1 Corinthians 4
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
It was quiet in the little room. A man sat on the floor. His name was Paul.
Paul had a piece of paper. He had ink. And he had a pen made from a reed. He dipped the pen in the ink. Then he began to write.
Paul was writing a letter. A letter to people who lived far, far away, in a city called Corinth. Paul loved those people very much. He called them his children.
But Paul was a little bit sad. Because he had heard something about them.
In that city, some people had started to say big things. "Look at me!" said one. "I am the best." "No," said another. "I am the best!" They puffed themselves up, like a balloon that gets bigger and bigger.
Paul dipped his pen in the ink again. And he wrote them a question. A very small question.
"Who gave you everything you have?"
What Does This Mean?
Think about it. Paul had nothing to boast about. He was hungry sometimes. He was thirsty sometimes. He had no house of his own to sleep in. His hands were rough and tired from work.
And when people said mean things to Paul, do you know what Paul did? He said something kind back. Every time.
Paul was not a big, puffed-up balloon. Paul was a helper. A servant of Jesus. Someone who takes good care of the things his Master gives him.
That is all he wanted to be.
The Common Thread
Because Paul knew a secret. Everything he had, he had been given.
His hands? A gift. His voice? A gift. The Good News he told everyone about Jesus? A gift.
And Jesus, the very greatest One of all, Jesus came and washed feet. Jesus served. So Paul wanted to serve too.
Paul finished his letter. He blew on the ink to dry it. Then he wrote one last line, very warm and very soft, like a hug: "I am coming to you soon. And I will come with love."
For You
Now look at your own two hands.
Wiggle your fingers. Who made those fingers? God did.
Look at your eyes. You can see with them. Who gave you your eyes? God did.
And your bread this morning. And your bed tonight. And the people who tuck you in.
All gifts. Every single one.
So you do not have to puff yourself up, big and round like a balloon. You can just open your hands. Open them wide, like a bowl.
And say two words. Thank you.
Talk About It
What is something you have that God gave you? Can you point to it?
Paul said kind words back to people who were mean. Is that easy or hard?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank you for my hands.
Thank you for my eyes.
Thank you for my bed and my bread.
You gave me everything.
Help me to be a helper, like Paul.
Amen.
Questions about 1 Corinthians 4
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 1 Corinthians 4 about?
What does 1 Corinthians 4 say?
What does 1 Corinthians 4 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 1 Corinthians 4?
Why is 1 Corinthians 4 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn't receive?" Paul asks the Corinthians this while they are busy ranking their favorite teachers. Notice he never says the gifts aren't real. He just asks where they came from. Your quick mind, your strong body, your faith itself, all handed to you. So what is left to boast about, except the Giver?
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing." Paul had every reason to sound certain. He was the apostle, the founder of that church, the one confronting arrogant voices. Yet he still bends his plans under a small phrase: if the Lord is willing.
How quickly you say, "next week I will..." Paul teaches you to hold your calendar with open hands. Not because plans are wrong, but because your life is not yours to command. Even the boldest step forward walks under God's yes.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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