Welcome to Week Eight of our Ephesians for Families Bible Study: Put On the Armor of God. Last week Paul showed us what it looks like to love like Jesus. This is our final week in Ephesians, and Paul closes his letter by reminding 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. If you are just joining us, Week 1 covers Paul’s background and why he wrote this letter.
Note for Parents: Read the Bible passage and the devotional thoughts on your own first, and feel free to highlight and make notes as you go. Then gather your family for the Bible study.
Bible Focus
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.”
Devotional Thoughts
Big Idea: God gives us everything we need to stand strong in faith as we trust Him.
Be Strong in the Lord
As Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians, he reminds believers that we cannot follow Jesus in our own strength. Living out everything he has taught so far, including 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
The armor of God prepares us, so we don’t need to live afraid of the world or constantly look for spiritual battles. 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.
Paul names each piece: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of readiness from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Each one points back to Jesus and what God gives us in Him.
Parenting in God’s Strength
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 our 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 Bible Study
This study is set up as three short days, but you can fit it to your family’s schedule. Do one day at a time through the week, or work through all three in one sitting. These questions are meant to start a real conversation. Feel free to reword them for younger kids and let older ones sit with the harder ones a little longer.
Day One: Study the Bible Together
Read Ephesians 6:10-18 together.
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, and how can we remind each other to trust Him?
Day Two: Memory Verse
Ephesians 6:11 (ESV): “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Simple Activity: Put On the Armor. Say the verse together and pretend to “put on” armor, with bonus points for creativity! Remind your kids that this armor is what God gives our hearts and minds, and we don’t wear it on our bodies. Talk briefly about what each piece reminds us about God.
Pray Together: God, help us remember Your Word and trust You today. Amen.
Day Three: Family Activity: Let’s Live It Out
Start with two quick questions. Which piece of armor do you think you need most right now? How can we help each other remember to trust God this week?
Then choose one way to live it out together. For truth, talk about what God says is true. For faith, pray when something feels hard. For prayer, take turns praying at meals or bedtime.
Prayer: Lord, You are our strength. 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. Teach us to stand firm in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Explore More Ephesians Bible Studies
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Continue Your Discipleship Journey
Bible study is one way to point your kids to Jesus. For simple ways to do it in the middle of an ordinary day, read Everyday Ways to Point Your Kids to Jesus. Looking for more Bible studies, devotionals, and practical tools? Browse Family Resources at Discipleship Cliff.
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