Family
WELCOME TO WEEK 5
Who is a part of your family? How many family members do you have? Did you know you are a part of another family as well? You are a part of God’s family. God has adopted us into his family, which means He chose you to be a part of His family. This week we will see how we a part of God’s family.
BIBLE STORY
Every house, school, and city has their own set of rules for the people who are in them. At your house you may the rule of no feet on the table or no coloring on the walls. At school you may have the rule of no running in the hallways or no talking back to the teacher. In your city a rule may be stop at red traffic lights or don’t open your neighbors mail. These rules may be set to keep you safe, help you get along with others, and take care of the things you own.
If you had your own city, what rules would you make up? Make a list of rules you would set up to keep people safe and create a community others want to be a part of.
Your family has a special way of doing things because you are a family. When we are a part of a family, we join in on those activities because you are a member. We are also a member of a larger family, God’s family. God’s family has a certain way of behaving and acting as well. We are members of this family so we receive the rewards and responsibilities of the family. Paul talks about what it means to be a part of God’s family. God sees us as His children and we get the benefits and responsibility of being his children.
Read or listen to the scripture reading Romans 8:12-17
What is the obligation we are to live to? (Not to live according to the flesh)
What happens when we live according to the flesh? (We die)
Who is lead by the Spirit of God? (The children of God)
What does it mean to be adopted?
The Spirit doesn’t make you slaves but adopts you into what? (Sonship of God)
Who does this make you co-heirs with? (Jesus Christ)
When we share in Christ’s sufferings, what else do we share? (In his glory)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
We each have a special role or part to play in our family. We are also a part of God’s family and God wants each of us to do a special part. One person’s job is not more important than another because they all work towards the same goal of sharing the gospel of Jesus. Think about how each of our body parts has a different job and function. The hand and the eyes do different jobs but they work together to help you move and think. Put together this jointed figure and think about what it would be like if one of the body parts was missing. Then decorate the person to become a part of God’s family.
Materials: printed jointed figure, brads (or glue), scissors,
Alternate
Use Lego bricks, large blocks or Jenga blocks to build a tower or structure. Try to remove one piece at a time and see what happens to the structure. Each part of our tower is important, it helps the tower stay standing and strong. When we remove a piece the tower eventually will fall. We are important to God’s family as well. The Holy Spirit helps us do God’s work and makes us a part of God’s family.
Materials: building blocks or Jenga blocks
Independent activity:
Complete the following activity sheet
Materials: printed activity sheet
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Create an adoption certificate.
Materials: printed adoption certificate
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
What does the Holy Spirit help us do?
How does the Holy Spirit make us a part of God’s family?
When you are part of a family, do you have to earn your title of son or daughter?
What is the reward of being part of God’s family?
What is the responsibility of being part of God’s family?
What is your job in your family?
What is your job in God’s family?
Practical Application at Home
In the Bible Nicodemus, who was a Pharisee, asked Jesus how one can be a part of His kingdom and Jesus replied by saying one must be born again of the Spirit. When we become a part of God’s family, we are born again, a new creation. We can put off the old things we used to do and put on the things God would have us do. We can not do this alone though, we can do it with the help of the Holy Spirit. When we are born of the Spirit, we have allowed the Holy Spirit to live in us, change us, speak to us, and most important we choose to listen and obey. We will sometimes make mistakes but the Holy Spirit will help us see those mistakes so we can ask and receive forgiveness. Complete the following statements out loud.
I used to….but now the Holy Spirit will help me ….
I used to treat….. but now the Holy Spirit will help me…
I used to put a lot of focus into…. But now the Holy Spirit will help me…
This week pray for the Holy Spirit to help you live as a part of God’s family and treat others in the way God would have you. When you make mistakes this week allow the Holy Spirit to show you the wrongs you’ve done and help you be humble to ask for forgiveness.
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Donate to a local food shelter or toy drive this Christmas season. As a family, volunteer together or pick out toys you think another child your age might enjoy.