17 Aug Family Worship Guide: Week 10

Posted at 08:25h in Parents' Corner Blog by
In Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul gives us such an appropriate mental image of the Christian life. Not only do we sit in our position of Christ, and walk in his ways, but we stand, as soldiers, outfitted properly, against the devil’s schemes to distract us. His depiction gives us a vivid image of a Roman soldier, but these tools are things every soldier needs. The belt, breastplate, boots, helmet, shield, and sword cover all of the vital physical organs, but they also each serve a purpose, metaphorically, of our vital spiritual organs.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in fthe strength of his might. Put on hthe 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 shaving 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, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I gam an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Memorize: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Discuss: What are the physical organs each of the pieces of the armor of God protecting? What are the spiritual organs each piece of armor is metaphorically protecting? The “schemes of the devil” sounds like a conspiracy theory. But more accurately, they’re ways that he distracts us, even with good things, from the one thing God has called us to: himself. Ask your children what things distract them from God. Share some things that distract you as well. Commit to each other to minimize those distractions.
Pray: Continue to pray for our schools across the country as many return in the coming weeks. Pray for wisdom and protection, for administrators, teachers, paras, nutrition and transportation staff, for parents, students, extended families, and those that are vulnerable.
Sing: The call to worship, “We will say to the Lord, ‘Our refuge, our fortress, our God, in whom we trust.'”
Family Activity: Play Simon says, but with a twist. Use the terms “sit in Christ,” “walk like Christ,” and “stand for Christ” as you play. Mix in others, like “buckle your belt of truth,” “jump in your boots of readiness,” “take up your shield of faith,” “raise your sword of the Spirit,” “put on your helmet of salvation,” and “tap your breastplate of righteousness.” You can also mix in silly ones, like “pick your nose,” or “stick out your tongue” and others to catch them off guard. Also, if you didn’t have a chance last week, consider a prayer walk or bike ride this week, to keep our schools surrounded in prayer as JBU starts this week and Siloam School District starts next!