Bible Study

Choose three passages to study. Have children look up the scriptures; and lead a discussion using the questions below: 

1.Hebrews 13:16:

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

• What good thing does this verse tell us to do? Share.
• What are some things we have that can be shared?
• How can sharing what you have be a sacrifice?
• Why can sharing be hard sometimes?
• Have you ever shared something that you didn’t want to, but you did because you felt God wanted you to?

2. Matthew 25:35–40:

Divide the verses among volunteer readers.

³⁵ “‘For I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home. ³⁶ I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me.’ ³⁷ Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink?< ³⁸ Or a stranger and show You hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing? ³⁹ When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit You?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!’”

• Who is talking in these verses? Jesus.
• Who are we really helping, when we help those who are less fortunate? Jesus.
• Name some things listed in these verses that you can do now, with help from parents or other adults. Give someone a bottle of water, talk to a new person at school or in the neighborhood, befriend a visitor at church, invite someone to play who is left out, donate clothes/food, help someone, send a card to or visit a sick person.
• In verse 40, what do you think “the least of these My brothers and sisters” means? Those who are considered unpopular or less important or ignored and overlooked. People who can’t repay our kindness.

3. Philippians 2:4:

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

• What do you think the word “interests” means in this verse? Things important to you, situations, possessions.
• What are some ways we can we show interest?
• When we show interest and concern for others, how is that a good thing—how can it help them?
• When we are only concerned with our life and what is important to us, what can that show to others? That we may be selfish, that we don’t really care about what is important to them, that we only care about ourselves, that they aren’t important to us. 

4. Psalm 34:12–15:

Divide the verses between volunteer readers.

¹² Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? ¹³ Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! ¹⁴ Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. ¹⁵ The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; His ears are open to their cries for help.

• According to verse 12—if we do the good things listed in these verses, what can we enjoy or receive? Long and prosperous life. 
• What is the good thing we can do in verse 13? Tell the truth, don’t speak evil things like gossip, rumors, mean, or cruel things.
• In verse 14, what are we to do with evil things? Turn away, stay away from, avoid.
• In verse 14, what are we to do instead? Good things, pure things, things pleasing to God. Be a peacemaker, work to keep the peace. Don’t cause trouble, fights and arguments.
• In verse 15, what is a benefit we receive from doing right? In other words, what blessing do we reap, as our SuperVerse says? God watches over us and protects us; He listens for our cries and hears us.

5. Luke 6:35:

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”

• Are we only to do good things for people we like; such as for our friends or family? No, for our enemies, too.
• Why is that difficult?
• How hard is it to lend something without expecting to be repaid? Can we do it on our own; if not, whose help do we need? We need God’s help. Mention that children should check with their parents before lending or giving away any possessions.
• What is the promise to us, what is the blessing? How is this like our SuperVerse?

Conclusion: The most important “good” that we can do is to love God and keep His commandments. When we truly love God, we will love others, share His love, and become a servant to all.