Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-17

Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Letter to the Ephesians, which is a letter written to early Christians.

Our true story is about something we can put on—something very special. But first, a question: What do you wear to protect our clothes from food when you cook?  You wear an apron to protect your clothes when you cook.


Let’s try something else. What do you wear to protect yourself from water when you go out in the rain? You wear a raincoat to protect yourself from the rain.


Now, here is something cool. This is kind of like what a soldier would have worn when our Bible story was written. It’s called armor. Soldiers used to wear armor to protect them when they went into battle.


The Bible teaches us that God gives us something very special to put on to protect us, too. It’s a special kind of armor that we can put on every day to help us remember to trust God and go His way! Do you know what this is? This is another kind of helmet. Now where does a helmet go? It doesn't go on foot. It doesn't go on your elbow. Where does it go? Right! The helmet goes on your head! The Bible teaches us that when we remember Jesus is our friend forever, it’s like putting on a helmet. We always want to remember that Jesus is our friend.


Now look at this. This is called a breastplate. The breastplate covers the soldier’s chest and protects their heart. The Bible teaches us that when we choose to go God’s way, it’s like wearing a breastplate to protect us. We always want to remember that God’s way is perfect.


Last one. Can you tell me what this is? This is a shield! A soldier holds it on their arm. The Bible teaches us that when we trust God, it’s like holding a shield up to protect us. We always want to remember to trust God.


So, we have a helmet to remind us that Jesus wants to be our friend forever; a breastplate to remind us that going God’s way protects us; and a shield to remind us that trusting God will protect us, too. 


And do you know what else we have? We have God’s Word, the Bible! We can read the Bible every day, and it will teach us how to go God’s way. And remember, God’s way is the best way, so we can always trust God!


Bible Paraphrase: Trust in the LORD with all your heart. —Proverbs 3:5, NIVI

Text Truth: God helps me stand strong.



Family Devotional

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
—Ephesians 6:10-17

Our Bible story was about a special armor God gives us when we trust Him and go His way. I want us all to trust God. That’s why the Bible verse we are learning says...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart. —Proverbs 3:5, NIVI

With your family, make a list of things that protect us and help keep us safe. Maybe it’s wearing your seatbelt in a car, holding a grown-up’s hand when you cross the street, wearing a helmet when you ride your bike, brushing your teeth, wearing a jacket in the cold, wearing a life jacket in water...there are lots of things that protect us and keep us safe.

And here is one more thing your list: Trusting God and going His way. Trusting God and going His way is like wearing armor that protects us!

Pray with your family. Allow any family members to pray if they wish. In your own words, say, “Dear God, thank You for all of the things we have that protect us from getting hurt. Things like (read the list your family made). Most of all, thank You for the special armor You give us when we trust You and go Your way. I pray that (name each family member) will trust You with all of their heart so they can stand strong. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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