| I'm going to teach you an effective way to both share | | | | 2.) Why is it important? |
| and create Bible lessons for kids that will encourage | | | | This question addresses the point of why it is |
| them to interact with God's word. It is actually a simple | | | | important for us to know what a Bible verse or |
| formula too. You see, there are four basic questions to | | | | passage is saying. In this case, it is important for us to |
| answer when doing this. The first three questions that | | | | know that the Bible is from God because God uses |
| you ask you will also give an answer for. | | | | what's written in it as a means to teach us what we |
| Keep in mind however, that if you are teaching a large | | | | ought to believe about Him and what we need to |
| group of children, you should only call on a couple of | | | | know about how we're supposed to behave towards |
| them to answer these questions as it would take too | | | | God. |
| long for everyone to answer them individually; and the | | | | 3.) How does it relate to me? |
| answers would likely get redundant at some point. | | | | This question addresses the point of what the |
| Now then, the purpose of asking them questions that | | | | passage is saying to us. In our example, we are being |
| you are going to answer anyway is to get them into | | | | informed that if we want to get to know God and |
| the habit of interacting with God's word in a thoughtful | | | | what He expects from us, then we need to spend |
| manner. Moreover, it is to disclose to them that you | | | | time reading the Bible. |
| value their opinion. Thus, this will serve to help build up | | | | At this point you should re-read the Bible passage for |
| their self-esteem, which is actually vital to their growth. | | | | added emphasis. This time you will read it by yourself |
| Furthermore, it will instill an easy to follow formula for | | | | however. But before you do that make sure you let |
| interpreting scripture within them, which will serve the | | | | the children know that you have one more question to |
| purpose of helping them to better understand the Bible | | | | ask them, and that they will have to pay close |
| as they read it on their own. | | | | attention to the passage as you read it. |
| The fourth question is one that only they can answer | | | | When you are finished reading it, proceed to ask them |
| because it is a personal question; although, you will | | | | the last question, which is: |
| answer it too (this will make more sense to you when | | | | 4.) How should I apply this teaching to my life? |
| we address it later in this article). | | | | This is actually the most important question because it |
| With that said, to show you how easy this is I am | | | | calls them to make a commitment to God. Thus, it |
| going to provide you with an example of how to apply | | | | encourages them to take God's message seriously. |
| these questions to a passage from the Bible. | | | | However, what you should do first is answer the |
| The passage that I will use is 2Tim. 3:16, taken from | | | | question yourself. You could say, "I am going to apply |
| the NKJV: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, | | | | this message to my life by spending more time reading |
| and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, | | | | the Bible." |
| for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God | | | | Then, you would follow that up by directing the |
| may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good | | | | question at them, emphasizing the point of the lesson. |
| work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV) | | | | In other words, you would say, "Whoever wants to |
| You will begin by reciting the Bible verse for them | | | | spend more time reading the Bible to get closer to |
| (Very Important). Depending on the age of these | | | | God raise your hand." This is a nice way to make an |
| children and your available resources, you could even | | | | appeal to the children because then everyone can |
| have them all read the Bible passage together from | | | | answer the question at the same time. |
| the same Bible version. I recommend that you use a | | | | After that you should close with a prayer that relates |
| Bible version that is easy to understand, such as the | | | | to the point of the lesson that you just shared for |
| NKJV, or even the NLT for that matter. So if you're | | | | further emphasis. In this case you could say, "Thank |
| teaching a group of let's say ten children, then it would | | | | you Jesus for giving us the Bible. And help us all to |
| be a good idea to have ten copies of whatever Bible | | | | spend more time reading it and doing what God tells |
| version you are using. Incidentally, this is actually the | | | | us to do in it. Amen!" |
| best way to go about doing this as it encourages | | | | It is important to note that you should try to keep |
| participation during the Bible lesson. | | | | everything as simple as possible, which means you |
| Once you've done this, you will then proceed to ask | | | | should use short sentences and short passages. The |
| them the following questions in the order as they | | | | reason for this is because it will be easier for them to |
| appear below: | | | | remember the lesson that you've taught them. |
| 1.) What is the writer saying? | | | | By following this formula you will not only solidify the |
| This question informs the children of what the Bible | | | | lessons that you are teaching the children from the |
| passage is about. | | | | Bible, you will also instill within them a basic formula that |
| In our example we can see that this passage is about | | | | they can use to help them to study and better |
| God's word. And Paul wants us to know that | | | | understand the Bible on their own. |
| everything that we find in the Bible is from God. | | | | |