Unit 29 • Session 4 Doers of the Word - fbcsa.org

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Unit 29 • Session 4

INTRODUCE THE STORY(15–20 MINUTES)

PAGE 108

TEACH THE STORY(10–15 MINUTES)

PAGE 110

EXPERIENCE THE STORY (20–25 MINUTES)

PAGE 112


BIBLE PASSAGE: James 1–2

STORY POINT: James reminded believers to do what

Jesus said.

KEY PASSAGE: Romans 12:5

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is the church? The church is all

Christians everywhere.

Doers of the Word

104 Preschool Leader GuideUnit 29 • Session 4

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4

LEADER Bible StudyThe early church was made up mostly of Jewish believers who had grown up believing they needed to fully obey God to be accepted. Grace was a new concept for them, and many struggled with understanding how grace and obedience fit together. Some made the mistake of thinking that once they had acceptance in Jesus, obedience didn’t matter after all.

This greatly concerned James—Jesus’ half-brother and a leader in the church at Jerusalem—so he wrote a letter to the Jewish Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire. James wanted these Christians to understand that grace and obedience do not work against each other; they work with each other.

James wrote, “Be doers of the word. If you hear the word but don’t do it, you fool yourselves. Anyone who is a hearer but not a doer is like someone who looks at himself in a mirror, goes away and forgets right away what he looked like.”

James wanted Christians to realize that true faith in Jesus—a faith that comes by grace—will always lead to action. True faith is an active faith.

James gave an example: When we look into a mirror and see something is not right—our hair is out of place or food is stuck in our teeth—we don’t just walk away; we fix it. The gospel is like that mirror. It shows us what is true about ourselves, and when we see we are not living out our true identity, we should want to address it.

Help preschoolers understand that true faith in Jesus always leads to living differently. When we trust in Jesus, God changes our hearts so that we will want to live a life pleasing to Him. We aren’t accepted by God because of our obedience; we obey God out of gratitude because we are accepted by Him through Jesus.

105105The Early Church

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The BIBLE Story

Doers of the WordJames 1–2

James was a leader in the early church. He wrote a letter to believers who were living in many different places. James told them how believers should live.

James wrote, “Do what God says. If you hear God’s word but don’t do it, you trick yourselves. Anyone

who hears the word but does not do it is like someone who sees himself in the

mirror and then forgets what he looks like.” Anyone who hears

and does God’s Word will be blessed.

James said that people who really love God will love people too. God is honored when Christians show their faith by doing what is right and good, like helping people who have no one to take care of

them.James also wrote, “Brothers

and sisters, if someone is cold and hungry and you say, ‘Go in peace,

stay warm and full,’ but you do not give him clothes or food, what good does

that do? In the same way, faith in God without action is no good.”

Anyone can say, “I have faith,” but we know someone has true faith by what he does. James reminded the believers of Abraham and Rahab. Abraham had true faith. We know this because he obeyed God when God

Bible Storytelling Tips

• Listen for it: Instruct preschoolers to listen for the words hear and do in the Bible story. When they hear the word hear, they should point to their ears. When they hear the word do, they should raise their hands in the air and shake them.

• Use visuals: Point out .Abraham and Rahab on the Family Line of Jesus poster (005802967) as they are mentioned in the Bible story. You may also point to Abraham on the Giant Timeline or Small Group Timeline (005802970). Abraham is covered in Unit 2, God Formed a Nation. Rahab’s red rope is visible in Unit 8, Session 2, The Battle of Jericho.



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Doers of the WordJames 1–2

James was a leader in the early church. He wrote a letter to believers who were living in many different places. James told them how believers should live.

James wrote, “Do what God says. If you hear God’s word but don’t do it, you trick yourselves. Anyone

who hears the word but does not do it is like someone who sees himself in the

mirror and then forgets what he looks like.” Anyone who hears

and does God’s Word will be blessed.

James said that people who really love God will love people too. God is honored when Christians show their faith by doing what is right and good, like helping people who have no one to take care of

them.James also wrote, “Brothers

and sisters, if someone is cold and hungry and you say, ‘Go in peace,

stay warm and full,’ but you do not give him clothes or food, what good does

that do? In the same way, faith in God without action is no good.”

Anyone can say, “I have faith,” but we know someone has true faith by what he does. James reminded the believers of Abraham and Rahab. Abraham had true faith. We know this because he obeyed God when God

Bible Storytelling Tips

• Listen for it: Instruct preschoolers to listen for the words hear and do in the Bible story. When they hear the word hear, they should point to their ears. When they hear the word do, they should raise their hands in the air and shake them.

• Use visuals: Point out .Abraham and Rahab on the Family Line of Jesus poster (005802967) as they are mentioned in the Bible story. You may also point to Abraham on the Giant Timeline or Small Group Timeline (005802970). Abraham is covered in Unit 2, God Formed a Nation. Rahab’s red rope is visible in Unit 8, Session 2, The Battle of Jericho.

asked him to do very hard things. Rahab had true faith too. We know this because she hid spies in Jericho even though it was dangerous.

God does not accept people because they do what is good and right. He accepts people who trust in Jesus. Those who are accepted into God’s family will do what is good and right because God loves them.

Christ Connection: Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word” (John 14:23). James reminded believers to do what Jesus said. Jesus takes our punishment for sin so we can live for Him. When we trust in Jesus, we can do what is good and right.


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INTRODUCE the Story

SESSION TITLE: Doers of the WordBIBLE PASSAGE: James 1–2STORY POINT: James reminded believers to do what Jesus said.KEY PASSAGE: Romans 12:5BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is the church? The church is all Christians

everywhere.

Welcome timePlay a theme song in the background as you greet preschoolers and follow your church’s security procedures. Set an offering basket near the door to collect at an appropriate time. Post an allergy alert, if necessary. Set out a few favorite theme-related toys, such as puzzles and blocks.

Activity pageProvide non-breaking hand mirrors for preschoolers to use as they draw a self-portrait in the provided space. Point out each child’s unique features, such as skin, hair, and eye color. When finished, put away the mirrors and artwork before asking children to remember their features.SAY • Now that you’ve finished your portraits, do you

remember what color hair you have? [Allow children to respond, then continue with similar questions.] Remembering what you look like is usually easy, especially after looking in a mirror. In today’s Bible story, James said that anyone who hears God’s Word but does not do it is like someone who sees himself in the mirror and then forgets what he looks like. Listen to the story to hear what else James had to say.

• “One Foundation” song

• offering basket • Allergy Alert• favorite toys related

to the Bible story theme

• “Self-Portrait” activity page, 1 per child

• crayons or markers• non-breaking hand

mirrors


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Echo clap a rhythmForm a circle on the floor. Clap out a simple rhythm (1-2-3-4) and guide the group to copy you. Repeat using different clapping rhythms, incorporating finger snaps, pats on your knees, and rests as time allows. SAY • Thank you for clapping with me. You had to listen

carefully and do what I did. In today’s Bible story, a leader in the early church named James wrote to believers. James told believers to do what God says. Listen to the story to hear what else James had to say.

Match itemsPrint and cut apart the “Matching Pairs Cards” on heavyweight paper. Lay the cards faceup on a table. Lay the cards facedown for older children. Encourage preschoolers to take turns finding pairs of items that work together. Explain how each item is not very useful on its own.SAY • Good job matching the items that work together! A

key doesn’t work very well without a lock, and you can’t do much with a lock unless you have a key. In today’s Bible story, James said to be doers of the word and not just hearers. Hearing and doing work together! Anyone who hears and does God’s Word will be blessed. Listen to the story.

Transition to teach the storyTo gain the attention of all the preschoolers to move them to Bible study, show the countdown video, turn the lights off and on, or clap a simple rhythm for the children to copy. Invite children to line up behind you and follow you as you move to the Bible study area.

• “Matching Pair Cards” printable

• heavyweight paper• scissors (adult use)

• countdown video (optional)


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TEACH the Story


everywhere.

Introduce the Bible storyPlace a bookmark at James 1 in your Bible. Invite a preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible.SAY • What book is this? (the Bible) Whose words are in

the Bible? (God’s words) Is God’s Word true? (always) Today’s Bible story comes from the Book of James in the New Testament. Let’s listen to God’s words.

Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline. Remind children that all the stories in the Bible fit together to tell an even bigger story. The Bible tells us the big story of how God rescues sinners through His Son, Jesus.

Watch or tell the Bible storyShow the video or tell the Bible story using the provided storytelling tips. Use the bolded version of the Bible story for young preschoolers.SAY • James wrote a letter to believers in the early church

telling them how they should live. James reminded believers to do what Jesus said. God does not accept people because they do what is good and right. He accepts people who trust in Jesus. Jesus takes our punishment for sin so we can live for Him. Those who are accepted into God’s family will do what is good and right because God loves them.

• Bible • bookmark• Giant Timeline

• Story Point Poster• “Doers of the Word”

video (optional)• Bible Story Picture

Poster


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Practice the key passage Print and cut apart “Church Puzzle” printable. Form groups of three or four preschoolers, and lay out one set of pieces for each group. Place the key passage marker at Romans 12:5. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Then assist preschoolers in reviewing the key passage as they put the puzzle together.SAY • Our key passage says that we are many, but we are

one body in Christ. Those who believe in Jesus are one big family. The church cares for one another.

Sing the key passage song, “One Body in Christ,” and the theme song, “One Foundation.”

Learn the big picture questionSAY • The big picture question asks, What is the church?

The church is all Christians everywhere. When we trust in Jesus, we become part of the church. God is honored when the church shows its faith by doing what is right and good.

Missions momentSAY • James reminded believers to do what Jesus

said. Missionaries like Philip and Jummai (JOO my) Nache (NAH ch) show through their actions that Jesus is most important in their lives. They moved to America from an African country called Nigeria. Let’s look at pictures from Nigeria.

Show the photos. Ask preschoolers to describe what they see. Close by praying for the Naches.

Pray and transition to experience the story

• “Church Puzzle” printable, 1 for each group of 3 or 4 preschoolers

• scissors (adult use)• Bible• Key Passage Marker • Key Passage Poster• “One Body in Christ

(Romans 12:5)” song• “One Foundation”

song

• Big Picture Question Poster

• “Nigeria Photos” printable


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EXPERIENCE the Story


everywhere.

Sing a song about loving JesusSing the following lyrics to the tune of “Frère Jacques.” Sing each line of the song, guiding children to echo the lyric.

“ If you love me, (If you love me,) You will keep my Word. (You will keep my Word.) Obey because He loves you (Obey because He loves you) And gave His life. (And gave His life.)”

SAY • Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.” James reminded believers to do what Jesus said. God does not accept people because they do what is good and right. He accepts people who trust in Jesus. Jesus took our punishment for sin so we can be accepted into God’s family. Believers do what is good and right because God loves them.

Make a shape mobilePrint one copy of the “Mobile Shapes” printable on heavyweight paper for each preschooler. Invite preschoolers to color the shapes. When preschoolers finish coloring, guide them to cut out the shapes and help them punch holes where indicated. Cut out the shapes and punch holes ahead of time for younger preschoolers. Tie one end of a length of yarn to each shape and the other end to a plastic clothes hanger, being sure to put the words in order.

• “Mobile Shapes” printable, 1 per child

• heavyweight paper • blunt-tipped scissors• hole punch• yarn, cut into 1-ft

lengths• plastic clothes

hanger, 1 per child• scissors (adult use)

(optional)


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SAY • The words on our mobiles say, “Do what Jesus said.” James wrote to believers living in different places. He reminded them that they needed both to hear and to do God’s Word. Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.” James reminded believers to do what Jesus said. Jesus takes our punishment for sin so we can live for Him. When we trust in Jesus, we can do what is good and right.

Play a helping gamePlace all the items listed in the margin in a pillow case. Form a circle. Invite a preschooler to reach into the bag, feel for an item, and then take the item out. Guide the group to name different ways the item could be used to help those in need. Offer suggestions as needed. Repeat with each item.SAY • James wrote, “If someone is cold and hungry and you

say, ‘Go in peace, stay warm and full,’ but you do not give him clothes or food, what good does that do?” James reminded believers to do what Jesus said. We know someone has true faith by what he does. Jesus takes our punishment for sin so we can live for Him. When we trust in Jesus, we can do what is good and right.

Build with blocks on a mirrorLay a large, flat mirror in the center of a table. Secure to the table on all four sides with duct tape to prevent it from slipping. Invite a preschooler to build with interlocking blocks on top of mirror. As he builds, show him how the block structure is reflected in the mirror.SAY • James said anyone who hears God’s Word but does

not do it is like someone who sees himself in a

• pillow case• Bible• baby blanket• can of food• toy car• play money• child’s shirt• child’s coat• pencil• greeting card• crayons

• large flat mirror• duct tape• interlocking blocks

Option: If a mirror is not available, use a long piece of aluminum foil instead.


© 2020 LifeWay

mirror, and then forgets what he looks like. James reminded the church that those who hear and do God’s Word will be blessed. Who is the church? The church is all Christians everywhere. Christians do what is good and right because God loves them.

Drive in the snowReview the missions moment. Remind preschoolers

that Hope of Nations Gospel Church is in Minnesota. Explain that Minnesota gets a lot of snow. Scatter cotton balls on the floor or on a table. Invite preschoolers to drive transportation toys through the “snow.” SAY • Have you seen snow? When did you see it? Where?

In the winter, Minnesota is very cold and gets a lot of snow. People have to travel through the snow to gather with the church. That is very different for many Africans who are part of Hope of Nations Gospel Church. Most of Africa can be very hot. Philip and Jummai Nache tell everyone at their church the good news of Jesus and how to obey His Word. What is the church? The church is all Christians everywhere.

• cotton balls• transportation toys


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Snack and reviewPlay the countdown video to signal the end of activities. Wash hands and gather preschoolers for snack time. Pray, thanking God for the snack.

Serve heart-shaped cookies for snack. Talk about how hearts make us think of love. James told Jesus’ followers everywhere that when we love Jesus our actions will show it. James reminded believers to do what Jesus said. Jesus takes our punishment for sin so we can live for Him. When we trust in Jesus, we can do what is good and right.

Show the Bible story picture as you ask the following questions. Retell parts of the Bible story as needed.

1. James wrote that people who really love God will also love whom? (other people)

2. How can we know if someone has true faith? (by what they do)

3. Does God accept people because they do good or because they trust in Jesus? (because they trust in Jesus)

4. Why do those in God’s family do what is good and right? (because God loves them)

5. What is the church? The church is all Christians everywhere.

Transition When preschoolers finish their snack, they may color the Bible story coloring page, play a simple game to practice the key passage or big picture question, or sing along to the key passage or theme song.

If parents are picking up their children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Distribute the preschool big picture cards for families.

• countdown video (optional)

• Allergy Alert• paper cups and

napkins • snack food• Bible Story Picture

Poster• Big Picture Question

Poster• heart-shaped cookies

(optional)

• Bible Story Coloring Page

• crayons • Key Passage Poster• Big Picture Question

Poster• “One Body in Christ

(Romans 12:5)” song• “One Foundation”

song• Big Picture Cards

for Families: Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers


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Unit 29 • Session 4 Doers of the Word - fbcsa.org

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Transcript of Unit 29 • Session 4 Doers of the Word - fbcsa.org