As Paul’s ministry spread, he trained others to share the Gospel. One of these messengers was a young man named Timothy. Paul wrote him two letters, 1 and 2 Timothy. Timothy also helped with letters Paul sent to others.

Key Points:

• Parents should teach their children about God.
• Children should learn from their parents.
• Christians are family.

Lesson Guide – Timothy

Talk with your child about things they have learned. Ask what was hardest, easiest, and what they are most proud of learning. Share your experiences with learning something new. 

Learning something can sometimes be hard, but when we have someone who knows how to teach us, it is better.

Select something to learn, such as origami. Before the lesson, follow directions on the internet to create an intricate piece of origami. Hand this creation to the child with a piece of paper and ask them to recreate it. They will most likely fail. Now, get a fresh piece of paper. Demonstrate each fold they need to make and allow them to copy your actions. After you have finished the craft, talk about how you learned from the internet, and now you’ve taught them. Explain that they needed to learn how before they could succeed and before they could teach anyone else. You may also use another craft or playing a simple song on an instrument to solidify the concept.

Paul wrote that he is happy that the “faith” Timothy had received from his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, has helped him to honor God and serve others. Timothy’s mother and grandmother had been careful to help him have a personal knowledge of Scripture. Paul also helped Timothy mature in the faith. Think about the people God has given to help you grow in faith. Pray and thank God for them.

Just as important as a parent or grandparent needing to teach a child, a child needs to be willing to learn. Timothy was taught by his mother and grandmother to love and honor God. Timothy’s name means ‘honoring God’.  Talk about how Timothy had to be willing to be taught to learn to honor God.

Give your child a pair of earplugs or headphones and tell them to talk loudly about whatever they want. As they talk, quietly tell them instructions on how to find a treat hidden in the house. Now, remove the headphones and ask them to listen. Tell them to go get the treat. When they say that they didn’t hear what you said, point out that we only can learn when we are listening. We cannot talk and listen at the same time. Now, give them the instructions again. Once they find the treat, talk about how important it is to listen to instructions.

Ask your child how old someone needs to be to serve and honor God. Read 1 Timothy 4:12. Paul told Timothy that even though he was young, he should set an example for others. Our age does not limit God. We should not wait until we are old enough to serve Him. Remind your child they are NEVER TOO YOUNG to do big things for God.

Take some time to learn and repeat 2 Timothy 3:15.

Video Bible story for children – Timothy

Games and activities

Set an example (Copycats)

Select one person to be the leader. Everyone else should copy them. Start with simple activities like clapping hands, dancing, touching your head. Speak about how it is important to pay attention to be able to copy. Share how Timothy’s mother, grandmother and Paul set a good example for Timothy. Share how Timothy could set an example for others.

Family Photo Album

Take some time to review family photos. Remember the good times you’ve had and special times with your child. You could also show special moments from your childhood.

Remind your child there are lots of special things families do, but the most important is to grow in faith together.

Balloons

Have some empty balloons to inflate with your child. Before you begin, ask them what is inside the balloon. Blow the balloon up with your mouth. Ask the child again what is inside the balloon. Your breath. Read 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is God breathed.” to your child. Spend some time playing with the balloons.

Worksheets

Free Bible Coloring Pages – Timothy

Bible Craft – Family Tree

What you need:

• Paper and/or Colored paper (Brown, and leaf shades)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Pencils

 What to do:

1. Using a pencil, draw a line around the hand and arm of your child. Color it brown to make a tree trunk or draw arm onto brown paper, cut out the shape and glue.
2. Use color paper to cut out heart shaped leaves. Write names of people in your family or draw pictures.
3. Glue the leaves around the tree trunk to make a family tree.

Download the lesson for FREE

Translations