Lesson 8b: Paul’s Letters Part 2 (1 Thessalonians to Philemon)
Lesson 8b: Paul’s Letters Part 2 (1 Thessalonians to Philemon)
Specific Objectives
By the end of this session, the student will be able to:
- name the remaining books of Paul’s Letter;
- tell how the Holy Spirit worked in the life of Apostle Paul (older kids);
- explain that Paul was inspired by God to write more books of the Bible than any other man (older kids);
- recite the memory verse.
Bible Reference
2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
Joshua 1:8 “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Words to Remember
- Paul – formerly known as Saul who persecuted the early church. When Jesus spoke to him, it changed his life and he became a great missionary who wrote most of the books in the New Testament.
- Epistle – simply means a literary letter which was intended to be published and read by the general public
- Apostle – as one who was commissioned and sent by a community to preach the gospel
- Travel – make a journey, typically of some length or abroad
- Gentile – a person from nation other than Israel
Pre-Session Activity
Begin with a prayer. Encourage the kids to lead in prayer. Greet the children as they arrive. Make certain that you know their names. As they arrive, have each child joins in a circle or around a table.
- Beginners – Coloring activity
- Primary – Spot the difference
- Intermediate – Word search
LESSON PROPER
- PREPARATION and MOTIVATION
Teacher, review the students on what they have learned so far about the Bible.
(Make sure that all students will be able to answer all the questions correctly)
- What are the two primary divisions of the Bible? (Old & New Testament)
- How many books the Bible consists of? (66 books)
- How many books the Old Testament consists of? (39 books)
- How many books the New Testament consists of? (27 books)
- What is the first division of the New Testament? (Gospel Books)
- Name the Gospel Books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
- How many of the Gospel Books detail the birth of Jesus? (Four)
- Tell how Jesus was presented in each Gospel Books
Matthew – Jesus is the Messiah
Mark – Jesus is the Servant of God
Luke – Jesus is the Son of Man
John – Jesus is the Son of God - Who wrote the book of Acts? (Luke)
- The book of Acts is about? (Church History)
- What are the Epistles of Paul? (Romans , Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians)
- In what book can we find the fruits of the Holy Spirit? (Galatians)
- In what book can we find out about the armor of God? (Ephesians)
Teacher: Last time, we have learned about the book of Acts. We have learned about the history of the early church. For today, we are going to learn the second part of Paul’s Letters to the early church. We will study the last six (6) books of the epistles namely 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon.
- INTRODUCTION
Paul was the greatest worker among the apostles, not only as a missionary, but also as a writer. His Epistles touch on every important truth and duty of the Christian religion, and illuminate them from the heights of knowledge and experience, without pretending to exhaust them. He sends greetings, instructions, encouragement, and background information. He writes with the authority of a commissioned apostle and inspired teacher, yet, on questions of expediency, he distinguishes between the command of the Lord and his private judgment.
- LESSON
1 THESSALONIANS
The epistle shows that the Thessalonian church has suffered greatly from persecution, but that it was conducting itself in such a manner as to spread the light of the gospel abroad through surrounding communities (1 Thessalonians 1:2-10). Paul encourages them to “excel still more.”2 THESSALONIANS
This epistle seems to have been written soon after the first to the same church; for the persecution mentioned in the first was still in progress (2 Thessalonians 1:2, 3); and the condition of the church in general was unchanged. The affliction just won’t let up on the Thessalonian church, so Paul coaches them on standing firm until Jesus’ return.1 TIMOTHY
This epistle was especially intended for the instruction of an Evangelist, which Timothy was, in regard to his labors among the churches. But, much of the instruction given has reference to the duties of church officers. Therefore, the epistle is a study for them as well as for preachers. This is Paul’s guide to godliness and sound teaching for the young pastor Timothy at Ephesus.2 TIMOTHY
Paul is once more a prisoner (2 Timothy 1:8, 16-18 2 Timothy 2:9); and it is the imprisonment which ended in his death (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18). It is devoted mostly to personal matters, all the great doctrines of the faith having been set forth in previous documents. No one can read this epistle thoughtfully without being better and wiser.TITUS
The purpose of the epistle is very much the same as that of First Timothy; that is, to instruct Titus as an evangelist in regard to his labors among the churches, and at the same time to impart indirectly the same instruction to the churches. It is a study for young preachers, and not less so for all who would be useful in the church.PHILEMON
This is one of the epistles of the imprisonment that is of the first is in Rome (Philemon 1:1, 13). It was written on behalf of Onesimus, a slave of Philemon, who had run away from his master, had landed in Rome, had turned to the Lord under Paul’s preaching; and for a while had been assisting Paul in his ministry (Philemon 10-15).
Memory Verse
2 Tim 3:16
- Beginners : “All Scripture is breathed out by God,”
- Primary : “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
- Intermediate : “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,”
Questions to Ponder
- What are the last six books of Paul’s Letter? (1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon)
- This epistle was especially intended for the instruction to Evangelist (1Timothy)
- The epistle shows that the church has suffered greatly from persecution (1Thessalonians)
- What are the prophetic epistles? (1 & 2 Thessalonians)
Life Application
There is much we can learn from the life of the Apostle Paul. Far from ordinary, Paul was given the opportunity to do extraordinary things for the kingdom of God. The story of Paul is a story of redemption in Jesus Christ and a testimony that no one is beyond the saving grace of the Lord.
What can we learn from the life of Paul?
- First, we learned that God can save anyone.
- Second, we learned from the life of Paul that anyone can be a humble, powerful witness for Jesus Christ.
- Finally, we learned that anyone can surrender completely to God.
As children of God, we need to depend on God’s grace, God’s power, God’s wisdom, and God’s timing. All of us can be used by God in His Kingdom. A small act of kindness to others, to our teachers and to the elders in the church can result to a “BIG CHANGE” in ourselves and in our lives.
Activity
Craft Corner: Have children write a letter to God (what they want to tell God)
Close in Prayer
Father, thank You for inspiring Paul to write all these letters. And, thank You for making sure they have been kept safe for all these years. When we read them, we can come to know You better! I pray that You will inspire us to read them often. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
