For children ages 3 to 6

1 Corinthians 9

Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)

2 min read · Updated August 7, 2026
By Jasper & Review team
Bible
By Jasper & Review team

The Explanation

Listen. Do you hear the running feet? Slap, slap, slap. It is a race. Long, long ago, men ran races. They ran very fast. Their faces were red. Their hearts went bonk-bonk-bonk. Everybody wanted to win. But only one boy got the prize.

A man called Paul saw those races. And Paul thought about God. Paul said, "I want to run too. Not on a road with my feet. But I want to run for Jesus."

Paul told people about Jesus. Every day. In every town. He walked and walked. His feet got tired. Sometimes he was hungry. Sometimes he had no money. But Paul kept going. He did not stop.

Paul said, "I love Jesus so much. I will tell everyone about Him. Big people. Small people. Rich people. Poor people. Everyone must hear."

What Does This Mean?

Paul was like a runner in a race. But he was not running for a little cup. He was running for something much better. Something from God. Something that never breaks.

Paul was strong inside. He did not stop when things were hard. He kept going. Because Jesus was worth it.

The Common Thread

Do you know who Paul loved most? Jesus. Jesus was Paul's very best Friend. A long time ago, Paul had seen Jesus. And after that, Paul was never the same.

Jesus is like a treasure. The biggest treasure in the whole world. Bigger than a mountain of candy. Bigger than a room full of toys. Paul wanted everyone to have this treasure. So Paul ran and ran and told and told.

And guess what? Jesus loves you too. You are a treasure to Him.

For You

You can be a little runner too. Not with your feet. But with your heart.

When you get up in the morning, you can think of Jesus. When you eat your bread, you can say thank You. When your friend is sad, you can give a hug. When someone does not know about Jesus, you can say, "Jesus loves you!"

That is your little race. Every day, one small step. God is watching. God is smiling. And He is running with you.

Sometimes running is hard. Your legs get tired. Your heart gets tired. Then you can sit on God's lap. He holds you tight. And then you can go again.

Talk About It

What do you think Paul looked like when he was running? Was he tired? Was he happy?

Who can you tell today that Jesus loves them?

Praying Together

Dear Jesus,

Paul ran for You. I want to run for You too. Make my heart strong. Help me tell people that You love them. Thank You that You are the biggest treasure. I love You, Jesus.

Amen.

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Questions about 1 Corinthians 9

Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.

What is 1 Corinthians 9 about?
Listen. Do you hear the running feet? Slap, slap, slap. It is a race. Long, long ago, men ran races. They ran very fast. Their faces were red. Their hearts went bonk-bonk-bonk. Everybody wanted to win. But only one boy got the prize.
What does 1 Corinthians 9 say?
Paul told people about Jesus. Every day. In every town. He walked and walked. His feet got tired. Sometimes he was hungry. Sometimes he had no money. But Paul kept going. He did not stop.
What does 1 Corinthians 9 teach us about God?
Paul was like a runner in a race. But he was not running for a little cup. He was running for something much better. Something from God. Something that never breaks.
What can toddlers learn from 1 Corinthians 9?
Do you know who Paul loved most? Jesus. Jesus was Paul's very best Friend. A long time ago, Paul had seen Jesus. And after that, Paul was never the same.
Why is 1 Corinthians 9 an important Bible story?
When you get up in the morning, you can think of Jesus. When you eat your bread, you can say thank You. When your friend is sad, you can give a hug. When someone does not know about Jesus, you can say, "Jesus loves you!"

What others discovered

Insight Editorial on verse 3

My defense to those who examine me is this:" and then Paul doesn't list his credentials. He points to the Corinthians themselves, and to all the rights he refused to use for himself. His life was the argument. When people size you up, what speaks first? Your case, or your love?

— Faith.Network Editorial

Looking for something for slightly older children?

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For parents and teachers: Written especially to be read aloud to children ages 3 to 6. Use it as a starting point for a conversation with your child, not as the only source. This explanation is generated automatically by language models. While we strive for theological soundness, the software can make mistakes.

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