Teaching Holiness in Sunday School: Insights from Leviticus 19 and The Sunday School Bible Translation Philosophy

Holiness can feel like a challenging topic to teach in Sunday school. It often seems distant or difficult to understand, especially for younger learners. Yet, the Bible offers clear guidance on what holiness means and how it shapes our daily lives. Leviticus 19 provides practical instructions that reveal God’s call for His people to live differently. Using The Sunday School Bible Translation Philosophy helps make these ancient words accessible and meaningful for children and adults alike. This post explores how to teach holiness effectively in Sunday school by drawing on Leviticus 19 and the translation approach designed for clarity and engagement.

Open Bible displaying Leviticus 19 with highlighted verses

Understanding Holiness through Leviticus 19

Leviticus 19 is a rich chapter filled with commands that guide God’s people to live holy lives. The word holiness means being set apart, pure, and dedicated to God. This chapter covers many areas of life, from respecting parents to caring for neighbors and strangers. It shows holiness is not just about rituals but about how we treat others and live day to day.

Key themes in Leviticus 19 include:

• Respect for others: Honoring parents, not stealing, and being honest in business.

• Justice and fairness: Treating everyone equally, including foreigners and the poor.

• Moral purity: Avoiding harmful behaviors and following God’s laws.

• Love for neighbor: The famous command to “love your neighbor as yourself” appears here.

  
  

These instructions provide a foundation for teaching holiness as a lifestyle, not just a set of rules. They help learners see holiness as practical and relational.

Using The Sunday School Bible Translation Philosophy

The Sunday School Bible Translation Philosophy focuses on making Scripture easy to understand and apply. It uses simple language and clear explanations without losing the original meaning. This approach is ideal for Sunday school teachers who want to connect with children and new believers.

Here’s how this philosophy supports teaching holiness from Leviticus 19:

• Clear language: Complex words and ideas are translated into everyday speech.

• Contextual explanations: Background and cultural details help learners grasp why certain commands mattered.

• Engaging storytelling: The translation invites readers into the story of God’s people and their relationship with Him.

• Focus on application: It encourages learners to think about how the lessons apply to their own lives today.

  
  

By using this translation, teachers can present Leviticus 19 in a way that feels relevant and understandable, helping students internalize the call to holiness.

Children in Sunday school reading Bible storybooks

Practical Tips for Teaching Holiness in Sunday School

Teaching holiness requires more than just reading verses. It involves helping students connect the Bible’s message to their own experiences. Here are some practical strategies:

• Use relatable examples: Talk about everyday situations where students can show respect, fairness, and kindness.

• Create interactive activities: Role-playing scenarios from Leviticus 19 can help children practice making holy choices.

• Encourage questions: Allow students to ask about difficult commands and discuss why God cares about these behaviors.

• Highlight love and community: Emphasize that holiness is about loving God and others, not just following rules.

• Use visuals and stories: Pictures, stories, and simple summaries from The Sunday School Bible Translation can make lessons memorable.

  
  

For example, when teaching about “love your neighbor,” you might ask students to share ways they can help friends or family members. This makes the command personal and actionable.

Connecting Holiness to Today’s World

Leviticus 19 was written thousands of years ago, but its message still matters. Teaching holiness in Sunday school means helping students see how these ancient commands relate to modern life. Here are some ways to make that connection:

• Respect in school and home: Discuss how honoring parents and teachers reflects holiness.

• Fairness in friendships: Talk about sharing, honesty, and standing up for others.

• Caring for those in need: Encourage acts of kindness toward people who are lonely, sick, or new to the community.

• Making good choices: Help students understand that holiness means choosing what is right, even when it’s hard.

  
  

Using The Sunday School Bible Translation Philosophy, teachers can present these ideas clearly and encourage students to live them out daily.

Sunday school lesson plan with Bible verses and activities

Encouraging Lifelong Growth in Holiness

Holiness is not a one-time lesson but a lifelong journey. Sunday school teachers can inspire students to keep growing by:

• Setting goals: Encourage children to pick one way to practice holiness each week.

• Sharing stories: Invite students to share how they showed kindness or honesty.

• Praying together: Include prayers asking God to help everyone live holy lives.

• Building community: Create a supportive environment where students feel safe to learn and grow.

  
  

By focusing on growth and grace, teachers help students understand that holiness is about becoming more like God over time.