Armor of God: Two Kingdoms

4/17/2024

Two Kingdoms by Jennifer Tolbert

As Paul sat in prison in Rome, he had a strong desire to continue his ministry. He wrote letters to the churches continuing to help them grow in their knowledge of the Lord. He wanted to help the Ephesians understand the work of Satan, and the evil and darkness they would face. Like Jesus, Paul used something the people were familiar with to teach them--kingdom, wars, and soldiers.

Key Themes:
1. God's power is stronger than the devil's power.
2. When I put on the armor of God, I am equipped to face any trial that may come.
3. There are two kingdoms-God's and Satan's. We should choose to stand for God's kingdom.

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. King Who (Older)
Supplies: Crown, King Who Questions, Chair or Stool

Choose a volunteer. Let them sit on the "throne" and wear the crown. Ask them various questions about kings and queens of the Bible. As long as they get them right, they stay on the throne. When they can't answer a question or get one wrong, the other kids are given the right to take their place as "king of the mountain." Play continues until all the questions have been asked.

2. Kingdom of Light vs. Kingdom of Darkness
Supplies: candle, lighter OR flashlight, OR glow sticks
Spend some time before class covering windows and making sure very little light is left in the room when you turn off the lights. Be sure to warn the children before turning off the lights.
SAY: In the Bible, God's kingdom is described as a kingdom of light. Satan's kingdom is described as a kingdom of darkness.
ASK: Why do you think the devil likes the dark so much? (Sample answers: No one can see the bad things you do, you are stuck and can't do good things very well, easy to get tripped, etc.)
ASK: What are good things about light? (Make things grow, see where you're going, help others find their way, etc.)
*Turn off the lights* SAY: Satan wants his kingdom of darkness to win. His kingdom is empty, and sad and sometimes even scary! (Light the candle/flashlight/glowsticks) But God has told us that his kingdom of light is going to win. God's kingdom is good and happy! There isn't even scary or sad things in God's kingdom! Jesus told us that we are the light and it is our job to shine. When we shine our light, we are fighting the darkness away. When we shine our light, we are battling against the kingdom of darkness. Sing This Little Light of Mine

3. Teach this Armor of God Song and sing it each week for the rest of the series.

SHOW the story Two Kingdoms or read Ephesians 6:10-13.
EMPHASIZE that:

Paul wanted to help the Ephesians understand that they were at war against Satan.
Paul found ways to spread the gospel even when he was in prison.
God is powerful and equips us to face anything the devil throws at us.