18

Ephesians 6:10–18

“The Whole Armour of God”

Purpose

To show students how the armor of God can help them withstand the temptations and wickedness of our time.

Before the Video

Discussion

Ask students what the most destructive military weapons known to man are. How many casualties are they capable of causing? What are some of the most destructive weapons used against our spirituality? (drugs, immorality, gambling, pride, hate, anger, self-pity, discouragement, depression). How many casualties are these weapons capable of causing? (even more than military weapons).

Scripture Insight

Read Ephesians 6:10–18 and help your students answer the following questions:

• What kind of war is Paul talking about in Ephesians 6:12? (a spiritual war).

• What protection does the Lord offer to help us “withstand in the evil day”? (“The whole armour of God.” You may wish to list each piece of the armor, with the corresponding gospel principle, on the board.)

  Armor	Principle
  Girdle or apron	Truth
  Breastplate	Righteousness
  Shoes and leggings	Gospel of peace
  Shield	Faith
  Helmet	Salvation
  Sword	Spirit (or word of God)

Using the Video

“The Whole Armour of God” 14:43

“Look For” Activity

Have students look for answers to the following questions as they watch the video: (1) What evidence do we have in our lives that we are in a war with Satan? (2) What can we do to “put on the armor of God”? (3) What kind of protection is given to those who put on the whole armor?

Show the Video

The video compares young soldiers engaged in battle and young people clothing themselves in “the whole armour of God.” These scenes are based on excerpts from a conference talk by President Gordon B. Hinckley and on Ephesians 6:10–18. The video illustrates how the youth of today can successfully withstand “the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

After the Video

Discussion

List student responses to the three “look for” questions above. (Answers to question 2 might include prayer, scripture study, and service. Answers to question 3 might include the power to resist temptation, make correct choices, and overcome anger and pride.)

Explain that the adversary is real and has power. Ask students what “fiery darts” are being fired at them. Invite students to share experiences they have had of being protected by the armor of God.

Quotation

President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

“We cannot be unclean and expect the help of the Almighty. …

“You cannot afford to partake of things that will weaken your minds and your bodies. These include cocaine, ‘crack,’ alcohol, tobacco. You cannot be involved in immoral activity. You cannot do these things and be valiant as warriors in the cause of the Lord. …

“… We are engaged in a great eternal struggle that concerns the very souls of the sons and daughters of God. We are not losing. We are winning. We will continue to win if we will be faithful and true. We can do it. We must do it. We will do it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 57; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 44).