This lesson teaches children that Jesus sets us free from trying to earn God’s love by following rules alone, and that God helps us when we struggle to do what is right. It suits children aged about 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a memory verse, a discussion, and a closing prayer.
Big Idea
Rules show us what is good, but only Jesus can make our hearts new, and God helps us when we fail. We can always come back to Him and be forgiven.
Memory Verse
Romans 7:25
I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! So then with the mind, I myself serve God’s law, but with the flesh, the sin’s law.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are receiving a gift. Then bring them to your heart and say the verse slowly together. Keep the motion simple so children can repeat it at home.
The Story: Romans 7 for Kids
Paul was a teacher who knew God’s law very well. He wrote a letter to the people in Rome, and he wanted them to understand something important about rules. He said that God’s law is good and holy, because it shows us what is right and what is wrong.
But Paul also told them something honest about himself. He said that even when he wanted to do good, he often did the wrong thing instead. It was like having a sneaky problem inside his heart that kept pulling him away from what he knew was right. He felt stuck, and he said, “What a wretched man I am!”
Paul did not stay stuck, though. He knew where to look for help. He said, “Who will deliver me?” and then he answered his own question with a shout of thanks. God gives the answer through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul explained that Jesus makes a big change in our lives. Because of Jesus, we no longer have to live only by trying to follow rules on our own. We can live in a new way, serving God with a new spirit, not just following a list.
So Paul’s story is a story about hope. He was honest that he kept falling short, and he was thankful that God rescues us. Even when we feel like we fail, we can turn to Jesus.
Read It Together
Romans 7:15
For I don’t know what I am doing. For I don’t practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul was honest about his struggle. Ask children whether they have ever wanted to do the right thing and found it hard. Explain that feeling this way is normal and that God understands.
Romans 7:22-23
22 For I delight in God’s law after the inward man, 23 but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.
(WEB)
Show children that Paul still loved God’s law, even while he struggled. Talk about how we can love God and still need His help to do right. Help children see that a good heart and a struggling heart can both be true.
Talk About It
- What is one rule you find easy to keep, and one rule you find hard to keep?
- How did Paul feel when he could not do the good things he wanted to do?
- Who did Paul say would help him, and what did he thank God for?
- Why do you think God gave us rules, even though we sometimes break them?
- When you make a mistake, what can you remember about how Jesus helps you?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Heart Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Ask each child to draw a large heart and write or draw one thing they want to do well this week. Then have them draw a small arrow pointing from the heart to a picture of Jesus. Talk about how Jesus helps us with our hard things.
Rule Freeze Game
Gather the children in an open space. Call out simple rules such as “walk slowly” or “hop on one foot,” and everyone follows them. Then call “Freeze!” and ask children to stop and wait for help, the way Paul waited for God’s rescue. Finish by saying together, “Thank you, Jesus, for helping us.”
Take-Home Thank You Card
You will need a sheet of paper folded in half and a pencil or pen. Ask the child to write or draw one thing they are thankful Jesus helps them with. Encourage them to bring the card home and share it at dinner. Let the family take turns saying one thing they are thankful for too.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Romans 7 describes the honest struggle of a believer who sees God’s law as good but finds that human effort alone cannot produce the obedience the law requires. Paul is not denying that God’s law is holy, but he is showing that rules expose our need for a Savior. The chapter ends with thanksgiving and points forward to the freedom found in Christ, described in the following chapter.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that feeling bad means someone is far from God. Be careful not to make the lesson about being afraid of failing. Keep the emphasis on the faithfulness of Jesus and the hope He gives, while still being honest that everyone sometimes does wrong.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You know how hard it is for us to do what is right. We are sorry when we make mistakes and choose wrong things. Thank You for sending Jesus to rescue us and help us every day. Help us to trust You and come back to You when we fall. Amen.
