Free Gospel-Centered Sunday School Curriculum
for Elementary Kids

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Two Masters: Choosing Sin and Death or God's Free Gift
(Romans 6:15-23)

Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in Rome. He wanted them to understand something very important about their new life in Jesus. He asked a big question: "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace?" That is a tricky question! Some people might think, "If God is so kind and forgiving, then it doesn't matter how I live. I can do whatever I want!"

Paul said, "By no means!" That means, "Absolutely not!" He wanted them to think about slavery. In those days, many people were slaves. A slave had to obey his master. If you belonged to a master, you did what he told you to do. Paul used this picture to help them understand two different kinds of life.

Before we follow Jesus, we are like slaves to sin. Sin is like a cruel master. It tells us to do wrong things, and we obey it. We might lie, cheat, or be selfish. Sin promises us fun or happiness, but it only leads to shame and death. That is the payment sin gives us.

But when we trust in Jesus, everything changes! We are no longer slaves to sin. We have a new Master. Our new Master is God. He is a kind and good Master. He gives us a new way to live. We want to obey Him because we love Him. He helps us do what is right.

Paul told them, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves of righteousness." That means we are free from sin's power, and now we can do what is right. It's like being rescued from a bad king and brought into a good king's kingdom. We serve the good King now.

Paul also reminded them that everyone has a master. If we follow sin, we get death. But if we follow God, we get something wonderful! We get eternal life. That means we live forever with God. And the best part? Eternal life is a free gift from God. We don't earn it by being good. We don't pay for it. It is a gift! Paul said, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Think of it like this: a wage is what you earn for working. If you work for sin, you earn death. That is bad. But a gift is something you receive for free. God gives us eternal life because of Jesus. We don't deserve it, but He gives it to us anyway. That is amazing grace!

So Paul's message is clear: We have a choice. Will we serve sin, which leads to death? Or will we serve God, who gives us eternal life through Jesus? Because of Jesus, we can be free from sin and live for God. That is the good news!

A Curious Question

Why does Paul call eternal life a "free gift" when he also says we must "obey" God and become "slaves of righteousness"?

Old Testament Connection

Paul's words about being "set free from sin" and becoming "slaves of righteousness" connect back to the story of God's people in the Old Testament. Remember how God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt? They were slaves to Pharaoh, a cruel master. God set them free by His mighty power. Then He gave them His law to show them how to live as His free people. But even with the law, they could not obey perfectly. They kept sinning.

This pointed forward to a greater rescue. Jesus came to set us free from the worst slavery of all: slavery to sin. The law showed us our sin, but it could not save us. Jesus did what the law could not do. He died on the cross to pay for our sins. When we trust in Jesus, He breaks sin's power over us. We are set free to serve God, not out of fear, but out of love. Just as the Israelites were saved from Egypt to serve God, we are saved from sin to serve the living God through Jesus Christ, our true Rescuer.

Discussion Questions

  • Paul says we used to be slaves to sin. What are some examples of what sin might tell us to do?
  • How is being a "slave of righteousness" different from being a slave to sin? Which one sounds better and why?
  • Why is it important that eternal life is a gift and not something we can earn?

So What? What Can I Do?

  • When you are tempted to do something wrong, remember that sin is a bad master. Ask God to help you choose to obey Him instead.
  • Think of one way you can serve God today by doing something kind or helpful for someone else.
  • Thank God that He gives you eternal life as a free gift. You don't have to earn it. You just have to receive it by trusting in Jesus.

Memorize God's Word

Romans 6:23

• For the wages of sin is death hold up one hand flat like a wage, then point down with a sad face.

• but the free gift of God hold out both hands open like receiving a gift, then point up to God.

• is eternal life trace a big circle in front of you with both hands to show forever.

• in Christ Jesus our Lord point to the cross with both hands, then bow your head.

Praying with Kids

Dear Father, thank You for setting us free from sin. Help us to remember that sin is a bad master that leads to death. We are so glad that You give us eternal life as a free gift because of Jesus. Please help us to live for You and obey You today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Craft or Activity

Two Masters Bookmark

Materials:

How to Make the Two Masters Bookmark:

  1. Cut a piece of cardstock into a long rectangle, about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long.
  2. Draw a line down the middle of the bookmark to make two columns.
  3. On the left side, write "Sin" at the top and draw a sad face or a picture of something that represents sin. Underneath, write "Death" (Romans 6:23a).
  4. On the right side, write "God" at the top and draw a happy face or a cross. Underneath, write "Eternal Life" (Romans 6:23b).
  5. Decorate the bookmark with colors and designs.
  6. Punch a hole at the top and tie a ribbon or yarn through it.
  7. Use your bookmark to remind you that you have a choice between two masters, and God gives the best gift!

Effective Teaching Techniques

For Younger Children: Focus on the simple contrast between sin and God. Use concrete examples like sharing vs. being selfish. Emphasize that God's gift is free and we don't have to be perfect to receive it.

Prep Shortcut: Pre-cut the cardstock rectangles and pre-punch the holes so children can focus on decorating and writing the key words.

Classroom Management: While children work on the craft, play soft background music and keep the conversation going by asking them about the choices they make each day.

For Older Kids: Challenge them to memorize the entire verse and think of a personal example of how they can choose righteousness over sin this week.