Weapons of War | This Means War | Week 4
Opening
Give group members time to respond to the following prompt: how has talking about the demonic for four weeks made you feel?
Overview
The church must confront demonic powers confidently and properly but rejoice in the gospel ultimately. To battle satan bolsters Christ in us. There are many reasons why we want to abdicate this battle though. We don’t want to be weird or mocked. We don’t want to fail or we don’t want to be targeted or intimidated. However, our passive and improper warfare with darkness entrenches demonic strongholds in the church and community.
Active and proper warfare involves being fully aware and ready to confront demonic manifestations in the church and community. We speak the truth of Christ resurrected, pursue transformation through spiritual disciplines, and allow the gospel to be an agent of reconciliation between us and others.
Discussion Questions
- What do you think it means that the Word of God is the only offensive part of the armor of God?
- How does proclaiming the gospel change how we interact with darkness?
Practice
Ephesians 6 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
The armor of God is our defense against the work of the enemy. God invites our participation by giving us work to do in the power of the Spirit. Discuss what it looks like to be held together by truth, for your lives to be transformed through spiritual disciplines to look more and more like Jesus, to have the peace that comes through the gospel, for faith to be your defense. Work through all the parts of the armor, including the ones in verse 17-18, this way and then discuss which ones are the hardest for you and where God is inviting you to step forward.
Closing
Share what God has done in your hearts through this series. Follow the Spirit’s leading in praying for your group and what has been revealed.