SPIRITUAL WARFARE

An introduction to Spiritual Warfare Lesson 6

"Christ has delegated to His Prayer Warriors His authority, the right to use His name and plead His blood. And He has armed us with all spiritual conquest. We are to enforce the victory of Calvary here on the battlefield of earth." Terry S Wise Purpose Christians need to know that there is armor that God has given to us, so that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6: 13 Definition Armor: A defensive covering worn to protect the body. Websters Dictionary 1. Read Ephesians 6:10-20.What pieces of the armor of God do you utilize to their fullest potential? 2. What does 2 Corinthians 10: 3-4 mean?

3. What is the meaning and significance of the belt of truth? 4. Describe two aspects of truth.

5. What is the meaning and significance of the breastplate of righteousness? 6. Describe two aspects of righteousness.

7. What is the meaning and significance of shodding our feet with the gospel? 8. What does this statement mean to you, Because we have made peace with God and Jesus gave us His peace, we can actually experience peace in this life and allow it to rule in our hearts?

9. What is the meaning and significance of the shield of faith? 10. Explain the meaning of this statement, The smaller our faith is, the smaller our shield will be.

11. What is the meaning and significance of the helmet of salvation? 12. What is the meaning and significance of the sword of the Spirit?

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13. How does Scripture act as a defensive weapon? 14. How does Scripture act as an offensive weapon?

Food for thought: In your opinion, which is the most important piece of armor? Which one is most needed in our culture?

Practical Application: This week, take time on a daily basis to put on the armor of God prior to the beginning of each day.

Digging Deeper: Conduct an in depth personal study on one piece of armor of God.

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Lesson 6 The Armor of God Leaders Copy "Christ has delegated to His Prayer Warriors His authority, the right to use His name and plead His blood. And He has armed us with all spiritual conquest. We are to enforce the victory of Calvary here on the battlefield of earth." Purpose Christians need to know that there is armor that God has given to us, so that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6: 13

Definition A defensive covering worn to protect the body. Websters Dictionary Paul's use of the Greek word panoplia [panopliva] in this connection refers to the basic outfit of a Roman soldier of his day. Believers are warned to take up each element of the armor provided because of the reality of opposition in the spiritual realm (Eph 6:12) and because of the imminence of the day of the Lord (Rom 13:12 1 Thess 5:8). Every Pauline reference to the symbolism of armor is accompanied by the command to "put on" the armor. This injunction implies that believers should consciously appropriate elements of God's redemptive provision needed for every area of vulnerability to spiritual attack.

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1. Read Ephesians 6:10-20. What pieces of the armor of God do you utilize to their fullest potential?

2. What does 2 Corinthians 10: 3-4 mean? Since spiritual warfare is spiritual it must be fought on a spiritual level.

3. What is the meaning and significance of the belt of truth? In the days of the New Testament, Roman soldiers would tuck their tunic under a heavy leather belt so nothing would hinder them in any way from fighting effectively. To gird oneself was a mark of preparedness. The belt of truth involves two aspects, which are important: First, we have to come to know the truth. This happens when we become a child of God. Secondly, girding ourselves with the belt of truth means implementing truth into practical, ordinary life situations. So just as the soldiers tucked away anything from impeding their ability to fight, we must tuck away all distractions so nothing affects our ability to fight. 4. Describe two aspects of truth. a) We have come to know the truth. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life no one comes to the Father, but through me. b) The second aspect means implementing truth into practical, ordinary life situations. Choosing truth over Satans lies becomes an everyday task. 5. What is the meaning and significance of the breastplate of righteousness? It would be unthinkable to go into battle without this protective piece. The breastplate was sleeveless, covered the torso, and was often made of leather or heavy linen. Sewn to it were overlapping animal hooves, horns, or pieces of metal. The breastplate covered the soldiers front and not the back, meaning that we have to face our enemy squarely, because if we ran, our backs would not be protected. In Jewish times, the heart represented the mind and will, while the intestines were the seat of our emotions, two main areas that Satan fiercely attacks. The righteousness of Christ that protects our spiritual organs. 6. Describe two aspects of righteousness. a) The first aspect refers to positional righteousness. In other words, knowing who we are in Christ. See 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:8-9
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b) The second aspect of the breastplate is actually living out, or putting into practice, the righteousness that is ours in Christ. While sin opens the door for demonic strongholds, righteousness slams the door shut. 7. What is the meaning and significance of shodding our feet with the gospel? It is difficult to fight, let alone stand with blistered, cut, swollen or broken feet. Shoes precluded problems with the necessary movements of warfare such as running, fighting, or standing. Many believe as well an allusion to Isaiah 52:7, How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news Shoes in other words, furnish us with sure footing and a firmer foundation from which to fight. 8. What does this statement mean to you, Because we have made peace with God and Jesus gave us His peace, we can actually experience peace in this life and allow it to rule in our hearts?

9. What is the meaning and significance of the shield of faith? Roman soldiers had various shields, but two were the most common. One was a small shield about two feet in diameter that was secured to the soldiers arm by leather straps. The other shield is the one Paul refers to here, is the thureos shield. It was designed to protect the entire body. 10. Explain the meaning of this statement, The smaller our faith is, the smaller our shield will be. Faith acts like our thureos shield. When Satan is throwing flaming arrows at us, we are protected behind a large shield. When our faith diminishes, there are areas that are now exposed to Satans arrows and fiery darts. 11. What is the meaning and significance of the helmet of salvation? In Pauls day, Roman soldiers had swords that could easily decapitate or split a head wide open. The helmet then meant the difference between life and death. The head is essential because it directs the body. Our mind tells the body what to do, whether it is reaching for a glass of water or praying to the Lord. In this sense, if Satan can mess up our thinking by swinging a large sword, he will mess up our behavior and steal glory away from God.

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12. What is the meaning and significance of the sword of the Spirit? As with shields there were various swords in Pauls day. There was the rhomphaia sword that was a large double edged sword 3 to 4 feet in length. But here he is referring to a smaller two edged cut and thrust sword that was 6 to 18 inches long. It was the main weapon in hand to hand combat. It is called the sword of the Spirit because Paul is referring to the nature of Scripture. Gods word is spiritual. His sword is able to pierce the heart and accomplish spiritual tasks as described in Hebrews 4:12 13. How does Scripture act as a defensive weapon? It deflects the blows of an opponent. 14. How does Scripture act as an offensive weapon? It is designed to cut precisely and quickly.

Food for thought: In your opinion, which is the most important piece of armor? Which one is most needed in our culture?

Practical Application: This week, take time on a daily basis to put on the armor of God prior to the beginning of each day. Digging Deeper: Conduct an in-depth personal study on one piece of armor of God.

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