We are Children of One Father for Primary 4

We are Children of One Father

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man;
2. mention the significance of being sons and daughters of God;
3. describe the attitude of children of one father;
4. list the importance of living in peace with all men;
5. draw a peaceful world.

Memory Verse

John 1:12: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”

Bible Reading

The following Bible passages support this lesson:

1. John 1:12
2. John 3:1-21
3. Matthew 5:21-24
4. Acts 17:30
5. 2 Corinthians 5:17
6. John 17:21
7. 1 John 4:7
8. Hebrews 12:14
9. Romans 12:18

God, Our Heavenly Father

God is the Creator of all things. He made the heavens, the earth, and everything in them, including every person. Because God created all people, He is like a Father to everyone. He cares for all people and wants them to live good lives.

Just as an earthly father loves and cares for his children, God, our Heavenly Father, loves and cares for us. He provides for our needs and guides us.

The Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man

The Bible teaches us that God is the Father of all humanity because He created everyone. This means that all people, no matter their tribe, language, or country, are connected as His creation. This connection makes us brothers and sisters in a broad sense, forming the brotherhood of man.

However, the Bible also teaches that a special relationship with God as Father is given to those who believe in Jesus Christ. John 1:12 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” This means that through faith in Jesus, we become God’s spiritual children, adopted into His family.

In John chapter 3, Jesus explained to Nicodemus that to see the kingdom of God, a person must be “born again.” This spiritual rebirth means receiving a new life from God and becoming His true child. This special relationship strengthens the idea of brotherhood among believers, as they share the same Heavenly Father.

Jesus also taught about the importance of brotherhood in Matthew 5:21-24. He said that if a person is angry with their brother, they are in danger of judgment. He even said that if someone is about to offer a gift to God but remembers that their brother has something against them, they should first go and make peace with their brother. This shows how important it is for us to live in peace and love with one another, recognising our shared connection through God.

Significance of Being Sons and Daughters of God

Being a son or daughter of God is a very special privilege. It means we have a unique relationship with our Creator. The significance of this relationship includes:

1. New Identity: When we become children of God through faith in Jesus, we receive a new identity. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This means we are no longer defined by our past mistakes but by our relationship with God.
2. God’s Love and Care: As God’s children, we experience His unconditional love, protection, and provision. He watches over us and guides us in all situations.
3. Inheritance: We become heirs with Christ, meaning we share in the blessings and promises of God’s kingdom.
4. Access to God: We can approach God directly in prayer, knowing that He listens to us as His beloved children.
5. Purpose and Hope: Being God’s children gives us a clear purpose in life and a sure hope for the future.
6. Call to Repentance: Acts 17:30 reminds us that God “now commands all men everywhere to repent.” This shows His desire for all people to turn to Him, become His children, and experience this new life.

Attitude of Children of One Father

Since we are all children of one Heavenly Father, whether by creation or by spiritual adoption, we should show certain attitudes towards one another. These attitudes reflect God’s character and strengthen our brotherhood:

1. Love: We should love one another deeply. 1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” Love is the most important attitude.
2. Unity: Jesus prayed for His followers to be united. John 17:21 says, “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” This unity shows the world God’s love.
3. Forgiveness: Just as God forgives us, we should be ready to forgive others who wrong us.
4. Kindness and Compassion: We should be kind, helpful, and show compassion to everyone, especially those in need.
5. Respect: Every person is created in God’s image, so we should treat everyone with respect and dignity.
6. Peacefulness: We should avoid fighting, quarrelling, and hatred, seeking to live in peace with all people.

These attitudes help us to live together happily and show the world what it means to be part of God’s family.

Importance of Living in Peace with All Men

Living in peace with all people is very important for several reasons:

1. It Pleases God: God is a God of peace, and He wants His children to live in harmony. Hebrews 12:14 encourages us to “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”
2. It Shows God’s Love: When we live peacefully, we demonstrate God’s love to others, which can draw them closer to Him.
3. It Creates a Happy Environment: Peace brings joy, understanding, and cooperation. It makes homes, schools, and communities pleasant places to live.
4. It Prevents Conflict: Living peacefully helps to avoid arguments, fights, and misunderstandings that can cause pain and division.
5. It Allows for Growth: When there is peace, people can focus on learning, working, and building a better future without distractions from conflict.
6. It is a Command: Romans 12:18 advises us, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” This means we should always try our best to be at peace with everyone.

Living in peace helps us to be good examples of God’s children and makes the world a better place.

Activity: Drawing a Peaceful World

This activity will help you imagine and express what a peaceful world looks like.

The required materials are:

1. Drawing paper
2. Pencils
3. Crayons or coloured pencils

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Take your drawing paper and drawing tools.
2. Think about what a peaceful world means to you. Imagine a world where everyone lives in love, unity, and harmony.
3. Consider what you would see in such a world: people from different backgrounds playing together, sharing, helping each other, beautiful nature, no signs of fighting or sadness.
4. Draw your vision of a peaceful world on your paper. Use colours to make your drawing bright and lively.
5. When you are finished, you can share your drawing with your classmates and explain what you have drawn.