Creating a spiritual warfare curriculum for children is a wonderful way to ground them in biblical truths, providing both spiritual insight and practical wisdom for their growth in faith. Teaching this subject requires sensitivity to age, comprehension, and maturity levels, especially as it involves topics that can be challenging to understand. Here is a suggested age-based curriculum for introducing the concept of spiritual warfare, structured to grow with their understanding and experience.
Ages 4–7: Foundation of God’s Protection and Love
At this early stage, focus on God’s power, love, and protection. The aim is to introduce them to the truth that God is always with them and protects them, without delving deeply into the concept of spiritual warfare.
- Key Verse: Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
- Main Concepts:
- God’s Strength and Love: Emphasize that God is stronger than anything scary or unknown. Explain that God loves us and wants to protect us.
- Armor of God (Simple Introduction): Introduce the Armor of God as “special gear” that God gives us to help us do what’s right.
- Activities:
- Illustrate the Armor: Use coloring sheets or simple crafts to make helmets, shields, and belts. Explain in simple terms what each piece represents.
- Stories of God’s Protection: Read stories like David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) or Daniel in the Lions’ Den (Daniel 6) to show how God protects His people.
Ages 8–10: Introducing the Concept of Spiritual Warfare
Children in this age range are capable of understanding the idea of “wrestling” or “struggling” with things that are not physical. Introduce the reality of spiritual warfare in gentle terms, focusing on what it means to live for God and resist temptation.
- Key Verses: Ephesians 6:11-12 – “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood…”
- Main Concepts:
- Good vs. Evil: Explain that there is a battle between good and evil, but that God is always more powerful than any enemy.
- Our Spiritual Armor: Describe the Armor of God in more detail, explaining each piece as tools God gives us to live rightly.
- Choosing God’s Way: Teach them that even though bad things happen or they face temptations, God gives them the strength to choose what is right.
- Activities:
- Armor of God Skit: Act out the different parts of the Armor of God, showing how they can “put on” each piece by praying and trusting God.
- Simple Prayer Guide: Teach a short prayer, asking God for protection and help in making good choices.
Ages 11–13: Understanding Temptation and Resisting the Enemy
Preteens are ready for a more in-depth discussion about resisting temptations and understanding that there are unseen forces, but still need encouragement that God’s power is always greater.
- Key Verses: James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
- Main Concepts:
- Spiritual Warfare as Resistance: Explain that “spiritual warfare” means resisting thoughts or temptations that lead us away from God.
- Who We Wrestle Against: Discuss Ephesians 6:12 in more detail, explaining that we face “powers” that aren’t visible but can affect us through wrong ideas, temptations, or pressures.
- Prayer and the Word as Weapons: Teach that prayer and reading the Bible are ways we can resist these pressures and stand strong.
- Activities:
- Personal Prayer Journal: Encourage them to keep a journal where they write about temptations they face and prayers asking God for strength.
- Bible Verses to Memorize: Focus on key verses that reinforce the power of God’s Word, such as Psalm 119:11 (“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee”).
Ages 14–18: Deepening Understanding of Spiritual Warfare and Carnal Nature
Teens are mature enough to handle a fuller understanding of spiritual warfare, including the role of their carnal (sinful) nature and the Holy Spirit’s role in giving them victory.
- Key Verses: Romans 7:18-25 (Paul’s struggle with the flesh) and Galatians 5:16-17 (living by the Spirit vs. gratifying the flesh).
- Main Concepts:
- The Flesh vs. the Spirit: Discuss the carnal nature, explaining how our sinful desires often conflict with what God wants for us.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: Emphasize that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to resist these sinful desires and to walk in God’s ways.
- The Battle of the Mind: Teach that spiritual warfare often takes place in our thoughts and choices, and how renewing their mind with scripture (Romans 12:2) is key.
- Activities:
- Scripture Study on the Flesh and Spirit: Guide them through a study on Romans 7 and Galatians 5, discussing practical ways to live by the Spirit.
- Group Discussion on Real-Life Applications: Have open discussions on the pressures they face—such as peer pressure, media, and self-doubt—and how they can rely on God’s Word and Spirit to stay strong.
Young Adults (18+): Applying Spiritual Warfare in Daily Life
By this age, young adults can explore a comprehensive approach to spiritual warfare that includes practical application, deeper theological study, and a commitment to living a life submitted to God.
- Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh… bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
- Main Concepts:
- Defeating Strongholds: Teach about strongholds—persistent thoughts, habits, or sins—and how they can pull us away from God.
- Practical Spiritual Discipline: Encourage practices like fasting, deeper prayer, and scripture memorization as tools to combat spiritual attacks.
- Engaging in Spiritual Warfare for Others: Teach them how they can intercede and pray for others, standing in the gap through prayer and faith.
- Activities:
- Mentorship and Accountability Groups: Pair with an accountability partner or mentor to discuss their spiritual struggles and victories.
- In-Depth Bible Study on Spiritual Warfare: Study key passages in-depth, focusing on 2 Corinthians 10, Ephesians 6, and 1 Peter 5:8-9.
Final Note
At each stage, reinforce the message that God is powerful, loving, and always with us, providing every tool we need to stand firm against any spiritual opposition. Assure them that spiritual warfare is not about fear but about standing strong in God’s power and living a life that honors Him.
By gradually building on these truths, children and young adults will grow into a mature, biblically grounded understanding of spiritual warfare that they can carry with confidence into adulthood.
