Philippians 4
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Long ago there was a man called Paul. Paul loved Jesus very much. But Paul was in prison. It was dark there. And cold. And a bit scary.
You would think: now Paul is sad. But no! Paul was happy. Really happy. Do you know why? Because Jesus was with him. Even in that dark prison.
Paul had a piece of paper. And a pen. He wanted to write a letter. A letter to his friends far away. Those friends were sometimes worried. Sometimes a bit sad too.
Paul wrote: "Dear friends, be happy! Be happy in Jesus. I will say it again: be happy!"
And Paul wrote something else. Something very important. He wrote: "Are you worried? Then tell it to God. Just talk to Him. God listens. Always."
What Does This Mean?
Sometimes you feel afraid. Maybe of the dark. Or of a big dog. Or when Mama leaves.
Paul says: you may tell God everything. Really everything. God is not too busy. God is not too big. God bends down close. Very close. And He listens.
And then something happens. Something wonderful. God gives you peace. Peace is like a warm blanket. Around your heart. Then you feel: it is going to be okay. God is with me.
The Common Thread
Paul could be so happy because of Jesus. Jesus is God's Son. Jesus came to the earth. Jesus loves you. Very, very much.
Jesus is like a good Shepherd. He watches over you. By day. And by night. When you sleep, Jesus is there. When you wake up, Jesus is there. Even in a dark prison, Jesus is there.
That is why Paul could sing. Even with chains on his hands.
For You
Paul wrote one more thing. Listen carefully. Paul said: "Think about beautiful things. About good things. About things that make you happy."
So think about a butterfly. Or about the sun on your face. About a hug from Daddy. About the taste of an apple. About your soft bed.
All those things come from God. God made them. For you.
And when you are scared? Then whisper it. Just whisper: "God, I am scared." God hears you. Even when no one else hears. God always hears.
Paul was in prison. But his heart was free. Because Jesus was there. Your heart can be free too. Every day.
Talk About It
What makes you really happy? Can you name three things?
What do you want to tell God today? Something happy, or something scary?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You for Jesus. Thank You that You always listen. When I am scared, I may come to You. When I am happy, I may come too. Please give me Your peace. Like a warm blanket around my heart.
Amen.
Questions about Philippians 4
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Philippians 4 about?
What does Philippians 4 say?
What does Philippians 4 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Philippians 4?
Why is Philippians 4 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord." Paul says it twice, once to each woman, taking no side. Two faithful workers, and this letter about joy was read aloud to everyone who knew them. Their quarrel outlived them in Scripture. What of yours are you still carrying, waiting for the other to move first?
Notice what this peace does. It doesn't explain. It guards. "The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus." Paul writes that from prison, to a town full of soldiers. You may not get your answer tonight. You may get a sentry posted at the door of your heart instead.
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, 'Rejoice!'" Notice he says it twice. Paul knows you won't take it the first time, not from a man in chains. And notice where the joy lives: in the Lord, not in the circumstances. He never asks you to pretend the prison isn't real. He asks you to look past its walls.
Paul names Clement, then trails off: "and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life." He couldn't list them all. Heaven could. Two of these women were quarreling, and still Paul says their names are written. Your name is not held in the book because you got along perfectly. It is held because Christ put it there.
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
Philippines
Nigeria
Zimbabwe
India
Zambia
South Africa
Malawi
Indonesia
Kenya
DR Congo
Ghana
Nepal
Cameroon
Mozambique
Benin
Liberia
Pakistan
