Ephesians 6:13-17
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.—Ephesians 6:13-17
The conclusion of Ephesians reads like a call to arms. Last week we learned about our enemy, and the spiritual nature of the battle. This week, we are told to stand firm and how to prepare for battle.
Christian power doesn’t function like a transactional system where completing tasks or uttering specific prayers grants you a surge of divine strength. Instead, it’s rooted in a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.
This relationship is built through faith, growing closer to God through prayer, studying scripture, and living a Christ-centered life. As we open ourselves to God’s love and grace, we experience a shift in perspective and an infusion of spiritual strength. This power isn’t about dominating others or wielding control but about facing evil with courage, despite Satan’s temptations and accusations, and demonstrating God’s love in the world.
Discussion Questions
The conclusion of Ephesians reads like a call to arms. Last week we learned about our enemy, and the spiritual nature of the battle. This week, we are told to stand firm and how to prepare for battle.
Christian power doesn’t function like a transactional system where completing tasks or uttering specific prayers grants you a surge of divine strength. Instead, it’s rooted in a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.
This relationship is built through faith, growing closer to God through prayer, studying scripture, and living a Christ-centered life. As we open ourselves to God’s love and grace, we experience a shift in perspective and an infusion of spiritual strength. This power isn’t about dominating others or wielding control but about facing evil with courage, despite Satan’s temptations and accusations, and demonstrating God’s love in the world.
Discussion Questions
- Unity & Interdependence: Each piece of armor protects a different part of the body. How does this illustrate the interconnectedness and importance of each element in our spiritual defense?
- Strength in Christ: Ephesians 6:10 reminds us to be strong “in the Lord.” Isaiah 40:29 says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” How does relying on Christ’s strength change our approach to spiritual warfare?
- Righteousness & Integrity: Psalm 33:5 says, “He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the LORD’s unfailing love.” How is love an aspect of battle?
- Faith as a Shield: Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” How does faith act as a shield against spiritual attacks? Remember from last week that the attacks are temptations and accusations from Satan.
- The Sword of the Spirit & Scripture: Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Why is God’s word such a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare? How do we use it relationally rather than transactionally?
Posted in Sermon Notes