Lesson 39: Ephesians

**General Conference is Oct.5-6. The Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families has this lesson scheduled for September 30-October 13. You can take choose to do this lesson at any point during those two weeks. I will probably do a family game night or activity for our FHE the other week. 

September 30- October 13
Ephesians
"For the Perfecting of the Saints"

Materials: Household Items to represent the armor of God (see below), video "The Armour of God" on churchofjesuschrist.org, Armor of God paper dolls. 
Opening Song: "Scripture Power" verse 2 (found on Sacred Music app or churchofjesuschrist.org)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Attention Activity: Remind your family of the "war against evil" activity from a few weeks ago. Today we will continue talking about the armor we war in the war against evil. 

Lesson: 
Read Ephesians 6: 10-13.  What are we fighting? (powers, rulers of darkness, spiritual wickedness) In verse 11 it talks about putting on the whole armor of God. So lets talk about what that would look like. 

Armor of God Activity:
Invite someone to be your soldier. While you dress them with each piece of armor, describe how that piece can help protect us spiritually.

Helmet of Salvation (bike helmet, football helmet, hat, etc): Just as a helmet protects our heads, our minds need to be protected from Satan. How can we protect our minds from Satan (watch good media, listen to good music, speak kindly, no profanity, no pornography, getting an education)

Shield of Fatih (Paper plate, round lid, etc.) Our faith in Christ and His Atonement is our shield against Satan. Having faith in Christ can protect us from temptation and lead us back to him after we have made wrong choices. 

Girdle of Truth (belt): Knowing the truth always gives you power over the adversary and can protect us from Satan's lies and tricks. 

Breastplate of Righteousness (vest): Breastplates are worn to protect the heart and other vital organs. We must love God and all his children. Choosing the Right and living righteously will protect our heart, our feelings and we will be happy. 

Shoes shod with Preparation of the Gospel of Peace (shoes, boots): We must always be spiritually prepared through things like reading our scriptures and studying the words of the apostles and prophets. 

Sword of the Spirit (toy sword, paper towel tube, foil sword, etc) The Spirit or the Holy Ghost is our weapon against Satan. If we live worthy, the Holy Ghost, a member of the godhead will help us to combat Satan and lead us from temptation. 

Watch the video "The Armor of God" found on churchofjesuschrist.org 

What can we do to help each other put on the armour of God? Share a story of a time in  your life when you were able to use your testimony of the gospel to resist temptation. Bear your testimony of the armor of god and what that means to you.

Activity: Armor of God Paper Dolls
Print and cut out one per family member. If you have a laminator, you could laminate the pieces and attach with bits of velcro. This is a great activity for the church bag!

Closing Song: "We Are All Enlisted" (Hymnal, 250)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: Peach Cobbler Recipe Here