LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
Roman soldiers of ancient Rome were infamous for their warfare tactics. The Roman army was one of the most successful in all of history. It was one of the most effective and efficient fighting forces in the ancient world. Unlike most armies of the time, the Roman soldiers were professional soldiers, paid to be soldiers full-time. When they weren’t engaged in battle, they spent their time in training and strengthening their skills. Their training involved marching 20 miles a day, carrying all of their equipment, then building up a full campsite each night. They were taught to march together and use their weapons effectively. While marching, they would line up in straight lines and use their shields to form a protective wall against enemy attacks. When fighting, they would huddle close together in these lines and shoot arrows at their enemy. They were known for their organization, discipline, and training, including the order to obey all commands. Roman soldiers were known for their grit, determination, and resilience. They grew to 500,000 soldiers at their prime, and could conquer enemies up to 10 times their size due to their strategies and their commitment to their cause.

This week, we will look at the tools and training we need in order to stand firm for Jesus Christ as we face a world that seeks to tear us down.

Passages we’ll review:
Ephesians 6:10-13; Joshua 1:1-9

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

What were some of your favorite dress-up costumes growing up? Why were they your favorites?

READ

Read Ephesians 6:10-13

Paul reminds us that the Christian life is a battleground, not a playground. Spiritual warfare, much like military warfare, is like a chess game. A great deal goes on behind the scenes and it takes a lot of strategy and understanding of the enemy’s abilities and methods to achieve victory.

How often do you think of our world as having a spiritual war that we can’t see? What were your thoughts about spiritual warfare previously?

In warfare, the intelligence corp is a vital part, because it instructs the officers on the enemy’s plans, tendencies, and strategies. In order to fight and ultimately defeat our enemy, we have to know WHO our enemy is, WHERE he is, and WHAT he can do.
—Editor’s Note

What does Paul mean when he tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood? Who is it against?

What schemes can the devil use to attack us?

How can we be caught off guard? How do we fight these?

Spiritual armor is needed to fight spiritual battles. We can only stand firm when we have on the full armor of God. Why is it so important that we stand?

Do you ever find yourself clinging to things other than God when you are faced with these battles? What are they? Why do you think you do that?

What evidence do you see of the battle in your life? Our church? Our nation? The world? What would it mean for you to “stand” in these particular battles?

As we face situations in life where we need to stand firm and trust in God, we must remember His promises and what He has done in the past! (Tim Keller)—Editor’s Note

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Joshua 1:1-9

We find Joshua and the people of Israel on a precipice, ready to enter the land promised to them. But the land wasn’t going to be handed over to them. They were going to have to fight in order to gain what God had promised them.

Three times, we see God tell Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” How can we find courage in our lives as Joshua did when we are faced with God-sized tasks?

What specific promise does God make to Joshua and to the people of Israel? How does this apply to our lives today?

Joshua means “the Lord is Salvation.” During Joshua’s life, God revealed Himself to Joshua and the people of Israel as the one to deliver them from their enemies and give them the land that He had promised. He would also be the one to save them from those they had to fight against. While our enemy’s goal is to oppose God’s plan and His will, we, too, can trust that He will show Himself to us as our Salvation! —Editor’s Note

LET’S PRAY
Consider the following as you pray together:

1. Is there a specific lie that Satan uses against you frequently? What scripture can you cling to in order to expose that lie and stand strong?
   

2. What areas in your armor need to grow or be strengthened? Where do you most need God’s power in your life?
   

3. Where do we see the devil’s schemes being played out in our world today? Memorize Joshua 1:9 to help you in your times of struggle and to give you courage as you share His hope with a lost and dying world.