Key Verse
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13
Ask your students if they can name any of God’s commands. Help them understand that fearing God is not being afraid of Him. It is knowing what he expects of us and then doing it. Help them complete the memory verse worksheet.
Today we see what happened to God’s people when they did not keep God’s commandments. They did not understand what we should today: our whole duty is to fear God and keep His commands.
Summary: The name numbers comes from two numberings of God’s people in the wilderness. These were two different groups of people. We have been looking at the old generation and continue on to the new generation. Today, we continue with the wandering of the people in the wilderness. We look at the life of Balaam, and we also see what happens to a disobedient people. Moses is told he will die and Joshua will be appointed the new leader. Finally we see the new generation numbered and being prepared to enter the Promised Land. But that promise to enter comes with a warning.
In Numbers, we see God guiding, providing for, protecting, and even disciplining His people until they reach the Promised Land. As they prepare to enter, Joshua is introduced as the successor to Moses (Numbers 27:15-23).
Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!
Emphasis: The most important thing we can do as Christians is obey God and keep His commandments. That is the fear of God. It is our duty.
Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:
Lesson 23 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet
Lesson 23 – Volume 1 Reinforcement Worksheet
Ideas for children:
Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.). I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash! Pinterest always has great ideas!
You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.
One idea for today’s lesson: (See picture below). We took a 5×7 foam sheet and glued the Key Verse (Ecclesiastes 12:13) onto it. We then put a few stickers to remind us of Balaam (and the fact that he should have obeyed God). We had a Bible time’s man, an angel, a donkey and a couple of trees. You could use your imagination to come up with better ones!
Mural idea:
Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural. Today, help them brainstorm: think of different ways we can stop spiritual adultery we see each day (short of taking a javelin and thrusting someone through!). At the very least, help them recognize instances of spiritual adultery (i.e.: putting events more important than church attendance, putting things or people as more important than God, failing to have a quiet time of prayer and reading God’s word, etc.).
Have your class make a list to add to your mural to help you remember. Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall. Encourage everyone to participate.
