Sunday, October 30th, 2016
Ephesians 6:10-24
The letter written to the saints at Ephesus offers general instruction in the truths of God’s redemptive work in Christ; the unity of the church among diverse peoples; and proper conduct in the church, the home, and the world.
There are three main themes found in Ephesians. The first is that Christ has reconciled all creation to himself and to God. It also explains that Christ has united people from all nations to himself and to one another in his church. Throughout this beautiful letter there is an unmistakable theme that expresses the truth that Christians must live as new people.
As you read and study together, make sure to work hard at hearing from everyone that has gathered together. Pray for one another and be accountable to applying the word of God to your lives.
In chapter 4, the beginning of Paul’s exhortations to the church, the focus is on “walking” (4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15) i.e. how we are to live or conduct ourselves. Beginning in 6:10-20 where Paul writes about the Spiritual Battle, the focus is on standing (6:11, 13, 14) i.e. on resistance. So what is a communal journey through life aided by the Spirit, now becomes a communal resistance through life aided by the Spirit.
Questions for this week:
- After listing the full armor of God, why does Paul conclude with prayer in verse 18? How does prayer affect and complete the armor of God?
- As Christians, we are constantly in spiritual warfare. Verse 18 instructs us to “to pray for all the saints.” How does this correspond with the previous chapters of Ephesians? How can we not only survive, but succeed in our spiritual war?
- How does it strike you that our Spiritual battle is a resistant strategy, dependent upon the power of the Lord’s Spirit instead of an offensive assault? Does is change your approach to the daily Spiritual battles? How so?
- This battle is also a communal battle. A pastor once said, “If you live your life in isolation, it is not a matter of if but when Satan will destroy you”. What are some ways you can be more open amidst your families and missional communities this week?