Kid's Corner - Parent's Guide - Paul & Onesiphorus

Paul and Onesiphorus

Dear Mom and Dad,
We applaud you for following Proverbs 22:6 by helping your child understand the Bible. Below, you will find some Teaching Tools to guide you in showing your child the truths of God’s Word and in helping your child apply them in his or her life

This guide is divided into two separate sections—the first half is for children ages 3-6 and the second half is geared toward kids ages 7-10. Even if your child is older than six, it may be useful to lead him through the first section before moving on to the content for his age group.

Ages 7 to 10

What we will learn
• God wants us to love each other
• God wants us to pray for each other
• It is important to visit and encourage friends

LEARN ABOUT PAUL

Memory Verse: “A true friend is always loyal…”
(Proverbs 17:17, TLB)

In this section, help your child understand the lessons that can be learned by reading about Paul’s life.

Teaching Tool #1:
Talk about the importance of following Jesus throughout life. People may not always agree, like the Romans disagreed with Paul, but God will bless those who stand up for Him regardless of the circumstances.

Teaching Tool #2:
Explain the significance of love. Onesiphorus loved Paul so much that he did not care that Paul was in jail, or that everyone else had abandoned his friend. His concern was that Paul was experiencing a difficult time. True love, whether it’s between mom and dad or between friends, does not turn its back or walk away.

Teaching Tool #3:
Onesiphorus displayed an important trait of the Christian life by praying for and with Paul. Ask your child which friends he wants to pray for. Take some time each night to pray with him about his friends or other family members. This will teach him an invaluable lesson about the importance of prayer.

Teaching Tool #4:
Notice how Onesiphorus sought out Paul all over the city of Rome. Does your child have a friend that he can visit and spend time with? Even at an early age, building relationships is extremely important, not only from a standpoint of Christian fellowship, but also in teaching social skills that will benefit him later in life.

Learning Concepts and Unfamiliar Words

In the story of Paul and Onesiphorus, your child has learned the meaning of the word, “encourage”—to comfort and give hope. He has also learned about the importance of friendship and prayer.

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Parents' Guide

Dear Mom and Dad,

If you have children that are older (ages 7 to 10) and may enjoy learning more about Abrham, help him to understand the following questions. You may want to help your child write his/her answers in a journal.

What we will learn
• Sometimes, being a friend means going out of your way to help
• We should take the initiative—make the first move—in helping someone in need
• God will bless our good deeds

HOW TO APPLY WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT PAUL

Jesus spent His life serving others. His death was an act of service, without which all of us would have no chance for forgiveness. As Christians, it is our duty to help and serve others in need.

Journal: Who do you know that needs help? Onesiphorus reached out to Paul when no one else would. Who can you reach out to? Do you know someone who is sick, who may not have any friends, or who doesn’t have any toys? Is there something you can do to help them? Ask God to help you find a way to reach out to others that you know are in need. Write down the names of three friends you want to help.

- Onesiphorus made the first move in helping Paul. He did not wait for Paul to ask him for assistance. As Christians, God has promised us that He would help us in everything we do. That means, if we are sincerely seeking God, He will make us aware of those around us who are in need. Then, it’s up to us to take the initiative and help.

Journal: One of best ways to reach out to others is to get involved. Whether it’s church, recreation, or different activities at school, the more people you are around, then the better opportunity you have to get involved in the lives of others. By becoming active, you’ll be making the first move, like Onesiphorus, in showing how Christ is working in your life. With your parent’s help, look for clubs to join and new activities to involve yourself in. This will be a great new way to meet people!

- Sometimes it seems like everyone notices our mistakes, and nobody ever sees when we do something good. Paul was made fun of, put in jail, and beaten up because of his commitment to telling others about Jesus. Even though many people disliked Paul, God loved him and blessed him for his good deeds.

Journal: Do you ever get mad when other people don’t praise you for doing something good? Everyone wants to be appreciated. Now, think about someone who has helped you recently. Have you thanked him or her? If you want others to congratulate or thank you, it’s important that you do the same. Take some time this week to thank a friend, parent, or teacher for helping you with something. Write in your journal how their act of service made you feel.

Journal: The most important decision you will ever make is asking Christ into your heart. Jesus promised that He would help you throughout your entire life, as long as you accept Him. Have you asked Jesus into your heart? Talk with your mom, dad, or pastor about this life-changing decision.

Memory Verse: “A true friend is always loyal…”
(Proverbs 17:17, TLB)

Learning Concepts

We hope that your child has learned that friendship is a two-way street. We should look to help others, just as we want others to help us. True friendship also means getting involved in the lives of friends, helping them even though we may not receive credit. Like Onesiphorus and Paul, God sees our acts and will bless us accordingly.

"Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible, copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. "

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