Leader Guide

Bible Study

Hand out a copy of “Amazing Grace” lyrics, one copy per two children to share.

One of the most famous songs in the world is called “Amazing Grace.” How many of you have heard it?

Do you know what grace means?

Grace is God’s favor and kindness to us that we can never earn or deserve. Even though we are sinners, God loves us, He forgives us, He saves us, and He will take us to heaven when we die. He doesn’t do these things because we are nice people, or because we do good things. We are helpless to save ourselves from our own sin, so He sent His Son to take our punishment and die on the cross for us to pay for our sins. This is God’s amazing grace!

Have children look up Ephesians 2:8-9. Select two volunteers to read the two verses aloud.

⁸God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

If you choose to play the song, play the first two verses and have children follow the words on the sheet. If not, slowly read aloud the lyrics from the sheet as children follow along.

As you read or listen to the words, think about how the song applies to Saul.

Allow children to share their thoughts and then use the following bullets to extend the discussion.

Verse 1

• “That saved a wretch like me.” Wretch means miserable and lowly. Paul described himself as the chief—or worst—of sinners.
• “I once was lost, but now am found.” Saul was lost spiritually and going down the wrong path. Jesus sought him out and “found him.”
• “Was blind, but now I see.” Saul was blind spiritually, in darkness, not knowing the truth. He was literally blinded by the light of Jesus until Ananias laid hands on him. After his encounter with Jesus, Paul could see spiritually and physically.

Verse 2

• “‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear.” God chose to come to Saul; it was not by anything Saul did that he deserved the encounter with Jesus. Saul learned the truth about Jesus and was taught to fear, honor and serve Jesus.
• “How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.” Saul’s revelation was priceless from the moment he realized the truth and accepted it—Saul’s life was transformed and turned upside down. 

I think we now have a greater appreciation and understanding of Paul’s words in today’s SuperVerse, 1 Timothy 1:15! Let’s repeat it again:

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.