Exercise The Sword of The Spirit

Lead the class in doing some simple stretching exercises, such as reaching as high as they can over their heads, reaching as far forward as they can, bending down and touching their toes, pulling one leg up and back as far as they can, etc...

Say, “Exercise is important to do if we want to be healthy and strong. Before we can exercise, we need to stretch our muscles to prepare our bodies. Before studying God’s Word, it is important to prepare our hearts by inviting Holy Spirit to come and speak to us, so we are doing much more than simply reading words on a page. Let’s stretch our heart muscles and ask God to  strengthen us through His Word, so we can defeat the enemy when he comes along." 

Younger Students: If desired, students may play dress-up with knight costumes and (with lots of supervision!) play with plastic or foam swords. If weather permits, this would be a good activity to do outside. CLEARLY GIVE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE PLACING SWORDS IN HANDS!!!  

Ahead of time, blow up several balloons labeled with various things the enemy might use to try to trip us up. Think of scenarios relevant to kids their ages. Remind students that they can defeat the enemy by exercising the sword of the spirit, which is  truth from God’s Word. It might be less chaotic for students to go one at a time. Show a balloon and ask student what Bible truth would apply in that situation. As they share a verse or truth, they may swing their sword and hit the balloon.

Older Students: Have students role play situations where the enemy tries to trip them up and they defeat him by exercising the sword of the spirit, God’s Word. Have students take turns going two at a time. One will draw a slip of paper, which has the enemy’s words on it and read it aloud (it might be fun to read in an evil sounding voice!).  The other student will speak a scripture or Bible truth aloud. As he/she does, student portraying enemy should do something to show defeat, such as falling to the ground or running out the room, crying, etc!  Of course, kids would get a huge kick out of it if teachers provide an example for them!

Scripture Reference:  

Ephesians 6:14-17 

God's Word is the Standard

Ask if anyone knows exactly how long several objects are, such as table, door frame, book, paper, pencil, fingers, floor mats, CD case, etc...

• Ask, “How can we find out for sure how long these items are without just guessing?”  We can measure with a ruler or tape measure.  
• Say, “Yes, in order to measure the items, we need the right EQUIPMENT, in this case a ruler or tape measure.”  
• Have students measure items to see how close their guesses were.  
• Say, “Compare your rulers.  Are the inch marks on all of them exactly the same size?  Yes!  That’s because the inch is a STANDARD unit of measurement.  An inch will always be the same size.  It is the STANDARD. We measure items against it to see how many inches they are.  God’s Word is sort of like a ruler. It is the STANDARD.  It is the TRUTH.  Just like the ruler EQUIPPED us to do the work of measuring the items, God’s Word EQUIPS us for every good work He calls us to do!”  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)