This lesson teaches children that God’s grace helps us live good, kind, and honest lives every day. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God’s grace teaches us to say no to bad things and to live in a way that shows we love Him. We can do good things because He first loved us and saved us.
Memory Verse
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men…
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and place both hands over their hearts while they say the verse together. Then have them open their arms wide, like a gift being given, on the words “bringing salvation to all men.”
The Story: Titus 2 for Kids
Paul was a teacher who wrote a letter to his friend Titus. Titus was a helper who worked with the church on the island of Crete. Paul wanted Titus to teach the people how to live in a way that matched what they believed about God.
Paul told Titus to teach the older men to be calm, wise, and strong in their faith. He told the older women to be respectful and to teach the younger women how to love their families and work hard at home. Paul also wanted the young men to be sensible and to set a good example for others.
Paul asked the servants, who were people who worked for others, to be honest and hard-working. He wanted them to show that following God changes the way we treat people. Paul said, “Let your life show that the good news of God is real,” in simple words for the people to remember.
Then Paul reminded everyone about something very special. God’s grace had appeared, and it brought salvation to all people. Because of that gift, we can say no to things that hurt God and others.
Paul explained that Jesus gave Himself for us so that we would be set free from doing wrong. Jesus wanted His people to belong to Him and to love doing good things. That is why Paul wrote that we should be zealous for good works, which means we should be eager to do good.
Paul ended his letter by telling Titus to speak with courage and not let anyone look down on him. Titus was to teach the truth with all the strength God gave him.
Read It Together
Titus 2:1
But say the things which fit sound doctrine…
(WEB)
Point out that Paul asked Titus to teach things that fit with sound teaching. Explain that true teaching about God should make our lives good and helpful.
Titus 2:11-12
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age…
(WEB)
Show the children that God’s grace comes first, and it helps us say no to bad choices. Ask them to notice the words that tell us God’s grace is for everyone.
Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus gave Himself for us to set us free and to make us His own special people. Help the children see that Jesus wants us to be eager to do good works because we belong to Him.
Talk About It
- What is one good thing you can do this week to show that you belong to Jesus?
- How can you say no to something that is wrong when your friends want you to do it?
- What does it mean that God’s grace came to bring salvation to all people?
- Which person in our story do you think showed the best example, and why?
- What helps you remember that God loves you and wants you to live well?
Activity Ideas
Grace Heart Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a large heart and write one good thing they can do this week inside it. Let them decorate the heart and then glue it to a card that says “God’s grace helps me.”
Good Works Relay
Set up two cups at one end of the room and place a few soft balls or socks nearby. Divide the children into two teams and have them race to carry an item to the cup while calling out one good work, like helping a friend. Cheer for each good work to show that doing good is a happy thing.
Family Good Works Chart
Take a sheet of paper and draw a simple chart with rows for each family member. Each day, have the children draw a star next to one kind thing they did at home. Review the chart together at the end of the week and thank God for the good works He helped them do.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that sound teaching leads to a changed life. Paul connected belief with daily conduct, showing that God’s grace trains us to live soberly, righteously, and godly while we wait for Christ’s return. The chapter links every group in the church to the same grace of God.
When teaching children, avoid making it sound like they must earn God’s love by being good. The passage shows that good works come from grace, not that grace comes from good works. Keep the focus on Jesus giving Himself for us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for Your grace that came to bring salvation to all people. Help us to say no to what is wrong and to live kind and honest lives each day. Teach us to be eager to do good works because we belong to Jesus. Help us show Your love to our families, friends, and everyone we meet. Amen.
