Choosing What Is Right.

Open Your Bible

Read and notice.

1. Matthew 4:1–11 — Notice how Jesus responds when He is tempted.
2. James 1:13–17 — Look carefully at where temptation comes from and what Scripture says about God.
3. 1 John 1:8–9 — Notice what believers are told to do with sin rather than pretend it is not there.

1

Temptation is a moment of choice.

Temptation is the pull to think, say, or do something that goes against God’s way. You might be tempted to lie to avoid consequences, cheat because you are afraid of failing, join in when others make fun of someone, take something that is not yours, hide something you broke, or say something cruel because you are angry.

Being tempted does not mean you have already sinned. Jesus was tempted, yet He did not sin. The important question is what we do next.

2

Jesus answered temptation with truth.

In Matthew 4, the devil tries to pull Jesus away from trusting the Father. Jesus responds with Scripture and remains faithful. Knowing Scripture can help us recognize lies.

• “Everybody does it, so it must be fine.” God’s truth reminds us that popularity does not decide what is right.
• “If I admit this, nobody will love me.” God’s truth tells us confession is part of walking in the light.
• “I am angry, so I can say anything I want.” Scripture teaches us to tell the truth without tearing people down.

3

Ask for help before the choice gets harder.

Wisdom often means not waiting until the last second. If a certain situation repeatedly leads you toward a bad choice, make a plan. Sit somewhere different. Put the device away. Ask a trusted adult to help. Walk away from a group that is doing something wrong. Tell the truth early instead of building a bigger lie.

Asking for help is not weakness.

4

Grace does not mean choices do not matter.

God’s grace is not permission to keep hurting people without caring. When we sin, Scripture calls us to confess and repent. Repentance means turning around—agreeing with God about what was wrong and choosing a new direction.

Sometimes repentance includes making things right. If you took something, return it. If you lied, correct the lie. If you hurt someone, apologize. If something serious happened, trusted adults may need to help decide what repair and consequences are appropriate.

5

Your worst choice does not have to become your identity.

After a mistake, children sometimes think, “I am bad, so there is no point trying.” That is not the gospel.

Sin is serious, but Jesus is a real Savior. God invites us into truth, forgiveness, and change. You may still face consequences. Forgiveness does not always remove every consequence. But consequences and correction can be part of learning, not proof that you are worthless.

A Simple Plan

STOP before the wrong choice grows.

Let’s Think About It

Practice the plan.

You accidentally break something and nobody sees it. Pause. Remember that God values truth. Tell a trusted adult what happened. Accept responsibility and help repair or replace it if appropriate.

A group chat starts making fun of another child. Do not join in. You might leave the conversation, say something respectful, save evidence if an adult needs to know about serious bullying, and tell a trusted adult.

Talk About It

Questions for a child and trusted adult.

1. What is the difference between temptation and sin?
2. How did Jesus respond to temptation in Matthew 4?
3. Why can knowing Scripture help us make wise choices?
4. What are some ways to get help before temptation becomes harder?
5. What does confession mean?
6. Why might forgiveness and consequences both be part of the same situation?
7. What is one part of the STOP plan you want to remember?

Memory Verse

1 John 1:9

Learn the verse from the Bible translation your family, church, or class uses. Focus on God’s faithfulness when we confess our sins.