Published 8/20/19
By: Michael and Tiffany Ross
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Family Quest
It’s game time. Invite the whole family to join you for “Family Faith Olympics.” If you’re outdoors, and if you have space, create an obstacle course or mark a spot for a relay race. If you’re indoors, pull out some age-appropriate board games. After the competition, pass out prizes and congratulate your Olympians.
Talk It Out
· What is the prize that God wants us to win?
· Read Romans 8:35–37. How does Jesus help us be conquerors?
· How can we help others to have victory in Jesus?
Parent-Child Connection
As you teach today’s lesson, emphasize that the Christian journey is a lot like an Olympic competition. We identify ourselves with Christ, we train spiritually, we discipline our hearts and our minds, and we press ahead with our “eyes on the prize”—eternity with God. At times the competition is thrilling, and at other moments it’s downright grueling. Life gets turbulent, and continuing seems too painful, too hard—utterly impossible. (Maybe we’re consumed with doubts or a nagging fear or a deep-rooted insecurity.) So when life overwhelms us, how can we stay in the competition? By shifting our focus from the challenge we face to the sufficiency of our Coach: Jesus Christ. Say this: “Let’s open our Bibles and read all of Hebrews 11 for a thorough understanding of what an iron-willed commitment is all about.” Then emphasize these verses from Hebrews 12: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (verses 1–3).
Talk to God
As you pray, encourage your child to (1) thank Jesus for being so big and mighty and (2) ask the Lord to help him appreciate what He has done for him.
© 2015 by Back to the Bible