Teaching

First, let’s answer the question about the video in Large Group. What did the jailer ask Paul and Silas after they chose not to escape? “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”             

Paul and Silas could have escaped after the earthquake—yet they were content to stay, knowing God had placed them there for a purpose. They rejoiced and were thankful even inside the prison with their feet in stocks. 

If they had fled, what would have happened? The jailer would not have lived; he and his family would not have heard the Good News.     

Let’s say our SuperVerse together: 1 Thessalonians 5:18:     

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

As we learned last time, Paul and Silas were focused on doing God’s will and following the direction of God’s Spirit. When Paul was arrested and thrown into jail in Philippi, it wasn’t the first time he had experienced persecution and hard times. 

Stand by the Iconium sign. Before Paul traveled with Silas, he preached with a man named Barnabas. As they preached boldly in Iconium, some Gentiles, Jews, and their leaders plotted to attack the men and stone them to death. Paul found out, and they fled to Lystra. 

Run to the Lystra sign. There, they preached the Good News until Paul was stoned, dragged out of town, and left for dead! The believers gathered to pray for him and—miraculously—Paul got up! (See Acts 14:1–20.) 

Stand by the Derby sign. Next, Paul traveled to Derby, where many people believed in Christ and became disciples. Paul experienced good times and bad times, ups and downs, acceptance and rejection. 

Stand by the Lystra sign, then move to the Iconium sign. Even though Paul was persecuted in Lystra and Iconium, he bravely returned to those same cities to strengthen the believers! 

We may face trials and hardships as we obey God. Yet in Philippians 4:4, Paul wrote, 

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 

Now, let’s apply this to our lives. Step onto the step ladder, climbing up one or two rungs.  

When things are going well for us, we feel up, in a good mood, and happy—we’re excited about the future. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on top of the world, hold up both hands as high as you can and wave them. I feel this way when I can share the Gospel with someone!

Step off the ladder, sit on the chair, bow your head, and slump your shoulders—yet still speak loud enough for children to hear. Sometimes we feel low or down. We are sad because we have been hurt or betrayed. Maybe we have been criticized or made fun of because of our faith. If you’ve ever felt defeated, raise both hands hands like you’re surrendering or giving up. 

Stand up straight between the chair and the ladder. Now this represents days that are average. Things are okay, but neither up or down, good or bad. You might even be a bit bored. If you feel like this sometimes, move your hands from side to side.

Step onto the ladder again. Is it hard to be thankful and content when your life is up here? No.

It is easy to be thankful and content when things are going well. In Large Group, what did we say to be content means? To be satisfied, at peace, and fulfilled.    

Move off the ladder and stand on the floor. How about now, when you feel okay and things are normal; is it a little harder to be thankful and content? Why? Children answer. 

Sit on the chair and slump over. How about now; is it easy to be thankful when you are down? No, it is difficult to be thankful when I am depressed or sad.

It is hardest to be thankful and content during hard times. 

Step onto the step ladder. Always remember how Paul and Silas sang and praised God in prison. We need to be thankful, no matter what! We can only do this with God’s help. His Holy Spirit fills us with His peace and power. We have true joy in our hearts, no matter what we are facing. God loves us and we belong to Jesus. This gives us hope and joy that can never be taken away! 

As believers in Jesus, we want to please God and fulfill His plan for our lives. What does our SuperVerse say is part of God’s will for us? To be thankful in all circumstances.

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Give an Iron Link Challenge to any children who missed Lesson 1 so they may assemble it at home.    

Hold up the sample craft. Part of the challenge last time was to memorize the first SuperVerse, Galatians 5:25. Can anyone say it from memory?

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.  

The other part of the challenge was to pray for God’s guidance each day, then to watch and listen for His answers. Would anyone like to share about how you sensed God leading you as you read the Bible or prayed?

When Paul and Silas praised and thanked God in their prison cell, what happened? They were set free!

That’s what our next challenge is all about! Look for things you can be thankful for. Ask God to help you be content and rejoice in His goodness, even in hard times. Let’s all seek to do this with God’s help, and I’ll ask you to share your experience next time we get together. Also, be sure to memorize today’s SuperVerse, which we’ll work on now.