With everything going on in our world right now, many people are asking, “Could this be the end?" As Christians, we recognize that every day since Jesus ascended into heaven could be the last day before He comes back to restore all things. So, our question should be, “How should we live in light of His return?" As we come to the end of the book of Ephesians, we have been looking at what God's word is calling us to as the church. This week, we dig into the spiritual battle we are in and how the church is made to be victorious over evil. Join us and discover how God's design for this battle is not more strategy, but more surrender to Him.

Ephesians 6:10-20

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Read Ephesians 6. Pretend you’ve never experienced church and that what you read in Ephesians 6 is your first and only exposure to the characteristics of it. What conclusions or assumptions would you make about church? What words or phrases jumped out to you and the group? 

2. If making changes in the way God’s people are mobilized is a preparation for battle, what do those preparations look like? 

3. What emotions (e.g. fear, uncertainty, etc.) have you felt throughout this study that the devil might be using to hold you captive? 

4. During your time of prayer be open and honest about some of the schemes the devil has been using to attack you, your family, or even your church family. What areas of your life do you need to surrender fully to Jesus? Allow some extra time for closing in prayer as your group prays for those who especially need encouragement. 

For Families with Kids

1. Read Ephesians 6:10-20 together, thinking about each piece of armor God gifts us, and take notice what each one protects. Which piece of armor is your favorite? Why?

2. Living out our faith in Jesus isn’t easy. But Jesus gives us the strength and protection to do it; He clothes us with His presence in our baptism - Jesus is our armor!

3. Pray together as a family for God to protect you this week from any spiritual evil schemes and to help you stand strong in His Word.