This well-known passage on the armor of God fits within living worthy of our calling in Christ by putting off the old self and putting on the new self. Spiritual conflict in the Christian life is a reality that cannot be ignored. Our victory comes through Christ, who clothes us in God’s armor and equips us with the power of prayer for living and ministry. Paul concludes with some final words of greeting and peace.
Ephesians 6:10-24
SERMON OUTLINE
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)
The Struggle is Real (Ephesians 6:10-12)
Appropriate Equipment is Required (Ephesians 6:13-17)
The Key to Staying Alert (Ephesians 6:18-20)
Final Words (Ephesians 6:21-24)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This week we conclude our journey through Ephesians by looking at Ephesians 6:10-24. Begin your study by asking God to speak to you through your study of Scripture. Then, whether you’re alone or in a group, read that passage aloud.
- What does Paul encourage his readers to do in 6:10? What is their source for doing this? (You may want to read 1:18-21 again.)
- What is the reality that Paul is awakening his readers to in verses 11-12?
- In verse 12, how does Paul describe our opponents in this struggle? What do you think this means?
- Why do you think it is important both to recognize there is a spiritual struggle and that our spiritual struggle is not against people but spiritual powers?
- Paul urges his readers to put on God’s armor to fight the struggle. What will this armor enable us to do according to verses 10-13?
- Either in the space provided below or through small group discussion name the six pieces of armor that Paul mentions in verses 14-17 and outline their nature and purpose.
- Look at verses 18-20 and note how many times words related to ‘pray’ and ‘all’ are mentioned.
- What does Paul ask the believers to pray for in verse 18-20?
- It is no mistake that Paul begins to discuss prayer after considering the spiritual conflict in which we find ourselves. What does this communicate to you about Paul’s view of prayer?
- How would you describe your own life of prayer in comparison to Paul’s guidance in these verses?
- What is one way you might want to grow in prayer based on Paul’s words?
- People are important to Paul. What do we learn about Tychicus from these two brief verses (vss 21-22)?
- Paul surrounded himself with godly men and women who contributed their gifts toward God’s work in the world. What sort of people do you surround yourself with?
- How do the words peace, love, faith, and grace sum up Paul’s teaching as he closes this letter (vv 23-24)?
- Take some time to reflect with the Lord on what He is speaking to you through this study. Write these things down and keep it with you as a source of prayer and account- ability during weeks ahead. Share your thoughts with your small group and spend some significant time praying for one another about these things.