Where Does Joy Come From?

Philippians 1:1-6

To the Teacher [For your personal understanding and benefit.] The best teaching is an overflow of the heart and mind. Invest in yourself to invest in others because you can’t pass on what you don’t know.

See Philippians Curriculum Introduction

It is critical for the successful teaching of this material that the teacher understand the context of the material. This Introduction will help the teacher grow in their understanding of the letter to the Philippians and will allow the teacher to better convey the meaning to the children.

See Philippians 1:1-11 Block Diagram to see the flow of the text and the main points (furthest left) distinguished from subpoints and further elaboration (further right).

See Philippians 1:3-11 Block Diagram for detailed connections between key words along with brief commentary on key points.

As we study the book of Philippians together (Kids Leaders) and as a community (Kids Class) let’s begin a new emphasis on The Bible. To do this we will want to use an actual Bible and teach the children how to navigate a Bible. We should also use this opportunity to determine if any of the children are in need of a Bible. Either Grace Alive or Kevin will help you provide one as needed. Additional activities will be provided to help children learn various aspects of the Bible (Books of the Bible, etc.).

FOR PRESCHOOL additional suggestions for teaching preschool children and/or sections to skip will be noted. In general ELEMENTARY teachers may “prime the pump” before the video by reading the Bible text and asking some questions to help children get a bearing on what the lesson will cover. For PRESCHOOL it may be most helpful to just jump into the video and discuss/ask questions/reiterate afterwards.

The Parent Ministry Guide is located here.

Words from the Scripture Passage that are given special attention in the lesson are in Bold.

Philippians

Unit Theme (for the whole letter):

Paul rejoices in his partnership with the Philippians in the midst of adversity.

Scripture Passage (for this lesson)

Philippians 1:1-6 divided into two parts, 1:1-2 and 1:3-6.

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1–2 CSB)

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3–6 CSB)

Big Idea (for this lesson)

Friends on mission together with Jesus bring joy!

Key Verse (for this lesson)

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, (Philippians 1:3–4 CSB)

Supplies Needed: If you are unable to print/obtain supplies be sure to contact someone in leadership and they will assist you in obtaining the materials.

Go Fish: Books of the Bible Edition (will be supplied)

Map with Philippi on it

Bibles for students (or Scriptures on slips of paper)

PLAY

Coherent teaching is most effective when every activity is related to the Big Idea for the lesson. While this takes more planning and work on the part of the teacher, the long term payoff in children’s understanding is worth it. Do your best to connect all aspects of the day, including play, to the Big Idea of the lesson.

Go Fish: Books of the Bible Edition

Works the same as Go Fish. Deal the cards (7 per player). Put the rest in a pile face down in the middle of the playing area (floor or table). Players alternate turns (going counter clockwise). Players can ask any player for a card (Kevin, Do you have Leviticus?). The person who was asked will either hand over the card or say “Go Fish”. If the player picks a match, they can go again (for speed round) or you can play where they move on to the next player. When a card is matched it is placed on the playing area, face all so all can see the match. The first person to go out/match all their cards wins.

CLEAN UP

Have children clean up and prepare for Worship time.

WORSHIP

Use video based worship songs to allow children to be active and learn Biblical truths through music.

For Elementary: CJ & Friends

Use the God Made Me And You by Shai Linne music video.

Use the Joy, Joy, Joy song with motions for this unit.+

LESSON

Introduction [Background and teaching tips for the teacher.]

See Philippians Curriculum Introduction

Note Paul’s use of slave/servant as the defining characteristic of his relationship with God and how this plays out in the rest of the letter. This is especially interesting in light of the study we just completed The Gospel In Color. How does this terminology of ‘slave’ that Paul uses fit or contrast with ‘slave’ as used in The Gospel In Color?

Today’s lesson will have two parts (most only have one). This means you will cycle through the Discover, Deepen and Display aspects twice, with a video each time.

PRESCHOOL may choose to simply watch the two videos separated by intentional play time. Maybe instead of Go Fish: Books of the Bible Edition a Bible Matching Game.

Note Paul’s focus on the future in 1:6 and 1:10. Despite whatever problems he may be in, Paul keeps his focus future oriented, on the promises of God in Christ and encourages the Philippians to do the same. See further the notes in the Philippians 1:3-11 Block Diagram.

Discover: Listen to the Word [What does the text say?]

FOR PRESCHOOL you may choose to go directly to the video below.

FOR ELEMENTARY help the children understand a little bit about Paul’s background and how he came to know Jesus. Also, note the irony that, as Saul, he was putting Christians in prison, and now he is in prison for the same reason - preaching Jesus!

Have a child read Philippians 1:1-2 then ask the following questions.

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:1–2 CSB)

Who wrote the letter?

Who did they write it to?

What else did you notice?

Deepen: Learn from the Word [What does the text mean?]

Learning about Paul

Read Acts 8:3

Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison. (Acts 8:3 CSB)

What was Saul (now Paul) like before he was a follower of Jesus?

Read Acts 9:3-6

As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul said. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:3–6 CSB)

Who did Saul meet on the way to Damascus?

Read Acts 9:15-16

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15–16 CSB)

What work/job did God give to Saul (Paul) to do?

Read Philemon 13

I wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place. (Philemon 13 CSB)

Why did Saul, now Paul, end up in Prison?

So what changed in Paul’s life after he met Jesus and became a follower?

Play Video: Philippians 1:1-2 https://mrphil.tv/programs/collection-nvmdfqurhae

STOP the video at the 6 min mark when the video goes to review.

For PRESCHOOL you can continue to let it play but for Elementary the review can be done without the video and more interactively with the children.

Learning about Timothy

Read Acts 16:1

Paul went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. (Acts 16:1 CSB)

Where did Timothy live?

For further information on Derbe and Lystra see Bible Places.

Read Acts 16:2

The brothers and sisters at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him. (Acts 16:2 CSB)

What did other people think of Timothy?

Read Acts 16:3

Paul wanted Timothy to go with him; so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek. (Acts 16:3 CSB)

Who wanted to take Timothy with him on their journey?

Read 2 Timothy 1:5

I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also. (2 Timothy 1:5 CSB)

Who shared their faith with Timothy?

What kind of faith did Paul say Timothy had; no faith, weak faith or sincere faith?

Play Video: Philippians 1:3-6 https://mrphil.tv/programs/collection-nvmdfqurhae

STOP the video at the 6 min mark when the video goes to review.

For PRESCHOOL you can continue to let it play but for Elementary the review can be done together and more interactively.

Paul is filled with joy because of

Friends in Christ

Family in Christ

Future Promises in Christ

Paul is so excited he is moved to pray regularly for his friends.

ACTIVITY/SMALL GROUP

Learning about Philippi

Find Philippi on a map

Read Acts 16:3-15

On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate by the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women gathered there. A God-fearing woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying. After she and her household were baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. (Acts 16:13–15 CSB)

Who became a follower of Jesus when Paul and his missionary team visited Philippi?

Read Acts 16:25-34

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose. When the jailer woke up and saw the doors of the prison standing open, he drew his sword and was going to kill himself, since he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Don’t harm yourself, because we’re all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. He escorted them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house. He took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. Right away he and all his family were baptized. He brought them into his house, set a meal before them, and rejoiced because he had come to believe in God with his entire household. (Acts 16:25–34 CSB)

Who became a follower of Jesus when Paul and Silas were in prison in Philippi?

You can also use the map to trace Paul’s journey from Acts to Lystra & Derbe.

Key Verse Activity (Underlined portion for PRESCHOOL)

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, (Philippians 1:3–4 CSB)

14 Ways to help Memorize verses

Practice giving thanks and/or praying.

Make a list of things thankful for. Tell God.

Make a list of people who have helped you follow Jesus. Thank God for them. Tell them how much they’ve helped you grow to be like Jesus.

Other Activities

Brainstorm games/activities that focus on teamwork, working together, same mission, etc.

For PRESCHOOL this could be part of play or a more structured activity.

Share stories of how you met Jesus, and who helped you to start following Jesus.

Wordsearch on Philippians 1:1-6

Coloring Page on Philippians 1:6

WORSHIP

Let’s end our Bible lesson time today with our special song for this unit, God Made Me And You

WRAP UP