SPIRITUAL WARFARE: ARMED AND DANGEROUS Ephesians 6:10 – 6:24 

 

I. Icebreaker:  

What was your favorite costume you have worn as a child or adult? Or Share a costume story. 

 

II. Introduction:   

View The Bible Project video, 7:57–8:56 minutes. 

Review and introduction from Pastor Dave’s sermon: We have seen that God in his Big plan has recruited you, brought you back from the dead, given you allies as part of his forever family. He has dreams and lasting work in His kingdom for you, given you new weapons to overcome your old flesh, the ability to see the darkness and avoid it. He has urged you to guard the headquarters of your marriage, your parenting and your workplace…And finally, he is calling you into the fight by being strong in the Lord and his mighty power (Ephesian 6:10), by putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17), praying (Ephesians 6:18-20), and being encouraged through the body of Christ (Ephesians 6:21-24).  

 

III. Putting on the Full Armor of God 

Ephesians 6:10–17 (10)Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (11) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (14) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, (15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (17) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  

 

  1. For what dangers are we to put on the full armor of God? (Ephesians 6:10-13) 

 

      2. What does each part of the armor represent metaphorically? (Ephesians 6:14-17) 

 

      3. How do you think each of these parts help us to overcome these dangers? 

 

      4. Which piece or pieces of armor do you feel you are wearing properly? Which piece or pieces do you feel need a readjustment or to put on in the first place?  

 

 

IV. Prayer 

Ephesians 6:18–20 (18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (19) Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.  

 

      5. Although prayer is not part of the armor of the soldier, it is added as an additional weapon of God – a Spirit-led weapon. Why do you think prayer is an important weapon given the nature of the                     battle? (Ephesians 6:12) 

 

      6. When, how and for whom should we be praying? What practical ways are you triggered to pray? 

 

      7. In verse 19, Paul is asking for prayer for what God has called him to do and for success in that ministry. What ministry or work of God are you doing that you would like others to pray for? (Note:                     Ministry can be church related or can be what God is having you do in your life such as parenting, supporting your family, sharing your faith with friends or family, etc.) 

 

      8. From Pastor Dave’s sermon: We need to pray because we have three enemies; Self, Satan and Society. 

    • Self (flesh or sin nature) – In what area are you your own worst enemy? Why is it important to pray for our personal journey? (Matthew 26:41, Romans 8:6) 

 

                   Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”   

 

                   Romans 8:6 “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;” 

 

    • Satan – How should knowing that Satan and spiritual forces of evil are real affect our prayers? (1 Peter 5:8) 

 

                   1 Peter 5:8 “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. “ 

 

    • Society – What ways should we pray for our society, culture and the world? (Ephesians 6:18-19) 

 

                   Note: Our society, culture, and the world, are enemies to the Christian. 

                   John 15:19 “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.“  

 

 

V. Encourage One Another 

Ephesians 6:21–24 (21) Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. (22) I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.  (23) Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (24) Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

  

  1. Take time to share how you are, what you are doing, and how your circle can encourage you this week. 

 

There’s nothing more powerful than a body of believers supporting one another through tragedy or toward a mighty opportunity. So, let me ask you …How are you? And what are you doing? Are you becoming more and more alert, ready to put to death the deeds of darkness and walk as a child of light? If so then when the day of evil comes, will you be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand?