Menu

 

This is the first of two studies from Ephesians 6:10-21 on spiritual warfare.

1. We Are In a War.

Read Ephesians 6:10-2.

Who is our enemy? What else does Paul say about him/ them?

What is his purpose? John 10:10a. Why do you think this is so?

Do you see yourself who as a Christian is in a war?

What are the differences about the war we are in? Ephesians 6:12, 2 Kings 6:15-17.

How should we fight this war differently? 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

2. God’s Protection.

What does Paul say we need to do in order to have victory? Read Ephesians 6:10-11, 13. If we do or do not what will be the corresponding results?

Write down each piece of armour Paul mentions and which are offensive / defensive weapons.

Discuss in your group possible reason(s) why Christians don’t put on ‘all of God’s armour’ …. ‘every piece’? See the following 1 Corinthians 3:1-2, Hebrews 5:11-14, Revelations 3:15-17.

What have those Peter is referring to in 2 Peter 1:9 failed to do?

Discuss the difference between just being individuals fighting on our own ( 2 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Peter 5:9) compared with together are an army. Ephesians 6:18-19.

3. The First Four Pieces of Armour.

Belt of Truth.

Discuss John’s words and the following passages….

‘For the soldier the belt of truth holds the scabbard which holds the sword which represents the sword of Spirit which is Word of God. For the Holy Spirit to use that sword we must get to know God’s truth, His Word.’

  • 1 Timothy 1:13-14, 2 Timothy 2:15, 19, 23-26.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.
  • Acts 17:11.
  • John16:13, 17:17.

Breastplate of Righteousness.

The breastplate of righteousness covers our heart.

We have ….

Positional Righteousness.

Read what the following passages tell us….

  • Ephesians 1:3-4.
  • Romans 4:6-8, 5:1-2.
  • Isaiah 32:17.

Practical Righteousness.

Write down the areas of our lives Paul mentioned in Ephesians 4:20-32 which need to be characterized by holy living.

Discuss how ‘…. anger can give a foothold to the devil’ Ephesians 4:26-27.

Shoes.

  • Read Isaiah 52:7, 2 Timothy 4:2.

Recalling what John shared on Sunday, in what way is this part of the armour of God?

The Shield of Faith.

What can the shield of faith do to protect us from the devil’s attacks?

Discuss what James says as to how we are tempted, James 1:13-14 and then John’s words from Sunday….’

If a fisherman is to catch a fish he needs a lure. What lure does Satan use with you?

What’s your weakness? Money /possessions/ lust / pleasure?

Or is it a character weakness, fear, anxiety, temper, impatience, gossip,

Pride, critical spirit?

Independence – don’t like being told what to do? Rebellious?

Making plans without “God willing”- even spiritual plans and church activities.

He’ll get his hooks into us if he can one way or another. Satan exploits our weaknesses pictured as flaming arrows / fiery darts.

Let’s see how Christ combated Satan’s flaming arrows.

He could only tempt the Lord to be independent of His father, to go his own way.

‘Make bread from stones.’ Acknowledge Satan’s sovereignty over the world. Perform a miraculous act and be worshipped.

All legitimate. All would take him from path of perfect obedience to Father’s will!

Each time, Christ blocked the flaming arrow with the shield of faith. He didn’t argue with Satan (could have). He simply quoted Scripture in response.

‘Command these stones…..bread….’

‘It is written – you shall not tempt the Lord your God.’

‘It is written….’, ‘It is said….’

Christ showed us how to use the shield of faith. Satan couldn’t get any fiery darts past the impenetrable shield of faith.

We need to employ the same tactics. Here’s a dart….

‘I’m not capable of doing this successfully!’

Up goes the shield.

Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.’

God won’t use me now, I’ve done too many bad things.

Put the shield up.

1 John 1:9. ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ‘

Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

I’ll never be free of this particular sin!

Put up the shield.

Romans 7:25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord….!

1 John 4:4. ‘The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.’

When tempted to think, ‘nobody really appreciates me or what I do’.

Put up the shield

Matthew 6:6. ‘…. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly.’

Worry?

Put up the shield

Philippians 4:6. ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’

Philippians 4:19. ‘And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.’

1 Peter 5:7 ‘Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.’

Invoke these Scriptures whenever the enemy attacks

Rejected? Lonely?

Proverbs 18:24 ‘. ….there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.’

Joshua 1:5. ‘….I will be with you, I will never leave you nor forsake you.’

Use the shield. Learn the promises and scripture appropriate to your situation

When Satan attacks, quote the Scripture. Say it out loud. Invoke and claim the promises of God in the Word of God.

Share

This post filed under

Bible Study Armour of GodEphesiansFaithSatanSpiritual Warfare