As Paul concludes his letter to the Ephesians he closes with a brief but unforgettable glimpse of the great ongoing battle between the forces of darkness and the kingdom of light. Do not be deluded, we are constantly in a battle against unseen evil. To overcome the schemes of the devil, Paul outlines the warrior’s strategy. With intense language of spiritual warfare, he exhorts the Ephesian believers to stand firm and stand strong. It is a battle cry, a call to arms – a trumpet blast meant to awaken them from passivity and alert them to the realities of the conflict faced on a daily basis.
Please read Eph. 6:10-20
- Please identify the 5 commands that are given in this paragraph. How do you think the Ephesians would understand this instruction based on their cultural background? (see Acts 19:11-41)
- In this section Paul quotes from several OT texts. Please read Isaiah 11:1-9; Isaiah 57:15b-21; Isaiah 52:6-10; and describe what these texts mean. In what way does the NT build on these OT texts?
- Look closely at the six pieces of the armor of God. Why is each piece vital for spiritual battles?
Armor Reason this piece is vital for battle
| Belt
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| Breastplate
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| Boots
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| Shield
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| Helmet
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| Sword
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- Why do you think standing is emphasized in this section? And what do you think the flaming arrows of the evil one are? (please answer in light of the Ephesians believers)
- Equipping ourselves with God’s armor is not a mechanical operation; it is an expression of our dependence on God. According to Eph. 6:18-20 what should be the basis of our dependence?
- What does it mean to “pray in the Spirit”? What instructions are given and what will be the result of fervent prayer
- God has given us his armor, but it is our responsibility to put it on, and take it up, to use it confidently against the powers of evil. What do you need to do in order to “put it on”?
- How do you need to shape your prayer life so that you engage in the battle through prayer? Spend some time reflecting on the battle and the armor. Seek God and ask him for wisdom and strength for the battle and to help you to put on the whole armor of God.
Memory Verse – Eph. 6:10-13
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
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Forces of DarknessGod's ArmorKingdom of LightSchemes of the DevilSpiritual BattleSpiritual Warfare