Make War - MSQ
Part of Becoming Who We Are
December 8, 2024

Becoming WWA_Graphic_Banner.png

Make War

Message Study Questions

Opening Discussion

  1. Hollywood loves to give us action movies. Action movies are often filled with fight sequences. What makes a good fight scene? Why do you think we, as Americans, are drawn to these types of movies?

  2. If you were called to fight in a battle right now and could only grab 3 things from your house, what would they be and why?

Study Summary

Living for God is not easy. Often it is the more difficult path in this life.
Living in contrast to the majority culture around us means we have to continually be seeking Jesus. Thankfully, God has given us the tools to defend ourselves from the enemy’s attempts to discount our message and discourage our pursuit of Christ. With these tools put to use in our life, we can stand strong in the Lord, shining His light in the darkness around us.

Discussion

Read Ephesians 6:10-24, then answer the following questions.

  1. What does it mean to “be strong in the Lord”?

  2. In 6:11-17, compare the commands to “Put on,” “Take your stand,” “stand firm,” “take,” and “take up.” How many times are these words used? What are the similarities and differences in these commands?

  3. Who is our fight against?

  4. Why is it so important to put on the armor of God?

  5. What are the armor of God?

  6. What does it look like to be equipped with the belt of truth?

  7. What does it look like to be equipped with the breastplate of righteousness?

  8. What does it look like to have feet fitted with the gospel of peace?

  9. What does it look like to wield the shield of faith and helmet of salvation?

  10. What does it look like to possess the sword of the spirit?

  11. According to verses 18-20, what can we continually do in this fight? Why is this so vital to this fight?

Food For Thought

“The battle isn’t against other people, though they may be involved. The battle is a spiritual one, and the battlefield keeps changing. We are called to fight the “good fight.” You will discover that the struggle may be about finances, marriage, or employment - but no matter where you are called to battle - keep fighting. Don’t give up!”
-James MacDonald

Application

The Armor of God is essential for spiritual warfare. We need to be to be prepared and protected against spiritual challenges.

Applying this passage involves actively putting on each piece of armor daily:

  • the belt of truth, which grounds us in the reality of God’s Word
  • the breastplate of righteousness, which guards our hearts from the accusations and temptations of the enemy
  • the readiness of the gospel of peace, which equips us to face conflict with a foundation of reconciliation and hope
  • the shield of faith, which extinguishes the fiery darts of doubt and fear
  • the helmet of salvation, which secures our minds with the assurance of Christ’s redemptive work
  • the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, used for both defense and offense in spiritual battles

By consciously embracing these elements, we align ourselves with God’s strength and protection, enabling us to stand firm in our faith amidst life’s trials. This daily practice not only fortifies us personally but also prepares us to effectively engage in the broader mission of advancing God’s kingdom.

Put on the armor. Make War.

Prayer Points

  • Pray for those that are investing in you spiritually (mentors/pastors/ etc.). Pray that God would keep them faithful in their mission and calling.

  • Pray for fellow believers who are facing various struggles and persecutions around the world.

  • Pray that you would continue to stand with the armor of God protecting you in the midst of attacks from the evil one.

Continued Study

  1. Read the following passages to do a Word Study on truth and righteousness in the New Testament. Focus on how to understand these spiritual realities and how they protect us as elements of the armor of God.

    Truth

    • John 14:6
    • John 17:17
    • Ephesians 6:14
    • 1 John 1:6
    • 1 John 3:18

    Righteousness

    • Matthew 5:6
    • Romans 3:22
    • Romans 14:17
    • Philippians 3:9
    • 2 Timothy 2:22

  2. Look at Hebrews 12:4-13. Equipping ourselves with God’s armor means we must face realities of sin in our lives.

    • What does this teach us about God’s discipline? How is discipline beneficial for us?

    • Where might you need to confess sin and follow God’s discipline in your own life?

  3. Memorize Ephesians 6:10-17. It’s long, but you can do it!