Gospel Kids Group Guide

Introduction

In Sunday’s Bible story, the kids heard that things were not going great in Israel. King Jeroboam had misled the Israelites, and they began worshiping golden calves instead of worshiping the one, true God. The further they got from God the more sin entered their lives, and with it came big consequences. A couple of inanimate statues brought much suffering to Israel. But, as Psalm 100:5 tells us, the living God brings a faithful love that endures forever. We cannot guarantee that our kids won’t experience hardships, but we can equip them to rely on and celebrate God in all things.

This week, we are giving kids the tools they need to celebrate their Creator, while reminding them of who He is. As you prepare to lead, take some time to reflect on who God is and what He has done in your life. Enter into a time of thanksgiving and worship Him!

Discussion Guide

1. We have been learning about spiritual disciplines. What is a spiritual discipline? What are examples of spiritual disciplines? (If the kids are young and cannot answer, begin to list things and teach them what spiritual discipline looks like.)

2. What is worship? Worship stems from a knowledge and understanding of who God is. What are some things you know to be true about God?

3. Read Psalm 100.

   • What are some ways that this Psalm tells us we can worship God?

   • What does it mean to serve with gladness? What does it mean to sing joyfully? What does it mean to thank God and bless His name?

   • What are some other ways you might worship God?

   For younger kids, also read Psalm 150 and draw their attention to the instruments used to worship the Lord. Use hand motions to engage their attention.

4. Say, “God created us to worship Him and gave us all different skills and ways to celebrate Him. In Sunday’s Bible study, we learned about a time when God’s people worshiped two golden calves instead of worshiping God. Things did not go well for the people during this time, and they felt hopeless because the statues they worshiped couldn’t do anything for them. When we worship God, it doesn’t mean everything will feel great in that moment. But worshiping God, even when times are tough, helps us to remember that He created us, loves us, and is our heavenly Father.”

5. CHRIST CONNECTION: Say, “At the end of Psalm 100 we are reminded that God is good and His love is forever (Psalm 100:5). We know this is true because of what God did through His Son, Jesus. The Bible tells us that because we sin, we deserve to be forever separated from God’s love. But God sent Jesus to take the punishment for everyone’s sin. Because of this, we can enjoy God’s love forever, if we believe in Jesus and make God the Ruler of our lives. What a great reason to celebrate and worship God!”

6. Close in prayer, focusing on the gift that it is to worship God and giving thanks to Him for what He has done.

Activity Ideas:

• Worship freeze dance - invite kids to dance to an upbeat worship song. When you pause the song, they must stop dancing. Last person to stop dancing is out!

• Worship musical chairs

• Bible verse choreography - have the kids help you come up with motions for one of the following Bible passages about worship: 1 Kings 8:60; Psalm 100; Psalm 150

• Simon says - incorporate cues that reinforce the theme of worship (i.e., clap your hands; dance before the Lord; lift your hands in praise)