In the Verse Kit Box:
Baggie of interlocking mini discs:
Review:
Lesson:
Depending on the age of the student, decide if you want to have them learn:
- just the blue highlighted words
- just the first verse
- both verses
Read through both verses, and ask the student if they know what it means. You may have to read both verses again. If the overall meaning escapes them, the last phrase will probably catch their attention, and you can build off of that by suggesting “encouraging others,” etc.
The real focus for this lesson is verse 1: “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak” refers to the power(strong) we have as believers in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us to have patience with those around us who are not as mature in some areas of their life (failings of the weak). You can have fun with this in your lesson by talking about the strongest person they know, and then direct the conversation to include the person they know who has the most “inner strength”/patience, etc.
The second part of verse 1 is a little more self-explanatory: “not to please ourselves.” This is referring to not being selfish and self-centered. (However, on the flip side of this, be sure to let students know it is GOOD to have fun and laugh! God is NOT trying to steal our joy!)
After the discussion, return to the verse and read out loud the part they will memorize. Read it again.
Have the student read it, or repeat after you, breaking the memorization into phrases as necessary. Do this 3 more times and then see if they can say it without looking.
The goal is to read it through at least 7 times out loud (this includes both your reading and theirs); perhaps a few more than that for some students. There is nothing magical about the number 7, and it should not be touted; it should just happen naturally. You want to imprint the verse in their short-term memory, as the following 3 weeks of review will move it to long-term memory, and the Holy Spirit will do His work in and through that!
Kit:
Put the interlocking discs together while you talk about how to build other people up and have patience with other students, family members, or friends that may not be as mature as you in some areas of their life.
Bible Literacy:
Help your student find Romans 15:1,2 in their Bible. Highlight or underline it.
