PATIENCE - Champions by the Fruit of the SpiritSmakprov

Patience vs. Entitlement

Bible story: The manna and quail Exodus 16:1-18

Theme Verse: James 5:8-9

Students, this week our match fight is patience against entitlement. Entitlement means when a person believes that he or she deserves certain privileges, and usually they are arrogant about it. This is seen in wealthier countries where people expect they should have everything they want or need. Entitlement is also found in poorer countries, where people feel they have a right to beg because they should be given the same as others. Neither one of these attitudes is good. God expects us to be patient and trust Him with our lives.

In today's Bible story, the people of Israel found themselves in a place of need and started to beg and plead to God. The Bible says they grumbled against God and complained saying they wished they had stayed in Egypt instead of following God into the desert. They shouted that they preferred to have died in Egypt. But then the unexpected happened! God took care of them miraculously, sending manna and quail down from the sky! Every morning there was bread to eat, a thin flake called manna. In addition, every evening there was meat to eat, birds called quail that God sent their way.

However, even when God did these miracles, they continued to grumble. In Numbers 11:6, the people grumbled, "But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” God was angry at the Israelites for their grumbling and complaining.

They had a sense of entitlement where they felt they could demand food from God. In reality, none of us is owed anything from anyone. We cannot demand things from God, our governments, our parents, our churches, or foreigners. We should have patience instead of a sense of entitlement.

Questions:

1. What things do you expect to receive from your government?

2. What do people often say when they are grumbling and complaining about what they do not have?

3. Have you ever been tempted to demand something from God? Discuss what demanding things from God looks like.

Life Application:

This week you are owed nothing from anyone. Every time you want to ask for something, stop yourself. Each time you successfully stop yourself from asking for food, favors, time, or help, you win against this sin.

Want more?

This reading plan is taken from Equip & Grow's children’s curriculum, looking at being a champion by putting into practice the fruits of the spirit. Enjoy this plan at home, and then do the full curriculum at church with student books, games, crafts, songs, decorations, and more!

https://www.childrenareimportant.com/champions/index.php