The Armor of God
A seven-day family study of Ephesians 6 — how God equips us to stand firm.
Best for teens and adults. Children under 12 can participate when a parent restates the questions in shorter, more concrete language.
Ephesians 6 describes the spiritual armor God gives His people. Over seven days, your family will walk through each piece — truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God — discovering that the battle belongs to the Lord, and we stand firm in His strength, not our own.
How to use this
Pick a time you already gather — dinner, or just before bed — and keep it there. The whole thing takes about ten minutes.
Each day
- Read the passage together. On a busy night, just read the memory verse — that counts.
- Read the short devotion out loud.
- Talk through the questions. Let everyone answer in their own words; there are no wrong answers.
- Say the memory verse together, and try to remember it tomorrow.
- Take turns being the reader — let the kids have a night.
- Missed a day or three? That’s okay. Pick the thread back up. It’s a rhythm, not a streak.
- Day 1
Our Battle
Ephesians 6:10-13The Bible says our real struggles aren't only with the people and problems we can see — there is a spiritual battle too. But the good news is that we don't fight in our own strength: Paul says, “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Because the victory belongs to God, we can stand firm without being afraid.
Talk about it
- NoticeWhat words in this passage show us where our strength comes from?
- UnderstandWhy do you think God describes His help as armor instead of simply telling us to try harder?
- PracticeWhat hard situation do you want to ask God to help you face this week?
Memory verse · Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.”
Notes & reflection
- Day 2
Belt of Truth
Ephesians 6:14; John 8:31-32A soldier's belt held everything together. For us, that belt is truth. In a world full of half-truths, knowing what God says — and being honest ourselves — keeps our whole life from falling apart. Jesus said the truth will set us free. Living truthfully isn't a burden; it's freedom.
Talk about it
- NoticeWhat did a soldier's belt hold together, and what does Paul compare it to?
- UnderstandHow can telling the truth protect a family or friendship, even when honesty is hard?
- PracticeIs there a half-truth you hear—or tell yourself—that God's truth can correct?
Memory verse · John 8:32
“You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Notes & reflection
- Day 3
Breastplate of Righteousness
Ephesians 6:14; Isaiah 59:17A breastplate guards the heart. “Righteousness” means doing what is right — but here is the deeper truth: we can't be good enough on our own. Our righteousness is a gift from Jesus, who was perfect in our place. When we trust Him and live rightly out of love, our hearts are guarded.
Talk about it
- NoticeWhat part of the body does a breastplate protect, and why is that a helpful picture?
- UnderstandIf righteousness is a gift from Jesus, how should we respond when we fail?
- PracticeWhat is one right and loving action you can take this week?
Memory verse · Ephesians 6:14
“Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”
Notes & reflection
- Day 4
Shoes of Peace
Ephesians 6:15; Romans 10:15A soldier's shoes let him stand firm without slipping. God gives us peace as our footing — peace with God, because Jesus made us right with Him, and the peace of God that steadies us when life is shaky. And these shoes are ready to move: the gospel of peace is meant to be carried and shared.
Talk about it
- NoticeWhat two kinds of peace are described here—peace with God and the peace of God?
- UnderstandHow could Jesus' peace help you in one situation that feels shaky right now?
- PracticeWho could you encourage with the good news of Jesus' peace this week?
Memory verse · Romans 10:15
“And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!””
Notes & reflection
- Day 5
Shield of Faith
Ephesians 6:16; 1 Peter 5:8-9A shield stops the enemy's arrows before they land. Faith — trusting what God has said over what fear whispers — is that shield. The Bible says the devil prowls like a roaring lion, but he is already defeated. When doubts and lies come flying, we lift the shield of faith and say, “God said it, and I trust Him.”
Talk about it
- NoticeWhat are some ‘arrows’—lies, fears, or temptations—that can strike our thoughts?
- UnderstandWhat promise from God could answer one of those arrows?
- PracticeWhat can your family say or pray together the next time fear shows up?
Memory verse · Ephesians 6:16
“above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.”
Notes & reflection
- Day 6
Helmet of Salvation
Ephesians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8A helmet guards the head — and our minds are where the enemy loves to attack, with worry, shame, and lies about who we are. The helmet of salvation reminds us of a settled truth: if you belong to Jesus, you are saved, forgiven, and loved, and nothing can change that. We don't fight for victory — we fight from it.
Talk about it
- NoticeWhat does a helmet protect, and what truth does the helmet of salvation protect in our minds?
- UnderstandWe do not obey so Jesus will save us; we obey because He has saved us. How does that change the way you face a hard choice?
- PracticeWhen worry, shame, or a lie shows up, what truth from today's passage can you remember?
Memory verse · Ephesians 6:17
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”
Notes & reflection
- Day 7
Sword of the Spirit
Ephesians 6:17-18; Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 4:12Every other piece of armor is for defense — but the sword is how we fight back, and the sword is the Word of God. When Jesus was tempted, He answered every attack with Scripture: “It is written...” That is why we read and remember the Bible — so it is ready in our hands. And Paul adds one more weapon: prayer. We take up the sword, and we pray.
Talk about it
- NoticeWhat did Jesus say when He was tempted, and where did His answer come from?
- UnderstandHow can knowing Scripture help you make one real decision differently?
- PracticeWhat verse do you want to keep ready this week, and when will you pray it?
Memory verse · Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Notes & reflection
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (public domain). Devotions and reflection questions © Genesis Labs.
Want this built into your week?
Shprd is being built to connect Scripture, family participation, and the next useful step with the rest of your family's week. Join the waitlist to hear about future early-access opportunities.