Perfect Protection

KEY VERSE

Romans 6:23

STICKY STATEMENT

God’s protection is perfect.

LESSON OBJECTIVE

Children will learn how to be protected from spiritual death.

CHECKLIST

1. A PowerPoint is available for this lesson.2. Visual 1 - Motor Lifeboat3. YouTube Video, “Self-righting test for Watercat” https://teachersource.wol.org/videos/oly18/3-3/ (1:00-1:55) (Introduction)4. Pitcher full of water5. Clear water glass6. 2 Napkins7. The Gospel for Kids Video https://teachersource.wol.org/videos/oly18/3-2/ (2:33) (Younger Adaptation) (Body)

LESSON OVERVIEW

God protected Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark. Children will learn that God designed the ark perfectly for everyone on the boat. Just like God protected them from physical death, children will learn that protection from spiritual death is found in Jesus alone. For more information on the ark you can check out: https://teachersource.wol.org/videos/oly18/3-1/

Younger Adaptation:

Teacher’s Note: Show “The Gospel for Kids” video https://teachersource.wol.org/videos/oly18/3-2/ (2:33). You can choose to use this video to explain the Gospel message.

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Teacher’s Note: Prior to teaching the lesson, be sure to watch the video, “Protection of God (Kleenex version)” video, https://teachersource.wol.org/videos/oly18/3-4/ (2:15) so you will know how to perform the visual illustration. This video should be used for the teacher’s information only and should not be shown during class time. It will be necessary to highlight the protection of God, but not specifically the protection of the Holy Spirit as stated in the video. Be sure to gather the items that are necessary prior to teaching the lesson.

INTRODUCTION

Before we open the Bible to look at how God protected Noah in the Ark, I want to share with you something cool about a boat that the U.S. Coast Guard uses. The Coast Guard is a branch of the military responsible for the protection of others at sea. They build their boats to help protect themselves as well as others. They have a very unique boat called the “Watercat.” [Show Visual 1 of the Coast Guard “Watercat.”] This boat is specially designed so that if it tips over during a storm, it will automatically turn right side up. Watch this demonstration of the Watercat.

Teacher’s Note: Show the “Self-righting test for Watercat” video, https://teachersource.wol.org/videos/oly18/3-3/ (1:00-1:55). In order for the video to make the most impact, begin showing the video at the 1:00 minute mark and stop showing the video at the 1:55 minute mark.

Wow, that’s pretty cool. Did anyone else know that there was a boat that could do that? The Watercat is designed with some awesome features to help protect people during stormy weather at sea. Its main feature is to right itself if it is flipped over to prevent people from being trapped underwater. Another safety feature is the powerful motors specifically designed to handle stormy weather. Also, a first aid area is located on the ship for anyone who is injured or has just been saved from the cold ocean waters. The Watercat has the most advanced technology to protect those who are in danger out at sea.

BODY

In our Bible lesson today, we will see how God designed an even bigger and better boat than the Watercat to protect Noah, his family, and the animals from the catastrophic worldwide flood. We may try to imagine how it looked during the flood, but no one can begin to describe how frightened every person must have been. Every living thing on the earth was going to be destroyed by water. Although they were safe in the Ark, Noah and his family must have had mixed feelings when the rain started falling, and the water started rising! They were enjoying God’s protection while everyone chose destruction. Noah learned that God’s protection is perfect, and you will learn the same.

Even if the Coast Guard’s “Watercat” had been built back then, it wouldn’t have survived a worldwide flood. God gave Noah specific instructions on how to build the perfect boat that would survive a global flood. He told Noah how to build the Ark and Noah obeyed. Listen to the instructions God gave to Noah. [Read Genesis 6:14.]

Every detail of the Ark was carefully planned for the protection of everyone on the Ark. God protected the animals by having Noah build separate rooms for them. Because of God’s perfect plan, the animals were able to live after the flood. God’s protection is perfect.

So, how did Noah and all of the animals stay dry? Wouldn’t the water have leaked into the boat through the cracks in the wood? Well, sure enough, God had a plan for that as well. God protected those on the Ark by having Noah cover both the outside and inside with a waterproof material called “pitch.” It was a black sticky goo that looked like tar. I’m sure it took a long time to cover the entire Ark, but it was all a part of God’s plan! Every one of God’s instructions were designed to protect Noah, his family, and the animals. What an amazing God we have! Watch this demonstration which shows us God’s protection.

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Teacher’s Note: Use the visual illustration demonstrated in the “Protection of God (Kleenex version)”

[Take one napkin and dip it in the water.]This is what would have happened if Noah and his family weren’t protected by the Ark, they would’ve gotten wet! Here is what actually happened though. The glass is going to represent the Ark, and the napkin is going to represent everyone inside the Ark. Here we go!

Teacher’s Note: Stuff the second napkin inside the glass, flip it upside down and dip it straight down in the water. Bring the glass back up out of the water and pull the napkin out.

Look, just as dry as when it started, just like those on the Ark. God thought of everything!

Genesis 6:15 describes the length, the height, and the width of the Ark. Researchers have found these dimensions to be the perfect balance between comfort, stability, and strength. It was not too big, too wide, or too long. It was just the right size to keep everyone on the Ark protected. God’s protection is perfect.

Let’s read Genesis 6:16 to find out what else was included in this perfect plan. [Read Genesis 6:16.] God knew that a window was needed for Noah to eventually send out the raven and dove. The door was also made on the side of the Ark for the people and animals to easily enter and exit. Finally, three decks were included to make room for all the animals on board. It was God, not Noah who made these detailed plans, but he followed them exactly because God’s protection is perfect.

We have seen that God protected Noah, his family, and the animals from death. Did you know that God has done something to protect you so that you never have to experience death? I know what you might be thinking, “Doesn’t everyone have to die eventually?” Yes, but the type of death I am talking about is a spiritual one. It is an eternal separation from God after we physically die. The good news is that God has made it possible for you to be protected from this spiritual death.

Teacher’s Note: If using the Younger Adaptation watch “The Gospel for Kids Video” https://teachersource.wol.org/videos/oly18/3-2/ (2:33) instead of the spoken plan of salvation. After the video has finished, continue the lesson at the Application.

Turn in your Bibles to Romans 6:23. Let me read it to you. [Read Romans 6:23.] This very important Bible verse we just read mentions the spiritual death I just talked about. What I have not mentioned yet is the great news about how we are protected from spiritual death. God had His own Son, Jesus, die on the cross for the sin of the world, and that is how we are protected. Just like the Ark protected Noah from death, so Jesus protects us from eternal death, but only if we receive Him into our lives as our personal Savior. Turn to Romans 10:9-10 and follow along as I read. [Read Romans 10:9-10.]

APPLICATION

What about you? Have you ever placed your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation? Just like God delivered Noah and his family from death, accepting Jesus as your own personal Savior delivers you from the power and effects of sin. The death, burial and resurrection is the work of Christ that allows you to have eternal life. Just like God gave Noah only one way to be protected from death, He provided Jesus as the only way to be protected from spiritual death. God’s protection is perfect.

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If you have never placed your faith in Jesus for salvation, you can do so today. If you recognize you are a sinner separated from God and need that personal relationship with Him, cry out to Him today before you leave. Believe on the Lord Jesus and He will save you!

Teacher’s Note: At the end of the lesson, give an opportunity for the children to respond to believe in Jesus Christ as Savior.

If you do have a personal relationship with God, who can you share your testimony with this week? It can be your friend, grandparent, teammate, or coach. You have been protected from spiritual death and maybe God has someone in your life that needs to be encouraged by how you came to know God. Share your good news with them. [Close in prayer.]

PERSONAL TRAINING TIME

Goal of this Personal Training Time

To allow the children to see that God is the great Protector.

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways did God show His protection for Noah, his family, and the animals on the Ark? (Making several rooms; having pitch on the outside and inside.)

2. Why was it important that God protected the animals also? (So they could repopulate the earth; so Noah would have food; so we could have food today.)

3. Who can you ask God to help share your testimony with this week? (Friend, teammate, coach, classmate, etc.)

PARENT CONNECTION

As a parent, you know the importance of protecting your children. You might plan ahead to make sure they are protected when riding their bike, swimming at the beach, or using tools at home. Your children learned today that God planned and protected Noah, his family, and the animals from the flood. God wants to protect your child also, by giving them eternal life instead of eternal death. Have your child explain to you what that means in their own words.

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Visual 1

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