SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 07-04-2019

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “Believers’ responsibilities at home and at work”, we learnt that our Christianity should be visible at home and at work. Parents should lead their children to Christ, provide for, care for and correct them. Children should obey and honour their parents in the Lord. Employees must avoid eye service and do their work faithfully and diligently. Employers should love and help the less privileged; they should be humble and not lord it over those that are under them.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 738: COMPLETE ARMOUR FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE MEMORY VERSE: …… “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). TEXT: Ephesians 6:10-24

INTRODUCTION Our passage of study admonishes Christians to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Eph 6:10). We are awakened to the reality of spiritual warfare. The mission of the devil on earth is seeking “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). But God has given us weapons wherewith we can overcome the enemy. Therefore, we must fight courageously in the strength of the Lord. QUESTION 1: Why should a believer be strong in the Lord? – 1 Peter 5:8,9; Eph 6:10-12

REALITY OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE Ephesians 6:10-12; I Peter 5:8,9 We are fighting a spiritual battle with the enemy who does not give up. His weapons or devices and strategies are known and varied. He used temptation against Joseph (Genesis 39:3-12), the love of the world against Demas (2 Timothy 4:10), sickness against Job (Job 2:1- 13), the love of money against Judas (Matthew 26:15), etc. To overcome, we must watch, pray and never play with sin. QUESTION 2: What devices does the devil use to fight Christians today? – Gen 39:7; 1 Kgs 19:1-4; Pro 1:10-14; Mat 4:3,5,6,8,9

RESOURCES FOR OUR SPIRITUAL WARFARE Ephesians 6:13-20 God is aware of our constant battle against the forces of darkness, therefore He has given us resources for total victory. Six of such resources are listed in the passage: the girdle or belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. We are to crown these all with constant prayer, watching and perseverance. QUESTION 3: Mention the pieces of the Christian armour and their significance – Eph 6:14-17; 1 Tim 3:7; Eph 2:8 QUESTION 4: Why do we need to pray for ministers? – 2 Thess 3:1,2

REASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND BENEDICTION Ephesians 6:21-24 We are reassured of God’s love and provision of conquering faith in the battle of life, as well as the grace “to help in time of need”. We also see how ministers should show love and commitment to the welfare of the brethren beyond preaching to them. Moreover, we see the importance of a balanced message: not lifting powers of darkness above the grace, love and comfort of God. QUESTION 5: What can believers learn from Paul’s care for the Ephesian believers? – Eph 6:21-23; Prov27:23

CONCLUSION We are faced with constant battle against forces of darkness. We should not be ignorant; rather, we should be strong in the Lord to stand against the wiles of Satan. To be victorious, we must put on God’s complete armour, guard against satanic deception, be watchful and prayerful and rely upon the grace and comfort of God. Ministers should care for the flock beyond preaching to them. They should not exalt the devil above God’s care.