Gospel Kids Group Guide (10/1)
Introduction:
We have spent the last several weeks looking at the spiritual discipline of worship. We have been focusing on the truth that there is only one true God, and that He is deserving of all our praise and worship. Last week we looked at the Day of Atonement and what worship looked like in the Old Testament. This week, we will wrap up our discussion on worship by looking at what happens when we worship God.
On Sunday, kids learned about king Ahab and his disobedience to the Lord. Even after experiencing a victory from the Lord in battle, Ahab responded with disobedience rather than worship. Ahab refused to listen to the instructions from the Lord’s prophet, and he was greedy for that which was not his. These sins had consequences, and Ahab received judgment when he was killed in a battle he was told not to wage.
This Wednesday, we will look at Acts 16:16-29 and see how Paul and Silas responded in worship when they were in prison. God moved powerfully through their worship, freeing them from prison and using the situation to save the Philippian jailer. However, Paul and Silas did not know how the Lord would respond when they began to worship. They worshiped out of obedience, not expecting or demanding any particular result, yet God worked powerfully anyway.
No matter what situation we may find ourselves in, we can always rest in the hope of our salvation. God can work powerfully through our worship, but even if He doesn’t, nothing can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus, and that is always worthy of our praise and celebration!
Discussion Guide:
The first 4 questions are designed to review material from the previous weeks:
Each week we gather to learn about spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines are practices that help us do what? (grow in love for God and godliness)
What are some spiritual disciplines we have talked about recently?
What is worship?
What are some ways we can worship and celebrate God?
Read Acts 16:25-29 and share the story of Paul and Silas
How do you think you would have responded if you were in Paul and Silas’ position?
What did Paul and Silas do while they were in prison?
What happened next?
How did the jailer respond when he found out all of the prisoners were still in their cells?
CHRIST CONNECTION: How do you think Paul and Silas were able to worship God in prison? [Allow responses.]
SAY Paul and Silas knew that they did not have to face hard times on their own. They knew Jesus had died on the cross for their sins and that He rose again. They knew that no matter what happened to them, they already had eternal life in the presence of God. Worship is powerful. By worshiping God in a scary situation, it reminded them that God had already defeated death through Jesus and that He was in control. Worshiping God allowed Paul and Silas to remain peaceful, have joy, and trust God, even in prison. We can also get through tough situations when we worship God.
Close in prayer, focusing on worshiping and giving thanks to God for His death on the cross, our eternal hope, and the fact that no matter what happens, we can always praise and worship God for His gift of salvation.
Activity Ideas:
GROUP DEMONSTRATION: LEAN ON GOD
Before this session, fill a bag or backpack with several heavy items, such as large books. It needs to be heavy enough that it is difficult for a kid to hold but not impossible. Invite a volunteer to come up on stage and see how long they can hold the bag up. After the kid gives up, invite a second volunteer on stage to help them hold the bag up. Invite the rest of the kids to cheer them on and celebrate as they try and hold the bag up for a longer amount of time. Thank your volunteers and allow them to return to their seats.
SAY, It was difficult for our volunteer to hold this heavy bag on his own for very long. He could hold it up for a longer amount of time when he had help from a second kid. It was also encouraging to have everyone cheering! Just like Paul and Silas and our volunteer today, we don’t have to face heavy situations alone. We can get through tough times when we lean on God and celebrate His goodness together.
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)
