How To Teach Kids Their Authority in Christ & Spiritual Warfare

Authority in Christ: How to Teach Your Kids Spiritual Warfare & Identity

As parents, we often prepare our children for academics, friendships, and future careers—but many of us forget that our children are also growing up in a spiritual battlefield.

Scripture tells us plainly that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). That reality makes it essential that we teach our children how to stand in their authority in Christ—not with fear, but with confidence, identity, and truth.

What Is Authority in Christ?

Jesus says in Luke 10:19, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy.” Authority is the right and power to enforce obedience. In Christ, believers are given authority—but authority must be exercised to be effective.

Just like a parent who never exercises authority creates chaos in the home, believers who fail to exercise spiritual authority leave themselves vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes.

Identity Is the Foundation of Authority

Before children can stand firm, they must know who they are and whose they are.

Children who don’t know they are loved, chosen, accepted, and designed by God will struggle to resist lies like:

• “I don’t matter.”

• “God doesn’t care.”

• “I’m not good enough.”

Teaching children their identity in Christ gives them the confidence to resist lies and stand firm in truth. Identity answers the enemy’s favorite question: “Did God really say?”

Design Helps Kids Hear and Trust God

God doesn’t design children randomly. Each child has a unique way of connecting with Him and bringing redemption into the world. When children understand how God designed them, they learn to receive from God, not strive for approval.

Before children can “go to war,” they must learn how to receive marching orders from the Father.

The Armor of God: Daily Protection, Not Symbolism

The Armor of God is not symbolic—it is spiritual reality.

• Helmet of Salvation: Protects the mind with truth and identity

• Breastplate of Righteousness: Guards the heart through repentance and obedience

• Belt of Truth: Anchors thoughts in God’s Word

• Shoes of Peace: Keeps kids steady and confident in God’s control

• Shield of Faith: Extinguishes lies and doubt

• Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God used to fight back

When children learn to put on the armor daily, they learn that they are not powerless victims—but equipped warriors.

Raising Kids Who Stand Firm

Teaching children their authority isn’t about fear—it’s about freedom. When kids know who they are, how God designed them, and how to stand firm in truth, they are no longer tossed to and fro by lies, fear, or confusion.

They become confident, discerning, and secure—ready to shine light in a dark world.

To help kids learn more about the Armor of God check out 'The Armor Series', available everywhere books are sold. Check them out on Amazon.  

If you want more Christian parenting resources check out https://www.ashleytilford.com

Listen to the podcast episode HERE