Supplies
- Two sets of football outfits: helmet; shoulder pads; jersey; thigh pads; knee pads; cleats
- Brief YouTube clip of a football game which includes a tackle
- Handout picturing the armor of God: helmet of salvation; shield of faith; breastplate of righteousness; belt of truth; sword of the spirit; gospel of peace
- Bible

​Put Your Armor On!

Divide the group into two parts. Delegate one person in each group as the person who will wear the football outfit. Hand out the football outfits to each group.
Say: Your team’s goal is to dress your player in the football outfit as quickly and accurately as possible.
Have the groups look over each part they must use to properly outfit their teammate.
Say: Start the game and watch so that both teams properly outfit their teammate.

Talk About It
Ask: What happens to a football player who isn’t wearing his protective gear?
- Is one part of the gear more important than another or does each specific piece protect the player in a different way?

Say: Let’s see what the bible has to say about putting on our spiritual armor by reading Ephesians 6:10-17. Each of these individual protective pieces provides us with spiritual protection against enemy attacks.
- Helmet of salvation – knowing that Jesus died for your sins
- Shield of faith – being confident that God keeps his promises
- Breastplate of righteousness – standing firm to do what is right
- Belt of truth – knowing the difference between truth and a lie
- Sword of the spirit – is taking the Word of God and telling others
​- Gospel of peace – having peace on the inside even during troubled times

Ask: What happens to us when we don’t put on the entire armor of God?
- Let’s watch what happens to football players during a real game.
Play the brief clip of a football play where some of the players are getting tackled.
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​Say: In real life, just like in this football game, players can get hurt if they don’t take the time to suit up and get prepared for the game. It’s the same principle in our spiritual life. If we don’t take the time to fully prepare ourselves for the battle in life we can get hurt.

Ask: What are some good ways we can prepare ourselves for the spiritual battle God says is happening all around us?

Michele Howe is the author of 28 books for women and families and has published over 3000 articles, reviews, and curriculum. Her recent releases include Big Feelings, Bigger God and Grace & Gratitude for Everyday Life. 
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