This lesson teaches children that God wants his people to live with good character, because God is faithful and his truth is worth holding onto. It suits children about 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes, with time for the story, a Bible reading, a discussion and one activity.
Big Idea
God keeps his promises, and he wants us to live in a way that shows we belong to him. Good choices and kind words help other people see who God is.
Memory Verse
Titus 1:16
They profess that they know God, but by their deeds they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are receiving a gift. Then slowly bring them together and fold them, saying “They say they know God” as you move. Turn your hands over and open them wide while you say “but their actions show what they really believe.” Repeat the motions together three times until the words feel familiar.
The Story: Titus 1 for Kids
Paul was a missionary who traveled to many places to tell people about Jesus. He wrote a letter to his friend Titus, who was a faithful helper. Titus was in a faraway island called Crete, and Paul wanted him to help the new churches grow strong.
Paul told Titus that the leaders of the churches needed to be people you could trust. A good leader does not just talk about God. He lives in a way that makes God look good. He is kind to visitors, fair to everyone, and he keeps his temper calm when things get hard.
Paul also warned Titus about some people who were causing trouble. These people talked a lot but did not care about the truth. Their words were empty, and their actions did not match what they said they believed. Paul said the church needed to be careful and not follow their false teaching.
Paul even quoted a man from Crete who said that people there were always liars. Paul agreed that this was true, and he told Titus to speak to these people firmly, so they would come back to the truth. Paul wanted the church to be healthy and strong, with people who loved God and did good things.
Paul ended his letter by reminding everyone that God is the one who saves and guides his people. Titus had a big job, but he could trust that God was with him.
Read It Together
Titus 1:5
I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you…
(WEB)
Point out that Paul had left Titus in Crete on purpose. God gave Titus a job to do, and he was trusted to fix what was not finished. Ask children what jobs their parents or teachers give them.
Titus 1:7-8
7 For the overseer must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-pleasing, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain; 8 but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober minded, fair, holy, self-controlled…
(WEB)
Show children the list of good qualities a leader should have, such as being kind, fair, and self-controlled. Explain that these are things anyone can practice, whether they are grown up or still little.
Titus 1:15
To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.
(WEB)
Explain that God makes our hearts clean and gives us a clear way of seeing things. When we follow him, our thoughts and choices can be pure. Ask children how they might show a clean heart at school or at home.
Talk About It
- What kind of person do you think Paul wanted Titus to find to be a leader in the church?
- Why do you think it matters that a person’s actions match what they say they believe?
- How can you show kindness to someone who is visiting your church or your class?
- What are some ways you can keep your temper calm when you feel frustrated?
- Who in your life shows you what it looks like to live like God’s family?
Activity Ideas
Heart Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a heart shape and then draw or write one good action inside it, such as sharing, helping, or being honest. Let them decorate the outside of the heart. Hang the hearts in your room as a reminder that God wants our actions to match our faith.
Actions Speak Game
You will need a few small objects, like a cup, a block, and a book. Say a statement such as “I love God” and ask the children to act out a choice that would show it, like helping a friend or saying thank you. Let them take turns guessing what the actions show. Keep it light and encouraging so everyone joins in.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Ask each child to write or draw one way they will show God’s love this week. Help them punch a hole in the corner and tie on a piece of string or yarn. Encourage them to keep it in a pocket or on their bedside table as a daily reminder.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that church life depends on character as much as on teaching. Paul gives Titus a clear picture of what trustworthy leadership looks like, and he warns that words without changed lives are empty. Adults can take this as a call to examine their own consistency between belief and behavior.
With children, avoid overstating the criticism of the people Paul mentions or making them the villains of the story. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and on the good choices children can make themselves. Gently explain that everyone is learning to live this way, including grown-ups.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you always keep your promises and that you are faithful to us. Help us to live in a way that shows we belong to your family. Make our hearts clean and our words kind, so that others can see your love in us. Help us to be honest, gentle, and fair every day. Amen.
