Big Idea: Sin tears God’s people apart, so we should confess and turn away from our sinful desires.
Bible Basis: 1 Kings 11:1–12:24
Key Verse: “Why do you fight and argue among yourselves? Isn’t it because of your sinful desires? They fight within you.” James 4:1 (NIrV)
OPENING PRAYER
God, thank you for giving us this opportunity to come together around your Word. As we pause from the struggles of this sinful world, help us focus on you, trust in your promises, and find peace in your incredible love for us. Strengthen our faith through your Word and keep us always focused on the ultimate gift of eternal life that you have given us through the perfect life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of the story to imagine? Tell us about it.
Why do you think the nation of Israel was torn into two?
For older kids:
What was your favorite part of the story to imagine? Tell us about it.
How do you think Solomon and Rehoboam’s sin affected the nation of Israel?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Write a prayer to God. Tell Him about one of your sins and ask Jesus for forgiveness.
Journal Station prompt: What do you think you could do to keep sin from tearing your group of friends apart? Write a letter to God and tell Him about it.
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: 1 Kings 11:27–40. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: What is your favorite thing to do with your friends? Draw a picture of it.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Imagination Time Machine Connect Activity
- Say: Today we’re going to take one last trip in the ITM. What does that stand for? (Allow kids to answer.) That’s right—the Imagination Time Machine. We’re going to hear a story about a group of people that were torn in two. But first, I have a question for you. We’re going to answer it in a really fun way!
- Directions: Tell the kids that they’ll get to choose who answers the question by tossing an imaginary object to each other. It could be something really small like a flopping fish, something really big like a car, something hot like a fireball, etc. After announcing the object of their choosing, a kid will pretend to throw the object to another kid, adjusting how they throw or catch based on the object. (For example, if it’s a refrigerator, the thrower might grunt when tossing it and the catcher might pretend to get crushed.) After answering the question, the catcher can toss a different object to another kid. Continue until everyone has had a chance to answer the question below:
- Say: When is the last time you had an argument or fight with a friend? What caused it?
+ Circle Sit (Application Activity)
- Say: In today’s story, we saw how Solomon and Rehoboam’s sin caused the nation of Israel to be torn in two. The same can happen to us. Our sin has the power to destroy community and tear friendships apart. We’re going to play a game right now that will help us picture that and think about ways we can stop that from happening.
- Directions: Tell the kids in your group to stand shoulder to shoulder in a tight circle facing inward. Next, ask the kids to make a quarter turn to the left so that everyone is standing front to back. Have the kids move in even closer to one another so that they are almost touching. On the count of 3, have the kids all sit down at once. If done right, the kids should all be sitting on each other’s knees and the whole circle will support itself. If the circle falls, tell the kids to get up and keep trying until they’re successful. Once successful, allow the kids to remain seated for about 10 seconds before gently pulling one of the kids out of the circle so that the whole thing collapses. If time permits and the kids are interested, you can repeat the game multiple times. When finished, tell the kids to take a seat in a circle on the floor and ask the following questions.
- Question: How does that game remind you of what sin can do to a community or a circle of friends?
- Say: In the game, the circle was kind of like a community or a circle of friends. Everyone supported and helped each other. But I was kind of like sin. When sin comes into a community, it can tear friends apart and knock the whole community down.
- Question:: Has that kind of thing ever happened to a group of your friends? In other words, has someone ever done something that caused your group of friends to break apart? What happened?
- Question:: What can you do to stop sin from destroying your community or group of friends?
- Question:: How can this small group of friends right here help each other follow Jesus more?
- Additional Challenge:: If there is extra time, challenge the kids to perform the “circle sit” one more time. This time tell the kids to make the circle walk by all taking a small step forward at the same time with the same foot.
+ Over Under (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Directions:: Place the Bible verse sign in the middle of the group and read it carefully with your kids several times so they can begin to memorize it. Today’s Bible verse says: “Why do you fight and argue among yourselves? Isn’t it because of your sinful desires? They fight within you.” James 4:1. Next, split your group into 2 equal sized teams. (If the teams are uneven, consider having the first kid from the smaller team go twice.) Have the kids line up front to back with their team. Give the first kid in each line a beach ball. When you say, “ready, set, go,” prompt the first kid in each line to quickly recite the verse. Upon completion, they’ll pass the beach ball over their head to the kid behind them. That kid will then pass the beach ball through their legs to the kid behind them. Alternate this “over-under” method until the last kid in line has the beach ball. That kid will then race to the front of the line, recite the verse, and begin passing the ball all over again. The first team to have every kid recite the verse and pass the ball through the line is the winner. If time permits, play multiple rounds.
- Question: Have you ever apologized and asked one of your friends for forgiveness? What happened? Are you still friends?
+ Hang Ten Prayers (Prayer Activity)
- Directions: Begin by teaching the kids in your group how to give the “Hang Ten” hand sign made popular by the surf culture. Extend your thumb and pinky fingers outward while curling your middle three fingers inward. Turn your hand so that your thumb is pointing toward yourself while your pinky is pointed toward others. Tell your kids they can use this as a reminder to pray not only for themselves, but for others too. Go around the circle having each kid practice the “Hang Ten” sign. While they’re practicing the sign, have them share one prayer request for themselves and one prayer request for someone else. When all of the kids have had a chance to share their requests, open the group in prayer. Allow anyone who would like to pray an opportunity to do so. When it seems like everyone who wants a turn has prayed, close the group in a final prayer. Encourage your kids to remember everyone’s prayer request and to be praying for them throughout the week .
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for sending your Spirit to bring me to faith. Thank you for sending your Son to die for my sins. Help me to say no to sin and to turn away from it. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
1 Kings 11-12
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!