Free Bible lesson for kids · Letters to the Churches
Rejoice in the Lord
Writing from prison, Paul told the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always, to pray about everything, and to think on good things. He had learned to be content because Christ strengthened him.
- Bible passage
- Philippians 4:4–13
- Big idea
- We can have joy and peace in Jesus in every situation.
- Memory verse
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13 (KJV)- Ages
- Preschool to preteen (3 to 12), with tips for each age
- Time
- About 45 minutes
- Included, free
- Animated story film, coloring page, class sheet, teacher guide, questions and answers, a game
The story
Paul wrote to the believers at Philippi while he was in chains as a prisoner (Philippians 1:1, 13). Even so, he wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). Instead of worrying, we should pray about everything with thanks and tell God what we need (Philippians 4:6). Then God’s peace, which is greater than we can understand, will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Paul told them to think about things that are true, honest, right, pure and lovely (Philippians 4:8). He was glad and thankful that they had cared for him again (Philippians 4:10). Paul had learned to be content whether he had a lot or a little, and whether he was full or hungry (Philippians 4:11–12). He knew where his strength came from: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
Read it in the Bible: Philippians 4:4–13 (KJV)
4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Questions to ask
Where was Paul when he wrote this letter?
In prison.
What did Paul say to do instead of worrying?
Pray about everything with thanksgiving.
Who gave Paul strength?
Christ.
What this story teaches
- We can rejoice in the Lord at all times (Philippians 4:4).
- God wants us to pray about everything instead of worrying (Philippians 4:6).
- God’s peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
- God wants us to think about what is true and pure (Philippians 4:8).
- Christ gives us strength to be content in every situation (Philippians 4:12–13).
Jesus Gives Us Peace
Paul had joy and peace even in chains. Jesus gives His people His own peace, so our hearts do not need to be troubled or afraid.
John 14:27
A 45-minute lesson plan
| 5 min | Welcome and pray. Greet each child by name and pray: Tell God our worries and thank Him. |
|---|---|
| 10 min | The story. Play the story film: each verse appears on screen in the King James Version while the scene plays. Pause to ask what happens next. |
| 10 min | Talk about it. Ask the three questions below. Then ask: “We can have joy and peace in Jesus in every situation.” What does that mean for us? |
| 5 min | Memory verse. Say Philippians 4:13 together, covering one word at a time until the children can say it alone. |
| 10 min | Activity. Younger children color the coloring page while you retell the story; older children do the class sheet (memory-verse fill-in, word search and questions). |
| 5 min | Pray and send home. Pray together and send the sheet home so families can talk about the first question this week. |
- Preschool: keep it short and physical. Act out the story, use a simple prop, and repeat the big idea in one sentence.
- Elementary: let children find the passage in their own Bibles. Ask “who, what, where” questions first, then “why.”
- Preteens: read the verses before and after the passage, and ask how this story fits the whole story of the Bible.
Game time
For kids · activity · indoors · about 12 minutes
Joy Jar
You need: A jar, paper strips, crayons
- Kids draw or write good things God has given them on strips of paper: whatever is true, lovely and good.
- Fold them into the jar.
- Pull a few out and thank God for them together. Keep adding all year.
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
For youth group · activity · indoors or out · about 10 minutes
No-Complaining Challenge
You need: A rubber band for each person
- Everyone wears a rubber band on one wrist for a week.
- Every time you complain, switch it to the other wrist and say one thing you’re thankful for.
- Next week, share how many switches it took.
Paul wrote from prison, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
Pray
Tell God our worries and thank Him.