Community Group Questions
This week we continue in our sermon series “Ready for Battle” as we look at Paul’s description of the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18. In verse 17 Paul tells us to “take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
In our reading of Ephesians 6, it doesn’t take long to notice that "The word of God” is the only offensive tool we have been given. As we stand our ground against the attacks of the enemy, having been equipped with all that is necessary to protect us, it is God’s Word that we have been given to counter the enemy’s advances. To take back ground that belongs to the Lord. And this is not a tool only to be used to advance God’s kingdom in the culture and world around us, but also to advance His kingdom in the heart within us. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
"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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 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.” Ephesians 6:13-18
Read: Ephesians 6:10-18, Hebrews 4:12-13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:22-27, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Isaiah 59:17
Discuss:
- As we look at Ephesians 6 we notice that the word of God is the only offensive weapon we are given to take back ground for the kingdom. What are some things we may have fooled ourselves into using rather than the word of God?
- James 1:22-27 – What is the bridge between being a hearer of the word and being a doer of the word?
- In what areas might you need to move from being a hearer to being a doer?
- Hebrews 4:12-13 – How can we increase our skill in wielding the sword of the Spirit?
- How do we do this first in our own heart?
- How can we be more effective doing this in the world around us?
Memorize/Meditate: Psalm 140:7 “O Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.”
