Ephesians #15 – Study Questions
The Armor of God – Pt. 2
Ephesians 6:10-24 (CGS#15)
INTRODUCTION: We are back in Ephesians 6:10-24. This might be the most well-recognized section in the whole book (letter) of Ephesians. And it is for good reason. These fourteen verses are poignant, hopeful, and sharpening for believers. This is such a well-known passage that we are going to take the final two weeks of our series through Ephesians to walk through it.
We cannot forget the context of this letter, Ephesus. This was not a safe or pleasant city in which to live as a Christian. Do you remember what happened to Paul here in Acts 19? When he was chased out of the city by a mob? It was hard to be a Christian in Ephesus. There was the decadence of extreme wealth, during which the pursuit of pleasure was encouraged. There was political influence and loyalty to the Roman Empire. And there was a plurality of religious expressions that were mixed and interchanged with ease. Then, there were the Christians who claimed that there was only one Lord, Jesus. That sexual immorality was wrong and that those who were in positions of authority should actually serve instead of being served. No, being a Christian was not easy. It will take the Spirit of God and fervent prayer for them and us to persevere faithfully.
So, how will the Ephesian believers persevere? They will need to have the right perspective. So Paul told them that their struggle is not against flesh and blood, but it is a spiritual struggle. And they will need to be strengthened to persevere. So, Paul will tell them that God is the one who is strengthening them, and he is clothing them in unique armor. Armor that only God can supply. See that is a key reality in Paul’s conclusion. It is going to take God doing only what God can do in order for the believers to persevere and keep going in faithfulness. And just as he told them back in chapter 1, God is willing to strengthen them! This is wonderful news! But Paul’s words also remind them that while God is supplying all that they need, they are going to have to cooperate with God and actively put on the armor. One of the mysteries of the Christian life is that we are not saved by our works, yet we are called to work. We see God at work and accomplishing things that only he can do, yet he also invites us into purposeful and intentional mission with him. Again, God gives them all they need, but it is going to take effort on their part to persevere. We see this in Paul’s words. He tells them to “put on” the armor that God supplies. The order of this “putting on” is the exact same order that a Roman soldier would put on their armor for battle. Each piece of armor was important for their protection and success in battle. So, too, is it with the Armor from God, truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Each is necessary in the struggle to persevere. The key to it all is God. The Christian life cannot be experienced or lived without God’s help.
GETTING STARTED – As a group, take time to answer this question. When was a time in your life when you were eager to do something but really needed someone’s help in order to do it?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage(s). It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
Note: Another way to approach your time together is to talk through the following questions.
- We have now made our way through the entire book of Ephesians. What stood out to you along the way? What is your main takeaway from Paul’s writing?
- When you look at your everyday life, do you find yourself going about your day thinking about God or just going through the motions?
- Paul uses familiar military imagery for the Ephesian beliers with the Armor of God. The Roman army was famous for its victories. When you look back over your life, what victories has God given you?
- Continuing on the theme of victory, why is it essential that God is the one who strengthens and gives believers all they need to persevere faithfully? Do you regularly ask God for help, or do you try to be strong on your own?
- The Roman army was particularly famous for its legions, large groups of soldiers fighting together. Why do we need one another to be strengthened to live the Christian life? Who in your life strengthens you?
- When you look at all the pieces of armor that Paul lists, is there one that you particularly lean towards? Is there one that is lacking in your life? If so, what intentional step can you take to actively put on that piece of armor?