September 02, 2018 - Ephesians 6:10-20 - Fighting for your life

Reflection Questions:

1. Paul reminds us that we are living in a war zone, fighting not "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" (Ephesians 6:12). One of the best strategies the devil can use against us is to make us forget this fact so he can attack us without us realizing it. How often do you think about the spiritual war of which you are very much a part? How have "the spiritual forces of evil" been targeting you recently, trying to get you to give into sin or into despair? 


2. In Ephesians 6:14-17 Paul provides a long list of armor that God calls Christians to wear. Look over this list and consider the importance of each piece of armor and how it helps to provide the one wearing it with protection. Would it be a big deal to someone going into battle if they forgot a piece of this armor? Also, looking at this list of armor, how do we get it? Does it depend on our human ability (e.g., human wisdom, human strength) or does God provide it for us? 

3. Paul instructs us to take up the shield of faith in all circumstances (Ephesians 6:16). How effective does Paul say this shield of faith is at stopping the "flaming darts of the evil one?" How well equipped and prepared is the "fully armored" Christian to defend against the attacks of the devil? Does the "whole armor of God" only equip the Christian to play defense or is the Christian also equipped to go on the offensive as well? If the Christian is equipped to go on the offensive as well, what is the offensive weapon given to the Christian to combat the lies of the devil?