As believers we have one standard and goal for how we live – our Savior Jesus Christ. Even when we struggle with our own sin, the Bible teaches us to put on the “new self” that is being remade into a copy of Christ. These lessons, crafts, and teaching activities are based on Ephesians 4:17-5:2.
Use the buttons below to download the print-ready PDF lesson plans. The first lesson includes everything you need to teach. The following items are included or supplement your preparation.
Children’s Sermon Teaching Example
This message addresses a beautiful passage in Ephesians, which reminds us to “put on Christ” as we focus on living in ways that are kind and truthful, rather than lashing out in anger. The key principle of this message focuses on what it means to imitate Jesus. When we imitate something, we mimic or copy it, recognizing that we are not the thing itself, but that we can represent it. When we imitate Jesus, we know we are not perfect as He is, but we can consider how He loved and lived and so communicate that love to others.
Bible Craft Video Directions
What does it mean to imitate Jesus? How do we build others up with kindness and tenderheartedness? Is it a sin to be angry? This beautiful passage from Ephesians emphasizes the importance of genuine kindness. These Sunday School crafts reiterate the significance of building each other up in love and controlling our reactions to emotion by focusing on Jesus. A “flipside of anger mask” reminds kids that we should imitate Christ, and not dwell on anger. An “anger stress ball” provides an alternative to lashing our in frustration. And a “collaborative construction puzzle” lets kids think of ways that they can support and encourage fellow students.
Bible Story Video
This illustrated Bible story shares an overview of the life and ministry of Jesus. You can use it to supplement our Sunday School lesson.
Bible Verses/story to Reference: Ephesians 4:17-5:2
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. -Ephesians 4:17-5:2