Welcome to Week Eight of our Ephesians for Families Bible Study – Put On the Armor of God!
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Ephesians while he was under house arrest. Even though life wasn’t easy, he didn’t spend his time complaining or feeling sorry for himself. Instead, he used that season to encourage and strengthen other believers. Ever since Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life had been all about sharing the gospel and building up the church. In the end, it was the goodness of the gospel that kept him going and gave him a passion to help believers grow, no matter where God led him.
This week, Paul reminds us that following Jesus isn’t always easy, but God gives us everything we need to stand strong and live faithfully by putting on His armor and depending on Him in prayer.
Note for Parents: I’ve divided this post into two main parts to make this Bible study easier to use. First, the opening section provides you, the disciple-making parent, with a deeper understanding of the passage before you teach it to your kids. Next, the second section focuses on the Family Bible Study, including a prayer, a short Bible explanation for the whole family, discussion questions, a memory verse, and a simple family activity to put the lesson into practice together.
Let’s Study the Bible Together: For Parents
Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
Big Idea: God gives us everything we need to stand strong in faith as we trust Him.
Parent Explanation
As Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians, he reminds believers that following Jesus doesn’t happen in our own strength. Living out everything he’s taught so far: our identity in Christ, walking worthy, and loving like Jesus, requires daily dependence on God. That’s why Paul encourages believers to “be strong in the Lord” and to put on the armor God provides.
The armor of God isn’t about being afraid of the world or constantly looking for spiritual battles. It’s about being prepared. God gives His people truth to guide them, faith to trust Him, salvation to anchor them, and His Word to shape their hearts. Prayer ties it all together, reminding us that we are never meant to live the Christian life alone.
For us as parents, this passage is a helpful reminder that we don’t have to be spiritually perfect to lead our families. We need to point our kids to the source of real strength. As we pray together, talk about God’s truth, and rely on Him in everyday moments, we show our children what it looks like to stand firm in faith with God’s help.
Family Study Guide: Put On the Armor of God
Note for Parents: This week’s family Bible study is designed as a three-day experience, with each day focusing on a different way to engage with Ephesians 6:10-18.
Day One – Study the Bible Together
Opening Prayer
God, thank You for being our strength. As we read Your Word today, help us understand how You help us follow You each day. Amen.
Read the Passage Together
Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
Family Commentary
Paul tells us that God gives His people special armor to help them live for Him. This armor isn’t something we wear on our bodies; it’s actually what God gives our hearts and minds to help us trust Him and do what’s right. Each piece reminds us of something true about God: His truth helps us make wise choices, His love forgives us, and His Word helps guide us every day.
God knows life can be hard, so He gives us what we need to stay strong. When we remember God’s truth, trust Him, and talk to Him in prayer, it’s like wearing armor that helps protect our hearts and helps us keep following Jesus.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think Paul says to be strong in the Lord and not in ourselves?
Which piece of God’s armor sounds the most interesting to you?
How does praying help us stay close to God?
When might our family need God’s help this week?
How can we remind each other to trust God every day?
Closing Prayer
God, thank You for giving us everything we need to follow You. Help our family trust You, remember Your truth, and talk to You in prayer each day. Amen.
Day Two – Remember God’s Word
Memory Verse
Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Simple Activity
Say the verse together and pretend to “put on” armor – bonus points for creativity! Talk briefly about what each piece reminds us about God.
Closing Prayer
God, help us remember Your Word and trust You today. Amen.
Day Three – Family Activity
Quick Discussions
Which piece of armor do you think you need most right now?
How can we help each other remember to trust God this week?
Let’s Live it Out
Truth: Talk about what God says is true
Faith: Pray when something feels hard
Prayer: Take turns praying at meals or bedtime
Closing Prayer
Lord, You are our strength. Thank You for helping our family stand firm in You. Teach us to trust You more each day. Amen.
Additional Resources
Family Discipleship: A Biblical Guide for Parents
The Trailhead – A Devotional for Disciple-Making Parents – December 2025
Try out our Proverbs For Families Bible Study
Join our family discipleship community! Sign up for weekly emails with encouragement and practical ways to help your kids grow in Christ.
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