1 Timothy 4
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Listen. Paul is writing a letter. A long letter, on paper. He writes it to his friend. His friend's name is Timothy.
Timothy is still young. And Timothy tells people about Jesus. That is his work. Paul loves Timothy very much. He wants to help him.
So Paul writes: "Dear Timothy, listen carefully."
Paul says: everything God made is good. The bread you eat is good. The fruit is good. The fish is good. God made it all. So say thank you to God, and then eat. Yum.
Paul also says something else. He says: some people will tell lies. They will say sad things. They will say: no, you may not eat that. And: no, you may not do that. But those people do not tell the truth.
Paul writes: Timothy, you must know the true story. The story of Jesus. Read it. Say it out loud. Tell it to other people.
And then Paul writes something warm. He writes: Timothy, you are still young. But that is okay! You may still tell about Jesus. Big people and little people, everyone may listen to you.
Be kind. Speak kindly. Do good things. Love others. Then people will see: oh, that Timothy really loves Jesus.
What Does This Mean?
Timothy was a little scared. He thought: I am still so young. Can I really do this?
But Paul says: yes! God is with you. You may just start.
And that is true for you too. You do not have to be big to know God. You do not have to be big to love Jesus. You may just start. Today.
The Common Thread
The whole Bible tells one big story. It is the story of Jesus. Jesus came to the earth. Jesus loves children. Jesus loves grown-ups. Jesus loves everyone.
Timothy told that story. And now mama tells it. Or papa. Or grandma. And one day, maybe, you will tell it too. To your little brother. Or to a friend at daycare.
The story keeps going. Like a candle that keeps burning. From heart to heart.
For You
Do you know what is fun? You may say thank you to God. Thank you for the bread. Thank you for the apple. Thank you for the milk.
And do you know what else? You may already be kind. Sharing your toy. Giving a hug. Saying a sweet word. Just like Timothy. Just like Jesus.
You are not too small. God sees you. God hears you. God loves you.
Talk About It
What is your favorite food? Shall we say thank you to God for it together?
Timothy was still young. What can you already do to make someone happy?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank you for the food. Thank you for mama and papa. Thank you that I may know you, even though I am still little.
Help me to be kind. Just like Jesus.
Amen.
Questions about 1 Timothy 4
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 1 Timothy 4 about?
What does 1 Timothy 4 say?
What does 1 Timothy 4 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 1 Timothy 4?
Why is 1 Timothy 4 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Don't neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elders."
Paul reminds Timothy that his gift did not appear from nowhere. It was recognized, spoken over him, confirmed by hands pressed on his shoulders. Yet even a gift like that could be neglected.
What has God placed in you that you have quietly set aside? Not because you rejected it, but because life crowded in. Timothy needed the reminder. Maybe you do too.
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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