Ephesians 6
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Paul is writing a letter. He wants to tell the children something too. Listen carefully.
Paul says: children, listen to your dad and mom. That is good. That makes God happy. And dads, be sweet to your children. Do not be too strict.
Then Paul says something more. He says: we all have a big fight. Not with hands. Not with sticks. But a fight inside. The devil wants to make us sad. He wants us to do wrong things.
But do not be scared! God helps us. God gives us clothes. Very special clothes. Like a knight!
Listen to what you get. A belt. A shiny shirt for on your chest. Strong shoes for your feet. A big shield. A helmet on your head. And a sword. That sword is the Bible. That is God's Word.
With those clothes you are strong. Because God is with you.
What Does This Mean?
The devil is real. He tries to whisper mean things. He says: hit your little brother. Or: tell a lie. Or: God does not see you.
But God is much, much stronger. God gives you everything you need. You do not have to fight alone. Not for one minute.
The Common Thread
Who is the very strongest? Jesus! Jesus fought the devil. And Jesus won. He is the King.
Because Jesus won, we may wear His clothes. His strong knight clothes. Jesus stays close by. Every day. Also at night. Also when you are alone.
And do you know what is nice? You can talk to God about everything. That is called praying. Paul says: keep praying. God always listens.
For You
Imagine, you get dressed in the morning. First a shirt. Then pants. Then socks. Then shoes.
You can do that with God too. In your heart. You say: God, put Your belt around me. And Your shirt on my chest. And Your shoes on my feet. And Your shield in my hand. And Your helmet on my head. Now I am ready!
Now you can go play. Now you can go to school. Now you can go to sleep. God is with you.
And are you angry at your little brother? Or do you not want to listen to Mom? Then you can say: God, help me. I want to do it well. God helps you. Really.
Talk About It
What is your favorite piece of clothing that God gives you? The shield, or the helmet, or the sword?
What do you want to tell God today?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank You that You are strong.
Thank You for Jesus. He won.
Please give me Your clothes.
Your belt, and Your shield, and Your helmet.
Then I am safe.
Help me to listen to Dad and Mom.
Help me when I am angry.
You are close to me. Always.
Amen.
Questions about Ephesians 6
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is Ephesians 6 about?
What does Ephesians 6 say?
What does Ephesians 6 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from Ephesians 6?
Why is Ephesians 6 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might." Notice where the strength comes from. Paul doesn't tell you to dig deeper into yourself and find more grit. He tells you to be strengthened in Someone else. That is good news on the morning you wake up with nothing left. His might is not running low today.
Paul says this to slaves, people whose work was taken, unpaid, unnoticed. "Whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free." Nobody thanked them. God kept the record anyway. That kindness you did that no one saw, that nobody credited to you? He saw. He does not forget.
Not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart." Paul wrote this to slaves, people whose work was never applauded. Notice what he gives them: an audience who never looks away. Who sees the work you do when no one thanks you?
Paul speaks to the slaves directly, in a world that treated them as furniture. He gives them back their agency: "in singleness of your heart, as to Christ." Singleness means no second face, no different self when the boss walks out. Who are you when nobody is checking your work? Christ is already standing in that room, and he is not watching to catch you. He is receiving what you do.
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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