The Warfare, Part 1
Sermon 1 in Series
Ephesians 6:10-13
[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] 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. [13] 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.
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. In what ways have you viewed the whole armor of God individualistically? How does reading it in context help us realize our need for one another?
2. To what extent have you thought about the Christian life in terms of warfare? How can we fall into seeing it more like a walk in the park with occasional skirmishes than an ongoing war?
3. How does this passage call us away from passivity, laziness, and love of comfort? In what particular ways do you find this convicting?
4. How does Paul’s description of this warfare expose the folly of self-reliance? How does it push us away from fear and despair?
5. Why should a focus on Christ’s strength lead us towards contentment in our own weaknesses? How have you seen God magnify his might through your weakness?
6. Although the individual pieces of armor are important, why must we always take them together as a whole? How does the whole set point us to abiding in Christ?
References: Acts 19; 1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3-4; 1 Peter 5:8; Romans 8:13; Deuteronomy 20:3-4; Joshua 1:9; Ephesians 1:19-22; 2:5-6; 3:16-20; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Romans 13:12, 14; Ephesians 4:22-24.