Dressed for the Battle

Intro

Introduce the audience to C.S. Lewis and his work called the Screwtape Letters. Watch this video below...

https://youtu.be/D3MWVMKKY3A

Describe a time when you were engaged in some kind of spiritual battle and how you handled it.

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What we have in this passage and, what I believe is required again and again as Christians face the daily and yearly battle for the Kingdom, is a sober, realistic assessment both of the struggle we are engaged in and the weapons at our disposal.

What strength do we have for this battle (V10)?

What kind of warfare are we engaged in (V11-12)?

Sometimes the attack will take the frontal form of actual authorities in towns and cities who try to prevent Christians from spreading the message. Sometimes it will take the more oblique form of persuading Christians to invest time and energy in irrelevant side issues or to become fascinated by distorting teaching. Sometimes it will be simply the age old temptations of money, sex, and power. But in each case what individuals and the whole church must do is first to recognize that attacks are coming; second, to learn to put on the complete armor which God offers; and 3rd to stand firm and undismayed.

To win the battles, God has provided a set of armor for us (v. 13-17).

Identify the 6 pieces of armor in a specific way we might use each today

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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?

The “word” in verse 17 is clearly the same as in 5:26, that is the word of the gospel through which God accomplishes his powerful, cleansing work in people's hearts and lives.

Which piece of armor is difficult for you to utilize and why?

How can you learn to actively take up that weapon?

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The final weapon, if it is to be classified as one, is prayer. How does prayer help us fight spiritual battles (V18)?

How is prayer hard work for you (V18)?

What does Paul ask his readers to pray about for him (V19-20)?

The word Paul uses in verse 20 for “boldly” could almost mean “brazenly”. He is settled in his mind that he will go on talking about King Jesus, his victory over death, and his present and future Kingdom, no matter what happens. But he knows that unless people are praying for him he won't be able to do it, and it wouldn't mean anything if he did.

So having begun the letter with an extended prayer, and then extensive report of his own prayers for the young Christians in the area, he now finishes it with the urgent request that they join him in this ministry.

How are these requests relevant for ourselves and other believers today?

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Why does Paul include these personal notes about Tychicus (V21-22)?

Why do you think Paul emphasizes peace in his closing greeting (V23-24)?

Peace here as elsewhere, is bound up closely with love and faith. It comes from one true God, the Father, and the Lord King Jesus, and it comes as a sure blessing on those whose love for the same Jesus will outlast death itself. That, after all, is what being a Christian is all about: loving Jesus with an undying love, in response to his dying love for us.

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father! Thank you for providing us with this armor for the battle that we encounter. Father we ask that you help us to remember to use it, especially prayer! In Jesus name we pray Amen!