A Pattern of Christ | Kids Lesson

 

The lesson: So, you will take two different colors of construction paper cutting each into multiple, smaller, squares of paper. Each square will only need to be an inch or two. Your workspace and number of children present will determine what size square and how many you will need. Here are some examples:

You will make a cross out of the pattern of squares. The darker color will be used to identify sin. The lighter colored squares will be used to identify the Godly behaviors.

Note: Quilting squares would also work great for this lesson. You can usually buy them pre-cut from most craft stores. Also, the numbers have no significance to the design. They are only for counting purposes. Drawing it out does help when it comes time for assembly. (It gives you a visual for each row.)

Read the passage: Titus 2:6-8 (Shown below are two translations. Read both or have the children read them.)

NKJV -  ⁶ Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, ⁷ in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, ⁸ sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

NASB - ⁶ Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; ⁷ in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, ⁸ sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

Discuss the verse by starting with what the kids think that it means. Point out that the same verse said it two different ways.

(Our habits and behaviors are patterns that make up a design. The things that we do are an example to others too. Is our example Godly or like the world?)

Talk about patterns.

1. Hand each child a black (or dark colored) square, have them write or draw negative examples like sin or bad habits on the square.
2. When everyone is done, give each child a yellow (or light colored) square. Have each child write or draw the opposite of what they wrote on the dark square. For example:
   1. Dark = anger, then light = pleasure
   2. Dark = stealing, then light = give
   3. Dark = frustration, then light = kindness
3. When everyone is finished, have someone read Romans 12:2 (another verse about patterns)

NIV - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

4. Ask how do we resist conforming? (We just gave a hint for one answer.)

Answer: By renewing our mind. By reading our bible to know what is right from wrong. Sometimes you’ll need to read more than one translation to really understand it.

We can also resist being like the world by paying attention to our thoughts. –Thinking about things before we do them.

5. Then have someone read 2 Corinthians 10:5

NLV - We break down every thought and proud thing that puts itself up against the wisdom of God. We take hold of every thought and make it obey Christ.

NET - and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.

6. Tell them: Most of your actions start with a thought. You don’t get a glass of water without first thinking that you’re thirsty. Likewise, the things that we say, do, and feel, start in our mind.

Being ‘Christ like’ means slowing down enough to have time to think about every little thing and ‘reconcile’ that to Christ’s example.

7. Next, we’re going to lay out these squares and we’re going to ask if what is written on them is wise or if it is something that Christ would display.

Pick up each piece, then guide laying them out in the cross design on your pattern. As you lay out pieces, talk about what may be written on each one. (Blanks are okay if you need filler).

Ask if what is listed on each square is wise or like Christ.

8. When all of the squares are laid out ask the children

What stands out? (It should be a cross)

Likewise, living for Christ also makes us stand out in the world too.

But also, why did Christ die on the cross? (to save from sins)

So, in the same way—just as the cross stands out on this paper better than the other color, His cross, cancels out our sins too.

Even now, you and I may still make mistakes but he sees our hearts, so even when we mess up, he knows who we’re trying to be.

9. Close in prayer. Ask a child if they’d like to do this.

Prep & what you’ll need:

• 2 different colors of construction paper, one light color, one dark color (or quilting squares)
• Scissors
• a ruler to measure squares if you're cutting them out yourself.
• Something for each child to write or color with.
• A big enough space to lay out the pattern.
• If you need to tweak my design, graph paper may help you count. You can print it here.
• I’d recommend cutting the squares out in advance.
• If you intend to have the kids read the passages, you may want Bibles in various translations, or you may want to write the verses out in advance on index cards.

One Word | Pattern

The one word in this verse that stands out to me here is 'pattern'. As in something that repeats itself, like your grandmother's quilt. Every few squares or inches, the design begins again. It’s often only a small section or detail that makes up a larger design.

Here 2 Timothy 1:13 says ‘Keep what you've heard/read of the Lord as a pattern of sound teaching.”

But also, there is a quote by a man named Frank Outlaw “Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

While our verse ends more with an onus on teaching, so much of our behavior and our actions starts in our mind. Patterns of thoughts. The things that we meditate on.

It can be condemnation, judgment, insecurity, comparison-- 'shoulda coulda', ambitions, to do lists, and pride, and fear. Many times, it's disguised under the stories that we tell ourselves. Like when we rehearse a conversation or let an event play out in our mind. These patterns often lead to anxiety, stress, frustration, and depression.

In contrast, praying all day (1 Thes 5:17) or meditating on the word (Psalm 143:5) are also patterns. But these patterns lead to a more peaceful response and power of the Holy Spirit.

You and I are the only ‘seamstress’ in this scenario. If you were to capture your thoughts (2 Cor 10:5) filter them, and arrange them against this verse, how would they line up with what God says? What is your physical response to each one?

In the bigger picture, if each little thought adds up, is it worth including in the final design?

P.S. If you’re having trouble stopping your chain of thoughts and breaking negative patterns, try fasting from it or consider starting a new hobby. New activities require focus and even distraction from ourselves. The repetition and practice of it, can also bring a new association. -Meaning that we can eventually just start doing the new thing (like think good stuff) as soon as we start the new habit.  –Not just changing the pattern but also the final design.

How to Be a Godly Woman in Today's Culture: A Study in the Book of Titus

Information about this study


This class is currently at capacity as we are testing new technology. The majority of this class will join from remote locations. The remaining members will meet in my office. We meet every other Friday at 1:00 p.m. The study is based on the book "How to Be a Godly Woman in Today's Culture: A Study in the Book of Titus." The notes shown below reference the same parts of the Book of Titus found in our homework. These notes are my personal verse by verse notes.

I will post them after each session for group members. Feel free to follow along if you are studying on your own. Shoot me a message if you want to talk about parts of it. Maybe we can even meet up. :)


Notes - Each section below is broken down by the verses that correspond to each chapter in the workbook.

Intro                                   

Week 1 | Titus 1:1-7, 7/7

Week 2 | Titus 1:7-16, 8/4 (Class was rescheduled because no one could make the 7/21 date)

Week 3 | Titus 2:1-4, 8/18

Week 4 - 9/1                              

Week 5 - 9/15

Week 6 - 9/29                          

Week 7 - 10/27


Resources
These are the links and materials that I am using while in the study. I may not cite every comment but the ones that I use will come from here:

 - How to Be a Godly Woman in Today's Culture: A Study in the Book of Titus
 - Life Application Bible
 - Matthews Henry Commentary

 - The Daily Study Bible Revised Edition by William Barclay. The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

You will need the zoom app if you're joining remotely. Please install it and test it before the class. (You can coordinate testing with me.) 

For the Kids - If you're a mom and you would like to talk to your kids about the Bible, you may also enjoy these messages on Titus from PursueGod.org. There is a video, discussion questions, etc.