Week_1_Ephesians_6_Ready_Come_What_May.docx

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God**

**Bible Reading:**
- Ephesians 6:10-13
- Isaiah 14:12-15
- Daniel 10:12-14

**Observation Questions:**
1. According to Ephesians 6:10-13, what is the purpose of putting on the full armor of God?
2. How does the sermon describe the enemy's tactics in spiritual warfare?
3. What examples from the Bible were mentioned in the sermon to illustrate spiritual warfare?
4. What does the sermon suggest is the significance of "standing" in spiritual battles?

**Interpretation Questions:**
1. How does the concept of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-13 relate to the struggles we face in our daily lives?
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our natural perceptions can mislead us in spiritual warfare?
3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of "standing firm" as a form of victory in spiritual battles?
4. What role do spiritual disciplines play in preparing us for spiritual warfare, according to the sermon?

**Application Questions:**
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might viewing it through the lens of spiritual warfare change your approach?
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having the right attitude as armor. What specific attitudes do you need to cultivate to be better prepared for spiritual battles?
3. Identify a situation where you might have been misled by your natural perceptions. How can you train yourself to discern the spiritual roots of such conflicts?
4. The sermon encourages tenacity in spiritual disciplines. What specific spiritual practice can you commit to strengthening this week?
5. Consider a time when you felt exhausted in your spiritual journey. How can you rely on God's strength to stand firm during such times?
6. The sermon highlights the power of confession and fasting. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek freedom through these practices?
7. How can you create a supportive environment within your small group to encourage each other in spiritual warfare and growth?

Day 1: Embrace Your Role in Spiritual Warfare
In the journey of faith, recognizing oneself as a soldier in spiritual warfare is essential. Life is a battleground where forces of good and evil, light and darkness, constantly clash. By adopting the right attitude, believers prepare themselves to face these challenges with courage and resilience. This mindset helps in understanding that struggles often have deeper spiritual roots, requiring readiness to fight with the strength that God provides. Embracing this role means acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare and being equipped with the right attitude to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."

Reflection: What specific attitudes or mindsets do you need to adopt to better prepare yourself for the spiritual battles you face daily?


Day 2: Discern the Enemy's Stealth Tactics
The enemy often employs stealth tactics, making it challenging to discern his presence. Natural perceptions can deceive, leading to reactions based on emotions rather than spiritual truth. Training oneself to see beyond the surface is crucial for identifying the spiritual roots of conflicts and responding with wisdom and discernment. This requires a commitment to walking in the Spirit and not relying solely on natural senses. By sharpening spiritual discernment, believers can better navigate the subtle attacks of the enemy and respond with the strength and wisdom that comes from God.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (ESV): "And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."

Reflection: Can you identify a recent situation where you reacted based on emotions rather than spiritual truth? How can you train yourself to discern the enemy's tactics more effectively?


Day 3: Stand Firm as a Sign of Victory
Standing firm in the face of spiritual battles is a testament to victory. Even when setbacks occur or strategic retreats are necessary, surrender is never an option. The determination to keep moving forward, despite exhaustion or adversity, defines a fierce warrior. By standing in the victory that Jesus has already won, believers can remain steadfast and resilient, knowing that their strength comes from God. This unwavering stance is a powerful declaration of faith and trust in God's ultimate victory over darkness.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel tempted to give up? How can you remind yourself of the victory that Jesus has already secured for you?


Day 4: Commit to Daily Spiritual Training
Consistent spiritual disciplines are vital for maintaining the ability to stand firm. Engaging in regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers strengthens individuals for the battles they face. By prioritizing these practices, believers renew their strength and gain the spiritual insight needed to counter the enemy's attacks. This discipline also involves being vulnerable and transparent, allowing God's light to expose and heal weaknesses. Through daily spiritual training, believers are equipped to face challenges with renewed vigor and faith.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

Reflection: What specific spiritual discipline can you commit to strengthening this week? How will you incorporate it into your daily routine?


Day 5: Harness the Power of Confession and Fasting
Confession and fasting are powerful tools for spiritual growth and victory. By confessing sins and weaknesses, believers break the enemy's hold and experience freedom. Fasting, combined with prayer, helps overcome deep-seated issues and aligns hearts with God's will. These practices enable transformation in character and deepen reliance on God's power to overcome challenges. Through confession and fasting, believers experience a renewed sense of purpose and strength in their spiritual journey.

James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: Is there a sin or weakness you need to confess today? How can you incorporate fasting into your spiritual practice to seek deeper alignment with God's will?

1. "The church still struggles to interpret the circumstances of their lives through the spiritual lens the Bible provides for us. We are subject to spiritual warfare whether we consciously engage in it or not."


2. "If we want to enjoy a much-needed rest, we must take the Bible at face value and gear up for warfare. Few things are as refreshing to the soul as victory at the end of a long conflict."


3. "Our natural perceptions of our circumstances create a challenge to our ability to defeat our spiritual enemies. Our battle is never with another person, even though this insight seems easy to remember."


4. "What you see may not always be the truth, though it may be fact. Truth and fact are not always the same thing. Things are not always as we perceive them to be."


5. "Every negative interaction has a spiritual root because we are spirit-beings, the demonic forces fighting us are spirits, and GOD is a spirit!"


6. "To remain standing is victory. There may be some battles that are lost, and there may be times for strategic retreat, but there is never any surrender!"


7. "Your ability to stand requires the discipline to train daily. When challenged with conflict, seek GOD's insight instead of reacting out of your emotions."


8. "Silence the lies the enemy whispers in your spirit by countering him out loud when he starts his foolishness. Pray first, then seek the counsel of others if possible before responding to any situation."


9. "We all must make the Word of GOD the final authority for our lives, and we all must discipline ourselves to pray with greater regularity in order to stand in victory against the wiles of the devil."


10. "The way to stay free is to tell on yourself, so the devil can’t keep using your sins against you. That’s what confession is all about."