For children ages 3 to 6

Philippians 3

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

2 min read · Updated August 8, 2026
By Jasper & Review team
Bible
By Jasper & Review team

The Explanation

Long ago there was a man named Paul. Paul wrote a letter. He wrote it to friends who lived far away. In his letter Paul told something important.

Paul said: I used to think I was very special. I did lots of good things. I thought I was better than other people. But you know what? None of that really mattered.

Because then Paul met Jesus. And oh, what a joy that was! Jesus was more precious than anything else. More precious than gold. More precious than a big pile of toys. More precious than the very best treat.

Paul said: I want to know Jesus. That is what I want most of all.

What Does This Mean?

Paul was a bit like someone in a race. You know what a race is? You run and run and run. And at the end there is a beautiful prize.

Paul was running too. Not with his feet. But with his heart. He was running toward Jesus. He did not look back. He kept looking ahead. Come on, keep going, to Jesus!

And Paul was happy. So happy. Because Jesus was waiting for him.

The Common Thread

Jesus is the greatest treasure. Do you hear that? The very greatest.

Sometimes people think: I have to be really good. Then God will love me. But that is not how it works. God already loves you. Very much. Just the way you are.

Jesus came to earth for you. He wants to be your friend. He wants to hold your hand. Forever and ever.

That is why Paul was so glad. And that is why we can be glad too.

For You

Think of your very favorite toy. Do you have it in your head? Nice and clear?

Jesus is even more precious than that. Really.

You may know Jesus too. You may talk to Him. You may sing for Him. You may listen when someone reads from the Bible.

And do you know what is so nice? Jesus knows you. He knows your name. He knows what you like. He sees you when you laugh. He sees you when you cry. He is always with you.

Just like Paul, you may run to Jesus too. Not with your feet. But with your heart. Every day a little bit closer. Come on, we are going to Jesus!

And if you fall? Then Jesus helps you up. And you run further. Together.

Talk About It

What is the most precious thing you have?

Would you like to tell Jesus something? What would you say?

Praying Together

Dear Jesus,

You are so precious. More precious than everything. Thank You that You know me. Thank You that You love me. I want to walk with You. Every day.

Amen.

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Questions about Philippians 3

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

What is Philippians 3 about?
Long ago there was a man named Paul. Paul wrote a letter. He wrote it to friends who lived far away. In his letter Paul told something important.
What does Philippians 3 say?
Because then Paul met Jesus. And oh, what a joy that was! Jesus was more precious than anything else. More precious than gold. More precious than a big pile of toys. More precious than the very best treat.
What does Philippians 3 teach us about God?
Paul was running too. Not with his feet. But with his heart. He was running toward Jesus. He did not look back. He kept looking ahead. Come on, keep going, to Jesus!
What can toddlers learn from Philippians 3?
Jesus came to earth for you. He wants to be your friend. He wants to hold your hand. Forever and ever.
Why is Philippians 3 an important Bible story?
And do you know what is so nice? Jesus knows you. He knows your name. He knows what you like. He sees you when you laugh. He sees you when you cry. He is always with you.

What others discovered

Insight Editorial on verse 11

Paul, who had seen the risen Christ with his own eyes, still writes, "if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." Not anxious doubt, but a man holding nothing back, willing to lose everything for that one morning. What are you still clutching that you would not trade for Christ's life in you?

— Faith.Network Editorial
Insight Editorial on verse 16

Paul has just admitted he hasn't arrived. Then: "Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let's walk by the same rule." Live up to the light you already have. You may not understand everything yet, but you know something today. Walk in that. Obedience rarely waits for full clarity.

— Faith.Network Editorial
Insight Editorial on verse 6

Paul's list of credentials has a line he could never scrub clean: "concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly." His sincerity was real. His blamelessness under the law was real. And he was wounding the very One he thought he was defending. Zeal can burn hot in the wrong direction. What is yours actually serving?

— Faith.Network Editorial
Insight Editorial on verse 13

Notice what Paul leaves behind. Not only the sins that haunt him, but also the record he was proud of. Both can hold you in place. "One thing I do," he says, and a man who could have listed many things chooses one. What are you still carrying, shame or trophy, that keeps you from stretching forward?

— Faith.Network Editorial

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

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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