Leader Guide

Sword Drill

This activity is most suitable for children who are familiar with the Bible. As an option, pair experienced Bible users with those who are not. The experienced Bible user can quickly look up the verse and the other child may read the verse if the pair wins a particular drill. Be prepared to help any children with special needs.

Have the children sit down and give them each a Bible. This activity is called a sword drill. Why do you think it is called that? The Word of God is called a sword; The Bible contains God’s Word.

Read Ephesians 6:17:

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Raise your swords high in the air! We are going to quickly look up verses about the joy of the Lord because the joy of the Lord is your … Strength.

Have children close their Bibles and hold them up in the air before each verse. As you call out a scripture reference below, write it on the board. Children will then find the verse as fast as possible, then stand up. Call on the winner to read the verse aloud. You may choose to give the hints listed below. Do as many verses as time permits.

1. Swords up! The first verse is Nehemiah 8:10. Hint: Nehemiah is found in the Old Testament of the Bible between the book of Ezra and Esther.

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

2. Swords up! Hint: This verse is in the fifth book of the New Testament. It comes after the Gospel of John. Find Acts 13:52.

And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

3. Swords up! Hint: This verse is in the book of Acts also. It comes right before the book of Romans in the New Testament. Find Acts 2:46.

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity.

4. Swords up! Hint: You just looked up a verse in the book of Acts. Romans follows Acts. Find Romans 15:13.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

5. Swords up! Hint: This is a very big book near the middle of the Old Testament. Find Isaiah 12:6.

“Let all the people of Jerusalem shout His praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

6. Swords up! Hint: You just found this Old Testament book. Find Isaiah 35:10.

Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.

7. Swords up! Hint: This verse is in one of the Gospel books in the New Testament. Find John 16:22.

“So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.”

8. Swords up! Hint: We’ve been in this book once before in the New Testament. Find Romans 14:17.

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

9. Swords up! Hint: This verse is in the New Testament between the book of Philemon and James. Find Hebrews 12:2.

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

10. Swords up! Hint: This verse is found in a Gospel book you found before. Find John 15:11.

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

Conclusion: You really know how to use your swords! This is important for every follower of Jesus. God’s Word is alive and sharper than any two edged sword. His Word speaks joy and life to us!