Splink
» Overcoming
1
WARNING!
Look under the sink and find a product that has a warning label on it (or a blow dryer would work if you still have the tag on it). Ask one of the kids to read the warning.
Ask:
Why did the manufacturer (maker) put this warning on here? (To keep us from getting hurt, to protect us, to tell us what to do)
Why did the manufacturer (maker) put this warning on here? (To keep us from getting hurt, to protect us, to tell us what to do)
What could happen if we ignored the warning? (We could get sick or badly hurt)
God is our maker and He knows what is best for us. He gave us some warnings (rules) in the Bible—the Ten Commandments—to help us know the right way to live.
What is sin? (Breaking God’s laws, doing wrong things, thinking bad thoughts)
Sin is anything we think, say or do that goes against God’s commandments (rules). Sin is breaking His rules.
Brainstorm with your kids to think of sins other kids their age might do. (Lying, stealing, disobeying, coveting, etc.)
God wants us to do what is right; He wants us to stay away from sin and win over it.
2
Run the Race
Run a race to show how we should overcome sin and keep going.
Mark a finish line. Fill a backpack with heavy books for them to run with. Make the race long enough for the kids to get tired and want to stop. When they get tired, come alongside and help them, shouting encouraging words and even carrying them if they need it.
Drink some ice-cold water and ask:
What made it hard to run the race? (Carrying the heavy backpack)
What made it easier to run the race? (Encouraging words, help, and no distractions)
Read Romans 12:1-2—Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Keeping sin in our lives is like carrying around a heavy weight. We can run the race better if we let go of sin and keep looking at Jesus.
3
Working Together
Work on overcoming sin together.
Ask:
Is there anything in my life that would displease a holy God?
Name the sin (anger, whining, selfishness, complaining, etc) and work on it together. Start by praying and asking God for help to win over this sin. Then find a Bible verse about it (go to www.biblegateway.com and click on "Keyword Search"—type in the word and lots of related verses will come up), write it on a card, and tape it where you can see it every day. Memorize it.
Give permission to gently "encourage" one other when either is "losing" the fight over the sin.
If you have young children, make a chart. List the days of the week and put a star if you didn't lose your temper (if your problem is anger) that day; put a sad face if you did. Charts are good reminders (hopefully) that you are making progress.
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