ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date:
This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word BEFORE your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we want YOU to be the one to introduce this part of The Big God Story to them. For additional support in spiritual parenting and to learn more about creating transforming environments in your home, be sure to pick up HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource from your church, or download it at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
4.8 God Is Contentment Part of The Big God Story
Younger Kids
Did You Know? • Paul’s letter to the Philippians overflows with joy, love, and peace. • We gather from 2 Corinthians 8:2 that by the time Paul would have written this letter, the churches in the region of Philippi would have been suffering from poverty and persecution. Unlike other early churches, this church wasn’t overcome by serious problems of doctrine, heresy, or sin.
r Fun children Just fopass age, ask your
Before you read this week’s they think having more what makes them feel content. Do What are those things? things would make them content? ain situations in their Would they feel more content if certthose situations? Then lives were different? If so, what are your children that true read Philippians 4:4–9. Explain to t we possess or our contentment doesn’t depend on wha comes from God. circumstances. Instead, contentment
Older Kids Your child will likely experience extreme emotions at this age. Though this can be unsettling at times, talking through these emotions with your child can reassure her that what she’s experiencing is a normal part of development.
• Paul most likely wrote the letter to the Philippians from Rome, during his imprisonment detailed in Acts 28. From prison Paul instructed the Philippians on how to have peace through trials. While chained to two guards, Paul told his readers how to do all things without grumbling and to rejoice in the Lord always.
Philippians 3—4
Letter to the Philippians
Your child may be easily distracted when it comes to getting homework done. Help him stay focused by creating an environment that’s conducive to his learning style.
Remember Verse Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 5:5
Teachable Moments After reading Philippians 4:4–9, discuss the following together: • What does it mean to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable? • What are some examples of these things? • What should we do when we’re anxious? • Where in your life do you need God to help you be more content?
Blessing
For more information about blessing your child see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource.
A blessing to pray over your child:
© 2015 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.
(Child’s name), may God give you contentment in both the easy times and the hard times. In every situation, may you trust that God is working everything together for good.