Who is your real opponent, a husband who drinks, a dishonest boss, a spiteful neighbour? At the close of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul paints a surprising picture: the Christian as a soldier, and the life of faith as a battle fought not against people but against the evil within us and around us (Ephesians 6). The sermon shows that armour is not put on in the middle of the fight but before the critical moment arrives, and that this is less about what to do than about who to become. Listen, and ask yourself which of your own battles you are ready for today.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Ephesians 6:12 Paul writes that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. What does this tell us about who our real enemy is, and who is not?
- The sermon points out that pieces of the armor (the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation) come from the prophets, especially Isaiah, who used them to describe God himself. How does it change your reading of this passage to see that putting on the armor means reflecting God's character?
- The speaker described two extremes: seeing the devil behind every problem, or treating people as the enemy. Which one are you more prone to, and how does it show up in your life?
- The sermon used the image of a piano string that vibrates in response to a sound. Which of your strings starts vibrating most easily when temptation comes, and what helps you not give in to it?
- A soldier does not put on armor in the middle of the battle. What critical moment might you face this week, and how specifically do you want to prepare for it before it comes?
- From prison, Paul asks for prayer for all the saints and for boldness to proclaim the gospel. Who around you do you want to pray for this week, and who could you tell about the God who gives a new beginning?
