Sermon Based Curriculum
Sermon Date: Feb. 7, 2010
Sermon Title: Dressed for Battle
Small Group Text: Ephesians 6:10-18
Introduction
Discussion
“Injuries are Preventable! Injuries are predictable and preventable. They are not accidents, nor the result of chance occurrence. While the risk of injury is constant, tools to manage that risk are available to individuals, communities and society. (www.injuryresearch.bc.ca) It is reported that Rugby injury rates are nearly three times higher than football. What might account for this statistic? Prior to a game, what would you say to an NFL player who refused to wear protective equipment? When a player prepares for a game, he is sure to recognize the importance of his uniform and protective gear. In the passage we are looking at today, Paul describes how we should prepare for the opponent that we face in our everyday lives. As we read, identify the six pieces of protective equipment that Paul names.
Read Eph. 6:10-18. 1. Who is our opponent? (Satan and his team. See verse 12.) What schemes or plans might the devil have in his playbook? (In this passage, the word “schemes” (methodeias ) refers to the tactics (deceits, craftiness, trickery, methods) Satan employs to wage war against God and his Church. Satan has one objective: to subvert God’s plan for the salvation and restoration of creation.)
2. How might the devil’s schemes impact our social, political, and religious game plans? 3. What are the six pieces of equipment that we are to “put on?” (The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.)
4. What is the purpose of each piece? • The military belt strengthened and supported a soldier’s mid-section. The belt of truth strengthens a believer’s resolve to live faithfully in the world with moral clarity and integrity. This truth comes to us from God’s word and from our relationship with Jesus Christ.
• The breastplate protected a soldier’s chest and heart from the enemy’s attack. The breastplate of righteousness guards a believers heart against the assaults of Satan. We receive this protection from the work of the Holy Spirit and righteous living.
• Military footwear helped the soldier get traction and stand his ground no matter what. Likewise, feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel helps a believer remain stable and sure-footed in the midst of spiritual conflict. This ability comes from the knowledge of the Gospel that gives us complete confidence.
• The military shield fends off flaming arrows shot by the enemy. Paul conceived of the Christian’s resolute trust and faith in the love and power of God as a shield of faith. This shield is capable of stopping and even extinguishing the flaming arrows of the evil one.
• A military helmet was used to protect a soldier’s head. Spiritually speaking, the helmet of salvation protects our minds in spiritual warfare. The more we
know God the more confident we become in the face of conflict.
• The Roman sword was an offensive weapon worn over the shoulder at all times. Paul says the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. When we study, memorize, meditate and apply God’s word, we keep it with us at all times.
Application
1. What evidence do you see of the spiritual conflict in your life? Your church? Our nation? What would it mean for you to stand in light of these particular conflicts? 2. As you consider your equipment, what parts are in good shape? What parts are missing or are in bad shape? What do you need to do to get ready to meet your opponent? What is at stake if you don’t?