Lesson for the week of February 28, 2021
Memory verse: Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Parent Instructions
Hello Parents! It’s another week in Westwood Uptown Online! Whether you’re with us at home or in person, this is a great opportunity to get involved, together, with this week’s Uptown Bible story. Here’s how you can enjoy this week’s Uptown Online…you’ll find a number of helpful resources you can do with your child(ren):
Watch & Discuss
Watch the video together. Included are animated Bible stories, teachings, and explanations of the Bible story. Discuss the Talk It Over Questions. Questions will include conversations about the Bible story to allow you and your children to reflect on the biblical truth and share your thoughts about the video with each other.
Download Resources
Included are coloring pages, craft or activity sheets, games, additional questions or ideas to engage with the Bible story further at home with your child.
Family Ice Breaker: If You Could….
Be in the movie of your choice, what movie would you choose and what character would you play?
THIS WEEK: Letters to Church Leaders 1–2 Timothy; Titus
What We’ve Learned
Story Point:
Paul wrote to give Timothy and Titus advice and to help all church leaders know how to lead God’s people.
Big Picture Question:
What is our mission as Christians? Our mission is to make disciples of all nations by the power of the Holy Spirit.
BIBLE STUDY (just a little background for you):
As the early church expanded outside Jerusalem, new churches were planted in various cities. Each church needed godly leaders to help it grow and stay true to the gospel. Paul understood this need, which is why he wrote letters to some of the leaders in the church. Two of these leaders were Timothy and Titus. Timothy was Paul’s friend. He had traveled with Paul and helped him. Now Timothy was a leader at the church in Ephesus.
Titus was a Gentile believer. He had traveled with Paul, too. Now Titus was on the island of Crete to help train more church leaders. Paul wrote to give Timothy and Titus advice, and he gave instructions for all the church leaders.
Paul warned Timothy and Titus that being a leader was difficult at times, but God had chosen them to be leaders. Their role as leaders put them in a position to serve God. Paul hoped that recognizing this would help them persevere and live in a way that pleased Christ.
As you share with your kids, help them see the value in God’s gift of church leaders. Look for ways to support your leaders so that your kids value them, love them, and respect them. Consider ways your group can encourage your leaders.
At the same time, emphasize that God is at work in them and that they too might be leaders in the church one day—perhaps one day soon. Help your kids see that being a leader is a great privilege to help point others to the gospel.
Finally, be sure that your kids understand that church leaders do not lead on their own. All church leaders follow the leadership of Jesus, who was a servant-leader to us. He gave His life so that we could be forgiven of our sins.
Christ Connection
Paul wrote to guide Timothy and Titus and to help all church leaders know how to lead God’s people. Church leaders help believers know what is true, and they serve the church by following the example of Jesus, who served us by dying on the cross for our sins.
Questions:
- What did Paul acknowledge was a challenge for Timothy? It is often hard to lead and teach people who are older than you because you might lack experience or the wisdom that comes from experience.
- What did Paul say a young person can do to set an example for people both younger and older than you? The choices we make about how we talk and treat others will point people to Jesus.
- Where do we get the power to live a life that points people to Jesus? Our power comes from God through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
- Who are the leaders in our church or in our community?
- What does the story teach me about myself?
Activities & Resources
Family Fun
Check out this week’s Activity page