July 31 in KidQuest and FirstLook

KidQuest

In 1 Corinthians 9:20–22, Paul declared, “To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law … so as to win those under the law … I have become all things to all men so that … I might save some.” Paul lived out this conviction when speaking to the Athenians at the Areopagus (Acts 17).

Paul was from the city of Tarsus—one of the foremost intellectual cities in the ancient world. Because of this, Paul was an intellectual match to the members of the Areopagus, who were mainly Epicureans and Stoics (ancient religious sects). He understood their history, literature, philosophy, and religion, and he used this knowledge to his advantage.

By declaring God is the Creator, Paul attacked the Epicurean and Stoic belief that nothing was created. By asserting that God rules over the world, Paul assailed the Epicureans’ belief that there might be a creator, but he does not interact with the world (v. 24). By quoting one of their poets, “In him we live and move and have our being” (v. 28), Paul refuted the Stoic belief that the divine lives within us. By “becoming” like a Stoic or an Epicurean, Paul strove to win these people to the cause of Christ.

Each of us, whom God has called to proclaim His truth to others, strive to become “All things to all men so that … [we] might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). We strive to tell the Truth that God wants to be known and can be known through faith in His Son, Jesus. We rely on the Truth that “God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21b).

Just for fun, this week invite your children to pretend they are Paul, and have them read Acts 17:22–31 to you while standing on a chair or a small stool. Explain to your children that Paul took a bold stand for God and taught many people in this passage. Afterward, think of a question that reflects on what they just read such as, “Who did the people of Athens build an idol to?” or “What kinds of things does Paul tell the people about God?”

Explain to them that there are situations in our lives when God wants us to be bold with His Truth. Talk to them about what some of these situations might be and what they might look like.

Share with your children that what they just heard is part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they will hear more at church this week about how God can be known. Close your time by praying and asking God for the courage and wisdom to proclaim His Truth when He needs you to.

FirstLook

God is able to protect even when our circumstances seem impossible. In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem and overtook the city (Daniel 1:1). He took items from the temple of God, people from the royal family, and the nobility of Judah with him back to Babylon. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were among those who were taken away from their home and birthright.

Upon arriving in this pagan land, each was renamed. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were to be educated in the Babylonian language, literature, and the ways of the empire in order to serve within the court of the king. Regardless of the food they ate, what their names were, or the pagan practices of this new society in which they were forced to be members, these young men would not be stripped of their knowledge of God and the truth of who He is. These young men knew from birth the calling on their lives to be and live as God’s people. Knowing God was primary to their lives. Every decision, every practice was based on their knowledge and relationship with God. Regardless of the consequences, these young men were not going to turn from what they knew was true and the God they worshipped.

Our children are facing a similar cultural climate. Society is continually rejecting the truth and knowledge of God. As we teach children the truth of who God is and as they know Him, they will be able to stand regardless of an environment that is hostile to the Lord. They will know what is true and that our God is able to protect them in any situation.

This week, JUST FOR FUN, we suggest building a fire with your children. You can build a fire in your fireplace, go outside and sit by a fire pit, or simply light a few candles. Then read to your children the biblical account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:12–14, 16–20, and 24–30.

After you’ve read the passage, encourage your children to look at the flames and describe them to you. Remind them how amazing it is that God could protect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from being hurt at all when they were standing in the midst of flames. Think of a question that reflects on what you just read, such as, “Why was King Nebuchadnezzar mad at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?” or “Who was protecting them in the furnace?” Share with your children that God is always with us and He is able to protect us in all situations.

Share with your children that what they just heard is part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they’ll hear more at church this week about how our God is able to protect. Close your time by inviting your children to pray and ask for God’s protection in the circumstances of their everyday lives.