King Saul's Downfall Bible Crafts and Games

 

King Saul Bible Lesson with Crafts and Games for Children's Ministry

 

The following craft and activities goes with the Bible lesson "King Saul's Downfall" on The Resource Room. Even though Saul was warned to follow all of God’s instructions, he turned away from God and chose to do things his own way. Because of this, God took his kingdom away from him and chose a new king. Children learn that it is much more important to obey God than to sacrifice.

Member's

Instant Digital Download - NIV

 

 

Before class the teacher prepares the activity sheets so that the Saul figure is hidden in an envelope on the back side of the sheet. Children will enjoy coloring the picture and looking for Saul.  As they work talk about why they think Saul might be hiding.  Ask your children if they have ever hidden from someone and why.

Member's

Instant Digital Download - NIV

 

 

Before class the teacher prepares the activity sheet by gluing four flaps on the activity sheet. In class children will enjoy lifting the flap to find Saul and to see what is hiding behind the objects in the picture. While your students color the picture, talk about why they think Saul might be hiding.  Ask your children if they have ever hidden from someone and why.

 

King Saul's Downfall Paper Doll Craft

Children color the King Saul paper doll and crown. They write words on the back of the crown that describe what caused Saul's downfall and then place the crown on Saul's head.

Member's

Instant Digital Download - NIV

 

 

King Saul's Downfall Activity Sheet

Children color the picture of King Saul and then write about what caused King Saul's downfall.

Member's

Instant Digital Download - NIV

 

 

1. Before class print out the game board and Bible verse sheet.

Member's

Instant Digital Download - NIV

2. Cut out the game board and king chess piece. Cut apart the Bible verses, fold them in half and place them in a paper bag.

3. In class explain that sin caused Saul’s downfall. Have your students pick ten Bible verses, read them and decide if the verse talks about a sin or something positive. Move the king down if it is a sin and up if it is positive or good.

4. If the king reaches the bottom line, they lose.

 

 

1. Before class, collect suitcases, boxes, bags, and other large items that might be used as baggage or supplies that might be needed when you travel.

Member's

Instant Digital Download - NIV

2. Print out the hiding Saul figure.  

3. Place the boxes and suitcases in front of the room in a pile.  Hide the picture of Saul among the boxes and suitcases.

4. In class, place your children in teams of two or three children.  Tell them that Saul is missing and that they should try to find him among the luggage.

5. On the word “go” have the first team look for the picture of Saul.  You can time them to see which team finds Saul in the least amount of time.

6. After the first team is done, hide the picture again and then have the second team look for it.

7. Keep playing until all the teams have had a turn. The team with the lowest time wins.

 

Read 1 Samuel 15:22b –  To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.  1 Samuel 15:22-23, NIV or “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” KJV

Have your children look up 1 Samuel 15:22-23 and read it.  Ask the following questions:

1. Why did the Israelites sacrifice burnt offerings?  They did this to pay for their sins.  Jesus had not come at that time to die and pay for their sins, so the people were given instructions to sacrifice burnt offerings in order to cover their sins.
2. If the people obeyed or didn’t sin, would they have to sacrifice burnt offerings?  No, because the burnt offerings were to pay for their sins.  Samuel said that obeying is much better than sacrifice. He meant that God is more pleased with your obedience because it shows that you love him and want to please him. He is also pleased when people repent from their sins, but not as much as when they obey in the first place.
3. What sins did Saul commit?  He didn’t follow God’s instructions (disobedience). He turned away from God and depended on himself to make decisions (arrogance). He didn’t kill the enemy king because he wanted to show everyone how great he was in capturing him and displaying him in front of everyone (pride). He didn’t kill the animals probably because he wanted to keep them and give them to his soldiers as a reward.  He lied about not destroying everything (lying). Or even if he kept the animals to sacrifice them, he did it because he thought his ways were better than God’s.
4. Is it a sin if you only follow part of the rules, or obey your parents in some things and not others? Yes. Have you ever told your parents that you cleaned your room when you really just stuffed most things under the bed and in the closet?  A half-truth is still a lie.
5. Would God rather you obey your parents or obey your parents only part way and then ask for forgiveness and pay for your bad behavior in some way?  God would rather you obey.