Eph 6:10-18

Principle #1 – God calls us to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”

        Eph. 6:10

                How does a life of holiness make us strong in the Lord?

Principle #2 – We must have a biblical understanding of what we are up against.

        Eph. 6:11

What are some of the tactics that Satan and his demons we see in the Bible?

Mark 5:1-20                1 Samuel 28:11-15

Luke 9:40-44              Mark 4:14-15

Principle #3 – We need a Bible-based understanding of the powers of demons that work for Satan.

        Eph. 6:12

                Principalities, Powers, Rulers of Darkness, Wicked Spirits   

Principle #4 – We must actively appropriate and put on the Full Armor of God.

        Eph. 6:13-18

1. Belt of Truth
2. Breastplate of Righteousness
3. Shoes of Peace
4. Shield of Faith
5. Helmet of Salvation
6. Sword of the Word

How do we appropriate the full armor of God?

Fighting the Fight Pt. 1

Discussion

1. The sermon lists two extreme responses to spiritual warfare:
   1. Ignore it and taking it too lightly
   2. A fearful preoccupation with Satan’s kingdom

Which of these extremes have you leaned toward in your walk with Jesus?

What do feel is the proper perspective?

2. Holiness and sanctification are imparted by Jesus – Heb. 13:12

        From reading Gal. 5:13-15, 22-26; Eph. 4:1-6; 5:15-17:

                What is the evidence of holiness in our lives?

3. Satan has many names, among them the Deceiver (Rev. 20:10), the Accuser (Rev. 12:10 NKJV), murderer & liar – John 8:44.

How would remembering these names change our daily battle with him?

4. Satan is a defeated foe and has a set destiny:

                He is under a sentence of doom – Isaiah 14:15

                He is under an unending curse – Gen. 3:14-15

                He will be cast out of heaven in the tribulation – Rev. 12:7-9

                He will be thrown into the lake of fire for eternity – Rev. 20:10

Final Thought:

In light of Satan’s ultimate destiny:

                How this affect your daily struggles?

1. Abundant Life – Matthew 16:24-25

In vs. 24, Jesus explains the cost of following Him. What does He say we must do to be His followers?

How can we do this today?

2. Adoption and Acceptance – John 6:37

Belief in Jesus is essential. How is it possible for a person to believe?

3. Peace through the Holy Spirit – John 14:26-27

4. Joy – John 15:9-11

Peace and joy are also fruits of the Spirit. What does the metaphor of “fruit” in contrast to “acts” tell you about the way these good traits become a part of your life?

5. Reward – Mark 10:29-31

Jesus had just stated that it is nearly impossible for a rich man to be saved. In vs. 28 Peter tells Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you!”

Why did Peter respond to Jesus as he did in 10:28?

Why did Jesus answer Peter as He did in 10:29-30?

How does this exchange shape your view of the rewards of following Jesus?

5. Friendship with God – John 15:13-15

James 2:23 says, “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.”

Can a Christian be close to God without reading the Bible regularly?

Does being a friend of God mean being “good buddies”? Where is the balance with the fear of God?

7. We will have Trials – John 16:33

Why should Christians expect persecution?

Why shouldn’t Christians be fearful or anxious at the prospect of persecution when Jesus is absent?

Summary:

 What one insight from this lesson would you like to take to heart?

How do you fall short or need to grow in this area? How would you like it to affect what you are and do?

What steps can you take toward this end?