Focus: Explaining the words Conformed
and Transformed from Romans 12:2. To illustrate the two words you will need a lump of clay and a Transformer
toy *.
Read Romans 12:2, And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Ask your children if they know what it means to be conformed and transformed?
As you explain the word, conformed, begin by repeating the verse, "...be not conformed..." means we are not to be shaped by the world around us
(As you explain the things that can conform us to the world, begin pressing the clay, making it "conform" to the pressure of your hands.)
We can be negatively conformed--changed by the world--by the friends we choose, the
shows we watch on tv or the movies, by what we listen to or read. In fact, we will be conformed
by the world by not seeking after God.
Then take out the Transformer toy and ask the children to describe it (a cool car in this case), then "transform" it into the new object. Now what is it? The toy was changed into something new--it was
"transformed" into a new creature
(on right).
When we trust in Jesus as our Savior and Forever Friend, we too are transformed--we're changed--into new people. And as we read and study God's Word, we grow in our faith, and are changed to become more and more like Jesus in the way we think, behave and treat others.
We are conformed into the likeness of Jesus. This is pleasing to God.
Allow children to transform clay into their own creations.
Close in prayer.
The New Life Puppets would be a great activity to coincide with this
lesson, click here to learn more: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/curriculum-puppets-new-life.html
There's also a skit to coincide with the puppets:
http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/curriculum-puppets-new-life.html
Copyright 2009 S.A. Keith <><
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* Pictured here: the "Ultimate Bumblebee" Transformer Toy from Hasbro
Toys ®. Click here for more information.
