Investing in God’s Work
1 Thessalonians 2:1–12
We can help others know Jesus by telling the truth, loving people, and being a good example.
Welcome, Prayer & Fun Icebreaker
Opening Prayer:
“Dear God, thank You for loving us and for giving us the Bible. Please help us listen, learn, and understand how we can serve You and love others. Help us to be honest, kind, and a good example like Paul. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Icebreaker – “Who Helped You?”
Ask your child/children:
- Who is someone who has helped you learn about God or Jesus?
(Examples: parent, grandparent, Sunday School teacher, friend)
- What’s one thing they did that helped you?
(Examples: prayed with me, read the Bible to me, brought me to church, talked with me when I was sad)
Connect it:
Those people were investing in you—spending time and love to help you know Jesus better. Today we’ll learn how we can invest in others too!
Bible Study
Explain briefly:
Paul was a man who loved Jesus. He went to a city called Thessalonica, told people about Jesus, and started a church there. Later he wrote them a letter to remind them how he served them and how they should serve others.
- For younger kids:
Read selected verses:
- 1 Thessalonians 2:3–4, 7–8, 10–12
- For older kids:
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 together.
You can have kids take turns reading a few verses each.
Ask:
Listen for how Paul treated the people and what kind of example he gave.
Main Point #1 – Tell the Truth (Commitment to Truth)
Effective ministry starts with telling the truth and having the right heart.
- Paul told the truth about Jesus, even when it was hard.
- Some people were mean to him and hurt him, but he kept on sharing the good news.
- Paul didn’t tell people what they wanted to hear to make them like him. He told them what was true because he loved God and them.
For older kids, you can add:
- The Bible says God knows everything about our hearts. We can’t hide our real reasons from Him.
Quick Discussion:
1. What is the “good news” about Jesus?
(Guide them: Jesus is God’s Son, He died for our sins, rose again, and we can be forgiven and be with God forever if we trust Him.)
2. Why might it be hard sometimes to talk about Jesus or do the right thing?
Possible answers:
- Friends might laugh at us.
- We might be shy.
- We might be afraid people won’t like us.
3. Who should we try to please more: people or God? Why?
Emphasize:
We want to be honest and tell the truth about Jesus because we love God and people—not because we want attention or praise.
Main Point #2 – Love People (Concern for People)
- Paul said he cared for the people like a gentle mother caring for her baby.
- He didn’t only talk about Jesus; he shared his life with them.
- He even worked day and night so he wouldn’t be a burden to them. That’s sacrifice.
Ask:
1. What does it mean to be gentle with someone?
(Kind, patient, not rough with hands or words.)
2. How did Paul show love for the people?
- He was gentle.
- He worked hard so he didn’t make things harder for them.
- He shared his life, not just words.
3. What does it look like to “share your life” with someone?
Examples:
- Playing with a new kid at school.
- Sitting with someone who is alone.
- Helping a sibling with homework.
- Praying for a friend.
- Inviting someone to church or VBS.
Simple Activity – “Ways to Care”
On a whiteboard or big paper, write: Ways We Can Love People Like Paul Did
Have kids call out ideas; you write them. Try to get at least 10 examples:
- Smile and say hi to new kids at church.
- Help clean up after snack or craft.
- Share toys instead of fighting.
- Make a card for someone who is sick.
- Pray for a friend who is sad.
- Help a younger kid understand a Bible story.
Close this section by saying:
When we really love people and show it, that’s a powerful way to help them see Jesus.
Main Point #3 – Be a Good Example (Godly Example)
People watch how we live. We can show them what following Jesus looks like.
- Paul said he lived in a way that was holy, right, and blameless.
- Holy– set apart for God, trying to obey Him.
- Right – doing what is fair and good.
- Blameless – not doing things that make people say, “That’s wrong” about him.
- Paul also encouraged each person like a loving father teaching his children how to live for God.
Ask:
1. Who is someone you know who is a good example of following Jesus?
- What do they do that shows they love God?
2. If a younger kid followed your example, what would they learn?
- About praying?
- About reading the Bible?
- About how to speak to others?
- About how to share or be kind?
3. What does it mean to walk in a way that makes God happy (walk worthy of God) each day?
Help them think of daily things:
- Telling the truth even when it’s hard.
- Obeying parents.
- Not cheating in school.
- Saying kind words instead of mean ones.
- Choosing good shows/games.
Object Lesson – “Shadows / Footsteps”
If you can, use a simple demonstration:
- Have one child walk slowly across the room. Tell another child, “Follow exactly in their footsteps.”
- Explain:
“Just like you followed their footsteps, other people—especially younger kids—might follow what you do. We want our footsteps to lead them closer to Jesus.”
Putting It All Together – Investing in God’s Work
Paul shows us three big ways to help people know Jesus and grow:
1. Tell the Truth – Be honest and share the good news about Jesus. Try to please God, not just people.
2. Love People – Be gentle and kind. Don’t just say you love God—show love by helping and caring for others.
3. Be a Good Example – Live in a way that others can copy. Let your life show what following Jesus looks like.
This is called ministry—serving God by serving people. Ministry is not just for pastors or teachers. It’s for every Christian, even kids!
Application:
For Younger Kids
Ask each child:
- This week, what is one kind thing you can do for someone to show God’s love?
- Help Mom or Dad without being asked.
- Play with someone who is left out.
- Say something kind to a brother or sister.
For Older Kids
Give them simple reflection questions (discuss or let them write):
1. If everyone in our church served and helped like I do, what would our church be like?
2. What is one way I can tell the truth about Jesus this week?
3. Who is one person I can encourage or help this week?
Challenge:
Pick one person you will try to help or encourage this week. It could be a friend from school, a brother or sister, or another kid at church. Think of a specific way you will do it.
---
Closing Prayer
“Dear God, thank You for Paul’s example and for Your Word.
Help us to:
- Tell the truth about Jesus,
- Really love and care for people, and
- Be good examples to others.
Show us one person we can help or encourage this week. Please bless Vacation Bible School this week and bring kids and families who need to hear about You. Give us pure hearts and strong courage to serve You.
In Jesus name, amen.
Optional Add-Ons
Depending on time and age, you can add:
Memory Verse:
Mark 10:45
1 Thessalonians 2:1–12
We can help others know Jesus by telling the truth, loving people, and being a good example.
Welcome, Prayer & Fun Icebreaker
Opening Prayer:
“Dear God, thank You for loving us and for giving us the Bible. Please help us listen, learn, and understand how we can serve You and love others. Help us to be honest, kind, and a good example like Paul. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Icebreaker – “Who Helped You?”
Ask your child/children:
- Who is someone who has helped you learn about God or Jesus?
(Examples: parent, grandparent, Sunday School teacher, friend)
- What’s one thing they did that helped you?
(Examples: prayed with me, read the Bible to me, brought me to church, talked with me when I was sad)
Connect it:
Those people were investing in you—spending time and love to help you know Jesus better. Today we’ll learn how we can invest in others too!
Bible Study
Explain briefly:
Paul was a man who loved Jesus. He went to a city called Thessalonica, told people about Jesus, and started a church there. Later he wrote them a letter to remind them how he served them and how they should serve others.
- For younger kids:
Read selected verses:
- 1 Thessalonians 2:3–4, 7–8, 10–12
- For older kids:
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 together.
You can have kids take turns reading a few verses each.
Ask:
Listen for how Paul treated the people and what kind of example he gave.
Main Point #1 – Tell the Truth (Commitment to Truth)
Effective ministry starts with telling the truth and having the right heart.
- Paul told the truth about Jesus, even when it was hard.
- Some people were mean to him and hurt him, but he kept on sharing the good news.
- Paul didn’t tell people what they wanted to hear to make them like him. He told them what was true because he loved God and them.
For older kids, you can add:
- The Bible says God knows everything about our hearts. We can’t hide our real reasons from Him.
Quick Discussion:
1. What is the “good news” about Jesus?
(Guide them: Jesus is God’s Son, He died for our sins, rose again, and we can be forgiven and be with God forever if we trust Him.)
2. Why might it be hard sometimes to talk about Jesus or do the right thing?
Possible answers:
- Friends might laugh at us.
- We might be shy.
- We might be afraid people won’t like us.
3. Who should we try to please more: people or God? Why?
Emphasize:
We want to be honest and tell the truth about Jesus because we love God and people—not because we want attention or praise.
Main Point #2 – Love People (Concern for People)
- Paul said he cared for the people like a gentle mother caring for her baby.
- He didn’t only talk about Jesus; he shared his life with them.
- He even worked day and night so he wouldn’t be a burden to them. That’s sacrifice.
Ask:
1. What does it mean to be gentle with someone?
(Kind, patient, not rough with hands or words.)
2. How did Paul show love for the people?
- He was gentle.
- He worked hard so he didn’t make things harder for them.
- He shared his life, not just words.
3. What does it look like to “share your life” with someone?
Examples:
- Playing with a new kid at school.
- Sitting with someone who is alone.
- Helping a sibling with homework.
- Praying for a friend.
- Inviting someone to church or VBS.
Simple Activity – “Ways to Care”
On a whiteboard or big paper, write: Ways We Can Love People Like Paul Did
Have kids call out ideas; you write them. Try to get at least 10 examples:
- Smile and say hi to new kids at church.
- Help clean up after snack or craft.
- Share toys instead of fighting.
- Make a card for someone who is sick.
- Pray for a friend who is sad.
- Help a younger kid understand a Bible story.
Close this section by saying:
When we really love people and show it, that’s a powerful way to help them see Jesus.
Main Point #3 – Be a Good Example (Godly Example)
People watch how we live. We can show them what following Jesus looks like.
- Paul said he lived in a way that was holy, right, and blameless.
- Holy– set apart for God, trying to obey Him.
- Right – doing what is fair and good.
- Blameless – not doing things that make people say, “That’s wrong” about him.
- Paul also encouraged each person like a loving father teaching his children how to live for God.
Ask:
1. Who is someone you know who is a good example of following Jesus?
- What do they do that shows they love God?
2. If a younger kid followed your example, what would they learn?
- About praying?
- About reading the Bible?
- About how to speak to others?
- About how to share or be kind?
3. What does it mean to walk in a way that makes God happy (walk worthy of God) each day?
Help them think of daily things:
- Telling the truth even when it’s hard.
- Obeying parents.
- Not cheating in school.
- Saying kind words instead of mean ones.
- Choosing good shows/games.
Object Lesson – “Shadows / Footsteps”
If you can, use a simple demonstration:
- Have one child walk slowly across the room. Tell another child, “Follow exactly in their footsteps.”
- Explain:
“Just like you followed their footsteps, other people—especially younger kids—might follow what you do. We want our footsteps to lead them closer to Jesus.”
Putting It All Together – Investing in God’s Work
Paul shows us three big ways to help people know Jesus and grow:
1. Tell the Truth – Be honest and share the good news about Jesus. Try to please God, not just people.
2. Love People – Be gentle and kind. Don’t just say you love God—show love by helping and caring for others.
3. Be a Good Example – Live in a way that others can copy. Let your life show what following Jesus looks like.
This is called ministry—serving God by serving people. Ministry is not just for pastors or teachers. It’s for every Christian, even kids!
Application:
For Younger Kids
Ask each child:
- This week, what is one kind thing you can do for someone to show God’s love?
- Help Mom or Dad without being asked.
- Play with someone who is left out.
- Say something kind to a brother or sister.
For Older Kids
Give them simple reflection questions (discuss or let them write):
1. If everyone in our church served and helped like I do, what would our church be like?
2. What is one way I can tell the truth about Jesus this week?
3. Who is one person I can encourage or help this week?
Challenge:
Pick one person you will try to help or encourage this week. It could be a friend from school, a brother or sister, or another kid at church. Think of a specific way you will do it.
---
Closing Prayer
“Dear God, thank You for Paul’s example and for Your Word.
Help us to:
- Tell the truth about Jesus,
- Really love and care for people, and
- Be good examples to others.
Show us one person we can help or encourage this week. Please bless Vacation Bible School this week and bring kids and families who need to hear about You. Give us pure hearts and strong courage to serve You.
In Jesus name, amen.
Optional Add-Ons
Depending on time and age, you can add:
Memory Verse:
Mark 10:45