Armor of God: Take Your Stand!

5/2/2024

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: