How to Walkin the Spirit

Lesson 1: My Comforter

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Lesson 1—My Comforter

Unit SummaryGod gave children an amazing gift when He gave them the Holy Spirit. It has been said, “There is no Holy Spirit Junior.” Children have the exact same access to the Holy Spirit’s power as adults. However, learning to understand and to daily lean on the Holy Spirit is not often taught to kids. During this unit, your kids will discover what it means to be indwelled and filled with the Holy Spirit—how to walk in the Spirit! They will explore four roles of the Holy Spirit that are described in the Bible and come to know the Holy Spirit better. The four lesson titles in this unit reflect those roles: My Comforter, My Teacher, My Counselor, and My Helper. While the fruit of the Spirit is often taught to kids, many times it is taught as a list of traits kids should be working on in their own strength. Nothing could be further from the truth. They are traits that will naturally flow out of a Christian who is walking in the Spirit. This unit focuses on teaching kids what it means to walk in the Spirit and provides practical ways to do so.

Lesson SummaryKids need to know that God’s Spirit dwells in them, secures their salvation, and is available to help them live a victorious Christian life. How empowering it is to learn that we do not have to live the Christian life in our own power but that God, through His Spirit, gives us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3).

Paul’s Power Principle: The Holy Spirit lives in me!

How to Walk in the Spirit

KnoW• The Holy Spirit indwells (permanently lives

inside) all true believers (John 14:16–17)

Feel• Amazed that God is with them and in them

and wants to help them live for Him

Do• Thank God for saving and sealing them for

His good purposes

In this lesson, your children will...

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SPARK INTERESTChoose from the following activities and ideas to engage kids and grab their attention.

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org Welcome!—Pillow Fun

Supplies: pillows, boxes

Create some fun activities around the room that all involve pillows. Knocking down boxes, a one-on-one pillow fight balancing on a 2 x 4 (first one to put a foot on the floor loses.), race around the room balancing the pillows on their heads, or seeing how many pillows they can hold before one falls to the ground.

In your opening, briefly explain that we are beginning a unit on the Holy Spirit and that today we will be focusing on how He comforts us.

Optional: (Will require an announcement the week before.) Have the children bring a pillow to church! You can have them sit on the floor and enjoy the “comfort” of a pillow during the lesson.

Let’s Meet-n-Greet!Take some time to let the children greet each other. Have the kids ask those around them, “Do you sleep on your back, side, or tummy?”

Leaders, be sure to stop whatever you are doing to move through the audience and greet the children, especially those you do not recognize. Announce any birthdays for the week. (See the How to Use DiscipleTown guide for quick and easy ways to acknowledge visitors and birthdays.)

PowerPoint PresentationAs you plan your lesson, select PowerPoint slides that correspond to the lesson elements you choose. In the “Slide Sorter” View, you can rear-range and/or delete the slides as necessary. For descriptions of the included slides and tips on their use, see the notes accompanying each slide.

General Supplies Bibles, puppets, video projection (optional) Pencils, pens, paper

Spark Interest WELCOME!: pillows, boxes LET’S PLAY!: balloons

Explore Scripture LET’S LEARN: wrapped gift, envelope, stamp,

milk, chocolate syrup or powder, glass, $20 bill KEYVERSE: none

Inspire Action DRAMATIZE THE POINT: various props

Welcome to DiscipleTown

It’s Time for DiscipleTown

SUpplieS

Let’s Meet-n-Greet

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gLet’s Worship!In your time of worship during this lesson, focus on the power of the Holy Spirit as our Comforter and how the Spirit of God is available to all of us as believers.

Recommended Song: All I Need from Made 2 Praise Volume 5 by Uncle Charlie, available at Kidology.org/unclecharlie5. (Note: While lesson 4 recommends Fruit of the Spirit specifically for that lesson, you may want to use that song as a theme song for the entire unit.)

Puppet IntroLeader & puppet introduce today’s lesson. You will find a scripted version of this intro at the end of the lesson.

Puppet* comes out dressed like a superhero. (A towel pinned around his neck and his first initial pinned to his chest will do.) Leader greets Puppet, and Puppet says, “I am now Super [puppet name]!” Leader asks, “What is this about?” Puppet explains that he just learned that when he became a Christian, God gave him the Holy Spirit to help him live for God, so he is eager and ready to go out and do mighty things for God! Leader agrees and quotes 1 John 4:4 (Greater is the one who is in you than he who is in the world). Leader explains that this month we will be learning about the Holy Spirit and the different ways He helps us to have power to live for God and do mighty things for God! Puppet says, “I can’t wait to learn more!” Leader starts to say something but is interrupted by Puppet, who says, “Wait! I hear a cat meowing! I think it is stuck in a tree! I must go save it!” and exits. Leader says, “I’m not so sure that’s what the Holy Spirit is for, but I love [puppet name]’s enthusiasm!”

*PUPPET: Develop a puppet character to use regularly. The children will get to know the person-ality and enjoy these regular visits. Dee, Cy, and Paul puppets are available at DiscipleLand.com.

Let’s Play! —Air Balloons!Supplies: one inflated balloon per child

Have the kids hold their balloons over their heads and on the count of three hit them straight up! The goal is to keep them all in the air. If a balloon falls to the ground, they are to leave it there. The side of the room with a balloon still in the air last wins. They may not touch a balloon more than two times in a row, so they need to hit it to other players. If it goes quickly, play three rounds.

The Point: It took some effort to keep the balloons up in the air, because they want to fall down. Likewise, we have a sin nature that is always trying to pull us down. It takes effort and the Holy Spirit’s help to keep us “up”!

Connect with Your KidsChildren often assume that it is easy for adults to live for God. Because they are often getting in trouble, they can have a negative view of themselves. Take a few minutes to talk about how glad you are to have the Holy Spirit to help you live for God; be honest about how difficult it is for you to do the right thing without God’s help. If you can think of a child-appropriate story of a time you needed God’s help to do the right thing, that will help them see that all Christians, regardless of age, need the Holy Spirit in order to live for God.

Let’s Worship

Let’s Play

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gDiscipleTown VisitorSecurity Guard/Armored Truck Driver: Wears a security uniform, belt with two-way radio, keys, and “weapons” or “karate moves,” whichever is most suitable.

[Security officer arrives as if he has been looking for Leader for a while. He is relieved to find Leader. Once he finds Leader, he doesn’t leave Leader’s side. He follows him around everywhere (comically). Note: If Leader is female, use a female guard, and have the guard say “ma’am” instead of “sir.”]

Security Guard: [Interrupts and rushes to stand beside Leader.] Oh, there you are! You nearly gave me a heart attack, running off like that! [stands comically at attention beside Leader]

Leader: [Surprised:] Running off like that, huh? Who are you?

Security Guard: I’m on duty to guard your deposit, sir!

Leader: [Very confused—moves a few steps, followed quickly by security guard.] My deposit?

Security Guard: Yes sir! I am here to ensure that no one steals the deposit you made into your wallet this morning, sir. [Stands at attention.]

Leader: [Speaks as if trying to hide it from the kids, but says loud enough for them to hear.] Uh, isn’t it a bit counterproductive if you tell everyone I have money in my wallet?

Security Guard: Ah! Good point, sir! Got it! I’m here to guard that, uh, stuff you don’t really have in your wallet! [Winks and motions “zipped lips.” Continues to stay very close to Leader.]

Leader: So, is there a dangerous criminal around, that I need so much help?

Security Guard: Not at all, sir. The bank just felt that your deposit was of such value that it must be guarded, sir.

Leader: I, see. Wow! I had no idea! This could get awkward! What if I have to use the bathroom?

Security Guard: I will not leave my post, sir!

Leader: [Embarrassed to be followed everywhere:] Um, are you sure you can’t guard me, er, from the other side of the door?

Security Guard: Well, we’ll have to evaluate the surroundings at that time to see if it’s safe, sir.

Leader: I see. Are these children threats to my deposit?

Security Guard: [Inspects the group of children with squinty eyes and a suspicious look.] No, they seem okay, although this kid is wearing green [Points to a child wearing green.], so we’ll have to watch out for that one.

Leader: Well, I am trying to teach a lesson here. What are the chances you could guard my deposit from outside this room’s door? Perhaps we could practice for the inevitable visit to the bathroom?

Security Guard: I see, you really don’t want me to guard your deposit while you are in the bathroom, huh? Well, I suppose that is reasonable. Make sure you yell at the first sign of trouble [Points to child wearing green and gives him/her the squinty “I’m watching you” look.] especially from this one. Deal? I’ll be just outside the door. No one gets in or out without my approval.

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gLeader: I guess that’s a deal. Uh, thanks!

Security Guard: Anytime, sir! Just doing my job, sir! [Steps outside.]

Leader: Wow, that was really weird! [To kids:] Do you think he will really follow me into the bath-room—do you? [Allow children to respond.] You know, it’s funny, but it kind of reminds me of our lesson this morning. The Holy Spirit came to live inside us when we asked Jesus to forgive us of our sins and come into our lives. The Bible says that God gives us the Holy Spirit as a deposit in our hearts guaranteeing what is to come. The Holy Spirit is just like that security guard. He is there to guard, protect, and comfort our hearts so that we can receive our reward in heaven. The Holy Spirit in our heart reminds us that we are saved—that we are God’s and that our real home is in heaven! Just like that security guard is meant to comfort me so that I know my money is safe, the Holy Spirit is there to remind us that God is always with us, and that our Salvation is impor-tant and valuable to God. I guess having that reminder isn’t so bad—right, kids?

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Let’s Search!—Bible DashSupplies: Bibles

Ask all kids with Bibles to participate, or invite a few volunteers to come to the front. As children hold Bibles closed with hands on covers, state the Bible reference twice, then on the command “SEARCH!” have the students race to locate the verse. Once they have a finger on the verse, they can stand and call out, “FOUND IT!” Have the first child read the verse aloud while you project the verse on a screen via PowerPoint. See suggestions below for comments on each verse. Keep your comments brief and to the point of the lesson.

• 1 Corinthians 6:19 We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.• Ephesians 1:13 We received the Holy Spirit when we were saved.• Acts 1:8 The Holy Spirit makes us His witnesses to the world.• Acts 10:44 The Holy Spirit comes on those who accept the Gospel.• Titus 3:5 The Holy Spirit renews us after our salvation.

Paul’s Power Principle: The Holy Spirit lives in me!

Suggested Bible NarrativeJohn 3:1-15—The Effects of the Wind

Supplies: fan and inflatable ball or strips of paper. (If you can get a fan that can point straight up, it should suspend a beach ball in midair. If you can’t pull that off, then use the strips of paper tied to the fan to show the air coming out of the fan.)

Read John 3:8, where Jesus talks about how you can’t see the wind but you can see what it does. It is the same with the Spirit of God. Illustrate this with the fan.

Let’s Learn!—My ComforterAsk the children if they have ever received a really awesome gift. Allow a few to tell what they have received.

Object Lesson—The GiftSupplies: wrapped, empty gift box, small prize to give the volunteer

Hide the gift out of view. Tell the kids you have a present that you’d like to give to one of the kids. Show the wrapped box. (The bigger the better!) Ask for volunteers. Pick a child who you know is good-natured and invite him or her up to open the present. First ask, If you could have anything you wanted, what would you hope is inside the box? (Allow for answers from the audience as well.) Then let the child open it. When the child discovers it is empty, deny that it is empty and say it is simply an invisible version of what he or she hoped it was (an invisible video game system, for example)! Then explain that actually today we will be learning about a gift that God gives us that is invisible, so often people don’t appreciate it. Then give the child a small gift and thank him or her for being a good sport.

EXPLORE SCRIPTURESeize on the children’s interest and direct them into God’s Word.

Let’s Search-1 Corinthians 6:19

Let’s Learn

Bible Narrative-John 3:1-15

Let’s Learn-Gift

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gRead John 14:16–17. When Jesus was leaving, He promised to send a helper. What are some things we learn about the Holy Spirit in this passage? Let kids respond. (Possible answers: The Father sent Him; He is a helper; He will be with us forever; the world can’t see Him; He lives in us.)

Object Lesson—The LetterSupplies: sheet of paper, marker, envelope, stamp

Show the sheet of paper and write on it, “YOU ARE GOING TO HEAVEN.” Explain that when you accept Jesus as your Savior, God says that your sins are forgiven and you get to go to heaven when you die or when Jesus returns. Fold up the letter and put it in the envelope and address the envelope from earth, to God in heaven. Heaven is the destination. Put the stamp on it and say that Jesus is the one who made it possible. He paid the way. He is like the stamp. But what is the Holy Spirit? We don’t want that letter to fall out while it is on the way, so what do we need to do? (Seal the envelope!) That’s right.

Read Ephesians 1:13; 4:30. The Holy Spirit seals the deal. God gives us His Spirit as a way of guaranteeing that we will get to go to heaven.

Object Lesson—Chocolate Milk, Part 1 Supplies: tall clear glass, milk, chocolate syrup (or powder)

Show the glass and fill it with milk. Talk about how when we become Christians we receive the Holy Spirit. Then pour the chocolate syrup (or powder) into the milk. Do NOT stir it up! Every believer has the Holy Spirit within. Talk about how wonderful the chocolate milk is as you drink it, ignoring the outbursts of the kids that you forgot to stir it. Comment how it doesn’t taste very chocolatey as you finish the drink. That’s how some Christians are. They have the Holy Spirit, but they aren’t letting Him into every area of their life, and that is why they don’t seem very Christian. They don’t taste very Christ-like. We are going to be learning this month how to walk in the Spirit so that He fills all of us!

Read Acts 2:38. We receive the Holy Spirit when we are saved.

Read John 14:26. This verse gives another name for the Holy Spirit: We no longer need to worry about what will happen after we die. That is why the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter. (Note not every translation will use the word Comforter.) What does this passage say that the Holy Spirit will do? (Teach us things, remind us of things Jesus said.)

Mini Skit—The DepositHave a volunteer come up and apologize for interrupting. “I keep forgetting something, and I just want to ask while I’m thinking about it because I keep forgetting.” Leader can act like it’s not a good time, but agree. Volunteer says that leader offered to sell his TV a few weeks ago for $100, and the volunteer would really like to buy it. The leader is excited and says that’s great. Then volunteer says he/she doesn’t have the whole $100 right now, but asks if the leader would take $20 as a deposit—as a promise to pay for it—and then get the TV when it is all paid for. Leader takes the $20 and says that he won’t sell it to anyone else, and asks if he can get back to the lesson. Volunteer apologizes again and sits back down.

Leader asks kids to read 2 Corinthians 1:22, which says that the Holy Spirit was given as a deposit to guarantee something that is yet to come. Then Leader thanks the volunteer for a great example. Just as the $20 is a promise to pay the rest of the $100 for the TV, and the TV will be given in the future, God gave us the Holy Spirit as a promise that He will also give the other things He has promised, such as eternal life and heaven.

Next read 2 Timothy 1:14, which says we are to guard that deposit. Ask what the kids think that means. Read 1 Corinthians 6:19. What do you think this means? Allow for responses. Now

Let’s Learn-Seal

Let’s Learn-Chocolate Milk

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gthat the Holy Spirit lives in us, it should affect the way we live. Do you tend to behave better at church than in other places? Why? Allow for responses. Well, God says that YOU are the church because God lives IN YOU! Having the Holy Spirit in us should change the way we live because God is a part of us and with us all the time.

This month we are going to be learning how to walk in the Spirit. That means how to listen to the Holy Spirit and how to allow Him to help us live for God.

OPTIONAL: Have signs made that say, “Church of .” Let kids fill in their names and then wear the signs as they leave church so that they realize that they are the church. God lives in them!

Dee’s Disciple Tip: Introduce the children to the concept of spiritual disciplines. Because kids may think of discipline as punishment, explain that it means something that is done in order to improve a skill. It’s like practicing or training. Spiritual disciplines are practices we do in order to help us get better at being a Christian. We will focus on four disciplines that will help us walk in the Spirit.

The first discipline is solitude—getting alone with God away from distractions.

If you have the space, allow kids to get out of their chairs and move to a place in the room where they can be alone, or at least not have someone right next to them. Some will be able to stay in their chairs. Next, ask them to be absolutely quiet for one minute and to ask God to show them something. Encourage them not to pray but just to listen and open their minds to what God’s Spirit might show them. Don’t play music; just let it be quiet. When the minute is up, ask kids to share what they saw or heard from God and not to be shy about it. They don’t need to understand or explain it, and it may be something simple or even silly. It may not mean anything at all, or they may find out later what God was showing them. But learning the disci-pline of solitude will help us learn to listen and respond to God’s voice.

KeyVerseTopic: The Holy Spirit—God’s giftReference: Romans 5:5

Ask the kids to tell some things they hope for. As Christians, we have put our hope in Jesus for some things. What are they? (Forgiveness of sins, eternal life, heaven, etc.) This verse tells us one of the reasons we can have hope in these promises is because of the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Have the kids say the verse several times and challenge them to memorize it this month. (Consider offering some incentive for those who do.)

KeyVerse-Romans 5:5

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Dramatize the PointA Regular Joe Is Changed—Part 1

Characters/Costumes: Jimmy has regular clothes, a Bible, backpack with a pen and paper inside, watch, sunglasses, jacket, running shoes. Joe has regular clothes.

[Jimmy arrives reading his Bible and walking. He arrives at the bus stop and puts his Bible in his back-pack.]

Jimmy: [Reads aloud from Matthew 5:39–41.] “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” Wow, following Christ sure is different from the way the world works! Hmm, I’ll have to read more about that later. [Looks at watch.] Oh, I’d better hurry or I’ll miss my bus. [Hur-riedly puts his Bible into his backpack, along with this jacket.]

[Joe comes up quietly so he isn’t seen. He quickly grabs Jimmy’s backpack and starts to run off.]

Jimmy: Hey, wait a minute! [Runs after him.] You, sir. You forgot something!

[Joe looks behind, caught off guard by the statement.]

Jimmy: Wait! [Catches up to him, takes off his watch, his shoes, and his sunglasses and hands them to Joe.] You forgot this stuff!

[Joe confusedly accepts the additional items, looking around nervously.]

Jimmy: Take care of yourself! You obviously need this stuff more than I do.

Joe: Are you crazy, man?

Jimmy: No, I’m not! This is what I’m supposed to do.

Joe: I don’t understand. Most people yell and scream and throw things at me—not to mention call the police! But you...you didn’t! I don’t understand.

Jimmy: [Extends his hand to Joe.] I don’t expect you to understand. By the way, my name is Jimmy.

Joe: [Looks around to see if cops are coming. Quickly extends his hand for handshake.] I’m Joe...I mean, uh, David.

Jimmy: Hi Joah David, nice to meet you!

Joe: [Still nervous:] So, are you going to shoot me or something?

Jimmy: [Shocked:] Me? Shoot you? Ha ha! Oh, no! Your Creator wouldn’t like me much if I did that.

Joe: My...Creator?

Jimmy: Yes, Joe, your Creator—God, the one who made you and loves you.

Joe: Have you had too much sugar or something today? Nobody loves me!

Jimmy: [Sits down beside Joe, who is standing.] Ah, Joah David! That, my friend, is where you are wrong! Here, let me show you!

[Joe awkwardly sits down and looks around, not quite sure what to make of all this.]

Jimmy: Could I borrow your Bible? [Points to backpack.]

INSPIRE ACTIONEncourage kids to apply the Bible truth to their lives.

Dramatize the Point

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gJoe: Huh? [Looks where Jimmy is pointing and hands the bag over.] Uh, this?

Jimmy: [Reaches into the bag, pulls out the Bible, and opens it to John 3:16; he shows it to Joe.] See, Joah David? John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that who-ever believed in Him would be saved. God, your Creator, loves you!

Joe: He does? But why? I’m a horrible person, I just stole your stuff! I don’t understand how you are being so nice to me!

Jimmy: That’s just it, Joah David. I was just like you, but something changed. I met Jesus and my heart is different. I can’t explain it! All I know is that this book is helping me to understand!

Joe: I want to be changed. I hate my life; I want what you have!

Jimmy: Will you pray with me? [The boys bow and pray in whispers.]

Joe: [Smiles slowly.] I can’t believe it! Someone loves me! That’s the best news I’ve heard all day, Jimmy! [Picks up all the stuff, including the backpack and Bible, and runs off cheering and yelling.] God loves me! Hey, everybody, did you hear it? God loves me!

Jimmy: Yes he does! You should write that down, you know! That is something you need to remind yourself of every day!

Joe: Great idea! [Reaches into the backpack, pulls out pen and paper and writes a big “GOD LOVES ME.” Sticks it in the cover of the Bible.]

Jimmy: [Looks around for his stuff, and realizing Joe took it, shrugs and begins just talking to God on his way out.] Well, God, that was pretty interesting. I guess I’ll need another Bible and jacket and stuff, but I know You love me, and You’ll help me. Please look after Joah David and help him to know You like I do. I love You, God, and I’m so glad You helped me do what Your Bible says I should! It sure was weird, though, giving a mugger more stuff to take! You have really odd ways of doing things sometimes, God! Just saying... [Trails out as he exits.]

Object Talks—ThirstSupplies: video projection

The short video clip for this lesson features Karl, the Kidologist, demonstrating how to make a balloon twisting creation while the kids in the audience try to guess what it is he is making. (Don’t say what the creation is in advance, since the children will be guessing.) In this lesson, he makes a deer and talks about how we need to THIRST after God, just like the deer in the Psalm thirsted after water.

Featured Verses: Psalm 42:1

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gLet’s Talk!—Small Group DiscussionSupplies: collection of pictures or actual items: cell phone, personal letter or postcard, computer, message in a bottle, message in a balloon; whiteboard, posterboard, or large paper, markers

Divide the board or paper in half, labeling one half PROS and the other CONS. Show the children the first item (any order) and ask them, If you wanted to stay in contact with your best friend all the time, would you use this item? What are the pros—reasons why it is a good option? What are the cons—reasons why it isn’t a good option for staying in com-munication all the time? (Reduce the number of items if needed to allow time for discussion.)

When you have gone through all the items, ask students if they can think of any other options that would be good for staying in communication 24/7. Ask them if they could invent something, what would they invent? Wrap up with the teachable point, that God wanted to be in connection/communication with those who believed in Him at all times, so He chose to send His Holy Spirit to live in each one of us.

Use these questions to discuss the day’s topic within your small groups:1) Who is the Holy Spirit?2) What does it mean to you to have the Holy Spirit living inside of you?3) How does it make you feel to know that the Holy Spirit—who is God—is with you always?4) What responsibility do we have to take care of ourselves if our bodies are God’s “house”?

DiscipleTown Super CitizenGive a Super Citizen award to someone who can give several additional biblical names for the Holy Spirit (for example, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Teacher, Counselor).

Let’s Pray!Dear Jesus, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to live in us when we receive Your free gift of salvation. Thank You for the peace and comfort that comes with knowing You are with us always. Help us to learn how to listen to the voice of Your Holy Spirit and allow Him to change and grow us into everything You want us to be. Thank You for saving us. In Your name, amen.

Cy’s Challenge: Find a place of solitude and spend some time with God.

Let’s Review!Use these questions to review the lesson with the children:

1) Why is it important to remember that the Holy Spirit lives in us?2) Do you have questions about the Trinity?3) In John 16:7, Jesus said it was better for Him to leave and send the Comforter (or Counselor or Advocate). What do you think this verse means?4) Why is it better that we have the Holy Spirit with us?

Let’s Review

Awarded to

on month day year

for

Knowing the H.S.’s Names

award

presented by

Let’s Talk

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gFor the HomeDiscipleTown Table Talker: Give each child a copy of this week’s DiscipleTown Table Talker. As you show them how to put it together, encourage the kids to ask their parents to lead family devotions three times this week.

Parent E-mail: Copy and send the e-mail below to help your parents connect with their kids during the week. Send them early in the week, but not on Sunday. As a courtesy, be sure parents have opted to receive these e-mails. Review and edit as necessary to reflect the lesson elements you have used. You can also find this e-mail as a Microsoft Word document in your download bundle.

Dear Mom and Dad,

This month we are embarking on an exploration of the third person in the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. We understand that this can be a challenge to discuss, given the many extremes in history and culture, but we are endeavoring to share with your kids the Holy Spirit as revealed in Scripture—who He is and how He empowers and transforms us so that He can transform the world around us.

This week we focused on how the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us. We reviewed salvation and what it means to be a Christian, and we learned that the Holy Spirit was given to us by God as a deposit, sealing our salvation. As Christians, we always have God with us, through the Holy Spirit, to comfort and assure us that we are saved.

The DiscipleTown Table Talker has been designed to give you a starting point for discussions at home with your children. Be encouraged to seek Scripture and the Holy Spirit for insight and answers to questions that may come up. However, if at any point you have questions of your own, or perhaps questions or comments that may arise from your conversations that require more resources to answer, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We are grateful to work with you as you nurture your children in faith and living by the Spirit. For we know that those who live by the Spirit are the children of God (Romans 8:14).

Building young disciples,

[Your Name]

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Chip’s Snack Time!—Jelly BellySupplies: jelly-filled donuts (1 per child)

Pass out the jelly donuts to the children. Before they begin eating, ask them how they think the bakers got the jelly inside the donut. (They may figure it out by discovering the hole in the side of the donut.)

The Point: Just as the jelly makes the donut delicious, the Holy Spirit in us guarantees that we are saved and can grow into everything that God wants us to be.

Additional IdeasLetter Seal Craft—Supplies: tea-light candle, two crayons (colors as described below), micro-wave-safe bowl, toothpick, letter you wish to seal

Demonstrate how to make a wax seal for a letter—an old-fashioned way that letters were sealed. Choose two crayons of colors that will mix well together. These should either be of the same color, similar colors, or two shades of a primary color (red, blue, or yellow) that will make a composite color together.

Gently tip a tea-light candle out of its foil holder. Turn it over in your hand and remove the wick by tugging on the metal piece attaching it to the bottom of the candle. Set the wick back in foil, pointing up. Remove the paper from the crayons. Sharpen them all the way down into shavings. Use a cheese grater to grate the wick-less candle into shavings.

Place both the candle and crayon shavings into a microwavable bowl. Mix them with your fingers. Melt the wax mixture in the microwave. This will take between one and three minutes on “high,” depending on the wattage of your oven. Remove with a potholder, as the bowl will be very hot.

Stir the melted wax with a toothpick until the colors and uncolored wax mix together com-pletely into a single, consistent color. Pour the wax back into the tea-light foil. Pour slowly to avoid frothing or splashing. Stop pouring before you cover the upper tip of the wick. Let the wax harden for one hour or until it has become completely opaque.

Use the sealing wax by lighting the candle, allowing it to burn until some liquid wax pools, then gently tipping this onto the paper you want to seal. Wait about five seconds, then press the blob of wax with a seal.

BONUS MATERIALSUse these options to extend your time or as substitutes for the ideas above.

How to Walk in the Spirit—Lesson 1 © 2013, DiscipleLand. Permission granted to reproduce for volunteers.

DIRECTOR’S NOTESThe words in italics are notes for you and your puppeteers; they are not to be read aloud.

Costume/Props: Puppet comes out dressed like a superhero. (A towel pinned around his neck and his first initial pinned to his chest will do.) Leader should have his Bible handy, with a bookmark at 1 John 4:4.

[Puppet* comes in with one arm up, zooming from one side to the other, making zooming noises. Leader interrupts.]

Leader: Hey there, [puppet name]!

Puppet: I don’t know who you are talking to. [Flies off again.]

Leader: I was talking to you!

Puppet: [Humorous, sassy:] Well, if you want to be talking to me, then SUPER [puppet name] is what you will call me!

Leader: [Mockingly apologetic:] Oh, I’m SO sorry, SUPER [puppet name]!

Puppet: [Zooms to Leader with eager anticipation.] Yes? Can I help you?

Leader: Um, can I ask what you are doing, SUPER [puppet name]?

Puppet: I am so glad you asked. I learned something new today!

Leader: You did?

Puppet: Yup! I learned that when I became a Christian, God gave me the Holy Spirit to help me live for God. So now I can’t wait to go out and do mighty things for God!

Leader: Wow, that is amazing! You know, you are abso-lutely right!

Puppet: [Surprised:] I am?

Leader: [Chuckles.] Yes, you are! [Opens Bible to 1 John 4:4.] In fact, let me show you how I know. Right here, in 1 John 4:4, it says “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” The one who is in you—the one who helps you overcome—is the Holy Spirit!

Puppet: And He is greater than that liar the devil is!

Leader: You got it! In fact, if you stick around this month, you are going to learn a whole lot more about the Holy Spirit.

Puppet: Really? What do you mean?

Leader: For the next four weeks we are going to be learn-ing how to walk with the Holy Spirit so we can do just like you said.

Puppet: Like I said?

Leader: Yeah, so we can learn to do mighty things for God [pauses, then adds last thought] by the power of the Holy Spirit inside us!

Puppet: Oh yeah, I did say that! But I prefer to say, “Fly in the Holy Spirit! [Suddenly turns his head as if he has heard something. He strains to hear, even putting his hand up to stop the leader from talking.]

Leader: Everything okay there, SUPER [puppet name]?

Puppet: Wait! I hear a cat meowing! I think it is stuck in a tree! I must go save it! [Flies off, giving his own narration as he flies and exits.] SUPER [puppet name] is off, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit inside him, to save the helpless kitten! SUPER [puppet name]! [Exits.]

Leader: [Shakes head. To the children:] I’m not quite sure that is what the Holy Spirit is for, but I sure love [puppet name]’s enthusiasm!

*PUPPET: Develop a puppet character to use regularly. The children will get to know the personality and enjoy these regular visits. Dee, Cy, and Paul puppets are available at DiscipleLand.com.

Puppet Intro—Super Duper

curriculum Map

.comTM

How to Grow Spiritual Fruit

How to Make Good Friends

How to Walk in the Spirit

How to Walk in the Spirit

How to Build Character

How to Navigate the New Testament

How to Explain My Faith

How to Earn Eternal Rewards

How to Follow God’s Plan

How to Make Good Choices

How to Navigate the Old Testament

How to Walk in the Spirit

How to Know the Truth

How to Discover Gifts and Talents

How to Walk Victoriously

How to Meet with God

How to Worship God

How to Use My Bible

How to Show Respect

How to Pray

How to Be Faithful Workers

How to Walk in the Spirit

How to Memorize God’s Word

How to Be Global Christians

(DiscipleTown Units in no particular order)

Each DiscipleTown Unit will teach your kids an essential “how to” skill to become victorious disciples of Jesus!