1) Listen to Podcast
2) GG Questions 03/03/2019
No Oars, Only Sails: Battle Stations Ephesians 6:10-18
1. Recognizing the Enemy: CS Lewis wrote that “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” Without stumbling into this second error, read 2 Kings 6:8-23 and Daniel 10:11-14, 18-21 and attempt to describe the relationship between the seen and unseen realms. What does it mean that we ‘wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil’ (Eph. 6:12).
2. Stand!: Four times in this passage, Paul exhorts his readers to “stand!” (Eph. 6:11, 13, 14). What does this mean? Is it intended as a posture of offense or defense? What ‘schemes’ does the devil attempt (Eph. 4:14; 2 Cor. 2:11), in general and against you in particular? What biblical defenses have you learned to employ in such situations (James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9)?
3. Armor of God: Paul wrote Ephesians from prison (Eph 6:20) where he saw Roman soldiers on a daily basis. With this visual before him, and a mind soaked in the scriptures (Isa. 59:17), he wrote of the armor worn by Christian soldiers (Eph. 6:14-17). How does each piece of armor help equip believers against spiritual attack? Which speaks to you most in this season?
4. The Sword and the Stone: Jesus, the rock of our salvation, knew how to use the sword. But it wasn’t a gladiator’s sword (Matt. 26:52), His sword was the words of Scripture issuing forth from His mouth (Rev. 19:15). How did Jesus use this sword (Matt. 4:1-11)? How have you personally used the sword of the spirit (Eph. 6:17)? And what areas of your life might require the sword’s intervention (Psa. 119:11)?
