Ephesians

Hi Friends,

Last week we learned that even though there are evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realms, with Christ in us, we have the victory. We are to stand firm in Christ, allowing him to fight our battles for us, as we put on the truth of Jesus, wearing the breastplate of his righteousness.

This week we will study the 3 remaining defensive pieces of armor. Then we will learn about our 2 offensive pieces that we use to battle the powers of this dark world. Let's take a look.

Questions for Ephesians 6:15-24
1. Having put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, we are now ready to cover our feet with the gospel of peace. Vs 15 From Isaiah 52:7, how does God view those who share the good news of Jesus?
2. Rom 10:12-17 gives us a little more insight. How do people make peace with God, and to whom could you share the good news of Jesus?
3. Next we take up the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the enemy. How do you think having faith protects you from the enemy, and what do you think the fiery darts represent? Vs 16
4. Hebrews 11 is the chapter of faith heroes. Skim over the chapter. What additional information do you find about faith and how does having faith please God?
5. What is your faith story, and how could you help your faith to grow stronger?
6. Our next piece of armor is the helmet of salvation. Just like when you ride a motorcycle, you can choose to put a helmet on, or you can ride without. What do you think the helmet of salvation represents, and how do we practically put it on? Vs 17
7. The helmet of salvation guards our mind and we know that we have the mind of Christ. From 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, what does it mean to have “the mind of Christ” and how do we obtain it?
8. Finally we come to our offensive pieces of armor. We must take up our swords. What is the sword of the Spirit and how would we fight with it? Vs 17 See Matt 4:1-11
9. In the physical, we store up food and water for a day we may need it. Knowing that our spiritual battle is fought with the word of God and that it will defeat our enemy, how important is it to know the word of God? How could we “store up” for a spiritual battle?
10. Our second offensive piece of armor is prayer. Often, we may want to attack first, without going to God in prayer. From verse 18, what insight does Paul give us about prayer?
11. If prayer is like putting gasoline in a car, then prayer is very powerful. What do you learn about prayer from James 5:16-18 and Matt 7:7-11?
12. As Paul closes his letter, he has a prayer request. What does Paul request for prayer, and how would this request also help us today? Vs 19-20
13. In Paul’s final greetings, he mentions Tychius. What was Paul’s purpose in sending him to the Ephesians? Vs 21-22
14. Peace, love with faith, and grace to those who love Jesus, are offered in Paul’s farewell. Where does Paul say these come from? Vs 23-24

Standing firm, and putting on the full armor of God is simply living a Christian life and walking with the Lord. We have no fear of the enemy, as our God is great and our protection is sure. May we always stand firm in Christ, not being moved by the schemes of the enemy, knowing we are prepared for this battle! Amen!