Kids - Set Sail
Paul and Silas in Jail - Week 2
May 11-12, 2019 |
Kids will embark on an exciting voyage into the book of Acts. Each week, they will be “setting sail” with Pirate Patty as they learn about Paul’s story and how Jesus wants us to tell others about him.
WORSHIP
BIBLE VERSE
“We tell about the amazing things God has done,” Psalm 75:1.
GROUP Q&A
Who was our story about today? (Paul and Silas)
What did Paul and Silas do while they were in jail? (They told others about Jesus.)
How did Paul and Silas get out of jail? (God sent an earthquake that broke the jail doors and chains.)
PARENT BIBLE STUDY
Read: Acts 16:16-34
Telling people good news doesn’t always go well. For Paul and Silas, it went terribly wrong in the city of Philippi. Yet, even after they were stripped, beaten, and thrown into prison, they sat singing and praying to God. It’s a good example of being so far down there’s nowhere to go but up (to God.) Then in an amazing twist, the jail crumbles in an earthquake and Paul and Silas end up saving the jailer’s life and giving him the way to God through faith in Jesus.
The way God can use our circumstances is astounding. His purposes are not always clear in the present moment. But especially if that moment feels horrible, keeping our faith in a God who is good, loving, all-knowing, and near, just like Paul and Silas did, may help us do our own singing and praying.
Not only did Paul’s faith change the jailer’s life that night, along with the jailer’s entire household, it was an encouragement to new believers throughout the Roman world. He later wrote his letter to the Philippian Christians from jail and asserted that being imprisoned advanced the Good News of Jesus to everyone who knew he was “in chains for Christ.” In addition, Paul points out that, “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”
Talk about optimism. Paul understood his purpose very clearly. He knew that God was using him—whatever his circumstances—to spread the news about Jesus.
What if God is using you to do this same thing? What if God is using even terrible circumstances you endure for his glory? Paul was the one who wrote this verse in Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
What “jail” are you stuck in right now? Do you believe God can work your circumstances for good?
How might you use your current circumstances as a platform to tell others about Jesus?
