Prayer (5 Minutes)
- Have everyone share one thing they were thankful for in the week.
- Have everyone share one prayer request.
Song (5 Minutes)
Catechism (5 minutes)
Have everyone read aloud simultaneously or allow everyone to try to answer before revealing the answer.
Q27: Are all people, just as they were lost through Adam, saved through Christ?
A: No, only those who are elected by God and united to Christ by faith. (Romans 5:17)
A: No, only those who are elected by God and united to Christ by faith. (Romans 5:17)
Questions from: https://newcitycatechism.com/. Go there to start from beginning or to read more.
Scripture (5 Minutes)
Ephesians 6:10–20 (NLT)
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
Discussion (5-10 Minutes)
You can lead through a teaching or use the following questions to start a discussion:
- Compare and contrast spiritual armor with military armor.
- How should you prepare for spiritual battles in your life?
- Sometimes people say "prayer is powerful" - what do you think that actually means in everyday life?
- Who is the enemy that you are fighting in these spiritual battles? (See Ephesians 6:12.)
- The passage talked about standing firm—what do you think it looks like to "stand firm" at school or with your friends?
- What changes do you need to make in your life in order to to “be alert and always keep on praying for the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18)?
Closing Prayer (3 Minutes)
From Deuteronomy 31:6.
Dear Lord, you reign forever and ever. Only by your strength and Spirit can I be prepared for the battles before me. Help me to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid. You are the Lord God who goes with me and you will never leave nor forsake me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dear Lord, you reign forever and ever. Only by your strength and Spirit can I be prepared for the battles before me. Help me to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid. You are the Lord God who goes with me and you will never leave nor forsake me. In Jesus’ name, amen.