The Armor of God
The Battle Begins
In a world filled with challenges, temptations, and spiritual battles, God has not left us defenseless. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul calls believers to "put on the full armor of God" so that we may stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Today, Pastor John kicks off our series by challenging us to think through two questions: What are believers really up against in the battle to follow Christ? And secondly, how do Christian believers fight in such a way as to be victorious against the forces of evil described in our text today? May the Holy Spirit guide us into the truth that can set us free!
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,
For Adult Homes and Groups
1. Icebreaker: What forms of evil did you experience when you were a kid?
2. Read Ephesians 6:10-18. What verse or truth jumped off the page for you? Where do you see the devil’s schemes (or methods) played out in the world today?
3. As you read the list of the pieces of armor listed by the Apostle Paul, which parts are defensive and which are offensive? Which part do you need to more intentionally put on and keep on today?
4. How do these pieces of armor enable us to stand against evil? What piece do you need most in your life right now?
5. The Belt of Truth is the first piece of armor mentioned. Why would truth be foundational for being victorious over temptation, accusation, and ultimately the devil’s lies? Why is the Gospel the key to our victory? (See John 8:32; John 17:17; Ephesians 4:21)
For Families with Kids
1. Read Ephesians 6:10-20 together.
2. Why do we need spiritual armor, and what is our fight against?
3. Should we be afraid of this battle? Why or why not? How does God help us in the battle against spiritual evil?
4. Why is it important to put on our spiritual armor every day?
5. Memorize v10. The only reason we can be strong is because God is strong for us! Read these verses throughout the week to remind you that God is your strength: Psalm 46:1; Exodus 15:2; Psalm 28:7-8; Habakkuk 3:19; Isaiahs 41:10; Psalm 18:2.
Series Information
On Sundays in the season of Lent, our message will focus on the whole armor of God, where Apostle Paul paints a powerful picture of the Christian life as a spiritual battle, calling believers to stand firm against the forces of evil by putting on the full armor of God. It reminds us that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are engaged in a daily struggle, not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual powers of darkness. Each piece of armor - the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, wrapped in protective prayer - equips believers to resist the enemy's schemes and remain steadfast in their faith. Understanding and applying this spiritual armor is crucial for living a victorious Christian life in a world filled with deception, temptation, and opposition.