Today’s Message - August 22, 2021

Sermon:“Dressed for Success ”
Scripture:Ephesians 6:10-18
Speaker:Pastor Mick Whistler

Go Deeper This Week
Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read Ephesians 6:10-18.

1. What does it mean to “be strong in the Lord”? How is Paul’s writing this from a prison cell a good example of this?

2. In verse 12, Paul says,“our struggle is not against flesh and blood” and then he goes on to describe the real enemy. Who/what is the real enemy? Do you agree with Paul’s assessment? How does that affect the way you see people with whom you disagree?

3. Last week we heard Paul say, “the days are evil,” and this week he refers to “this dark world.” What do you think Paul means by these terms? What does this mean for us as followers of Jesus?

4. Paul says twice in this passage to “put on the full armor of God.” What does he mean by “armor of God”? How do we put this armor on?

5. Paul uses the word “stand” four times in this passage (NIV). In what ways does he want us to stand? How does “the full armor of God” help us stand?

6. Pastor Mick used the metaphor of a fireman to help explain the importance of “putting on the full armor of God.” How might a fireman’s gear be similar to a soldier’s armor? What do either have to do with our spiritual lives?

7. Pastor Mick shared a way to incorporate “putting on the full armor of God” into your daily morning routine. What did you think about that? Could that be helpful? Why is it important to make this part of your daily routine? What happens if you don’t?

8. Paul concludes this passage by encouraging us to pray. Why do we need both prayer and the armor of God? How do these two things work together?

Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, we know the days are evil and the world is a dark place because the devil is constantly scheming to pull us away from you. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have gone along with his schemes, even unknowingly. Set us free from whatever demons we may be wrestling with, and protect us from the schemes of the devil. Remind us daily to put on the full armor of God and bathe our lives in prayer. Do whatever you must do to humble us, Lord, so that we turn away from sin and turn back to you. Heal our own brokenness as you heal our land. Draw us back to you and transform us into all that you created us to be. Help us to live by your Word, share your love, and shine your light for the whole world to see. We love you Jesus, and we surrender our lives to you anew this day. We pray all of this in your precious, holy and strong, strong name. Amen.