Discussion Guide for Paul's Letters

In order to do this lesson as a family, set aside 15-20 minutes and grab a Bible, whether that's looking at the biblical text with older kids, or at the Spark Story Bible that we use for younger kids.  And while it's obviously not the same as going to church, I'd encourage you to think about ways to help make your home a worshipful space: light a candle, say a prayer, sing a hymn or a Chapel song, or maybe take a moment of silence and some deep breaths.  Everything listed below is meant to be optional -- you can pick and choose what will work best with your family.

Opening Your Time Together:

  • Checking In - Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!  I know this day may look a lot different than what we might normally do - but perhaps take this time to check-in with your kids about things that they're grateful for about Moms, Grandmas, or any other important women in their life.  Being a parent is hard normally, but it's been especially hard over these last few months -- take some time to encourage one another and be encouraged!
 
  • Opening Prayer - God, in this season of Eastertide as we learn about how we are called to share your love with others, we give thanks for all the moms out there and the ways that they help to spread love into this world.  In our lessons, in our songs, and in our discussion, may that type of love be front and center.  Help us to reflect on you as we learn about Paul's writings, help us to praise you as we sing together, and help us be inspired in the week ahead.  We lift up all these prayers in Jesus' name.  Amen. 
 
  • Opening Hymn - They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBHJobmBdK0 - I've always been a big fan of this hymn, particularly during the season of Eastertide and the growth of the early church:
    • Verse 1 - We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; we are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; and we pray that all unity may one day be restored; and they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
    • Verse 2 - We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand; we will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand; and together we'll spread the news that God is in our land; and they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
    • Verse 3 - We will work with each other, we will work side by side; we will work with each other, we will work side by side; and we'll guard human dignity and save human pride; and they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
    • Verse 4 - All praise to the Father, from whom all things come; and all praise to Christ Jesus, God's only son; and all praise to the Spirit who makes us one; and they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
 
  • Opening Chapel Song - Doxology - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUco1i7fEns - the link is to a piano version, which is exactly what we play at the start of Chapel each Sunday.  See if your kids remember the hand motions that go along with this hymn - they might be able to teach you too!

Reading the Bible:

  • Open up to the passage, whether in the Bible or the Spark Bible.  Ask your kids if they are familiar with this passage and, if so, what they remember.  
  • Read the passage together.  Bible - Romans 12:9-21     Spark Bible - pages 540 to 541
  • (Optional) You can also practice something called lectio divina, which basically means you read through the passage once, asking kids to listen for a word or phrase that jumps out at them.  After reading, everyone shares their answers and then you read the passage again, listening for new insights!

Discussing the Passage:

  • For Younger Kids 
  • When was the last time you received something in the mail?  How did you feel when you got it?  How do you think Paul's churches felt when they received a letter from him?
  • Paul is thought to have traveled thousands of miles sharing the Gospel.  What is the longest trip you've ever taken, and how did you travel?  Can you imagine doing that walking!?!   Paul really wanted to share Jesus' message!
 
  • For Older Kids ​
  • Most of what Paul wrote was trying to teach people how to be church: what the church should do, but also how they should treat one another.  What are some pieces of advice you would share on how to be Christian?
  • Paul had to write letters to the 14 different churches that he started... how do you think that he would communicate with these churches today?  E-mail?  Texts?  TikTok?  What are the advantages and disadvantages of these new forms of communication?
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Closing Your Time Together:
  • Closing Prayer - Loving God, as we've learned about Paul writing letters out to early churches in cities across the Roman empire, help us to know how wide we can spread your love too.  Our words can make a big difference in the lives of others, even in a time when we're separated from one another, so we hope that you help us use that power for good.  Through letters, through cards, through phone calls, and through video chats - our words have the ability to witness to you and your work in this world.  So help guide our words in the days, weeks, and months ahead.  Amen.
 
  • Closing Hymn - Lord, Prepare Me - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N1IeaBqvSE - This simple piano instrumental should be easy enough to sing over - just follow along using the words below.
    • Verse - Lord, prepare me - to be a sanctuary - pure and holy - tried and true - with thanksgiving - I'll be a living - sanctuary - for you.