Leader Guide
Prayer
- Something pleasant-smelling such as a flower, vanilla, or cinnamon
- Cloth soaked in vinegar
- Two sealable plastic bags
Place the pleasant-smelling item in one plastic bag and seal it, then place the cloth soaked with vinegar in the other plastic bag and seal it.
Note: Check for allergies or asthma before allowing children to smell the items in the bags.
Our SuperVerse today, Ephesians 5:2, says,
Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Who knows what an aroma is?
An aroma is a smell, fragrance or odor. Pass around the cloth sprayed with perfume. I brought in something sweet that I enjoy smelling. Do you like it?
Do you think that all aromas are pleasing to smell?
No, not all aromas are pleasing. I brought in something else for you to smell. Would anyone like to smell this aroma? Allow volunteers to smell it and describe it to the class. God is not pleased with all kinds of sacrifices.
Read Hosea 6:6:
I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know Me more than I want burnt offerings.
Sacrifices without obedience and love are not a pleasing aroma to God! That kind of sacrifice would be like this vinegar! Hold up the vinegar.
Let’s ask God to help us live a life filled with love and humility, serving others! Romans 12:1 says,
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.
That verse says it all, doesn’t it; we are to be a living sacrifice to God! Hold up the sweet smelling object. When we serve God and others in obedience and humility, it is a pleasing aroma to God!
Let’s pray. I will pause after each phrase so you can pray it out loud, too:
Dear Lord Jesus, …
Help us to live a life of love …
and sacrifice for others …
as we follow Your example. …
You came to serve and not be served. …
You love us so much that You died on the cross. …
This was a pleasing aroma to God. …
Help us show our thanks for Your sacrifice …
by serving others as You did. …
In Your name we pray, Amen.