Willing and Able Christians?

Bible Lesson for Children's Ministry

(This lesson coordinates well with Lesson 3 "BE MEEK" from our BE-Attitudes Bible lessons.)

Begin by asking, “What does it mean to be willing and able?” (Receive answers) 

When you are willing, that means you want to do something or you’re ready to do something. To be able, means you have the power or skill to do it—you have the right stuff, you have what it takes!

Raise your hand if you want to drive a car. Most children want to drive a car someday, but they don’t have the right stuff, because they can’t reach the gas or break pedals yet or they aren't old enough to legally drive. So, even though they are willing to drive, they are not able to drive. 

And even when you are willing and able to drive, what will it take for your mom or dad to allow you to drive their car? (Receive answers)

You must show that you can be trusted with this great responsibility. Your mind and body must be ready to use the power of the car. You will have first studied for the driving test and passed it. And once you’ve shown that you can be trusted with the car, you might earn the right to drive it.

But what do you suppose this has to do with being a willing and able Christian? (Receive answers)

Let's first look at how Jesus was willing and able. Because Jesus loves us, he was willing to die for us. He wanted to take the punishment we deserve for sinning against God. The punishment for sinning is death (Romans 6:23). However, not just anyone could die in our place. God required someone who was perfect and without sin to take our punishment. So God, in Christ Jesus, came down from Heaven to pay our sin debt. Jesus was perfect; he was able to save us—he had the right stuff—because he never sinned! 

When we trust in Jesus as our Savior and Forever Friend, we willingly say yes to him, believing that he died in our place to take the punishment we deserve for sinning. We must repent, that is turn from our sin, so that God will make us able to serve him. When God forgives us, he makes us willing and able to obey and follow him. Then, as God's children, we inherit—we are given—his gracious blessings. And as we grow in faith, we can be trusted to faithfully serve him. 

Read Ephesians 2:8-10
"God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. It's not the result of anything you've done, so no one can brag about it. God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do." (GNT)

Do you believe that Jesus took your punishment? Then, you must turn from your sins and trust him to save you. “If you declare that Jesus is Lord, and believe that God brought him back to life, you will be saved. By believing you receive God's approval, and by declaring your faith you are saved” Romans 10:9-10 (GNT).

When will you trust in Jesus? 

Close in prayer. 

If you like this children's Bible lesson, then you'll love our 52 Bible Talks for Kids!



Copyright 2021 S.A. Keith - SundaySchoolNetwork.com

Photo credit: Andraz Lazic on Unsplash

You can make a difference!
Your purchases and donations to the site help to distribute our children's ministry resources to churches across the world.

Subscribe to our Newsletter - Learn More