Community Group Discussion Guide

Identity Found: I Am a Warrior — Ephesians 6:13 – March 1, 2020

I. Starter Questions:

• Much of life is spent in preparation for something — we might be attending school in preparation for a future career, or preparing a presentation for a meeting, or preparing for a test. What was the most intense preparation you’ve experienced?

• When was there a time when you found strength in the Lord as you headed into a particularly dark time of your life? How did God equip you for that time?

II. Series Context:

Our current series, “Identity Found”, draws our eyes to focus on what it means to be found in Christ. Who are we? What has Christ’s work accomplished for us? What are we to do? The final message in our series, “I Am a Warrior”, paints a picture of a war with the devil himself. In light of who we are in Christ, we must fight — but how?

III. Discussion of Scripture:

Context: This series’ roots plunge into the book of Ephesians. Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians while in Roman prison, and his purpose was to give doctrinal instruction and to exhort the believers toward holy living. As his final, important exhortation, Paul wants us to know that we are waging a dark war against the devil. The enemy is attacking us from all sides, yet the Lord has given us shields and weapons to withstand the onslaught.

A. Ephesians 6:10-20 — The Whole Armor of God (ESV)

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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for

all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Brief Explanation: Paul’s exhortation has three distinct sections: a call to arms in the Lord’s strength and provision (vv. 10-13), a call to stand against the devil (vv. 14-17), and a call to pray as our primary weapon (vv. 18-20). As warriors, we fight “in the strength of his might” (v. 10), in the “whole armor of God” (v. 11), so that we can “stand firm” (v. 13).

For Discussion:

1. A Call to Arms in the Lord’s Strength and Provision (vv. 10-13)

a. What does it look like to be “strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (v. 10)? Why must we be strong in the Lord before we put on the whole armor of God? What are some things that might sap our strength?

b. The “whole armor” Paul refers to in verses 11 and 13 contains the full set of equipment a warrior needs to go into battle. Why is the armor important? Why is every piece important? Could you put on just part of the armor?

c. Paul emphasizes standing against the enemy in this passage. We “stand against the schemes of the devil” (v. 11), we “withstand in the evil day” (v. 13), and we “stand firm” (v. 13). What imagery does this military language conjure? What does this look like in practice for us?

d. Before this passage, in Ephesians 4:14, Paul writes of people who are “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes”. Now, in Ephesians 6:11, Paul reveals the source of these schemes — the devil. “Schemes” here can also be translated as stratagems, or craftiness, or wiles. What are some ways the devil works to deceive us through false doctrine?

e. Paul says our enemies are “rulers”, “authorities”, “cosmic powers”, and “spiritual forces of evil”. Who or what are these? (See Ephesians 1:19–21; 3:10, and Colossians 2:15.)

2. A Call to Stand Against the Devil (vv. 14-17)

a. In verse 14, we’re called to fasten the “belt of truth”. For a warrior, the belt would hold the breastplate in place and serve to hold the sword. How is this significant to us as we think of putting on the belt of truth?

b. Further, we’re called to put on the “breastplate of righteousness” (v. 14). On a warrior, what does a breastplate physically protect? For Christians, how are we declared righteous? What other virtues are represented by the

breastplate metaphor? (See 1 Thessalonians 5:8.)

c. In verse 15, we are to wear “the readiness given by the gospel of peace” as shoes. What purpose does a shoe serve? What does it mean to wear gospel readiness?

d. In verse 16, Paul commands us to “take up the shield of faith”. A shield is primarily used for what purpose? What might be some examples of “flaming darts” the devil might fire at us? How does our faith protect us?

e. Next, we see that we’re to put on the “helmet of salvation” (v. 17). Why do we need to protect our heads and our minds? (See Romans 12:2.)

f. Finally, we’re to wield the “sword of the Spirit” (v. 17). What is the sword? Why is this the only offensive weapon we have? Read Hebrews 4:12 out loud — the word of God is powerful!

3. A Call to Pray As Our Primary Weapon (vv. 18-20)

a. How often are we to be in prayer (v. 18)? What are some practical examples of how this does, or could, play out in your life?

b. What does it mean to pray “in the Spirit” (v. 18)? (See Romans 8:26-27.)

c. Paul asks for prayer for himself in verse 19. What is he desiring? He asks for prayer that he might be bold in declaring the gospel — the word “boldly” is used twice. Why might he be emphatically asking for prayer toward gospel boldness? Was Paul bold in his ministry? How is gospel proclamation like warfare?

IV. Responding in Prayer:

1. Pray for our new worship pastor, Joe Morrow, and his family, as he officially begins his ministry at Henderson Hills this weekend. Pray that he would put on the whole armor of God as he leads and serves. Praise God for His provision to our church in the Morrow family!

2. Begin praying for the several Spring Break trips that are coming up this month, as many are living sent to Santa Cruz, Western Europe, and Central America. Pray for logistics to come together, for team unity, and that words would be given as they boldly proclaim the gospel.

3. Pray that each person in your community group would find their identity in Christ. Pray for a strength that is found in the Lord, and for the whole armor of God to be put on, especially in light of the tough situations many are facing right now. Pray for boldness as we engage in this battle against evil, and pray for boldness as we live sent.