Object: a padlock and key

Lesson: So then, you are no longer a slave but a son (Galatians 4:7a, TEV). The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make (Colossians 3:15a, TEV).

Good morning, boys and girls. I brought a padlock and key with me this morning. In the Bible it says that Jesus makes us free people and that we aren't slaves anymore. Do you know what a slave is? (Let them respond.) Slaves are people who are not allowed to think for themselves. Someone else tells them exactly what to do. What do we use a padlock for? (Let them respond.) That's right, we lock up things we don't want other people to steal. We also lock up people in jails or prisons sometimes and they are sort of like slaves because they have to do what someone else tells them. Why do people get sent to jails or prisons? (Let them respond.) That's right, they did something wrong. They decided to choose wrong things. The Bible also says that Jesus helps us in the decisions we make. Decision is a big word. It means thinking about what to do. When you do whatever you were thinking of doing, that's called deciding or a decision.

So the Bible tells us two things. First, Jesus makes us free people and second, when we are free people, Jesus helps us think about the right thing to do. If you are a slave or a prisoner locked up with this padlock, who decides what you can do? (Let them respond.) Someone else does. If we unlock the slave or prisoner (use the key to unlock padlock), who decides what they do? (Let them respond.) They do! And who will help us make good choices? (Let them respond.) Jesus will! While you are young your parents and teachers help you decide what's right. This is the last Sunday of the old year. This week we have New Year's Day, the first day of the new year. Many people decide every year that they're going to do things better than last year. We call those New Year's Resolutions. We need to remember the Jesus helps us make wise decisions every day of the year. Each year as you grow you will be able to make more and more choices all by yourself. Let Jesus help you!