Campaigning is hard work
Children's sermon
Object:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (v. 7)
Object: campaign stories in the newspaper and magazines
Good morning, boys and girls. Did you know that there's going to be an election soon? (let them answer) Lots of newspapers and magazines contain stories about the people who want to be elected president of the United States. These people are called "candidates." How many of you know the names of the people who want to be elected president? (let them answer) This year's candidates are George W. Bush and John Kerry.
If you want to be elected, you must work hard. What are some of the things you must do to be elected? (let them answer) You need to travel a lot, give speeches, and listen to people to find out what's important to them.
Candidates must know lots of things. They must know what's happening all around the country and all over the world. They need to know about businesses and schools. It's not easy trying to be elected.
Saint Paul wasn't trying to get himself elected. He was trying to spread the message about Jesus. He even had to go to prison because he was teaching about Jesus. Prison is not a fun place to be. The food isn't very good, the beds are uncomfortable, and sometimes you get chained up. People sometimes end up in prison even when they know they are right. Paul knew he was right. He was telling the truth about Jesus. He was working for Jesus like people work to be elected. He would go from place to place, meeting people and teaching them about Jesus. He would listen to people when they told him about being afraid, lonely, sad, and disappointed. Paul worked very hard and all of his hard work made him tired.
One day as he was sitting in prison and feeling very old, Paul told his friends and followers that he had "fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept his faith." It was Paul's way of saying he was satisfied with his life even though it had not been easy.
The next time you see one of the men running for president, check to see if he looks tired. If he does, you can think of Paul and all that he had to do to bring Jesus to the people. Paul gave his life for Jesus just like Jesus gave his life for Paul and all of us. Fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. Say it with me, "Fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith." (have them repeat it several times)
I think you've got it! God will give you the strength to live your life for Jesus.
