The Armor of God for Kids

A long time ago the apostle Paul wrote to his friends in Ephesus (which was a city in modern day Turkey) and let them know that a great way to stay close to Jesus was by putting on the Armor of God. His letter is part of the New Testament. But what’s the armor of God? You might ask. Well, here’s what Paul says:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. ¹¹ Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s evil tricks. ¹² Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. ¹³ That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. ¹⁴ So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist. And on your chest wear the protection of right living. ¹⁵ And on your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. ¹⁶ And also use the shield of faith. With that you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One. ¹⁷ Accept God’s salvation to be your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God. ¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all God’s people. 

Ephesians 6:10-18

Some scholars believe that Paul may have been chained to a Roman soldier when he wrote this letter. So, all he had to do was look at the guy next to him and name all the armor he was wearing. Let’s look at what Paul says so we can be suited up and ready to follow Jesus.

Belt of Truth

First, he says to tie the belt of truth around our waist. What does that mean? Well since all of our armor hooks to the belt, it’s important that it’s strong and reliable. All of our life hangs on the truth that Jesus is God’s Son. He came to show us what God was like. He lived a perfect life then died in our place on the cross so we could have a friendship with God. When we live in that truth we’ll follow Jesus closely every day.

Breastplate of Righteousness

Next Paul mentions that we can protect our chest (our heart) with right living. Some Bible translations say, “put on the breastplate of righteousness”. The breastplate in ancient times was a piece of metal or leather that covered from the neck down to the waist, protecting all the soldier’s important organs. God makes us righteous through Jesus and when we guard our heart by trying to live a life that looks like Jesus (with God’s help), it’ll be safe and covered.

Shoes of Peace

Then Paul says to wear the good news of peace- that’s the confidence we have in Jesus- as shoes on our feet. And we all know if our shoes aren’t sturdy and strong we’ll have trouble walking or even standing still! So, make sure the truth of Jesus is your foundation- the ground you walk on- and you’ll stand strong wherever you go, and whatever you do. And you’ll experience God’s peace as you do.

Shield of Faith

Next, we’re to pick up and carry the shield of faith. Paul says that having this shield will help stop all the burning arrows of the enemy. In olden days soldiers would dip their shields in water before the battle so when a flaming arrow would hit the shield, the water would put out the fire. How can we make sure the enemy’s arrows around us get “put out”? By washing our lives with the Word of God. That’s the Bible! When you read the Bible, you’re actually reading God’s letter to you! He wants us to live good, helpful and happy lives and by reading His word we can learn how to do that.

What are the burning arrows of the Evil One? Things like being tempted to do bad stuff. Feeling anxious or discouraged or even having bad thoughts about other people or even ourselves. God wants to help you put out those flaming arrows as soon as they come at you. When you carry the shield of faith by getting to know God through His word, you’ll be able to do that!

Helmet of Salvation:

Next Paul wants you to put on the helmet of salvation. That covers your head and even more importantly your mind! The devil most often attacks us in our minds. Have you ever noticed that? You get a thought that says, “Oh he’s such a jerk!” “She doesn’t like you!”  “God doesn’t hear your prayers” and other lies like that. But since you have the helmet of salvation- the truth that you belong to Jesus, those thoughts can start bouncing off! You can ask God to guard your mind right now. Just ask.

Sword of the Spirit:

Finally, Paul says to take up the sword of the Spirit- that’s God’s teaching through the Bible. Know your Bible. It might even be a good idea to start to memorize some verses that can help you when you’re having a hard time. They’re simple reminders that God hasn’t forgotten you and that He has great plans for you! Here are a couple you might try right now:

When I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3

 ^“I say this because I know what I have planned for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. Jeremiah 29:11

 ^“So don’t be afraid. The Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go.” Joshua 1:9

 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son. God gave his Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16

So, it’s a good idea to suit up every day. 

Make sure you cover your heart- the things you love and care for- with right living, (The breast plate of righteousness). Cover your head, (your thoughts and imagination) with the helmet of salvation (your friendship with Jesus). Carry the shield of faith (knowing you belong to Jesus) to fight off the attacks of the devil. Also make sure your feet are covered with the shoes of the Gospel (this means stand on the truth that God loves you and Jesus died for you) and carry the sword of the Spirit-God’s Word by reading it and memorizing it.

That way no matter where you are or what you’re going through, with God’s help you can stand strong!

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