2025-04-13 Righteous

Praise and Worship (15 mins)

Parents: The parent and child scheduled for this week will lead us in singing on Sunday. Please take time to practice the songs together at home, helping your child feel confident and joyful as they prepare to lead.

Prayer and Offering (5 mins)

Parents: Please encourage your children to bring an offering to church. You may help your child prepare by setting aside a coin for them to bring on Sunday. This is a great opportunity to teach them about giving to God with a thankful heart and trusting Him to provide.

What is Offering?

Offering is when we give something to God to show our love and thankfulness. In church, we often give money as an offering, but we can also give our time, talents, and kindness to God and others.

Why Do We Make an Offering?

1️⃣ To Thank God – Everything we have comes from God! Giving back is a way to say, “Thank You, God!”
2️⃣ To Trust God – When we give, we show that we trust God to take care of us.
3️⃣ To Help Others – Offerings help the church teach about Jesus, help people in need, and share God’s love.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7,
"God loves a cheerful giver!" That means God is happy when we give with a joyful heart!

Prayer for Offering

Dear God, thank You for giving us everything we need. We want to give back to You with joyful hearts. Please use our offering to help others and share Your love. Help us to always trust You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Review Verse from Last Week

The Lord”
👉 Point both hands up
(Repeat: "The Lord" – everyone point up!)

“is good”
👍 Give a big thumbs-up
(Say: "is good" – thumbs-up!)

 “to all;”
👐 Stretch arms wide, like including everyone
(Say: "to all" – arms wide!)

 “he has compassion”
🤗 Cross arms over your chest like a big hug
(Say: "he has compassion" – give a hug!)

 “on all”
🌍 Point to others around the room
(Say: "on all" – point around!)

 “he has made.”
✋👈 Point to yourself, then sweep your hands out like showing the world
(Say: "he has made" – point and sweep!)

Bible Story (10 min): God is Jealous

Introduction (1 min)

(Hold up a shiny medal, a small trophy, or even a gold star sticker.)

Okay kids, look what I have here! A shiny first place medal! Who here has ever won a prize before? Maybe a race, a spelling contest, or even a game?

(Pause and let a few kids raise their hands and share.)

Awesome! Now imagine this… You ran your very best. You beat everyone else. You clearly won!

(Pretend to hold the prize proudly)

But then… someone else walks up, grabs the medal, and the teacher gives them the prize instead of you.

(Gasp dramatically)

😲 What?! How would you feel?”

(Let the kids respond – "That's not fair!" "I’d be mad!" etc.)

Exactly! That’s not right. The person who won should get the prize. They deserve it.

Well guess what? In our Bible story today, we’ll see how God always deserves first place—because He is the greatest! He’s more important than anything or anyone else. And God won’t let anyone steal the glory that belongs to Him.

Let’s find out what happened when people tried to treat something else like it was just as great as God...

Story Telling (5 min) - God Is First!

(Start with excitement)

Today I want to tell you a true story from the Bible. It’s a little bit funny... but also very important. It’s about a time when someone tried to treat an idol like it was just as great as God. But guess what? God showed them—He is FIRST!

Scene 1: The Ark of God is Taken

(Hold up a picture or a simple box labeled “Ark of God”)

This is the Ark of God. It was a very special box that reminded God’s people of His power and presence. One day, God’s people were in a battle, and their enemies, the Philistines, captured the Ark!

😲 Oh no! That’s not good. They took the Ark and put it inside the temple of their fake god—an idol named Dagon.

Scene 2: Meet Dagon

(Hold up a funny-looking paper idol or drawing labeled “DAGON”)

This is Dagon. He was just a statue—but the Philistines treated him like a god. They put God’s Ark right next to Dagon. Can you imagine that? They thought Dagon was as great as God!

🤔 Do you think that made God happy?

🙅 No way!

Scene 3: First Morning

The next morning, the people came into the temple. Guess what they saw?

(Act surprised and knock over Dagon)

DAGON had fallen flat on his face in front of the Ark of God! It was like he was bowing down to God!

👏 Everyone say: “God is FIRST!”

🎤 So the people stood Dagon back up again.

Scene 4: Second Morning

But the next morning... they came in again…

(Dramatically knock Dagon over again—but this time break off its head or arms if using props)

And DAGON had fallen again! But this time, his hands and head broke off! Uh-oh!

Why did that happen?

Because God won’t let anything take His place.

Everyone say again: “God is FIRST!”

Wrap-up & Discussion (4 min)

Boys and girls, God showed everyone that day: He is the one true God. He is JEALOUS—not in a bad way, but in a holy way. He won’t share His glory with idols or anything else. Only He deserves to be first!

So let me ask you: Is God first in your heart? Or do you sometimes let toys, games, or even friends come before Him?

Let’s remember: God is FIRST—always!

Everyone say it with me one more time: “God is FIRST!”

Memorizing Verse: Exodus 34:14

Alright boys and girls! Today’s verse is short—but powerful! It tells us that God is a jealous God, which means He won’t share His place with anyone else. He wants to be first in our hearts!

Let’s learn it with some hand motions to help us remember.

Verse

Exodus 34:14 – “Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” (NIV)

“Do not worship”
Cross both arms in an “X” in front of your chest (like saying “no!”)

“any other god,”
Point around to pretend there are many things/people in a circle.

“for the LORD,”
Point up with both hands.

“whose name is Jealous,”
Touch your chest (like saying “My name is…”) then make a serious face and pretend to guard your heart with both arms.

“is a jealous God.”
Hold one fist tightly to your chest and the other in the air (like strong and protective), then point up again.

Bible Story (10 min): God is Righteous

Introduction (1 min)

(Hold up a small pail of pretend garbage.)

Wow! Look at this treasure I found! It’s smelly, mushy, messy… GARBAGE!

(Sniff it and smile with great joy.)

Don’t you just love the way it smells? I think I’m going to hug it and keep it forever!

(Hug it tight with excitement.)

I want to carry it with me wherever I go!

(Pause and look around.)

Wait… you’re saying this garbage isn’t something I should love? Why not?

What’s wrong with hugging garbage?

(Let kids respond.)

You’re right. It’s silly—even wrong—to treat garbage like it’s something special or valuable.

(Hold up a stuffed puppy or picture of a puppy.)

What about this? A cute, fluffy puppy! Would it make more sense to love a puppy more than garbage?

(Let kids respond.)

Yes! A puppy is way more valuable than garbage.

(Now hold up a baby doll or picture of a baby.)

Now imagine your baby brother or sister fell down and is crying…

At the same time, your puppy is barking outside, wanting to come in.

Who should you help first?

[Let kids respond.]

Right! You help your brother or sister first—because people are even more important than puppies.

So… if garbage is less valuable than a puppy, and a puppy is less valuable than a person…

What do you think is the most valuable of all?

[Let kids respond: “God!”]

Yes! God is the most valuable of all.

And because God always treasures what is most valuable—Himself—He always does what is right.

That’s called being Righteous. And that’s what we’re learning about today!

Story Telling (5 min) - God Is Righteous!

[Optional props: A small rock and a piece of bread.]

[Display Jesus in the wilderness slide]

Let’s puthear a true story from the Bible about someone who always did what was right—Jesus.

A long time ago, after Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Him out into the wilderness.

The wilderness was a dry, empty place with no homes, no people, and no food.

Jesus stayed there for forty days. That’s more than five weeks! And during that time, He didn’t eat anything. He was very, very hungry.

[Hold up the rock.]

Now imagine this rock right here. It looks hard and gray. But guess what?

Someone came to Jesus and said,

“If you are really the Son of God, turn this stone into bread.”

[Hold up the bread.]

Mmm… can you imagine how good this bread would smell and taste if you hadn’t eaten for 40 days?

But do you know who said that to Jesus? It was Satan, the enemy of God.

Satan wanted Jesus to stop trusting God and do something wrong—something that seemed okay, but would be disobedient.

He wanted Jesus to use His power to take care of Himself instead of waiting for God’s plan.

Do you think Jesus did it?

No! Jesus knew it would be wrong to treasure food more than God.

He remembered what God had said in the Bible:

“People don’t live just by bread, but by every word that comes from God.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)

So Jesus did the right thing. He said No to Satan.

But Satan didn’t give up. He tried again.

He showed Jesus all togetherthe now:kingdoms of the world—all the people and cities and countries.

And he said, “If you bow down and worship me, I will give you all of this.”

Do you think Jesus did it?

(Display the 10 commandments slide)

No! Jesus remembered God’s rule:

“You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” (From the Ten Commandments)

Jesus did the right thing again. He said No to Satan.

Then Satan tried one more time. He took Jesus to the top of the temple and said,

“If you really are God’s Son, jump off! The Bible says God’s angels will catch you.”

But Jesus knew that twisting God’s words and doing something dangerous to “test” God was not right.

He said,

“Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

Jesus said No a third time. He never sinned. He never said or did the wrong thing.

He is righteous.

Wrap-up & Discussion (4 min)

Let’s take a moment to think about what we just learned from Jesus’ time in the wilderness.

Jesus was very hungry. He could’ve turned stones into bread.

He could’ve worshiped Satan and gotten power.

He could’ve jumped off the temple and expected angels to catch Him.

But He didn’t do any of those things.

He always chose what was right.

Why? Because Jesus treasures God more than anything else.

And because of that, He always obeyed God’s rules.

That’s what it means to be righteous—to always do what is right.

Only God is always righteous. And Jesus, God’s Son, is perfectly righteous too.

Let’s talk about it together:

1. Who is always right?

[Let the kids respond.]

That’s right—God! Everything He thinks, says, and does is right.

2. Did Jesus ever do anything wrong, even when He was hungry or tempted?

[Let the kids respond.]

No, never. Jesus always obeyed God. He is perfectly righteous.

3. Do we always do what’s right?

[Pause for honest answers—expect “no.”]

Right. Sometimes we say mean things, disobey our parents, or do things we shouldn’t.

The Bible says,

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

But here’s the good news—Jesus never sinned. And because He is perfectly righteous, He can help us.

When we trust in Jesus, He can forgive our wrongs and help us love what is right, just like He does.

Let’s remember today’s main idea together:

God is righteous. Everything He thinks, says, and does is right.

And Jesus, God’s Son, is righteous too.

Memorizing Verse: Psalm 119:137

Let’s learn today’s Bible verse together! We’re going to say it slowly:slowly and add some hand motions to help us remember it.

(Say and do each line, then have the kids repeat it with you. Repeat until they begin to memorize.)

Verse

Psalm 119:137 – “Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules.” (NIV)

“Righteous…”

✋👉 Raise one fist high in the air with strength and confidence.

(Say: “Righteous” means God always does what is right!)

“Do…are not worship”
“any other god,you…”
“for

👉 Point up to the LORD,sky.

(We’re talking about God.)

“…O LORD…”

🙏 Make an “whoseL” nameshape with your right hand and draw it across your chest like a sash (like royalty).

(The “LORD” is Jealous,our King—He is in charge!)

“…and right…”
“is

👍 Hold a jealousbig God.”
thumbs up.

Good job! Let’(God’s doways are always right—thumbs up!)

“…are your rules.”

📖 Place both hands together like an open book.

(God’s rules are found in the Bible.)

Now try it a few times together

1. Say it slowly once with motions.
2. Say it again a little faster!
   faster.
3. Try

   (Repeatit 2-3one times,more invitingtime kidswith tono getwords—just louder,motions—and faster,have orthem whisperguess the verseline!

4. Say the lastfull time.)
   verse again with confidence!

Now,That whowas thinksawesome! theyGod canis tryrighteous—everything itHe withthinks, me—withoutsays, looking?

and

does

(Inviteis volunteersalways orright. sayAnd itHis asrules aare groupright onetoo. lastLet’s time.)

remember

Remember—this verse reminds us that God doesn’t want to be in secondour orhearts thirdthis place. He wants to be FIRST—because He’s the one true God!week!

Craft & Game (10 mins)

Craft (5 min) -  “GodR is First”for TrophyRighteous” CraftPuzzle and Colouring Activity

Materials Needed:

• Half sheets

  Printed ofPsalm coloured119:137 cardPuzzle stock(cut into pieces or paperlet kids cut)

• Markers

  A large letter “R” on paper

• Glue sticks or crayonstape

• Stickers (optional)

  Crayons or markers
  

AlrightLet’s boyswork on a fun craft that reminds us of what we learned today:

God is righteous! That means everything He thinks, says, and girls, now we’re going to make something special to remind us that God deserves first place in our lives.

Everyone say: Goddoes is FIRST!’always right.

(Hold up a samplelarge paperletter trophy or draw one on the board)“R”.)

You’reYou each goinghave a page with a big letter “R”. What does “R” stand for?

(Let kids say: “Righteous!”)

Let’s start by decorating the “R” with colors! You can also colour the sun rays to make yourit ownbright trophy—likeand thecheerful one you’d win in a race—but this one isn’t for you. It’s for GOD— because HeGod’s deservesrighteousness theis topsomething prize!to celebrate!

✂️

(Give Instructions

them

2–3

minutes
1. to colour. Walk around and encourage them.)

   🎨Top box: “You’llEverything getGod SAYS is Right”

   Point to the picture that shows a trophy-shaped paper (or draw one if using blank sheets).”

2. ✏️ “In the center, write the word GOD in big letters—or use a sticker if we have one.”

3. 🌟 “Decorate your trophy with gold crayons, glitter, stickers—anything that makes it look like a prize fit for our amazing God.”

4. 🖊️ “On the back, write or ask for help to write: ‘God deserves first place!’”

 (Walk around, encourage kids, and help them write if needed)
Bible.

Remember,That’s where God speaks to us.

Let’s glue the Bible picture into that first box — because everything God says is right!

Middle box: “All of God’s RULES are Right”

God gives us good rules to follow — like the Ten Commandments.

Let’s find the Ten Commandments picture and glue it into this isn’tbox just— anybecause artGod’s project.rules Everyare timealways youright!

look

at

Bottom yourtwo trophy,boxes: you“Everything canGod say, ‘GodDOES is betterRight”

than

everything

There else.are Hetwo isspaces firsthere — one for the Flood and one for the Parting of the Sea.

• The Flood shows that God was right to judge sin in myNoah’s heart!time.
• The Parting of the Sea shows that God was right to save His people from Egypt.

Let’s find both of those pictures and glue them in the correct spots.

OneGod’s moreactions minute—finish— even hard ones and amazing ones — are always right!

Wrap Up

Hold up your decorationsfinished page. Look at what you made!

This page tells us:

• Everything God says is right (Bible)

• All of God’s rules are right (Ten Commandments)

• Everything God does is right (Flood and thenParting we’llthe playSea)

a

That’s funwhat game!it means when we say:

God is Righteous!

You can take this home and tell someone what each picture means!

Game (5 min) - “Don’tRight Letor AnythingWrong Take First!”Relay

Objective: Help children apply what they’ve learned about God’s righteousness by sorting simple actions as either right or wrong, using movement and group discussion.

Supplies:

• “Right” and “Wrong” signs (tape these on opposite walls or ends of the room)
• Pre-made scenario cards with short examples of actions (see examples below)
• A bag or box to draw cards from

Optional: Use the Ten Commandments visual to point kids back to God’s rules if they need help deciding.

Game Setup:

• Place the “RIGHT” sign on one side of the room and the “WRONG” sign on the opposite side.
• Have the kids sit in the middle, facing you.

NowAlright! it’sWe’re timegoing to getplay moving! Thisa game willcalled Right or Wrong to help us remember that God is firstrighteous, and we shouldn’t let anything take His place.rules are always right!

🚦

Setup

Here’s how we play:

• I

  Place an object at the front of the room labeled “God” (e.g., a sign, cross, or decorated box).

• Have kids stand in a line behind it like a starting line.

🎭 Choose one child or leader to be the “idol”—they’ll try to sneak in and stand in front of “God.”

🕹️ How to Play

🎤 “You’re all standing behind ‘God’—because He goes FIRST. But oh no! Someone is trying to sneak in front and steal first place!”

🚷 “When you see the idol trying to move in front, shout together: ‘God is FIRST!’ and gently block them by holding out your arms (no pushing!).”

📢 “Let’s practice yelling it once: ‘God is FIRST!’”

🎭 “Now let’s play! Each round, we’llwill pick a differentcard idolfrom this bag.

Each card describes something someone might say or blocker!do.

After I read the card, you get to decide: Is it RIGHT or is it WRONG?

When I say “Go!”, run to the sign that you think is correct!

Let’s try one together!

(PlayPull 3–4a roundssample dependingcard onand time.read Varyaloud):

Sharing your toys with your little brother.

What do you think—right or wrong?

(Let kids answer. Then say:)

Go!

(Let them run to the idol’sign they choose. Pause and affirm.)

Yes! That’s speedright, orbecause sneakinessGod wants us to be kind and share. That follows His rule to love others.

Now let’s keep going!

(One at a time, draw a card and read it aloud. Wait for fun!their response, then say “Go!” and let them run to the correct sign.)

Wrap-UpScenario Cards:

• “Telling the truth, even when it’s hard” ✅
• “Taking a toy without asking” ❌
• “Helping your mom clean up after dinner” ✅
• “Saying mean words when you’re angry” ❌
• “Obeying your parents the first time they ask” ✅
• “Ignoring someone who’s sad” ❌
• “Praying to God before you go to sleep” ✅
• “Lying so you don’t get in trouble” ❌

GreatWow! You did a great job protectingthinking firstabout place!what’s Why did we yell ‘God is FIRST!’?

Because only God deserves to be worshipped!

Right! Remember—gamesright and toys are fun, but they don’t belong in first place. That spot belongs to God—always.wrong.

Let’s giveremember: We don’t decide what’s right or wrong—God does. And because God is righteous, His rules help us know how to live in a roundway ofthat’s applausegood, to God—our FIRSTloving, and BEST!right.

When we follow God’s rules, we’re treasuring what He says is most valuable—Himself and His truth.

Response Song

Closing Prayer, Announcement, Birthdays & Snack Time (10 mins)

Dear God,
Thank You for showing us today that You are the greatest and You deserve to be first in our hearts.
Help us not to put anything—like toys, games, or even people—before You.
We want to love You more than anything else.
Please help us remember that You are a jealous God, and that’s a good thing—because it means You love us and want what’s best for us.
Thank You for always being with us.
We love You, Lord.

In Jesus’ name we pray, let's all say together
Amen.

Snack Prayer

God... is First! Let us thank Him for the snack right now.

We fold our hands.
We bow our heads.
We thank you, God,
For this daily bread.
Amen

Free Time & Children Pickup (15 mins)