Use this children’s sermon on Philippians 4:4-9 for a message time on a Sunday. It starts with a simple trading game. Then it shows kids that God invites us to pray about our worries and gives us His peace in Christ Jesus. The video above shows the lesson. The script and outline below are ready to use. It takes about 10 minutes.
Teacher Script
Introduction
Hello children of God! Today we’re going to play a trading game to learn about an important message from the Bible. Imagine I gave you some things: chia seeds, a weight, a toothbrush, and candy pumpkins. These are all okay things, but maybe you would rather have something different. For example, instead of the weight, you might prefer a baseball glove. Or, instead of the chia seeds, you might prefer candy pumpkins (even though not everyone likes them). The point is, we often prefer good things over not-so-good things.
Trading for Something Better
This is a little like what God offers us. When we are worried, God does not tell us to hide it. In Philippians 4:4-7 the Bible says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (BSB) God invites us to bring our worries to Him. His peace does not mean everything will turn out the way we hope. It means the Lord is near. His peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Prayer and Replacing Worries
So, what do we do with our worries? We can pray! Prayer is talking to God and telling Him what’s on our minds. Whenever you feel worried, you can pray, ask God for help, and thank Him for what He has already given you. For instance, if you are afraid of bad dreams at night, tell God about it before you go to sleep and thank Him that He is near.
After we pray, Paul tells us what to think about: whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). Then we put into practice what we have learned from God’s Word. Paul says, “And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9, BSB)
Peace Because of Jesus
We can come to God because of Jesus. We have sinned, and sin kept us far from God. But Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again. The Bible says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, BSB) Everyone who trusts in Jesus can pray to God as His child. God promises His peace in Christ Jesus.
Conclusion
Let’s end with a prayer together. Dear God, thank you for Your peace. Help us to come to You whenever we’re troubled and to thank You for Your blessings and love. Amen.
May God’s peace guard your hearts and minds as well. Have a great week, and we’ll see you next time!
Lesson Outline
Introduction
- Begin with a fun activity: Play a “trading game” where students trade the items they are given for items they would rather have.
- Relate the game to the concept of wanting better things.
Trading for God’s Peace
- Read Philippians 4:4-7 aloud and tell the students where it is in the Bible.
- Explain that God invites us to bring our worries to Him in prayer. His peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
- Highlight the difference between God’s peace and mere calmness.
The Power of Prayer
- Explain that prayer is how we bring our worries and our thanks to God.
- Define prayer as talking to God and sharing our feelings with Him.
- Provide examples of how prayer can address specific worries (e.g., bad dreams).
Focus on the Good
- Emphasize the importance of focusing on good things: things pure, true, and excellent.
- Read Philippians 4:8-9. Think on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Put God’s Word into practice, and the God of peace will be with us.
Peace Because of Jesus
- Tell how Jesus died for our sins and rose again, so everyone who trusts in Him has peace with God (Romans 5:1).
Conclusion
- Lead the class in a prayer together, thanking God for His peace and asking His help to bring every worry to Him with thanks.
- Conclude with a blessing and encouragement to share the lesson with others.
Youth Ministry Lesson on Philippians 4:1-9: Discovering Unshakeable Peace – Youth Group Ministry
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