This Week with A Good Confession for Families

Week 17: The Problem of Sin

Sensitive Content Advisory

The next several weeks of personal narratives discuss various topics of sin. We advise discretion for families when reading these stories. Please approach the reading with caution and care.

This week’s Question and Answer can be further explained as follows for kids:

Q37 What effect did the sin of Adam have on you and all people?

A. We are all born guilty and sinful.

(from First Catechism by Great Commission Publications)

Resources

Teaching our children foundational truths, like our recent questions about sin, can feel challenging. How do we explain this difficult doctrine in a way that is truthful, age-appropriate, and ultimately points them to the goodness of God?

Sometimes, a simple picture helps little minds grasp big concepts. Consider using analogies like:

  • Inheritance: Just like inheriting physical traits, explain that all people inherit a "sin nature" – a heart bent away from God – from Adam, our first representative.

  • Team Captain: Adam was like the captain of "Team Humanity." When he broke the rules (disobeyed God), the whole team received the penalty (guilt, sinful nature). (Important Note: No analogy is perfect. Use them as conversation starters, not definitive explanations. While these pictures help us understand the problem (our sin), the most important part is God's solution – Jesus!)

Beyond analogies, this doctrine comes alive when we connect it to real life:

  • Model: Be open (in age-appropriate ways) about your own struggles with sin and your need for God's forgiveness. Let them see you confessing sin and relying on Jesus. This shows that being "sinful" isn't just about them, it's about all of us, and that there's hope in Christ.

  • Connect Behavior to the Heart: When addressing disobedience or unkindness, gently connect it back to this shared reality. "Remember how we talked about sin affecting everyone's heart? That angry feeling or wanting your own way comes from that brokenness we all have. Isn't it wonderful that Jesus came to forgive us and help us change?"

  • Point to Grace: Thankfully the truth about sin is not the end of the conversation. It sets the stage for the beautiful truth of the Gospel! Pair discussions about our sinfulness with the wonderful news of Jesus, who lived perfectly, died for our sins, and offers forgiveness, new life, and help through His Spirit.

Our goal isn't just to teach the definition of sin, but to help our children feel their deep need for Jesus and understand the incredible gift of His grace. May these ideas spark fruitful conversations in your home as you disciple your children.

Memory Verse Songs:

We're Alive (Hand Motions)- Seeds Family Worship

Ephesians 2:4-5- Native Air, Verses

Ephesians 2:4-6 (Part of series vv. 1-10)- Northway Collective

Catechism Song:

Question 37- Ask Me Whooo

What Did Adam’s Sin Do to You?- Songs for Saplings

Flashcards: AGC Weeks 17:18

Want to check out past week’s resources? Check them out in our Newsletter Archive here: