Introduction to Ephesians 5:15-6:18 This is the final series of studies for Life Groups in the letter to the Ephesians. Over the next few weeks we are going to be looking at some very challenging yet very inspiring words from Paul as we explore Ephesians 5:15-6:18. OBJECTIVES: Ephesians 5:15-21 is a key transition passage in the overall book of Ephesians. It takes us from considering how we live as children of light into some practical applications, namely: 1. how do we relate to one another in specific relationships (e.g. the husband/wife relationship, the parent/child relationship and the employer/employee relationship)? 2. how do we equip ourselves spiritually to live in the real world as participants / warriors / fighters in a spiritual battle? The transition begins with a warning in Ephesians 5: 15 Be very careful, then, how you live. That word then is a lot like the word therefore. It means as we read and study ahead and examine how we do relationships and how we face spiritual warfare, we need to keep in mind what we ve learned in earlier chapters. Paul is essentially saying, Because of what we have learned (i.e., who we are IN CHRIST) we now need to live that out carefully in the world in which we live. In the remaining passages of Ephesians Paul now gives some very practical illustrations from life in general as to how we are to act, speak and behave so that our being IN CHRIST is then reflected out into the world. This transition hinges on one short section of verse found in Ephesians 5:18. be filled with the Spirit,.. Paul recognises the fact that in order to take what we have learned from earlier themes to be applied in everyday practical living going forward, we as Christians need to be filled with the Spirit. This is a constant theme in Paul s teaching and one that hopefully we can portray accurately as we go through the notes. Living as Jesus wants us to, responding to the storms and demands of life without compromise or defeat, relating to others in a way that honours God and facing the daily spiritual battle we are all in cannot be done in our own strength. We NEED the Holy Spirit to empower and enable us to live up to the high call placed upon us. One of the challenges that Christ calls us to, and to which we need the filling of the Holy Spirit to help enable us, is Submit to one another. As Paul takes on the theme of relating to one another in certain relationships, the understanding of submission one to another is vital. In society today many think that the lesser (the child, the employee) always submits to the greater (the parent, the boss). Paul s statement here emphasises that in all relationships there must be equal submission and in fact places increased emphasis on the greater serving and submitting to the lesser. In these studies therefore we will consider what it means to be filled with the Spirit and what that will look like: 1. as Church (Eph 5:15-21) 2. in certain relationships a. the husband/wife relationship (Eph 5:22-33) b. the parent/child relationship (Eph 6:1-4) c. the employer/employee relationship (Eph 6:5-9) 3. in our personal spiritual warfare. (Eph 6:10-17) 1
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Series: Filled with the Spirit Wednesday, September 16 th Theme: Be Filled with the Spirit Ephesians 5:15-21 3
Leaders preparation notes 4
Wednesday, September 16 BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT OBJECTIVE: The focus for today is be filled with the Spirit and what that will look like in our lives and as a Church. We will consider how the analogy Paul uses of drunkenness (being filled with wine) helps us understand the imperative to be filled with the Spirit. CREATIVE: Can anyone in the group share a story of something you did or witnessed where something simply overflowed. What were the circumstances? What was the effect? What was the reaction of others around? READING: Ephesians 5:15-21 [page 1176] PART 1 BE CAREFUL HOW YOU LIVE. This passage starts with some very challenging words, Be very careful, then, how you live, because the days are evil! Wow! Today, just as in New Testament times, Christians are surrounded by godlessness and darkness on many sides (see Ephesians 5:3-7 as an example) and Paul s encouragement is to pay attention to how we live. Why do you think Paul uses this kind of language to the Ephesian church to the early church to the Bridge Church? In the middle of this challenge Paul encourages believers, firstly, to be wise, and secondly, to make the most of every opportunity. Why is wisdom required to live for God when days are evil? For you - in your situation of life right now - what might be some practical examples of making the most of every opportunity? How might God use you to impact someone else with the Gospel? Paul starts the next verse of this passage, verse 17, with the word, 'Therefore,...". Paul is setting us up to consider three things that we need in order to live carefully, wisely and opportunistically. First - we need to understand what the Lords will is (v. 17) Second - we need to be filled with the Spirit (vs. 18-21) Third - we need to submit to one another (v. 21) Tonight we will skip over the first part of understanding what the Lords will is. That is a huge subject to be looked at in the future. Instead, we will look a little deeper at Paul s challenge to 'be filled with the Spirit', and during our next session together we will look a little more closely at what Paul is getting at when he says, 'submit to one another'. PART 2 - A COMMUNITY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE SPIRIT In Ephesians 5:18 Paul offers up another challenge for us, 'Be filled with the Spirit. The phrase be filled with the Spirit can be translated be continually controlled by the Spirit. In helping us to understand what being filled with the Spirit might look like, Paul contrasts it to something that is common in many societies and cultures down through the ages - that of living under the influence of alcohol. What areas of our thinking, behaviour and relationships are changed through drunkenness? How can the effects of drunkenness lead to debauchery (wasteful living)? How would our thinking, behaviour and relationships be changed if we are filled - continually controlled by - the Spirit? What is the contrast to wasteful living? What might we need to do in practice/in action to make sure that we are daily living in the fullness of the Spirit? 5
In verses 19-21 of this passage Paul focuses on four key areas of our lives that need to come under the influence of the Holy Spirit. They are: 1. how we speak 2. how we praise 3. how we give thanks 4. how we submit to one another. Imagine and discuss what this might have looked like for the early Church? Here are some Bible references which may help: o Acts 12:25-13:3 [p.1106] o Acts 16:25 [p.1112] o 1 Corinthians 14:15 [p. 1155] o Colossians 3:15-17 [p. 1184] o Hebrews 13:15-17 [p.1212] PART 3 - OUR COMMUNITY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE SPIRIT Now that we've considered how it might have looked for the early church, can we apply it to ourselves here at the Bridge church and here in our own life group. In practice, what should 'being filled with the Spirit' look like for each of us in how we speak, praise, give thanks and submit to one another? o Take time to consider how our lives match up individually. What might be one or two areas I as an individual need to focus on? Note - as the leader you may want to allow some time for quiet, personal reflection here... a time of silence... a time for each person just to be quiet with and in the presence of the Holy Spirit Himself. o Take time to consider how our lives match up as a body / community. Consider how we allow the Holy Spirit greater reign in our life group. For example: Is there a way we could change what we do in life group to give greater space for the Holy Spirit to work? How can we relate to one another differently that would allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us to one another? CLOSING THOUGHTS: 1. This week, take time to think about each of the four example areas (how we speak, praise, give thanks and submit to one another). How are these integrated in our lives on a daily basis? 2. The New Testament letters contain many expressions of praise and thanksgiving which were often used and spoken by the Christians. The Psalms and Old Testament are regularly referred to. Consider the significance of the Bible and Holy Spirit in your life. 6
Series: Filled with the Spirit Wednesday, October 7th Theme: Submit to One Another Ephesians 5:21-33 7
Leaders preparation notes 8
Wednesday, October 7 SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER OBJECTIVES: In this study we will seek to do three things: 1. understand more about the New Testament concept of submission in relationships. 2. understand the primary teaching of Ephesians 5: 25-33 which is the Church s submission to Christ in response to His love and what He has done for us. 3. look at marriage in light of this teaching on submission and the example of Christ. CREATIVE: Describe an occasion when someone special to you sacrificed something that meant a great deal to you, touched you, moved you. How did this make you feel? READING: Ephesians 5:21-33 [p.1176] PART 1 - UNDERSTANDING SUBMISSION The relationship between Christ and the Church provides a model for a husband s conduct toward his wife. Many have used this text to address the conduct of wives. However, Paul uses this text to focus primarily on the conduct of the husband and a theology of Christ and the Church. Historically, the New Testament understanding of submission has often been abused and misused, especially in understanding marriage. This has perhaps come about for two reasons: 1. Misunderstanding the definition of the word submission. The Greek word hypotasso ( submit ) literally means arrange under. It carries with it not the thought of power or privilege, but of order and structure; 2. Misunderstanding the text of Ephesians 5. Ephesians 5:21 in the original text is not separated from the previous verses of what being filled with the Spirit looks like. In todays NIV and other translations however, vs. 21 is separated from the passage above it and placed right in front of Paul s section on marriage!! To understand the teaching of Christ in regard to submission read and discuss the following passages. Matthew 23:11-12 [p.992] Romans 12:3-5 [p.1139] 1 Corinthians 16:15-16 [p. 1158] Galatians 5:13-16 [p.1172] Philippians 2:1-11 [p. 1179] Try to sum up what each passage says submission will look like with regard to the following two areas: 1. Christ's submission to us as the 'Servant King' and 'Son of Man' 2. Our submission to one another. PART 2 - SUBMISSION TO CHRIST Reread the verses of Ephesians 5:22-33. In v. 32 Paul says he is firstly talking about Christ and the Church. The marriage relationship is seen as an analogy to Christ s sacrificial love, his saving work, and his ongoing care for the Church. Our submission to Christ comes about out of a response to love. We recognise all that Christ has done and what He has given and we happily submit to His will and authority over our lives because we know it is founded on His great and eternal love for us. Where does our submission start? Look at vs. 23-29. Identify the amazing expressions of what Christ has done, does and will do for his Church (His body). Put them in your own words. The Church s response to Christ is very simply described (verse 24a). What is it? 9
As we learned last session, submission to Christ is also an essential mark of being filled with the Spirit. Why do you think the Holy Spirit is needed if we are to truly submit to Christ? PART 3: MARRIAGE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Part 3a - Husbands - imitate Christ - serve your wives. Ephesians 5:28 makes clear that the expressions of Christ s love and aspirations for the Church Ephesians 5:23 does not focus on authority, but on the illustrate how husbands should love their wives. self-giving love of both Christ and the husband. Head In vs. 28-31 what is the main illustration in this context suggests responsibility for. The of marriage which Paul is using? Discuss husband has a leadership role, though not in order to this with reference to Gen 2:24. boss his wife or use his position as privilege. Just as Paul puts the onus on the husband. How Jesus redefined greatness as being a servant (Matt. does this help understand what he 20:26-27), Paul redefines being head as having means in practice when he refers earlier responsibility to love, to give oneself, and to nurture. A to the husband as the head of the wife priority is placed on the husband but, contrary to (v. 23)? ancient society, it is for the benefit of the wife. The Read the quote to the right. How does activity of both wife and husband is based in their this relate to what Paul is commanding relation to Christ and in His giving Himself for the husbands in vs 25-30 church. Part 3b - Wives - As the Church comes under Christ so wives come under your husbands. Read again vs. 21-24. The Greek word translated as head is kephale. It is used in Ephesians and In the ancient world husbands had relatively few Colossians to describe all things coming under obligations beyond providing food and shelter. They Christ (Ephesians 1:22 and Colossians 2:10). Read were free to do as they pleased, whereas wives were the second quote to the right. obligated to do domestic chores and to do what their In coming under Christ - his love, saving husbands required. Paul s words change the picture work and ongoing care - how would dramatically. Rather than being guided by selfwives respond? interests, the husband is asked to place the well-being How does this translate to coming under of his wife first and to give himself to caring for her.' their husbands? Verse 24 says... submit in everything. In all human relationships there are limits to submission. Identify some of the limits to this command. We all have struggles at times in our marriages. No couple or individual in a marriage should feel that they are left on their own. There are avenues of help in the Church. The point of this study is to identify and understand God s template for marriage and how it is tied into the very nature of who God is and His purpose for mankind. Above all it identifies the individuals responsibility my responsibility within this great relationship ordained by God. CLOSING THOUGHTS: Whether married for not this study is relevant to us all because of the great picture given of Christ and His Church. This week take time to review and reflect on your response to Christ. Consider how all that Christ has done should impact any relationships you have. Consider your response to others as part of Christ s body, the Church. 10
Series: Filled with the Spirit Wednesday, October 21st Theme: Gods Guide for Parents Ephesians 6:1-4 11
Leaders preparation notes 12
Wednesday, October 21 GOD S GUIDE FOR PARENTS OBJECTIVE: Explore how being filled with the Spirit should influence the parent/child relationship. CREATIVE: Which television family would you choose to portray the parent/child relationship nearest to your family? Why? READING: Ephesians 6: 1-4 [p. 1177] OPENING: Life for children in New Testament times was not unlike life in many parts of the world today. Children had little or no rights, females having even less value in society. New born babies in a Roman family were placed in front of the father and he would decide whether the baby was acceptable or not and if it would live or die. While this might seem extreme for us in the UK today, the reality is that many children across the world are mistreated, abandoned, overlooked. The Gospel however presents the correct concept of the parent/child relationship and the value of children. PART 1: GOD S HEART FOR CHILDREN Ephesians 6:1-3 reads, Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honour your father and mother," - which is the first commandment with a promise - "so that it may go well with you and you may enjoy long life on the earth." Paul here is referencing Deuteronomy 5:16, where God promised to bless the obedient child. What two actions are required of children to their parents? Can you define them? o Ephesians 6:1.. to obey o Ephesians 6:2.. to honour The adult child does not owe the parent obedience, but they do owe the parent honour. What is the difference between obedience and honour? When do you think it is permissible, if ever, for a child to disobey parents? Explore and discuss what it means to honour father and mother as we grow into adulthood - Proverbs 6:20, Colossians 3:20 What is promised for a child who obeys and honours their parents? What do you think that short phrase go well (Ephesians 6:3 and Deuteronomy 5:16) could mean? Paul encourages parents (although he mentions fathers) not to exasperate their children. In what ways can a child be provoked to wrath? Common examples are. o When parents push certain personal goals/dreams on their children o When parents find amusement by teasing/winding up their children o When parents scold/punish kids for one thing, then go do it (or worse) themselves PART 2: GOD S HEART FOR PARENTS Children do not need to be taught how to misbehave. but they do need guidance and discipline on how they should behave. Studying the Bible we are left with little doubt that parents have a responsibility to teach children obedience - obedience not only to parents but also to God. Read and explore the following passages. What message do they convey to you as to the important role parents play in training/teaching children? o Exodus 12: 26-27 [p. 69] o Deuteronomy 6:4-9 [p. 185] o Proverbs 22:6 [p. 658] o Ephesians 6:4 [p.1177] 13
Can you highlight areas of life that fathers could or should train children in addition to training and instruction in the Lord? Discipline is a controversial subject in modern society. Read the following related scriptures: o Proverbs 13:24 [p. 648] Proverbs 19:18 [p. 654] o Proverbs 22:15 [p. 658] Proverbs 29:15 [p. 666] o Hebrews 12:8 [p. 1211] How do you reconcile this Biblical view of discipline with modern approaches to unruly child behaviour? Would anyone like to share a personal story of how they might have been disciplined and how they felt about it? How did it help or hinder them? Paul gives some marvellous challenges for life in general in Ephesians 5:15-17. How might this relate to parent/child relationship? How does today s lifestyle hinder parents efforts in parent/child relationships? PART 3: THE FATHERS EXAMPLE. Ephesians 5:1 encourages us with these words: Follow God s example, therefore, as DEARLY LOVED children.. How should imitating God impact our families and the parent/child relationship? As we see how God the Father loves us, how then should we demonstrate this to our children? What analogy does Paul use in Ephesians 5:2 to illustrate how a parent should relate to their child? Paul s teaching introduced a new concept to his generation of the parent/child relationship and the value of children. Read the quote to the right. What is your gut reaction to reading Paul s commands and the role that applies to you: I have a problem with this. I wish it was this way with my relationship. I agree completely. "The gospel introduced a fresh element into parental responsibility by insisting that the feelings of the child must be taken into consideration. In a society where the father's authority (patria potestas) was absolute, this represented a revolutionary concept." (Wood) What do you have a problem with or question about? What have you found helpful when you are struggling with parent/child relationships? CLOSING THOUGHTS: Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. This week as you consider Paul s exhortation to children and fathers, note that communication is the basis of relationship. You are to talk of God s goodness when you sit in your house, when you sit at the dinner table, as you journey and walk together. What can we do to renew and reinvigorate that godly environment as parents, or perhaps even as grandparents!! 14
Series: Filled with the Spirit Wednesday, November 4th Theme: Gods Guide for Masters/Slaves Ephesians 6:5-9 15
Leaders preparation notes 16
Wednesday, November 4 GOD S GUIDE FOR MASTERS/SLAVES OBJECTIVE: Explore how being filled with the Spirit should influence employer/employee relationships. CREATIVE: As a child growing up we perhaps all had the dream job in mind. Describe the ideal job that you may have wanted for yourself at the age of 10. READING: Ephesians 6: 5-9 [p.1177] OPENING: As we ve been learning the Bible has a lot to say about relationships. Our relationship with God is central to Biblical teaching. If this is right then our relationship with others will be right and tonight we want to explore how a right relationship with God should impact our working life, whether we are an employee and work for someone, or whether we are an employer (a boss or in leadership) and have people working for us. In each situation we want to be men and women who attempt to relate to others in the working world in a way that pleases God. (Ephesians 5:10 and 17) PART 1: WHO ARE WE WORKING FOR? Obedience is a key word for our topic this week. In the same way our previous observation of parent/child relationships highlighted that a child is exhorted to obey their fathers, workers are instructed by the apostle Paul to obey their masters. As an exercise have a look at Ephesians 6:5-7. Pick out four attitudes that Paul instructs slaves to have towards their masters. o obey with respect and fear o obey with sincerity of heart o obey even when they are not being watched o serve wholeheartedly How does this list of qualities match with those of Colossians 3:22-25? In Ephesians 6:6 and Colossians 3:22 Paul highlights one specific manner with which we are not to serve our employers. Why do you think this is important to God? Titus 2:9-10 says, 'Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive.' As an employee we are asked to be 'subject in everything' to those who oversee us. How could this affect your self-esteem? How does this relate to Paul s command to us all in Ephesians 5:21 to 'submit to one another out of reverence to Christ'? Discuss the ways you can steal from an employer? Paul intimates that how we work and our attitude towards bosses and employees actually makes the Gospel attractive to others. What implications might that have for you and I as we enter the working world each day? In the Bible we do find instances where godly men and women refused to obey their masters. For example, Daniel and his friends refused several times to do what they were meant to eating food from the kings table, bowing down to an image in worship. While we are encouraged to obey and work hard for those we serve, there are also times when we as Christians should refuse. Give some examples of when it would be acceptable for a Christian to disobey their boss. 17
Besides Daniel and his friends, can you think of other biblical characters who rightly refused to obey their masters? What were the underlying principles in making the decision not to obey? In closing this section discuss how being filled with the Spirit would help you in the working place be a better employee, a better worker, a better witness, a better decision maker! How does this link in with Ephesians 6:7 and Colossians 3:23? PART 2: WHAT ABOUT THE BOSS? While we have spent some time looking at the master/slave relationship from the perspective of the worker, lets now turn our attention to those in charge, in leadership. Read Ephesians 6:9 and Colossians 4:1 together What attributes is a master asked to show towards his servants? o To treat them fairly, to treat them rightly, not to threaten them What should the motivation be for employers to treat their employees fairly and rightly? How can an employer take advantage of an employee and what does the Bible say about it? o (Deuteronomy 24:14,15, Malachi 3:5) In the example of the centurion in Capernaum (Luke 7: 1-9, Matthew 8:5-13) what other attributes are displayed by the centurion towards his servant? Read the following quote. What impact in the working environment might be made if every boss/master viewed themselves as a servant first? How did Jesus practically demonstrate this principle? What impact did it make? The best leaders are servant leaders they serve those they lead. Tony Hsieh, Multi-millionaire businessman PART 3: SLAVERY TODAY It is unbelievable that in Britain in 2015 the issue of slavery has raised its ugly head with slave workers, human trafficking and child prostitution. Slavery was commonplace and accepted in New Testament times. It was the worst form of slavery, cruel with no respect for the value of human life. How do you think the Gospel worked to change the system of slavery and relationships between bosses/masters and workers/slaves? Are there forms of slavery still in existence today, though it may not be labelled as slavery? How should we as Christians respond when we see evidence of slavery happening today? CLOSING THOUGHTS: This week it would be great to end our session with a prayer time that really focuses on each one of the group and their working environment. All of us will have different struggles and issues within it. If there is time, break up into small groups, share one or two things 18
Series: Filled with the Spirit Wednesday, November 18th Theme: Understanding our Battle Ephesians 6:10-12 19
Leaders preparation notes 20
Wednesday, November 18 UNDERSTANDING OUR BATTLE Objectives: Over the next two weeks as we close our study on the book of Ephesians we are going to look at spiritual warfare and how God has equipped us for the battle. For today s session we would like to consider each of the following: that we are in a spiritual battle that we have an enemy that we can resist that enemy Creative: Describe a time when you were engaged in some kind of spiritual battle and how you handled it. What methods did you use? How did this spiritual battle affect you or those around you? At the time did you understand you were in a spiritual battle or did you just think it was part of normal life? Reading: Ephesians 6:10-17 (principally focus this session on vs. 10-12) [p. 1177] Opening: CS Lewis says in the introduction of his popular book Screwtape Letters that people prefer to either ignore the forces of evil altogether or take an unhealthy interest in everything demonic, which can be just as bad in the long run. As we conclude our studies in Ephesians we will hopefully provide a balanced approach to the subject. PART 1 - WE ARE IN A BATTLE! All of us are aware that the world is full of conflict and battles battles between neighbours, between working classes, between nations. We see the ramifications of these battles constantly on the six o clock news each night, whether they affect us or not. But how many of us recognise the spiritual battle that we are ALL in. As we read these verses Paul is very clear that we as followers of Jesus are in a battle. Why should we study spiritual warfare? Is it relevant to Christians today? v. 12 Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Who then is our real battle against? v. 13.. when the day of evil comes. The verse does not say if but when. Do you think this is important? When do you think it is more likely that you will be in a spiritual battle? When all is going well or when times are hard? When you are active in your faith or when you are coasting in your Christian walk? Why? PART 2 - UNDERSTANDING OUR ENEMY A wise general will always spend time learning about the enemy. A good football manager will always spend time evaluating their opposition. Why? Not to fear them... but to put into place a strategy to overcome them, to withstand them, to confront them. In this section we want to get to know a little about our enemy. Not to fear him - simply to understand him!! 1. His names - our enemy in the Bible is known by several names - Satan, the Devil, Lucifer, the deceiver. 2. His nature - Satan is simply a fallen angel, a created being of God who rebelled. He is not omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent as is our GOD!! (See Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-19.) 3. His character - crafty, deceitful, a tempter. (see 2 Corinthians 11:3 and 14; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Timothy 2:26) 4. His army - Satan does lead an army of spiritual beings called demons. A demon is simply a fallen angel as Satan was. This army of demons are what Paul describes as the rulers, authorities, powers in this dark world. (see Matt 8:28-30) 21
5. His operation - 1 Peter 5:8-11 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Satan fights dirty. His plan is to take your mind, heart, will away from God - to distract you from the good things of God - and ultimately to destroy you! What are some of the tools in Satan's weaponry to distract you from God? Here are five: a. Doubt - Makes you question God s word and His goodness b. Discouragement - Makes you look at your problems rather than at God and His provision c. Diversion - Makes the wrong things seem attractive so you want them more than the right things d. Defeat - Makes you feel like a failure so that you give up or don t even try e. Delay - Makes you put off doing something so that it never gets done Can you see any of the above issues having been evident in your life? How do you think Jesus plan for your life differs from this? 6. His limitations - The story of Job (1:12 and 2:6) makes it clear that Satan could only do what God gave him permission to do and nothing more. Demons are kept in eternal chains (Jude 6) and can be successfully resisted by Christians through the authority that Christ gives them (James 4:7). AGAIN - Satan and his army are not omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent - as is our GOD!! Does knowing that Satan has limitations give you confidence that you can resist him? PART 3 - JESUS AND THE DEVIL Jesus believed in the devil. Jesus mentions the devil and his works in scripture on a number of occasions - i.e. Matthew 12:24 and 13:19, Luke 10:18, John 8:44 and 10:10. Does the fact that Jesus never over-mentions him provide any insight for us? The greatest illustration we have of how Jesus dealt with the devil is given in Matt 4:1-11. Jesus was in the desert for 40 days and nights. He had fasted throughout this time. Do you think the devil (Satan) thought this was a good opportunity to overcome Jesus? Why? Satan threw three temptations at Jesus. How might those three temptations be common temptations for you and I today? How did Jesus resist those temptations? What was His primary weapon? What does this tell us about the importance of KNOWING Gods word!! Jesus didn t attack the devil. He resisted Him! Read together James 4:7. What are the two things we as believers must do to overcome Satan? o Submit to God o Resist the devil. Jesus was not tempted on just this one occasion. Hebrews 4:15 says, For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet he did not sin. CLOSING THOUGHTS: Spiritual warfare is our response to the devil s schemes to thwart God s purposes in this world and to lead us in to sin. The initiator of this warfare is always the devil, not us. Our part is to resist him, using the full armour of God, and to be prepared for the attack. We do not face the battle in our own strength but in the strength of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who has the victory. Read Ephesians 6:10-17 every day over the next 2 weeks. Try to remember times when you have been in a spiritual battle and how you have responded. 22
Series: Filled with the Spirit Wednesday, December 2nd Theme: The Armour of God Ephesians 6:10-17 23
Leaders preparation notes 24
Wednesday, December 2nd THE ARMOUR OF GOD Objectives: This week we continue our study on the armour of God and how we can use it to fight our spiritual battles. This week we would like to consider how God has equipped us for the battle and consider a strategy for life that governs how we will fight. Creative: You are standing facing an enemy army charging you. How would you imagine your feelings to be? (Fight or flight?) Reading: Ephesians 6:10-17 (principally verses 12-17) [p. 1177] Opening: People often say that when they start to study this subject they begin to encounter challenges. Has this been the case for anyone in the past or since last week? If so, why do you think this is the case? PART 1 - OUR RESPONSE TO SATAN S ATTACKS 1 Peter 5:8-11 says, ' 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen'. Last week we only quoted verse 8 but this week we want to show how we can defend ourselves with the help of God against the devil s plans for us. We also mentioned last week that we are never the aggressor but that our part is to stand firm and resist him. Read again 1 Peter 5:9 [p. 1220] and James 4:7 [p. 1215] How does Peter describe those who have learned to stand against and resist Satan (see specifically 1 Peter 5:10)? PART 2 - GOD HAS PROVIDED FOR US We can see from our main passage and also from 1 Peter that God has provided for us but we also have our part to play. 'Put on the full armour of God.' To win our battles God has provided a set of armour for us. In verse 11 Paul describes the armour as 'full.' Identify the six pieces and discuss how we might use them today. See notes on supporting sheet for ease of reference. How would not having the 'full' armour of God weaken you? In what way is the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, an offensive weapon in contrast to the other defensive weapons? Consider how Jesus used this when He was in the wilderness. Why do you think the pieces of armour are primarily defensive? Which weapon is difficult for you to use and why? How could you learn to effectively take up that weapon more in your own life? If you could choose only one piece of armour, what would you choose and why? If we underestimate our spiritual enemy we will see no need for God s armour so we will go into battle unarmed and defenceless. With no weapons and in our own strength we will be overwhelmed by our enemy. If we heed Paul s advice in verses 10 and 11 we will be able stand against the devil s schemes. 25
'And pray in the Spirit on all occasions.' ( v. 18). We have not majored on prayer during this study as it isn t strictly part of the armour but Paul felt it was an important part of the spiritual battle to include here in this passage. Share your thoughts as to why Paul talks about prayer practically in the same breath as talking about spiritual armour? Is there a connection? PART 3 - THE FIVE R S OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE 1. Remember Be alert (1Peter 5:8). The devil never sleeps and he is always looking for an opportunity to thwart God s plan. When things are running smoothly we often forget and this is often the best time for our spiritual enemy to attack us. 2. Readiness Understand what all the items of armour are, what they are for and how to put them on! As Paul also says in verse 18 of our main passage pray in the spirit at all times. 3. Recognise it is not flesh and blood we battle but it is spiritual powers and principalities. Recognising who our enemy is and understanding how he operates will help us be victorious in our spiritual battles. 4. Refuse You are a child of God created in His image. Refuse to accept the devil s lies saying anything different. 5. Resist The devil will persist in his attacks. It s not if but when (v. 13) he will attack. Stand firm and resist him. James 4:7 says he will flee. Which of the five R's above resonate with you the most? This week, how might you focus on that area in order to stand strong in the face of opposition or temptation? Which of the five R's have you not really considered before? How can you make a greater effort to be aware of that? CLOSING THOUGHTS: Thank God for providing the armour for the battles you encounter and ask Him to help you remember to use it. In your prayer times each day for the next two weeks visually practise dressing yourself in God s armour. In addition, begin to develop your strategy for battle. Learn how to use all the armour and be prepared at all times, especially in those areas where you know you are susceptible to attack! And finally... We have spent the last 12 months working through Paul s letter to the Ephesians. Over the Christmas period plan some time to read through the book in one sitting again and perhaps do this on several different occasions. Evaluate what you have taken away from these studies and assess how what you have learned will help you in the future. Remind yourself of the blessings that are yours in Christ. Take up the challenge to be filled continuously with His Holy Spirit. Make the most of any opportunities to share your faith. Look forward to continuing to grow spiritually in 2016. See you in two weeks time at our Life Group social!!! 26