Teaching Tip of the Week

10/13/97
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Teaching Children to Deal with Sin

No matter how much we wish to the contrary, there is temptation in the world for all believers, children included. Here are some things you can teach your children to help them be victorious:

If there are people or places that usually harbor temptations, teach the children to avoid them. I Corinthians 15:33 warns, "Do not be decieved: Evil company corrupts good habits."
Another option is the one taken by Joseph when confronted by Potiphar's wife. Run! I Corinthians 10:13 promises, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." Teach the children to look for the way out that God has provided.
However, sometimes sin must be faced head-on. James 4:7 says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." Teach the children to influence others for righteousness rather than be influenced for ungodliness.

You could teach a series of three lessons on living victoriously over sin, bringing out three people the Bible tells of that used (or refused to use) these strategies. Perhaps the failure of the children of Israel among the Canaanites, Joseph and Potiphar's wife and Daniel and his friends refusing to eat the king's food. In any case let the children know that "He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world." (I John 4:4)

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