Praise Jesus!

Elijah Stands Up for God Against the Prophets of Baal Lesson 5

Bible Point God wants us to take

a stand for him.
Bible Verse
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work,
saving everyone who believesthe Jew first and also the Gentile (Romans 1:16).

Growing Closer to Jesus

Students will n identify fears that keep them from taking a stand for God,
n commit to taking specific risks for God, and
n recognize how they can demonstrate Gods power to others when they take a stand for God.

Teacher Enrichment
Bible Basis
n Elijah stands up for God against the prophets of Baal.
1 Kings Elijahs challenge was intended to publicly prove that the God of Israel is the one true God so
that the people would turn from their worship of Baal and once again worship God. Elijah
18:20-46 wanted to ensure that there could be no doubt of the contests fairness, so he asked that
all of the prophets of Baal and Asherah be present to plead with their god. Before Elijahs
demonstration of Gods power, the people refused to commit themselves to either God or Baal
(1 Kings 18:21).
After quite some time had passed without a response from Baal, Elijah began taunting the false prophets, revealing
his knowledge of existing myths about Baal. When it was his turn, Elijah once again wanted to ensure that the
contest couldnt possibly be seen as slanted in Gods favor. Thats why he had the altar and sacrifice drenched with
water. Baal was thought to be the god of water and fire; Elijah wanted to show that the God of Israel is the one true
God. When God responded as Elijah knew he would, the people made the right choice. With the people on his side,
Elijah took advantage of the moment and got rid of the false prophets, and Ahab didnt stop him. God proved his
power and then released the rain to end the drought in Israel.
Other Scriptures used in this lesson are Daniel 6:1-23; 3:8-29.

Prayer
Read Deuteronomy 6:4-5.
How do your words and actions show that you believe in God and put him first in your life?
Pray: Dear Lord, please help me to make you number one in my life. Help my faith to shine before my students as
I

Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4 61

 Lesson 5

Before the Lesson

n Collect the necessary items for the activities you plan to use, referring to the Classroom Supplies and Learning Lab
Supplies listed on the chart.
n Make photocopies of the Hands-On Fun at Home handout (at the end of this lesson) to send home with your
children.
n Pray for your students and for Gods direction as you teach the lesson.

This Lesson at a Glance

What Children Will Do Classroom Supplies Learning Lab Supplies
Attention Hands and StandsTry to
Grabber stand against opposition.

Bible Always RightPlay a fun game CD player, paper, pencils,

Exploration & about predicting the future, and newsprint, markers
Application learn that the prophets were
special messengers.

Fire and Water Dont Mix Bibles, pitcher, water, paper,

or Do They?Try to make a fire pencils, chalk, chalkboard, sticks,
with wet sticks, discuss 1 Kings stones, bucket or plastic box
18:22-39, and ask God to wipe out
fears about taking a stand for him.

Daniel Versus the Lions Bibles, several rolls of toilet

Escape from lions, and discuss paper
Daniel 6:1-23.

Seeing ClearlyPlay catch, Bibles

discuss Daniel 3:8-29, affirm how
they see God in one anothers
lives, and learn the Bible verse.

Closing Stand-Up PrayerThink of

times they need help standing up
for God, and say a prayer.

62 Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4

 Elijah Stands Up for God Against the Prophets of Baal

Welcome
As kids arrive, ask them how they put last weeks lesson into
action. Ask questions such as In what unusual places did you pray?
and How did praying at different times and places make prayer
different for you? Repeating the Bible Point over
Tell kids that whenever you sound the giggle hammer, they are and over will help the children
to stop talking and focus their attention on you. Explain that its remember it and apply it to their
important to respond to this signal quickly so the class can do as lives. Help children learn one point
many fun activities as possible. that will stay with them for days
and even years to come.

Attention Grabber
n Hands and Stands
SUPPLIES: none
Form two teamsthe Hands and the Stands. Have the teams line up so each
person is facing a member of the opposite team. Have each Stand member squat and
each Hand member put his or her hands on the shoulders of the opposite Stand.
Your students may be more
Say: When I sound the giggle hammer, the Stands will try to stand up comfortable if you pair boys with
while the Hands try to hold them down. Keep trying until I give the signal boys and girls with girls. But if your
a second time. class doesnt divide evenly along
Sound the giggle hammer to signal kids to start. After about 10 seconds, give the gender lines, dont worrythe
signal again for kids to stop. Repeat two more times, and then have the teams switch physical contact in this game is
roles. Give the new Hands three tries to hold the Stands down. After the third try have wholesome and nonthreatening.
everyone sit down.
Ask: What went through your mind when you were trying to stand up? (I
dont have a chance; the other person is so big; I like this because Im strong; I need to
move more quickly than the other person.)
Why was it so hard to stand up? (Someone was pushing against me; the other
person was too strong; I couldnt get my balance.)
How is this game like standing up for something you believe in? (It isnt
always easy; sometimes other people try to put you down for what you believe; you feel
really good about yourself when you do stand up for what you believe in.)
Say: God wants us to take a stand for him. Today were going to learn
from the examples of people who took a stand for God even when it was a
risky thing to do.

Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4 63

 Lesson 5

Bible Exploration & Application

n Always Right
SUPPLIES: CD player, newsprint, markers, paper, pencils
Before class, write the following color chart on a sheet of
track 11 newsprint: Red=Yes; Green=No; Blue=Maybe; Yellow=Never.
Say: Today were going to start looking at some
of the adventures of the prophets in the Old
Testament.
Play The Books of the Bible Song (track 11) on the CD several times until kids can
sing along. Lyrics are at the back of this book. After the song, turn off the CD player.
Say: The prophets were a group of people who had a really important
job. They were Gods spokespeoplethey passed on messages from God to
the people. They told the people what God wanted them to know and do.
Sometimes Gods messages even told the future. Lets see how good we are
at being prophets.
Have the kids form pairs or trios. Give each group a pencil and a sheet of paper.
Have partners write two or three yes-or-no questions about the future; for example, a
child might write, Will people live on Mars in my lifetime?
When the kids are finished writing their questions, show them the spinner from the
Learning Lab. Display the color chart you made before class. Choose a volunteer to be
the prophet.
Have kids take turns asking their questions aloud. Have the prophet spin the
spinner after each question and announce the answer. Have the kids write the answer
the spinner gives for each question.
When all of the questions have been answered by the spinner, ask:
How good do you think the spinner is at predicting the future? Explain.
(Not very goodits impossible to know the future; I dont know because I dont know
what will happen in the future.)
If someone told you that he or she knew for certain what would happen
in the future, what would you think? (Id think the person was crazy; Id think the
person was wrong because Gods the only one who knows the future.)
Say: The prophets were special people. God did tell them certain things
that would happen in the future. And guess what? Everything God said
would happen did happen! Today were going to look at two prophetsElijah
and Daniel. Well see that they took a brave stand for God. Well learn that
God wants us to take a stand for him, too. Lets get started!

64 Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4

 Elijah Stands Up for God Against the Prophets of Baal

n Fire and Water Dont Mixor Do They?

SUPPLIES: Bibles, paper, pencils, sticks, stones, bucket or plastic box, pitcher, water,
chalkboard, chalk
Say: Sometimes it seems almost impossible to take a
stand for God. But were going to find out what God can do If possible, do this activity outside
even when something looks impossible! First we need a few with adequate adult supervision.
supplies. Youll have two minutes to find one stone and one Otherwise, gather sticks and stones
stick and bring them back here. Ready? Go! before class.
When the kids return, have them use all of their stones to make one pile in the Have kids pile the stones in the
bucket or box. Invite volunteers who consider themselves good fire builders to arrange bucket or plastic storage box to
the sticks on top of the stones. protect the floor from water. If you
When the sticks are arranged for a fire, say: Raise your hand if you think you have access to a kitchen, you can
could set these sticks on fire if I gave you a lighted candle. pile the stones in a sink.
After kids respond, pour about a pint of water over the sticks, making sure theyre all Encourage kids to choose small
wet. Then ask: sticks and fist-size rocks. Larger,
heavier rocks could cause injury.
Now how many of you think you could light these sticks? (Most kids wont
raise their hands.)
Why wouldnt you be able to light the sticks now? (Theyre wet; its
impossible to light something thats wet; it wouldnt work.)
What would you think of someone who still insisted that the sticks would
burn? (Id think he was crazy; Id think he knew something I didnt knowlike maybe
the water was really gasoline or lighter fluid.)
The expandable sponge might foam
Say: Were going to read about a man who believed that a pile of wet during this first use. Dont worry
wood and rocks could turn into a big bonfire. the foaming is merely soap suds.
Have kids form groups of no more than three. Give each group a Bible. Have each
group select a Reader to read the Scripture, a Recorder to write the groups responses,
and a Reporter to share the responses with the rest of the class. Give each Recorder
paper and pencil.
Have the Readers read 1 Kings 18:22-39 to their groups. Instruct the kids to discuss
the following questions within their groups. Then invite groups to share their answers
with the rest of the class.
Ask: If you had been Elijah, how would you have felt during this contest
between God and Baal? (Worried that God wouldnt send the fire; scared about what
the prophets of Baal might do to me.)
Why do you think Elijah had the courage to take a stand for God? (He Bible Insight
knew that God could do anything; he knew that God is the only true God.) The name Elijah means my
What do you think Elijah learned from his experience? (He could rely on God is Yahweh, yet some
God; that God would come through for him; God can do anything.) scholars speculate that Elijahs
family may have come from
What do you think the prophets of Baal learned? (That God is the only a non-Israelite background.
true God; that God is powerful; that they had been following a false god.) Thus it is possible that Elijah
Say: Elijah stood up for God in a big way. But sometimes its hard for us chose his name to reflect his
to stand up for God, isnt it? Have each person in your group name one lifes motto.
situation in which it might be hard to take a stand for God. Your Reporter
will write your answers. For example, when you hear someone at school
using Gods name improperly, it might be hard for you to say, Please dont
talk like that. I dont think its right.

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 Lesson 5

When the groups are finished, have the Reporters share their groups responses. As
they share the situations, write each on a chalkboard. (If more than one group mentions
the same situation, write it each time its mentioned.) Make sure you have as many
situations as there are students in class.
Point to the list of situations on the chalkboard, and say: God wants us to take
a stand for him, even in tough situations like these. We can have the courage
to take a stand because God is strong enough to help us, just as he was
strong enough to send fire to help Elijah.
Hold up the expandable sponge. Say: If you think you know what this is, stand
up and tell the rest of us.
After kids have offered ideas, have them sit down again. Say: The prophets of
Baal found out that things arent always what they appear to be. Neither is
this! Pour water on the expandable sponge, and let kids watch it turn from a flat, skinny
object into a sponge.
God can wipe out our fears in the situations we listed on the board. When
someone hands you this sponge, choose one of these situations, pray silently
about it, and wipe that situation off the board. Then hand the sponge to
someone else.
Give the sponge to a student to start the silent prayer. When everyone has had a
turn, close the prayer by saying: We thank you, God, because you can overcome
any situation. Please wipe out our fears and give us the courage to take a
stand for you. In Jesus name, amen.
Put the expandable sponge out of sight. After class, rinse the sponge. Then put it
away for use in later lessons.

n Daniel Versus the Lions

Caution kids to be careful not to
step on any Daniels who have
been tagged.
66 Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4
SUPPLIES: Bibles, several rolls of toilet paper
Have students form two teams, the Daniels and the Lions. Have the Daniels line
up on one side of the room and the Lions scatter in the middle of the room.
Say: When I sound the giggle hammer, the Daniels must try to reach
the other side of the room without getting tagged by the Lions. If youre
tagged, sit down right where you are and play deadno getting up to
escape!
Sound the giggle hammer and let the game begin. After a minute or so, stop the
game, and have the Daniels use several yards of toilet paper to tie the Lions hands
together. Then sound the giggle hammer and play the game again.
When the game is over, untie the Lions and have kids throw the toilet paper away.
Distribute Bibles. Have the two teams move to the center of the room and face each
other so each Daniel is paired with a Lion.
Instruct the Daniels to read Daniel 6:1-10 to their Lion partners. Then have the
Lions read Daniel 6:11-23 to their Daniel partners. When kids have finished reading,
say: Discuss my first question with your partner. Then move one position to
the left to answer my next question with your new partner. If youre at the
left end of the line, simply move around to the other end. Keep moving and
answering each new question with a new partner.
Ask: How was your experience in this game like Daniels experience with
the lions? (The first time we played, the lions could catch me, but after they were tied
up there was nothing to worry about; I was a little nervous at first, but when we tied
the lions hands I wasnt.)
 Elijah Stands Up for God Against the Prophets of Baal

How do you suppose Daniel felt when he knew he was going to be

thrown to the lions? (Scared; upset; sure he would die.)
When he learned about his punishment, do you think Daniel was sorry
he had taken a stand for God? Why or why not? (Yes, because he must have
If you have enough time, play
thought he would die; no, because he knew God could save him; no, because it was
both rounds of this game twice.
better to die for God than to worship the king.) Switch roles so that everyone gets
How do you think Daniel felt when God closed the lions mouths? a chance to be both a Daniel and
(Relieved; thankful.) a Lion.
What are some risks you face when you take a stand for God? For
example, if you refuse to cheat on a test, you risk getting a lower grade
than all the people who are cheating. (Sometimes if you pray before lunch at
school, people take your food while your eyes are closed; if you dont use swear words,
people say you think youre better than they are.)
In what specific way could you take a stand for God this week? (I could
tell my friends Im not going to make fun of the kids they pick on anymore; I could tell
my friend I wont pass him the answers during the quiz this week.)
Say: God wants us to take a stand for him. And just as God took care of
Daniel, God will take care of you!

n Seeing Clearly
SUPPLIES: Bibles
Have kids form a large circle around the perimeter of the
room, facing outside the circle.
Say: One at a time, were going to catch and sail
this flying flipper back and forth across the circle.
You have to keep your feet in one place, facing
outside the circle, and you may not throw the flipper to the people on either
side of you. Lets see if we can do it without letting the flipper touch the
floor.
Join the circle, and toss the flipper to someone opposite you. Keep track of how
many times the flipper falls to the floor. If you have time, repeat the game to see if kids
can do it with fewer mistakes. Then put the flying flipper away for use in later lessons.
Have the kids move closer together and sit in a small circle.
Ask: How did facing outside the circle with your feet planted make this
game more difficult? (It made it hard to see, so it was hard to catch the flipper; it
was hard to see where to throw it next; I was so busy trying to keep my feet in place
that I couldnt keep track of the flipper.)
What are some difficult things you have to do in real life? (Homework;
chores; go to school; eat spinach.)
How was facing away from the circle with our feet planted like difficult
things in our lives? (We couldnt do our best; it was a pain; difficult things make it
hard to see life clearly.)
Why do difficulties make it hard to see life clearly? (When youre really sad,
you dont notice any of the good things around you; when youre mad at somebody, all
you see are her bad points; when everything is going wrong, you feel confused and cant
figure out what to do.)

Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4 67

 Lesson 5
Research shows that kids
remember about 90 percent of
what they do, but less than 10
percent of what they hear. Kids
need to be actively involved in
lively experiences that bring home
the lessons Bible Point!
68 Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4
Say: Although hard times can be confusing, we can use those difficulties
to let others see God clearly in our lives. In the following story, three men
went through a really rough time, but their trouble helped others see God.
Distribute Bibles. Form trios, and have each trio member read seven verses from Daniel
3:8-29. Then have trios share their responses to the following questions with the rest of
the class.
Ask: At the beginning of the story, do you think King Nebuchadnezzar
saw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego the way God did? Explain. (No, he
didnt see them as faithful, he saw them as disobedient; no, he didnt love them like
God did.)
Why do you suppose King Nebuchadnezzar didnt want Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego to stand up for God? (He didnt want to hear about
God; he wanted to be more important than God; he thought he was the best.)
What do you think made King Nebuchadnezzar praise God at the end
of this story? (He saw what God could do; he saw how much Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego were willing to risk for God; he saw that God was more powerful that he was.)
Can you think of a time you saw God working in the life of someone
going through a tough time? (My grandpa told me about Gods goodness just
before he died; my friends parents were getting a divorce, but they prayed and got back
together; my dad read the Bible even when he lost his job.)
How was that person standing up for God? (By being strong in a difficult
time; by not turning against God just because of what happened; by showing God to
others instead of getting angry.)
Say: God is at work all the time. We need to be watching for God in action.
Sometimes it takes looking at things in a special way. Im going to pass this
mask around the circle. When the mask comes to you, put it on, look at the
person to your left, and tell that person one way you see God acting in his
or her life. For example, you could say, Allison, I see God acting in your life
when you take time to listen to people, or Grant, I see God acting in your
life when you welcome new people to class.
Pass the mask around the circle. When everyone has had a turn, say: God wants
us to take a stand for him. When we do, others can see God in our lives. We
never have to be ashamed of our faith or afraid to show it. That reminds me
of our Bible verse for today. Lets look at what it says.
Have kids turn to Romans 1:16 in their Bibles, and have everyone read the verse
aloud with you several times: For I am not ashamed of this Good News about
Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believesthe
Jew first and also the Gentile.
Ask: Why does this verse say we shouldnt be ashamed of the good
news about Jesus? (Because it saves everyone who believes; because its Gods
power at work.)
When is it hard for you to share your faith openly? (At school; when kids
make fun of me for my faith; when people talk about God in a bad way.)
How can remembering this verse help you the next time you want to
share your faith? (It can help me remember how important believing in Jesus is; it
can help me remember that believing in Jesus can save people.)
 Elijah Stands Up for God Against the Prophets of Baal

Say: Sometimes its hard to tell others about Jesus.

We may be afraid of how people will react, or we
may not know what to say. But Romans 1:16 says that
believing in Jesus is what saves people. And theres
nothing more important than that! Without faith in
Jesus, no one can go to heaven.
Helping someone accept that awesome gift from
God is way more important than our own feelings. Just
think, maybe the person you want to tell about Jesus will never hear
about him if you dont say something. So dont be ashamedspread
the good news!

HANDSON BIBLE
Say: Lets do an experiment that will help us remember this
important verse!
Set out plastic bags, straws, tape, and books. Have kids turn to the
Pure Power activity on page 1108 in their Hands-On Bibles. Lead kids in
performing the experiment.
Ask: Before we started, did you think the bag would hold up the book?
Why or why not? (No, because it was flat; no, because it was too weak.)
How did the bag surprise you? (It was stronger than I thought; I never
thought it would hold up the book.)
How is the bag in this experiment like believing in Jesus? (Its strong; its
powerful; its amazing.)
Say: Faith in Jesus is so powerful that its the only way we can get to
heaven. Make sure to do this experiment for someone else this week so he
or she can learn this important verse, too!

Closing
n Stand-Up Prayer
SUPPLIES: none
Have kids sit in a circle on the floor. Say: Were going to say a prayer
together. Ill start the prayer, asking God to help us stand up for him in a
place or situation where it might be tough. For example, I might say, at
school or with my neighbors. Then well take turns around the circle.
Each person will add another place or situation where you might need Gods
help in standing up for him. After you say your place or situation, stand up
as though youre taking a stand for God! Ill give you a moment to think of
what to say.
Give kids about half a minute to think of a response, and then begin the prayer.
After everyone is standing, close by thanking God for always being ready to help us
stand up for him.

Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4 69

 Lesson 5

End class by saying: God wants us to take a stand for him. God is worth
taking a stand forso lets stand up for God this week!

Growing closer to Jesus extends

beyond the classroom.
Photocopy the Hands-On Fun at Home handout (at
the end of this lesson) for this week, and send it home
with your kids. Encourage kids and parents to use the
handout to spark meaningful discussion on this weeks
topic.

70 Hands-On Bible CurriculumGrades 3 & 4

 LESSON 5

God wants us to take a stand for him.

For I am not ashamed of this Good

News about Christ. It is the power of
God at work, saving everyone who believesthe Jew first and also the Read 1 Kings 18:21.
Gentile (Romans 1:16). What choices lure you away
from taking a stand for God?
How would the lions in Daniels den have How can you make the right
looked when Gods angel shut their mouths? choices?
Using a paper plate, markers, and pieces of Read Daniel 6:13.
yarn, make a lion head to remind you that God can overcome all your How could praying help you
problems. take a stand for God?

Read Daniel 3:28.

What do you think people
learn about God from the
way you live your life?
Keep a close eye on your Christian friends this
week. When you see someone standing up for
God, fill out a coupon like the one below, and give it to him or her.

(Name) _______________

Today I saw you stand up for God when

you ______________________________
________.

Your actions encourage me to stand up

for God, too.

Sincerely, _______________

Permission to photocopy this handout from Groups Hands-On Bible Curriculum Grades 3 & 4 granted for local church use.
Copyright Group Publishing, Inc., 1515 Cascade Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538. group.com 71