Believers are told to “Live by faith, not by sight,” in 2 Corinthians 5:7. But what does that look like in our lives? What is faith, and what evidences should be present as followers of Christ? This fourth and last part of the “Walk Series” will help children grasp the concept of faith by looking at the world around them and provide appropriate methods they can use to continually grow in their faith.
TARGET AGES: 10-14
OBJECTIVE: To learn how evidences of faith should be present in a believer’s life.
MAIN IDEA: Walking in faith means relying and trusting in God when we don’t understand our circumstances. Others should be able tell we are believers because of our faithful actions.
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES: Hebrews 11:1, Matthew 17:20, Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 9:9-11, 2 Corinthians 5:7
MATERIAL(S): mustard seeds, very small glass bottles with corks, hot glue, colorful twine or yarn, small wooden plaques, paint pens, glitter pens, markers
Introduction (10 minutes)
OPENING PRAYER: “God, give us faith to follow you no matter what. Amen.”
ICE BREAKER: Prepare by placing one mustard seed in a small bottle for each child. Use a little bit of hot glue to permanently affix the cork stoppers.
Say, “Today we are talking about faith. Let’s read the biblical definition of faith found in Hebrews 11:1.” After reading the verse, ask the following discussion questions:
- What is something we know exists but can’t see (air, wind, gravity, etc)?
- How do we know it exists (because we see the evidences of its presence)?
- What evidences of faith are in our lives? Can others even tell we are believers?
Tell the children that Jesus said nothing would be impossible if we have faith even as small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). Give a mustard seed to each child. Say, “These small mustard seeds become trees after extended times of growth. Therefore, if we want to grow in faith, we must keep moving forward in our relationships to Christ.” Tie the twine or yarn around the necks of the bottles and allow the children to keep the mustard seeds as reminders of the power of faith.
Lesson (15 minutes)
- Explain that there are many people who showed incredible faith in the bible, such as Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and Paul. Comment, “Today we are going to focus on Noah and the evidences and effects of his faith.” Read Hebrews 11:7 and Genesis 9:9-11. Ask, “What was it that Noah couldn’t see (the eventual flood)? What made him act in obedience (holy fear) and what was the result (he save his family, became an heir of righteousness, and God promised to never flood the earth again)?” Talk about the enormous task of building the ark: it was 450 feet long (90 feet longer than a football field), 75 feet wide (almost as wide as an eight story building), and 45 feet high (as tall as two flag poles)! Say, “It would have been easy for Noah to be overwhelmed with what God asked him to do. However, his holy fear and trust in God equipped Noah to act on his faith, and the entire earth has benefitted because of his obedience.”
- Lastly, read 2 Corinthians 5:7. Tell the children about a time in your life when you “lived by faith, not by sight” and emphasize the assurance you received when God finally revealed his plan. Say, “Living by faith means trusting God’s promises and that he has a good plan even when things don’t seem to be going right. Our faith, even if it is as small as a mustard seed, will grow when we continually choose to obey God.” Further discuss actions that increase our faith such as prayer, reading the bible, serving others, and leading others to Christ. Add that it is impossible to walk in faith if you’ve never trusted in Jesus Christ, and then outline how to become a believer. Allow time for questions concerning how to become a Christian.
“Live by Faith” Craft: (15 minutes)
Pass out the wooden plaques and disperse the paint pens, glitter pens, and markers. Say, “We are going to make a craft that reminds us to live by faith.” Ask the children to write, “Live by Faith, 2 Corinthians 5:7” on the plaques and decorate accordingly. Upon completion, encourage the children to display their plaques somewhere in their home to be reminded of the day’s lesson.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
RECAP: Walking in faith requires daily obedience, trust, and prayer. When we live our faith others will be able to see that we believe in Jesus.
CLOSING PRAYER: “Lord, we believe in you through faith. We trust your plan and ask you to help us walk in faith and lead others to Christ. Amen.”