter, such as the descriptions of sin and judgment. Keep the focus on God’s love, his power seen in creation, and the invitation to trust Jesus and give thanks to him.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Father, thank you for the sky, the trees, and all the things you made. Help us see your power in the world around us and thank you every day. Help us tell others about the Good News of Jesus, because we are not ashamed of it. We love you, Lord. Amen.
