This is a great object lesson for Independence Day or whenever you’re teaching on spiritual warfare.
Equipped For Battle
Equipped For BattleSupplies Needed: A picture of soldiers similar to this one, Spiritual armor objects or picture.
Next week, we celebrate the birth of our nation. In order the the United States to become a nation, we had to fight for our freedom.
What is some of the equipment a soldier needs when he goes into battle? Give the children a chance to answer before giving suggestions.
Suggestions: uniform, google for night vision, gas mask, food, water, blankets, backpack, guns, bullets, tanks, jeeps, grenades, etc.
The Bible tells us of another kind of warfare. This warfare is spiritual and every Christian is involved in it. Just as every soldier needs equipment when he goes into battle, we Christians need equipment for spiritual battle.
Ephesians 6:10-18 lists the equipment we need. As you mention each piece of armor, show a picture of it or illustrate it with an object. Here’s a link where you can download a free Armor of God Chart for signing up for emails.
Belt of Truth: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. When we put on the belt of truth, we live the truth.
Breastplate of Righteousness: When we ask Jesus to forgive our sins, He makes us right before Him.
Shoes of the Readiness of the Gospel of Peace: When we are ready to do what God says, we’ll have peace of God in our lives.
Shield of Faith: When we place our faith in Jesus, He will protect us against the devil’s lies.
Helmet of Salvation: We need to protect our minds by thinking the way God wants us to think.
Sword of the Spirit: The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God – the Bible. The Bible defeats our spiritual enemies. That’s why it’s important to learn what it says and to obey it.
Prayer: The last weapon God gives us is prayer. After we’ve put on all of the armor, if we pray, God will fight our battles for us, and we will be fully equipped soldiers ready for spiritual battle.