The Armor of God

You’ll Need: Bibles - one per child, Hats or helmets - at least 10 (optional), Index cards, Tape

Get Ready: Before class, write a word or phrase from today’s memory verse on each index card. Tape one card to each hat or helmet. If you do not have hats or helmets, you can simply tape the index cards directly to the children’s foreheads.

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:11

Lead kids in these steps:

• Invite kids to open their Bibles to Ephesians 6:11.
• Invite several kids to read the verse aloud.
• Ask for volunteers to put on the hats, helmets, or taped index cards.
• Invite kids to work together to put themselves in the right order of the memory verse, based on what is on their hats.

SAY: Great job putting the memory verse in order. Today we’re going to learn about putting on the full armor of God so we can stand firm against the enemy. The helmet is just one part of the armor. Stay tuned to learn more about the other pieces that make up the armor of God.

You’ll Need: Bibles - one per child, Newspapers - at least three per team, Tape - one roll per team

Invite kids to open their Bibles to Ephesians 6:10-20.

• Divide the class into several small groups.
• Explain that as you read through the passage, you will pause after each piece of the armor for two minutes. Each team will get two min- utes to create that piece of the armor with newspaper by molding it on one team member. This team member will represent a model ‘soldier.’
• When you get through with the passage, each team will have a soldier suited up in the armor of God.

ASK:

• What’s one area in your life where God’s armor could help you??
• Which piece of God’s armor is easiest for you to put on each day? Why?
• Which piece of God’s armor is harder for you to put on each day? Why?

Armor Snack

You’ll Need: Paper plates - one per child, Napkins - one per child, Red licorice twists - three per child, Pringles chips - two per child, String cheese - one per child, Tostitos Scoops - one per child, Cuties oranges - two slices per child

Follow these steps to create the “Armor Snack”:

• Give each child a paper plate, a napkin, and three pieces of licorice.
• Invite the kids to break each licorice piece in half twice.
• Instruct kids to place one piece of licorice vertically for the body. Use two halves as legs and two as arms by spreading them out at an angle from the body. The last half is placed on top vertically as the neck.
• Next, instruct kids to place one Pringle chip at the end of one arm as the shield.
• Place the other Pringle chip over the licorice “body” as the breastplate of righteousness.
• Put the Tostito Scoop on top of the licorice “neck” as the helmet of salvation.
• Use the two slices of orange as the shoes of peace.
• Pull the string cheese in half. Place one half at the end of the other arm to be the sword of the Spirit. Place the second half across the middle of the “Pringle breastplate” as the belt of truth.
• Enjoy.

SAY: As you eat each piece of armor, say it aloud so you can memorize the six pieces that make up the armor of God.

Shield Up

You’ll Need: Large, thick paper plates - one per child, Masking tape, Large marshmallows

To play the “Shield Up” game, have kids follow these steps:

• Give kids paper plates and masking tape to make a shield. Encourage kids to make a handle on the back of the paper plate with the tape so they can hold it.
• After their shields are ready, divide the kids into two teams. Give each team the same amount of marshmallows.
• On your count, instruct kids to softly throw marshmallows at the other team while that team tries to block them with their shields. If their bod- ies are hit with a marshmallow, they’re out.
• Play until one player is left.
• Play several rounds as time allows.

ASK:

• What was your best defense move in this game?
• How would things have been different if you didn’t have a shield?
• How does this game remind you of how to use your shield of faith?

SAY: The shield is a great source of protection. Of course, in life there aren’t marshmallows coming at you. There are flaming arrows of the enemy. These arrows are not like what we picture, but they are things like lies, doubt, and so on. The shield of faith is so important for us to use to protect ourselves from the darts of the enemy.

Aluminum Foil Soldier

You’ll Need: Aluminum foil

Get Ready: Before class, mold a soldier and a few pieces of the “armor of God” out of aluminum foil to show as examples.

Follow these steps to make the “Aluminum Foil Soldier” craft:

• Show children the model soldier and armor you created as examples.
• Give children some foil and allow time for them to form a soldier.
• Make sure they also form at least two of the six pieces that make up the armor of God (the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of sal- vation, and the sword of the Spirit.)
• Display their soldiers in the middle of the class table.

ASK:

• Which piece of armor was your favorite to create?
• How can each piece of God’s armor help you in your daily life?

SAY: This life is a battlefield, and at times, it can be really tough. God does not leave us without protection. When we love God, he gives us His armor to help us. We just have to remember to put it on each day through prayer and asking for God’s help.

Pass the Shield Prayers

You’ll Need: A toy shield, Music

• Have children sit in a circle and pass the shield as the music plays.
• When the music stops, lead the children in praying for the child holding the shield.
• Play as many rounds as time allows, so kids can be prayed over by each other.

PRAY: Dear God, we need Your help. Life is hard, and we can’t do it using our own strength. Help us see our need for You as our Savior, and remind us to put on your armor. In Jesus’ name, amen.