The Armor of God

Children's Sermon: The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Get Ready: If you do not have access to catcher’s gear, substitute these supplies with those suggested. The card stock can be rolled so it has a curve to fit around your shin when you show it to the kids. 

How many of you have watched a Major League Baseball game? (Pause.) What is some of the equipment that baseball players need? (Invite kids to respond.)

One player on the team--the catcher--has some very special equipment. The catcher is in a very dangerous spot right behind the batter and needs certain equipment for protection. (Invite kids to name each piece of equipment, and reveal the supplies as they’re named. If you have real catcher’s equipment, pass it around. If you’re using substitute items, invite kids to share whether they think the substitutes will work, and have fun with it!)

The mask protects the catcher's face from foul tips or pitches that might get past the glove. The glove protects the hand from balls. (Put on the mask and glove.) The chest protector protects the middle part of the body. (Put on the chest protector.)  Finally, the catcher wears shin guards to protect the knees and legs. (Put on the shin protectors.) No catcher would ever think of going into the game without this protective equipment.

The Bible teaches us that you and I need protection in our lives, too. The Bible calls it the armor of God, which protects us from Satan's evil plans to hurt us. What kind of protection does the Bible say that we need? Let’s go through each piece together: 

The belt of truth: The Bible tells us that God’s enemy, Satan, is the "father of lies," but Satan can never win if we will hold onto the truth that Jesus is Lord. (Lead kids to pretend to put on a belt.)

The breastplate of righteousness: Satan can never harm us when we choose to do what God says is right. (Lead kids to pretend to put on a breastplate.)

Feet fitted with the gospel of peace: Satan tries to create worry and confusion in our lives, but knowing Jesus brings peace. (Lead kids to pretend to put on shoes.)

The shield of faith: Satan will try to plant seeds of doubt in our hearts and minds, but those seeds of doubt can never take root if we have faith in Jesus. (Lead kids to pretend to hold a shield.)

The helmet of salvation: Jesus came from heaven to earth to save us from the evil one. If we choose to follow Jesus, we will win the battle against Satan. (Lead kids to pretend to put on a helmet.)

The sword of the Spirit: the Bible, God's holy Word, is a powerful weapon against Satan. (Lead kids to pretend to hold a sword.)

Just as a catcher needs protective equipment, Christians need all the protection God has given us. Remember, Satan cannot harm us when we put on the "full armor of God."

Dear God, thank You for the protection that You have given us against the evils of this world and Satan’s plans to harm us. Help us to always remember to put on every piece of your armor. In Jesus’ name, amen.