Our Focus Today Helping children understand that while we use many things to protect our bodies, only God can truly protect our hearts and minds.
Key Truth God promises to protect us.
Bible Passage Ephesians 6:13–17
Memory Verse “Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
At A Glance
Approximate Lesson Time: 45–60 minutes Welcome, Snack & Lesson Activity • 10–15 minutes Gather Around God’s Word • 10–15 minutes Read the Story • 10–15 minutes Truth in Action • 5–10 minutes Open Your Bible • 10–15 minutes Closing Prayer & Clean-Up • 2–3 minutes
Leader Encouragement
Children naturally look for ways to feel safe. While helmets, hand sanitizer, and sturdy boots all have their place, our greatest protection comes from God. As you teach, remember that bravery isn’t pretending fear doesn’t exist. Bravery is trusting that God is with us through it. The way you talk about God’s promises today may become the very truth a child remembers when fear comes tomorrow.
The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always bigger than the lesson on the page.
Teaching Supplies Bible Bike helmet Sunglasses or safety glasses Rain jacket Sturdy boots Water bottle Hand sanitizer Backpack Completed sample lesson activity Chart paper or poster board
Prep Ahead Highlight today’s Bible passage in your Bible. Gather the supplies for today’s Truth in Action. Set out the lesson activity supplies for each group. A completed sample of today’s lesson activity.
Volunteer Roles
Lead Teacher Welcome the group and guide each part of the lesson. Read the Bible passage and story aloud. Lead the Truth in Action, discussion, and closing prayer.
Small Group Leaders Welcome children and encourage conversation. Support children throughout the lesson. Answer questions, encourage participation, and offer extra help as needed.
Floater Welcome families and direct children to their groups. Help with transitions and assist wherever needed throughout the lesson.
Leading the Lesson
Welcome, Snack & Lesson Activity
Time: 10–15 minutes Welcome children, help them get settled, and enjoy the time together as they complete today’s lesson activity.
Instructions Welcome children as they arrive. Invite them to begin today’s lesson activity. Encourage conversation while everyone enjoys a snack. As children finish, encourage them to continue chatting with their group until it’s time to begin.
Conversation Starters What’s something you use to help keep you safe? Have you ever worn special equipment for a sport? What do you remember from Elle’s story last time?
Gather Around God’s Word
Time: 10–15 minutes
Transition Give children a two-minute warning before beginning. Invite everyone to simply set aside today’s lesson activity and grab only their study book, Bible, and pen. There is no need to clean everything up. Children can return to the activity later if time allows or take home any remaining supplies to finish.
Opening Prayer Begin with a simple prayer, inviting God to prepare hearts and minds to learn from His Word.
Bible Reading
Read Ephesians 6:13–17 directly from your Bible.
Connect today’s Bible passage to the story by explaining that God has given every believer His Armor to help us stand strong. While many things can protect our bodies, only God can protect our hearts and minds.
Read the Story
Today’s Stair-Step Reading
Lesson 2 Re-read Lesson 1, then continue directly into Lesson 2.
Read the story aloud while children follow along.
Engage Children By… -Announcing page turns for younger readers. -Reading speech bubbles together. -Asking observation questions. -Pointing out humorous moments. -Inviting predictions as the story unfolds.
Truth In Action
Time: 5–10 minutes
Supplies Bike helmet Sunglasses or safety glasses Jacket Sturdy boots Water bottle Hand sanitizer Box of Band-Aids Backpack
Let’s Begin Begin putting on the items one by one. “Hmm…I’m not really sure what today is going to bring.”
Put on the helmet. “Better protect my head.”
Put on the sunglasses. “I should probably protect my eyes, too.”
Put on the jacket. “What if it’s cold?”
Put on the boots. “These might come in handy.”
Pick up the water bottle. “I’ll definitely need this to stay hydrated.”
Use a little hand sanitizer. “Can’t forget this!”
Pause and let the children laugh.
“Do I look ready for just about anything?”
Allow responses.
“I might be prepared for cold weather, sunshine, or even a scraped knee, but can any of these things protect me from being afraid?”
Allow children to answer.
“Can they help when I’m worried?” “Can they give me courage?” “Can they remind me that God is always with me?”
Allow responses.
“Not really.” “Sometimes we try really hard to protect ourselves, but there are some things only God can do.” “God doesn’t promise that hard things will never happen, but He does promise to be with us through them. That’s why He gives us something even better than helmets or sturdy boots.” “He gives us His Armor.”
Ask Which of these things can really protect our bodies? What are some things they cannot protect us from? Why do you think God gives us His Armor? How does knowing God is with us help us be brave?
Wrap Up “Helmets, boots, and jackets can protect our bodies, but only God can protect our hearts. When fear shows up, we don’t have to face it alone. God promises to be with us and He gives us His Armor to help us stand strong.”
Open Your Bible
Time: 10–15 minutes
Activity 1 Complete Activity 1.
Invite children to think about different things people wear or use to protect themselves and write or draw them on their activity page. Then, invite each child to write one example on a pink sticky note and add it to a group poster. As a group, discuss how each item protects a different part of our bodies.
Ask What are some things people use to protect themselves? Which part of the body does each item protect? Can any of these things protect our hearts from fear?
Fill in the blank and have a volunteer read the completed sentence.
Activity 2 Complete Activity 2.
Invite children to look up each Bible passage, highlight it in their Bible, fill in the missing words, and discover what each verse teaches about God’s protection.
Depending on the age of your group, children may work independently, with a partner, or in small groups. If looking up all four passages feels overwhelming, read one or two aloud together before having children find the remaining verses on their own.
Bible Verses Philippians 4:7 John 14:16–17 Psalm 73:26 Psalm 18:30
Ask What words or phrases stood out to you in today’s verses? How does God promise to protect us? Why can we trust God’s protection even when we’re afraid?
Fill in the final sentence together and have a volunteer read it aloud.
Closing Prayer
Pray the prayer at the end of Lesson 2.
Clean-Up
Invite children to: -Organize their supplies. -Throw away trash. -Help tidy their small group area. -Continue working on today’s lesson activity if time remains or take home any remaining supplies to finish later.
Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. -Ellen G. White
