Self-control

Like a city

Physical activity

Research how a fort is constructed, or build your own fort.

Discussion point: When we lose self-control, our guard is down; it’s easy for Satan to attack us.

Visit a fort in your vicinity, if there is one. You can also take a book out of the library on forts or build a fort out of snow, blocks or cushions. Talk about how those inside the fort are protected by the walls. Explain that in Bible times, they put walls around their cities to protect themselves from enemies.

Read Proverbs 25:28 and Ephesians 6:10-18 to find out how to secure protection from Satan’s attacks. Emphasize Ephesians 6:11 (“so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes”) and verse 18 (“pray in the Spirit on all occasions”). The questions for discussion can be used to enhance discussion.

Key concepts

When we lose self-control, we are like a city whose walls have been broken down. It is much easier for Satan to tempt us to sin when we have lost self-control. To prevent this from happening, we need to be ready for Satan’s attacks by wearing the “armour of God.”

Close by praying, asking God to give you his armour to help you fight temptation to lose self-control so you can keep the walls of your city intact. Also ask that you and your children will be able to resist temptation with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Other ideas

If your children enjoy the “spiritual battle” theme, you can further the activity by making a complete set of the armour of God for themselves, an animal or a doll. Duct tape, tin foil and cardboard can be used creatively for this additional activity.

Questions for discussion
  • What do you think the pilgrims were protecting themselves from when they built wooden forts?
  • What are we protecting ourselves from when we build snow forts?
  • In our spiritual lives whom are we trying to protect ourselves from?
  • When you think of temptation to do wrong as “flaming arrows,” what kinds of arrows does Satan shoot at you?
Relevant Scripture

Proverbs 25:28 “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self control.”

Ephesians 6:10-18