A Caring Community With a Global Vision to develop every person into a fully devoted follower of Christ
 

October 1, 2006 Rev. Rurel Ausley and Rev. Kevin Kelly

"Under Armor"

Ephesians 6:14-20

1. What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase "spiritual warfare"? What do think is meant by that term? How many hymns can you name that use "military terminology" to explain the spiritual struggles that we have? (I’ll give you one: Soldiers of Christ, Arise). Why can spiritual battles not be fought with physical weapons? How can we fight our spiritual battles on spiritual terms? How does David show us that? I Samuel 17:38-40.

2. Read our Scripture for today. What is the initial command given? Vs.14.

How important must it be for Christians to be able to stand firm? What does it take for you to stand firm? Have you ever given in when you should have stood firm? In what ways are Christians not standing firm today? In what ways are they standing firm?

3. Paul tells us about "God’s Armor" so that we will be able to stand firm! What are the pieces of the preparatory armor that you must put on? Vs.14-15. What is the belt? How important is the belt? Why does Paul equate the belt with the truth? How important is the truth? John 8:31-32. Why is what we believe so important? Acts 20:30. What is the difference between "believing the truth" and in "being sincere"? What is the breastplate? What does it protect? How does this relate to our desires, will, conscience, feelings, and affections? How do these need transforming? What does readiness have to do with battle? How can we be ready and prepared?

4. Note now what the fighting armor is in vs.16-17. What is the purpose of a shield? How is exercising our faith like using a shield? What is it that we need to shield? What are Satan’s fiery darts? In what ways does Satan attack? How might our faith in God’s word help shield us from these darts? I Peter 4:12. Why is the helmet related to salvation? What all does the helmet protect? What role does our head, brain, understanding, and thinking have to do with us fighting Satan? What is the sword of the spirit? How can the Word of God be both defensive and offensive? How effective is the Word of God? Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16.

5. What is the last command given for all of our battles? Vs.18. What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 John 5:14. On what occasions should we be praying? What are the different kinds of prayers to pray?