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In Ephesians 6: 10-17, Paul tells the Ephesians that to be ready against Satan, we must put on the full armor of God. "Taking a stand" is another way of saying "make a decision." Some people think they can wait to follow Jesus, or that they can sort of follow Jesus.
Nobody gets to stand on the sidelines of the spiritual battlefield. Jesus does not want lukewarm followers! Today's story is about a man who wanted to follow Jesus, but couldn't make the commitment. He chose his possessions and wealth here on Earth over Jesus! Jesus asked him to take his stand, and he chose the world. Key Themes: 1. God wants us to take our stand against the devil! 2. When we choose money, power or worldly pursuits, we are not taking God's side. 3. Have the courage to stand for God! Memory Verse
Ephesians 6:11 ESV
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Songs
1,2,3 The Devil's After Me
Books of the New Testament Be Careful Little Eyes This Little Light of Mine There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart I'm in the Lord's Army My God is So Big I Am A C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N Saint's Medley Story
StoryBegin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Sharing Time Do you have a lot of fun toys and treasures at home? Would you say that you have some items that are your favorite, or most prized possessions? Or maybe something that you think is worth a lot? I want to share with you some of my favorite things. Take a moment to share a few valued items, whether due to monetary worth (pictures) or sentimental value. Now, what would you think if someone asked you to give up those special things? If you had to give them away or even throw them away? What if someone asked you to get rid of ALL of the things you have? (source: Ministry-to-Children) 2. Dash for Cash Supplies: Change or fake coins around the room; you could also do this with filled Easter eggs (even if it isn't Easter) SAY: Tell the kids, I have hidden some money (coins, eggs) around this room. I am going to set a timer and you have just that amount of time to find as many as you can. Once kids have found their treasure and re-assembled, SAY: Do you ever feel like this is how the world acts? Everyone is running around trying to get as much money or stuff as they can! It is exhausting! Because we follow Jesus, we know that all the things in this world don't really matter that much! Today, we are going to learn about a rich young man, who didn't quite understand that! Story: When Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians, he wanted to explain that they were in a battle. He told them about every piece of armor that God provided to make sure they were protected. However, putting on the armor of God is a choice. There are lots of people who will hear the gospel and not take a stand with Jesus. SHOW the story of the Rich Young Ruler or read Mark 10:17-31 in the Bible. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual Aids
God is...
Connect the story back to God and his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story.
Activities
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The Good News! by Jennifer Tolbert
In Ephesians 6: 10-17, Paul tells the Ephesians that to be ready against Satan, we must put on the full armor of God. He asks them to pray, and give him the courage so that "he may make known the mystery of the gospel."
Do you know what the gospel is? The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ has already won the battle against Satan! He came, lived a perfect life, died, and rose. In doing so, he took all over Satan's power of God's children away. Could you imagine going into battle knowing you were assured victory? So if Jesus already won the battle, what are we fighting for? When Jesus came, he made it very clear that on the final judgement day, there would only be two categories-saved and not saved (Matthew 25:31-46.) There is not a category for the undecided. We must choose one side or the other. The battle now is for individual souls. This means, we fight Satan's kingdom by sharing the gospel so that each person can choose their side! Today, we are going to review the gospel and practice sharing it, so we can be ready to share the gospel like Paul! Key Themes: 1. God wants me to read and understand the gospel-which is found in my Bible! 2. I need to share the gospel with my friends and family. That is how I build God's kingdom and defeat Satan's kingdom. 3. God is powerful and equips us to face anything the devil throws at us. Memory Verse
Ephesians 6:11 ESV
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Songs
1,2,3 The Devil's After Me
Books of the New Testament Be Careful Little Eyes This Little Light of Mine There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart I'm in the Lord's Army My God is So Big I Am A C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N Saint's Medley Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Object Lesson-Sharing the Gospel Optional Supplies: Dish detergent, cotton swap, milk, food coloring, small dish, plate Watch this video about how to perform this object lesson! 2. Dominoes or Jenga Blocks Supplies: Dominoes or Jenga Blocks Set up dominoes or a Jenga blocks in a way that when you push the first one over, the rest will fall over. Discuss the idea of a chain reaction. How does new spread? One person tells one person and that person tells the next, until everyone has heard. Here is a video demonstration of this lesson. 3. Let's Make a Covenant Supplies: a small snack or treat, or a treasure box filled with prizes SAY: Today, I want to teach you a new word. That word is covenant. A covenant is like a agreement (older kids may understand the word contract) or promise between two people. Let's practice making a covenant. If you promise to be kind and respectful in my class, I promise to let you chose a prize from my treasure chest (or treat, or free time, or whatever you promise to do!) Is it a deal? (Let kids verbally agree) SAY: Well, to make this covenant official, we need a sign to prove that we are each going to do what we say we are going to do. Our sign is going to be a handshake. So, if you agree to this covenant, let's shake hands. (Shake each child's hand in a very official manner). Story: Today, we are going to talk about covenants, the gospel and God's big, wonderful plan to send a rescuer. We are also going to discuss what the gospel is and how we can share it with our friends and neighbors! Note to teachers: Today's lesson does not focus on an individual Bible story, but instead of linking God's story together in a way that makes sense from beginning to end. In a way, it is like a review. The focus of today's lesson is about giving kids the language and tools to share the gospel. For younger classes, you might focus on reviewing the individual Bible stories or focus on the idea of a promise. For older kids, if appropriate, you may want to spend more time focusing on the idea of baptism and why it is important for us to fulfill our side of the covenant. SHOW the Good News story or read verses in the Bible that explain the gospel. This printable may help. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual AidsGod is...
Connect the story back to God and his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story.
Activities
Gospel Cross Template
This is would work well if you used the cross to demonstrate how to tell the story of the gospel using the cross. Then allow each child to make their own and practice telling the story.
Daniel and the Lion's Den by Jennifer Tolbert
In Ephesians 6: 10-17, Paul tells the Ephesians that to be ready against Satan, we must put on the full armor of God. In addition to the armor of God, Paul tells the Ephesians to pray. He tells them to pray when things are good and pray when things are bad. He says to ask God for anything and everything they may need. He encourages them to pray for all Christians. Paul makes a prayer request too! He specifically asks for them to pray that God will give him the right words and courage he needs to share the gospel.
Prayer is one of the most powerful things we can do. What does a team do when they are in a close game? They put in their most valuable player! The biggest, fastest, strongest person on the team. When we are praying, we are bringing the most valuable player in on the game-Jesus! Do you remember the different times in the Bible when Jesus heal someone from an unclean spirit? They would beg Jesus not to hurt them or they would leave in fear! In the Old Testament, Daniel valued his prayer life over his own physical life. He understood that his prayer life is what connected him to God, and he made it a priority. Key Themes: 1. God wants us to pray! 2. I need to use the power of prayer to defeat Satan. I can't do it on my own. I need God's help. 3. Praying for one another form of protection. It bonds us together. Memory Verse
Ephesians 6:11 ESV
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Songs
1,2,3 The Devil's After Me
Books of the New Testament Be Careful Little Eyes This Little Light of Mine There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart I'm in the Lord's Army My God is So Big I Am A C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N Saint's Medley Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Sharing Time Tell me about times that you know that we pray. (Meals, Baptisms, Church, Bedtime, etc.) Why do you think God wants us to pray? 2. Prayer Web Note: Better for older Supplies: Ball of yarn, scissors You may want to take prayer requests at the beginning of class. Hold the end of the yarn. SAY: Today we are going to practice praying for one another. You can pray for things they something they need OR you can praise God for something good about them, such as being a good friend. I am going to pass the yarn ball to you. If you have the yarn, you need to pick someone and pray for them. For example, I am going to pray for Jane and ask that God help her with her test next week. Then, I am going to hold my part of the yarn and toss the yarn to Jane. Jane will pray for someone else in the group, hold her portion of the yarn and toss it to the person she prayer for. After everyone has had a turn, point out how our prayers connect us. Imagine that this yarn represents a connection that is actually invisible, but lives in our hearts. That is power of prayer. Read and discuss Ecclesiastes 4:12. 3. Review Supplies: Armor of God visual aids Review each of the pieces of armor. ASK: Imagine you were going out to fight a battle. Would you rather fight alone or with a friend? Why? Read and discuss Ecclesiastes 4:12. How do prayer requests give us strength? Story: When Paul visited Ephesus, Paul met people who were eager to learn more about following God. However, he could not return and teach them more because he was in prison in Rome! Did Paul let this stop him? No! He used this time in prison to write letters to the churches. We have been studying a part of the letter he wrote to the church in Ephesus. Like any good teacher, and following the example of Jesus, Paul used an object lesson-a soldier's armor-when teaching the Ephesians about spiritual warfare. The next verse, Paul gives them even more insight into what will give them strength when facing the enemy-prayer! He encourages the Ephesians to pray! He even leads by example with his own prayer requests. In the Old Testament, Daniel teaches us how important it is to pray. Daniel was taken from his home as a young boy and forced to serve the king in Babylon. The king made a decree that no one could pray to anyone except him. There was no way Daniel was going to serve an earthly king over God! SHOW the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den or read Daniel 6:1-28 in the Bible. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual Aids
God is...
Connect the story back to God and his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story.
Activities
In Ephesians 6: 10-17, Paul tells the Ephesians that to be ready against Satan, we must put on the full armor of God. Our sixth and final piece of armor isn't actually armor at all. The sword is a soldier's primarily a weapon. A sword isn't primarily used to defend--it's used to attack!
Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart." The spirit of God, as discerned through His Word, is the very tool we need to slice through the devil's lies and anything that would bind us to Him. It gives us wisdom when we are making decisions. It teaches corrects, and trains. It slices through the lies of the devil because it is truth. Today, we are going to remember a story in the Old Testament about Joseph. Joseph's faced many trials in his life. He wrongfully suffered due to others dishonesty. However, he used the gifts God gave him faithfully and God never forgot about Joseph. He never gave up and eventually could see how God used him to save others. Joseph's spirit is one that we can learn from in our own lives too! Key Themes: 1. God wants me to read and understand my Bible! 2. I need to use the sword of the Spirit (my Bible) when making choices and decisions about my life. 3. God is powerful and equips us to face anything the devil throws at us. Memory Verse
Ephesians 6:11 ESV
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Songs
1,2,3 The Devil's After Me
Books of the New Testament Be Careful Little Eyes This Little Light of Mine There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart I'm in the Lord's Army My God is So Big I Am A C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N Saint's Medley Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Balloon or Pool Noodle Swords Note: check for latex allergies if you plan to use balloons Supplies: long balloons (like the kind balloon artists use) or pool noodles. Allow the children to pay with the swords. Share about how a soldier had to keep his sword sharp and ready. If you're really ambitious, consider making or teaching the kids to make their own balloon swords. Here is a video that teaches you how. 2. Draw Your Sword Game from KidMinMama Supplies: Plastic Knives with Scriptures About God's Word This is a verse find game. Teams will take turns drawing a plastic knife from a cup and then race to find the verse. Here is a resource for verses. 3. Sharing Time Ask the children: "Is it important to read the Bible?" Why or why not? Allow younger children to share when they study the Bible. Bible class, family reading time, etc. You might ask what their favorite Bible story is. For older kids, brainstorm ways we can make time to read our Bible. Introduce the idea of priorities and habits. Story: Paul told the Ephesians to take the sword of the spirit into battle. Would you feel safe if you went into battle with only protective armor, but without a weapon? I wouldn't! A solider without a weapon is not able to win. Their best hope is to not lose. God did not leave us without a weapon! He gave us his word, which is everlasting, strong, and powerful. In John 8:34, Jesus said that anyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. It is like the devil has God's people tied up as his slaves. We can use the Sword of the Spirit to cut through any rope or chain the devil can use! There is nothing too strong that this sword couldn't cut through! Satan would love to keep God's children as His slaves. Today, we are going to talk about a story in the Old Testament about a man named Joseph. Joseph endured hard times, but He never lost his faith in God. Eventually, all of his trials enabled him to be in a position to rescue his family that treated him so badly. SHOW the story of Joseph or read portions of Genesis 37-46 in the Bible. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual
God is...
Connect the story back to God and his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story.
Activities
In Ephesians 6: 10-17, Paul tells the Ephesians that to be ready against Satan, we must put on the full armor of God. The fifth piece of armor is the helmet of salvation. When a solider went into battle the helmet protected his head. Think of all the important body connected to your head-your brain, your eyes, and your throat! These are very delicate and VERY important parts of your body.
Do you want to know one of the sneakiest tricks the devil plays on Christians? He tricks them into focusing on something other than God. He doesn't make them hate God, he just distracts them with money, possessions or other things they make more important than God! He traps their mind! The helmet of salvation represents the knowledge and assurance of our salvation. It protects our mind from the tricks of the devil. In many ways, it is like putting the mind of Christ into our own mind. When we set our minds on heaven, we can see this world for what it truly is...temporary. And if that is the case, we can face anything and Satan can't distract us from our purpose! We must protect our mind and focus from Satan. Today, we are going to remember a story in the Old Testament about Moses. The Israelites were trapped! They were slaves to Pharoah in the land of Egypt. God called Moses to free his people. It took 10 different tries and some crazy plagues for Pharoah to finally let the Israelites go. This is the story of the Passover-an important night where God gave the Israelites important directions they had to follow in order for the angel to Passover their home. If they followed those directions exactly, they could be confident their family would be spared. Key Themes: 1. God wants to have confidence in our salvation! 2. I need to use the helmet of salvation to protect my mind from the enemy and give me the mind of Christ. 3. It's not a secret code! Just like God gave the Israelites very specific directions in order to be saved, he has also give us the exact directions of what we need to do to be saved. Memory Verse
Ephesians 6:11 ESV
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Songs
1,2,3 The Devil's After Me
Books of the New Testament Be Careful Little Eyes This Little Light of Mine There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart I'm in the Lord's Army My God is So Big I Am A C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N Saint's Medley Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Helmets Supplies: try to find 3-5 different kinds of helmets: bicycle, football, hard hat, firemen, motorcycle, catcher's helmet, etc. (Note: You may need to ask around church and borrow some). Allow the kids to try on the different helmet. Point out the different features of each one? Why is it useful? How does it protect you from that activity? Transition into discussion why it's important to protect our brain? see more about this idea from KidMinMama 2. Brainiac Better for older kids Share some of the more interesting facts from this slideshow about brains. Let this lead into a discussion about the importance of your mind and why you should protect it. 3. Use Your Head Supplies: 2-4 Sand pails and small soft balls such as ping pong balls. Divide into teams and split the soft balls evenly between the groups. One team member must hold the bucket on top of their head while their teammates try to toss the soft balls into the bucket. First team to get all of their balls into the bucket is the winner. Story: Paul told the Ephesians to take the helmet of salvation into battle. I wonder why? How important is it to protect your head? Satan is not out to attack your head, as much as he wants to attack what is in your head! Your mind! The devil knows if he can control your mind, he can make your eyes see what he wants them to see, and your mouth say what he wants your mouth to say. He can make your feet go where he wants you to go! When he controls your mind, he has you completely! Satan would love to convince you that God doesn't love you and that he would never actually save you! But we know God does love us, so much that he made a special rescue plan to come and save us from Satan and the bondage of sin. He gave us clues about his plan when he rescued the children of Israel from the evil Pharoah with the blood of a lamb. SHOW the story of Moses or read Exodus 10-12 in the Bible. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual Aids
Video: God's Story: Armor of God
God is...
Connect the story back to God and his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story.
Activities
In Ephesians 6: 10-17, Paul tells the Ephesians that to be ready against Satan, we must put on the full armor of God. The fourth piece of armor is the shield of faith. When soldiers went into battle, they carried a shield. The soldiers used the shield to defend themselves against the weapons of their enemy.
One of greatest weapons Satan uses against is the weapon of lying. He lied to Eve in the garden. He even lied and tried to tempt Jesus in the desert! He tells us lies like, "You will never be good enough for God. You should just give up." OR "It's okay to do one or two little sins. It won't hurt you." He even tries to convince people that God isn't real! We can block the lies with our faith in God. When we believe what God says we can defend ourselves from the devil's lies. Today, we are going to remember a story in the Old Testament about David. While all the other men in Israel's army believed the lie that they were too small and powerless to defend themselves, David's faith gave him the courage to step up and fight a giant. He knew the battle belonged to God and trusted that God would take care of him-no matter what his brothers, fellow Israelites, or Goliath said! Key Themes: 1. God wants to have faith in him! 2. I need to use the shield of faith to guard myself from the devil's lies. 3. Faith protects the Christian life the same way a shield protects a soldier's body. Memory Verse
Ephesians 6:11 ESV
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Songs
1,2,3 The Devil's After Me
Books of the New Testament Be Careful Little Eyes This Little Light of Mine There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart I'm in the Lord's Army My God is So Big I Am A C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N Saint's Medley Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Dodgeball with Shields Supplies: soft dodge balls, toy shields Allow the kids to play a round of dodgeball. Then, give them something like a small shied as they play. Discuss if the shield was helpful. If yes, then why? 2. Mustard Seed Supplies: Mustard seeds Give each child a mustard seed. Let them hold it and look at how tiny it is. SAY: A mustard seed is a super, tiny seed. Jesus said that if we have as much faith as a mustard seed, we will have enough faith to move mountains. You see, our faith does not require us to be big. God is big enough, and if we believe God is who he says he is, and will do what he says he will do, we have all we need to face anything! David understood this! He was little guy but had the courage to face a giant! 3. Paper Shields Supplies: Large cardboard cut out shields or purchase from Oriental Trading, stencils, stickers, metallic circle stickers, markers, etc. Note: For kids to have enough time to make their shields look nice, this is a great way to begin class and then have them put them away and use them as your final activity as well. You may want to have a Bible verse or the words "Shield of Faith" printed for the kids to glue on if they are too young to write. Story: Paul told the Ephesians that the shield of faith would protect them from the flaming arrows of the enemy! While the other pieces of the armor were used for each individual part of the body, a shield protects you completely. The Roman shield that probably inspired Paul's writing was made of wood covered with metal, and was large enough to protect their entire body from the enemy. It was also strong enough that it could also be used like a weapon to hit an enemy if needed. David didn't use a physical shield when he went into battle against Goliath. He knew his protection came from the Lord. Like David, we need to grab our shields of faith and have the courage to take on the evil one! God promises he is right there next to us in battle--he will never leave us or forsake us! SHOW the story of David and Goliath or read 1 Samuel 17:1-58 in the Bible. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual Aids
The Story of David and Goliath by Minno (better for younger)
God is...
Connect the story back to God and his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story.
ActivitiesIn Ephesians 6: 10-17, Paul tells the Ephesians that to be ready against Satan, we must put on the full armor of God. The third piece of armor is the shoes of the gospel of peace. What do you do when you have good news? You want to tell anyone who will listen! The word gospel means good news. It is the best news ever! As a people who were once separated from God, Jesus's sacrifice makes a way for us to be with God again! As Christians, we have to be ready to take the gospel to anyone who needs to hear it! Paul was an excellent example of someone who was ready to go and spread the gospel! Today, we are going to remember a story in the Old Testament about Abraham. Jesus is actually the fulfillment of a promise made to Abraham. God also called Abraham to leave everything and travel to a new place. Abraham believed God and obeyed him. Abraham's faith is the basis of the gospel today! Key Themes: 1. God wants me to go and share the gospel (or good news!) 2. I need to put on the shoes of the gospel of peace. 3. When we share the gospel, we are winning souls for the kingdom of God. Memory VerseEphesians 6:11 ESV 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Songs1,2,3 The Devil's After Me Books of the New Testament Be Careful Little Eyes This Little Light of Mine There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart I'm in the Lord's Army My God is So Big I Am A C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N Saint's Medley StoryBegin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Shoe Soup Have all the kids take off their shoes and place them in a pile on one side of the room. Have them all stand at the opposite side of the room. When you say go, the kids have to each choose one pair of shoes that does not belong to them, find the owner and put that person's shoes on their feet. First person to put on a pair of shoes and have their shoes on, wins! 2. Good News Let each child share some good news from the week! SAY: That is all very good news! Do you know what the best news anyone could ever hear? It is the news that Jesus Christ came and died for our sins so that we can go to heaven and live with God forever! That good news is also called the gospel! For older kids: Is that good news easy or hard to share? Why are we sometimes afraid to tell people about Jesus? 3. Walk the Line from kidminmama.com Activity instructions: Blue line taped on the floor, get 2 or 3 kids to walk the line in their own shoes. Then make them wear another pair of shoes (heels, shoes that are too big, and shoes that are too small). SAY: I want to do a little exercise with you this morning. I need a couple of volunteers to help me out. First, I want you all to walk down this blue line, staying on the line as best as possible. (after they complete the first walk, have them take off their shoes) Now, I want you to walk down the blue line wearing these shoes. (kids should have a hard time with this)... read more here Story: If you were a soldier in an army, would you want to be in a large army or a small army? Most people would want to be in a large army. As Christians, in our battle against Satan, we know there is power in numbers! The more people that know and love God, the better our world will be! Also, God wants every single person in heaven with him! It is up to us to help him share the good news of Jesus and heaven! To do that, we need to be ready to go! We have already talked about Paul and how he was willing to travel all over the world to share the good news. However, in the Old Testament, another man was willing to GO when God said to go! In fact, Abraham, a man of faith and obedience, is the family God would use for his special salvation plan! SHOW the story of Abraham's Promise or read Genesis 12:1-7, 15:1-6 in the Bible. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual Aids God is...Connect the story back to God and his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story. Activities |
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