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Paul wrote a letter to the church in Ephesus to help them understand God’s power and how He wants Christians to behave. To help them be “strong in the Lord”, Paul uses an example of a soldier’s battle armour to explain that God gives Christians spiritual weapons of strength to fight Satan.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Old Testament References to Armour:
Outline:
- The Spiritual Battle (Ephesians 6:10-13)
- How to stand (Ephesians 6:14-17)
- Pray (Ephesians 6:18)
Tips for teaching children:
- The subject of evil powers and the Devil is very serious and should be handled carefully with children. Children should be aware of the enemy and understand that he wants to turn us against God. On the other hand, they need to know that God has more power than the Devil. If we pray and follow God, then we do not need to be afraid or worry that the Devil might overpower us. Teachers should stress the power and love of God over any mention of the Devil.
- Show illustrations of soldiers of Paul’s time and talk about the various pieces of armour Paul mentioned.
- Video games often depict an enemy attacking the “good guy”. In the games, the player usually tries to load the “good guy” with weapons and powers so that he can fight the enemy. Ask older children to share about a game. Compare this to being prepared with God’s power to fight our enemy, the Devil.
Tips for teaching adults:
- Questions for Discussion:
- How do these evil spiritual forces manifest themselves in our world (including our social, political and religious structures)?
- How does prayer fit into this battle?
- What is the purpose of each of these pieces of armour?
- How do they work together to protect the wearer?
- Paul was on the front line of the battle. What evidence of the battle is there in your congregation?
- Spend time in prayer for one another, committing as a group to put on God's full armour and help one another do the same.
Full teaching instructions free from
Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org
