Creativity Bible Study Character Lesson on the Paralyzed Man

Creativity INTRODUCTION

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id you know that the Wright brothers experi­

mented with more than two hundred different types of wings for their flying machines before discovering the right wings? Thomas Edison tried one thousand times before he created a working light bulb. Inventors persistently try different ways to reach their goals. Whether you are learning to tie your shoelaces, play a sport, or write a story, you may need to try more than once before you succeed.

Patiently invest time and effort to reach your goal. Rather than giving up in defeat, pause and approach the situation from a new perspective. If necessary, take a break—go for a walk or play an instrument—to help you think more clearly. The Bible says, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).

Four Friends Find a Way

CREATIVITY Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective 1

Creativity Overview What Is Creativity?

Read aloud, study, and discuss what creativity means and how it applies to life. laziness, feelings of inadequacy, or a fear of failure.

ing a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspec­

Underachievement may also be due to ignorance,

tive.” Perspective is a point of view or way of looking

limited perspective, or a lack of inspiration. However,

at an object, an idea, or a situation. Each person has

imaginative productivity can grow through the pursuit

a unique way of viewing circumstances. By focusing

of knowledge and wisdom.

only on your own perspective, your understanding will be limited. Many problems can be resolved by looking at a situation differently. Understanding and inspiration often come as you ask God or others for ideas, think of times you did this before, and search for wisdom. Creativity does not always mean having a new idea but may mean applying what you already know in a different way. Working with excellence, the creative person thinks of ways to improve results and produce beyond the status quo.

He is excited to see his ideas benefit others.

A creative person will look for alternate routes when he comes to what may seem to be a dead end.

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God is the ultimate Creator. (See Revelation 10:6.) He created the entire universe from nothing! Since you are made in God’s image, He has given you creative capabilities. How can you cultivate thinking inno­ vatively? One way is to discover God’s creativity in nature. For example, a Swiss engineer who found his dog covered in cockleburs studied the prickly seeds under a microscope and then developed a material called Velcro. An Italian company produced a better ice pick by studying the beak of a woodpecker! Other ways to increase your creativity is to read, brain­ storm, and discuss ideas with others. You can expand your criti­

The opposite of

cal thinking by asking

creativity is under-

various questions

achievement. An under­

such as these: “What

achieving person does

is a more efficient

less than he could or

way to do this?” or

should. Remaining in

“How can I apply this

An underachiever easily gives up when he comes to a dead end.

his comfort zone, he misses opportunities to grow.

concept in different

Apathy may cause him to rush through an assignment

scenarios?” As you

because he doesn’t care about the quality. He may

develop and incorpo­

not realize how his lack of effort impacts others

rate creativity in your life, you can refine ideas, meet

and saps energy. He exerts little effort to find a way

needs, and accomplish tasks for the glory of our

around obstacles. His subpar work may result from

Creator God!

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he operational definition of creativity is “approach­

Creativity in Scripture

see Who He is, and allow Him to work

in you, your life will become a radiant expression of Him. God will be glorified as

CREATIVITY KEY VERSE “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” ROMANS 12:2

His character is seen in you.

The Character of God

Creativity in My Life

We see examples of creativity in God’s character in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out creativity daily.

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God created heaven and earth from nothing and later formed man from the dust of the ground.

(See Genesis 1:1–2, 2:7.)

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God used a variety of plagues to demonstrate His power to the resistant Egyptian pharaoh.

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(See Colossians 1:16, Revelation 4:11.)

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God makes a way to bring life in the most unlikely situations.

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When pressed by the crowd at the lake, Jesus innovatively solved the problem by preaching from a nearby boat.

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Jesus used everyday objects to creatively reveal heavenly truths.

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Christ’s renovations result in new things.

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(See II Corinthians 5:17.)

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The Holy Spirit guides us in His will, sometimes in unexpected ways.

(See Acts 8:38–40.)

What perspective might I glean from observing the awesome creativity of God? (See Psalm 19:1–2, Proverbs 30:25–28.)

(See Matthew 5:13–16, Luke 12:6–7.)

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How can I guard my mind so that my thinking does not cross the boundaries set forth in God’s Word?

(See Psalm 119:11, Ecclesiastes 12:1.)

(See Luke 5:1–3.)

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How can I learn to see things from a new viewpoint?

(See Psalm 73:16–17, 119:18, 97–100; Proverbs 1:5.)

(See Isaiah 43:19.)

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What should be the purpose of my creative expression?

(See I Corinthians 10:31–33.)

(See Exodus 7:15–17, 10:1–2.)

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Why did God create me?

Why does God give people multiple perspectives and gifts?

(See Ephesians 4:11–14.)

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How can I use my abilities for good?

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s you read and study God’s Word,

(See I Peter 4:10–11.)

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Bible Story FOUR FRIENDS FIND A WAY

He chose to teach in desert places, where the people

in Jesus’ ministry, He taught in synagogues throughout

went to see and hear Him. One day, Jesus visited a

Galilee. People were amazed by His wisdom and

house in the city of Capernaum. As soon as people

miracles. Once, while He was teaching in a synagogue,

heard that He was there, they hastily crowded into the

He cast out an unclean spirit from a man! Another

house and around the door. Who would also come to

time, Jesus was visiting the home of two disciples and

see Jesus that day and why? What would they do when

cured Peter’s mother-in-law, who had a fever. Jesus

they realized that they could not enter the house? What

healed many people who came to Him with diseases,

creative idea would God give them, and how would their

including an outcast leper! News of these miracles

persistent efforts be rewarded?

spread quickly, and people thronged to see and hear

Let’s read the Bible story in Luke 5:17–26 and then discuss the following questions.

Jesus. Soon, He could no longer enter the cities without

1. Who was sitting nearby as Jesus taught? Did their presence prevent Jesus from ministering?

(See Luke 5:17.)

Should you allow what others think to deter your obedience to God? What matters more than others’ approval? (See Psalm 118:6.)

2. Why was one man in need of Jesus’ healing?

(See Luke 5:18.) What obstacles were in his way?

(See Mark 2:1–2.)

What difficulties or challenges have you experi­ enced in your schoolwork, chores, or projects?

3. How many of the paralyzed man’s friends helped bring him to Jesus? (See Mark 2:3.)

In what ways can you welcome others’ help when you need it, rather than insist on trying by yourself? (See Ecclesiastes 4:9–12.)

4. When the friends were unable to enter at the door, what was their creative idea? (See Luke 5:19.)

How have you creatively approached a regular or difficult task?

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multitudes of people pressing about Him. Consequently,

5. What did Jesus observe about the four friends? (See Luke 5:20a.)

What actions or words demonstrate that you have faith that God is able to help you?

6. What did Jesus say to the ill man and to the religious leaders? (See Luke 5:20b, 23–24.)

What does Jesus offer to meet your spiritual need? (See Colossians 1:14.) How might you help someone both spiritually and physically?

7. Did the four friends achieve their goal when they tried a new approach? What happened?

(See Luke 5:24–25.)

Describe a time when God gave you success as you tried a new way to do something.

8. Who gave glory to God for this miracle?

(See Luke 5:25–26.)

Who deserves the credit when you come up with creative ideas and find success?

(See John 15:5.)

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esus ministered publicly for three years and showed what the Kingdom of God looked like on earth. Early

Memory Verse ROMANS 12:2

Play the game together to help the children commit Romans 12:2 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

MEMORY VERSE GAME Category Stand-ups

DOERS OF THE WORD In the blank below, write how this verse could be applied in your life, e.g., “know and believe what is

Call out a category. Here are some examples of categories:

true,” “renew my mind by memorizing and thinking

everyone whose favorite animal has four legs, everyone who

on Your Word,” or “trust that Your way is best.”

likes chocolate milk, and everyone who enjoys riding a bike.

When a category is called, those who fit the description should stand up and say the verse together. Continue to play until each person can say the verse from memory.

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to _________________ __________________________________________ ��������������������������������������������.

I ask that You would develop creativity in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s

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ROMANS 12:2

working in your life.

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Word Puzzle WORD SEARCH

Instructions Enjoy meditating on and thinking about the words of the creativity key verse and definition as you find them in the word search below. The underlined words are hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or backwards.

(Answers can be found on page 13.)

Romans 12:2

A N D G N I W E N E R R O

C Q Y O I L L I W A O R H

C S T S H A D A N P M U Z

E V I T C E P S R E P O L

P H V A A T F O O R E Y R

T W I S O O V B E F U D T

A O T K R E Y E Y E W A U

B R A M P P S A H C H Z B

L L E G P J M J A T A H T

E D R O A I J Q B N T N J

B Y C O N F O R M E D T D

C G O D F T G B U Y X X Z

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Creativity Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

If finding the underlined words is too difficult or frustrating for your child, assign only a few words to find, such as “new” and “good.” Younger children could point to the ABCs. Older children may enjoy the extra challenge of finding all the words of the verse instead of only the underlined words.

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Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

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J A Z K G A N S Z F F T M

Activity _______

Introduction Photocopy this page so that the children can fill in the blanks to discover the title of the activity.

To discover the activity’s title, fill in the blanks with the underlined letters, in the order in which they appear in the following paragraph: This month we are asking God to develop creativity in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! Today we are going to practice looking at things from a new perspective. We may not see any opportunities, but God does, and He can reveal those to us. God is the source of creativity, and as we listen to His leading and view life from His perspective, He will build creativity into our lives.

Supplies: 3 sheets of blank paper per child • Pencil • Washable markers • Whiteboard, markers, and eraser •

Instructions Hand each child 3 sheets of paper and washable markers.

I am going to draw a shape or a combination of shapes on the whiteboard. After I draw the shape or shapes, you draw the same thing on one sheet of paper.

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

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_____

(For example, draw a triangle on the whiteboard and then wait for the children to draw a triangle on their papers.

Repeat this step, using any simple shape or combination of two shapes. See ideas in the example picture.)

Now, take your markers and papers and find a place to work alone. Sit far enough apart so that you cannot easily see each other’s work. Use your markers to draw a picture that uses the shape or shapes on each paper.

At first, you may find yourself staring at the shapes and seeing them as obstacles. You may think, “I can’t see any­ thing these shapes could become!” Ask God for creativity to help you think of something you could draw that has that particular shape in it. When you are finished, we will regroup and show each other our artwork.

At the beginning of this activity, everyone drew the same shapes, but look how different your newly created drawings are! God gave each of us a creative, unique perspective on the same shapes. Similarly, ideas from multiple people can help us see various approaches to situations we face every day. When we brainstorm together, we can encourage each other to contribute ideas by listening attentively and respectfully to each suggestion instead of rejecting or ignoring it. Use each suggestion as a springboard to even better ideas!

Involving others can help you discover a variety of options. Together, you can find opportunities in spite of obstacles!

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Explaining Salvation to a Child Christ Our Righteousness You will need the following items: sticky notes, pen, and a white bed sheet. through Christ. (See John 17:3.) If we accept God’s gift of

Select a volunteer who would not mind standing to represent the sin of all people. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is any­ thing we think, say, or do that breaks God’s Law. Can you name some examples of sin? As the children answer, write their examples on sticky notes and place them onto the volunteer’s clothing (e.g., speaking unkind words, stealing, disobeying, doing good with wrong motives).

Remove the sticky notes and wrap the white sheet around

Because we have all sinned, and God is holy, we are eter­ nally separated from Him. However, because God loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, Who died on the cross to pay for our sin and Who rose again to conquer death! Now we can have fellowship with God forever

salvation, Christ’s blood cleanses us from sin, and His righteousness is put upon us! (See II Corinthians 5:21.) the volunteer to represent Jesus’ robe of righteousness.

Isaiah 31:10 describes what has happened this way: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness. . . .” In Romans 10:9–10, we are told how we can accept this gift: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Are you trusting in Jesus Christ for your salvation? If so, your sins are forgiven and Christ is living in you!

In a Nutshell 1. God created all things (Colossians 1:16). God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). God loves us (John 3:16).

2. Our sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23).

3. God sent His Son, Jesus, to provide the way for our sins to be forgiven and for

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crucifixion on the cross, His burial, and His glorious resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3–4).

4. We can do nothing to earn salvation. It is a free gift from God that we receive by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

5. We receive that gift of salvation by confessing with our mouth that Jesus

Your new, inward identity is one of righteousness in God’s eyes. The more you realize that you are a new creature in Christ and walk in the Spirit, the more your outward actions will demonstrate Christ living in you. Just as the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, you can also say, “I am cruci­ fied with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” God gives

fellowship with Him to be

is Lord and believing in

us eternal life—sweet constant fellowship in the

restored (Ephesians 1:6–7).

our heart that God has

Spirit with our Savior—and then His righteous­

Jesus accomplished our

raised Him from the dead

ness is seen in us for His glory. (See John 15:4–10.)

salvation through His

(Romans 10:9–10).

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he Bible tells us about God. He is the Creator of the universe and He is holy. God loves us and created us to have fellowship with Him. (See Revelation 4:11.)

Hymn History “All Creatures of Our God and King” Sing “All Creatures of Our God and King” and read about how Saint Francis creatively expressed his praise to God. creativity is displayed not only in the immense diver­

sat still, listening to the singing birds and the gentle

the incredible preciseness and interdependence of the

breeze rustling in the trees. He felt the warmth of the

earth, sun, and moon. Indeed, everything praises God!

sun. A painful eye infection had weakened his sight

In the final verse of his hymn, Saint Francis exalts the

and was slowly rendering him blind; but although his

Triune Godhead:

vision was failing, his other senses were heightened.

The Italian man was Giovanni Bernardone. Born into a wealthy family around A.D. 1200, he lived an indulgent life until age twenty-five, when he dedicated his life to God. Mr. Bernardone declined the rich

sity of the animal kingdom but is also highlighted in

Let all things their Creator bless, And worship Him in humbleness, O praise Him, Alleluia!

Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, And praise the Spirit, Three in One.

inheritance that was his due and chose instead to

The English version of the hymn was produced when

live a simple life of self-denial. What a dramatic

a British rector named William Draper translated

change in lifestyle—from possessing great riches to

it for a children’s choir festival. Translating a hymn

having only the barest of necessities! Mr. Bernardone is better known as Saint Francis of Assisi. He lived peacefully near the Italian village of Assisi and spent his days preaching and helping the poor.

Saint Francis creatively expressed the joy within his soul by writing these words, which became the hymn titled “All Creatures of Our God and King”: All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam, O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

also requires creativity, which is “approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective.” A linguist must find the best words to convey the original writer’s meaning and also make sure that the new words rhyme! With his creativity, Mr. Draper successfully translated Saint Francis’ hymn of praise into English in 1919. The hymn is still popular today, more than one hundred years after it was translated into English.

Saint Francis of Assisi (1182–1226)

In his praise to God, Saint Francis drew inspiration

May we also be inspired by God’s creation and rejoice!

from the world surrounding him. He acknowledged

May we creatively find ways to express and proclaim

that all creation gives glory to its Maker. God’s amazing

praise to our Lord!

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he Italian summer sun streamed over the tall grass and leafy olive trees. A middle-aged man

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Hymn Sheet Music

All Creatures of Our God and King

Geistliche Kirchengesänge (1623)

       

1. All 2. Thou 3. Thou 4. And 5. Let

crea - tures of our God and rush - ing wind that art so flow - ing wa - ter, pure and all ye men of ten - der all things their Cre - a - tor

       

         

up clouds mu giv wor -

  







 

   

Al Al Al Al Al







 

 

 

your voice and with us that sail in heav'n a sic for thy Lord to ing oth - ers, take your ship Him in hum - ble -

     

 

   

-

le le le le le

  



-

  

lu lu lu lu lu

-

ia! ia! ia! ia! ia!

     

 

Thou Thou Thou Ye Praise,

   ©

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 

King, strong, clear, heart, bless,

 





Lift Ye Make For And

-

     

  

 



 



 











 

 

 

 

 

 

sing long, hear, part, ness,

Al - le O Al - le O O

   

-

lu - ia, praise Him, - lu - ia, sing ye, praise Him,

 

 

burn - ing sun with gold - en ris - ing morn in praise re fire so mas - ter - ful and who long pain and sor - row praise the Fa - ther, praise the

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St. Francis of Assisi (1182–1226)

    

beam, joice, bright, bear, Son,

    

All Creatures of Our God and King



  

Thou Ye That Praise And

   

          gleam, voice, light, care, One,

O O O O O

         

 







sil lights giv God praise



ver of est and the













moon with soft - er eve - ning, find a man both warmth and on Him cast your Spir - it, Three in

 

  

 

    

   

praise praise praise praise praise

Him, Him, Him, Him, Him,

O O O O O

  

praise praise praise praise praise

     

                             Al - le - lu - ia,

Al - le - lu - ia,

Al - le - lu

Him, Him, Him, Him, Him,

-

                       



ia!



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Four Friends Find a Way

“And when they could not come nigh unto [Jesus] for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was . . . ” (Mark 2:4).

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J A Z K G A N S Z F F T M

A N D G N I W E N E R R O

C Q Y O I L L I W A O R H

C S T S H A D A N P M U Z

E V I T C E P S R E P O L

P H V A A T F O O R E Y R

T W I S O O V B E F U D T

Recommended Resources

A O T K R E Y E Y E W A U

B R A M P P S A H C H Z B

L L E G P J M J A T A H T

E D R O A I J Q B N T N J

B Y C O N F O R M E D T D

Hymn History Bibliography

C G O D F T G B U Y X X Z

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2020 Biblical Character Illustrated Calendar

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Hymns for the Family CDs (“All Creatures of Our God and King” is sung to piano accompaniment on Volume 1.)

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The Power for True Success

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Understanding Spiritual Gifts

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Character Cards

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Character Cards Memory Game

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Character Sketches, Volumes I–III

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Achieving True Success

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“Creative Thinking: Thinking Thoughts of God” (Message by Roger Magnuson, available at embassymedia.com)

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Lesson 162 - “Dr. Larry Guthrie: Life Lessons From a Coffee Maker” (Message by Larry Guthrie, available at embassymedia.com)

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“How to Teach One Thing, Eight Differ­ ent Ways” (Message by Larry Guthrie, available at embassymedia.com)

Osbeck, Kenneth W., 101 Hymn Stories, Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, 1982, pp. 19–21.

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

store.iblp.org

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Word Search Answer Key

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