enduō Part 7 || Small Group Guide & Deeper Dive Devotional
November 18, 2024

Small Group Guide: Fully Fit - The Armor of God

Opening Prayer:

Key Verse:
Ephesians 6:10-20 (This is the primary text for the sermon “Fully Fit”

Key Takeaways:
1. Strength from the Holy Spirit is essential to effectively use the armor.
3. Our righteousness in Christ means we are “new”, not “rebuilt”.
4. Faith acts as a shield against the enemy’s attacks.
5. The helmet of salvation transforms our minds.
6. The Word of God is our offensive weapon.
Hebrews 4:12
7. Prayer in the Spirit is crucial for empowering us to use the armor.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Pastor Brandon reminded us that we are “new” in Christ, not “rebuilt.” How does this perspective change how you view yourself and your struggles?
    ie:
    “If we see ourselves from our mistakes, we will act out of our brokennesss”

2 Corinthians 5:17

  1. Discuss a time when you felt like the enemy was attacking you from all sides. How did your faith help you in that situation?
    1 Peter 5:8-9
    James 4:7

  2. The sermon mentioned several ways Christians can “leak” strength. How many can you remember? Which of these do you find most challenging in your own life?

  3. How has the renewal of your mind (the helmet of salvation) changed your thinking or behavior since becoming a Christian?

Colossians 3:2

  1. Pastor Brandon stressed the importance of the rhema word - Scripture that “pops off the page” for specific situations. Can you share an experience where a particular Bible verse became especially meaningful or powerful for you?

  2. What are your thoughts on praying in the Spirit? If you’ve experienced it, how has it impacted your prayer life?
    Acts 2:1-4
    Acts 10:44-46
    Acts 19:1-6
    1 Corinthians 14:2, 4

Practical Applications:

  1. This week, intentionally take inventory of the “armor of God” each morning through prayer, visualizing each piece as you prepare for your day.

  2. Choose a verse or passage from the Bible to memorize as your “sword.” Practice using it in prayer or when facing temptation. Special hint from Pastor Lindsay: songs to scripture help!

  3. Set aside time each day to pray in the Spirit or, if you haven’t experienced this, to ask God for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit.

  4. Identify one area where you might be “leaking” strength and make a plan to address it (e.g., reducing time on social media, being more intentional about the company you keep).

  5. Share with a partner one negative thought pattern you want to change. Commit to praying for each other’s mind renewal throughout the week.

Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His armor and ask for strength to stand firm in faith. Pray for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit for each group member.

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon:

  1. Luke 24:49
  2. Acts 1:8
  3. Ephesians 6:10-20 (This is the primary text for the sermon on the Armor of God)
  4. Isaiah 59:16-17
  5. Romans 12:2
  6. 1 Thessalonians 5:8
  7. Hebrews 4:12

Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes FULLY FIT

Day 1: Clothed with Power
Reading: Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8
Devotional: Just as Jesus promised His disciples they would be “clothed with power from on high,” God offers us the same empowerment today. This power isn’t just for extraordinary feats, but for daily living and witnessing. Reflect on areas in your life where you feel powerless or inadequate. How might embracing the Holy Spirit’s power change your perspective and actions? Today, invite God to fill you afresh with His power, and step out in faith to face your challenges with divine strength.

Day 2: The Full Armor of God
Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
Devotional: Paul’s metaphor of spiritual armor reminds us that we’re in a battle, but we’re not defenseless. Each piece of armor represents a spiritual truth or practice that protects and empowers us. Consider which piece of armor you might be neglecting in your spiritual life. Is it the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, or perhaps the shield of faith? Choose one area to focus on today, and actively engage in strengthening that aspect of your spiritual defense.

Day 3: Renewed Minds, Transformed Lives
Reading: Romans 12:1-2
Devotional: The “helmet of salvation” isn’t just about eternal security; it’s about a transformed mind. As we align our thinking with God’s truth, we experience renewal and discern His will more clearly. What thought patterns in your life need transformation? Identify one negative or worldly mindset you struggle with, and find a Scripture that counters it. Memorize this verse and repeat it whenever that old thinking tries to resurface. Remember, your mind is a battlefield, but with God’s Word, you have the ultimate weapon.

Day 4: The Living Word
Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13
Devotional: The Word of God is described as “alive and active,” able to penetrate our deepest being. This isn’t just about reading Scripture, but allowing it to read us - to expose our true motives and transform our hearts. As you read the Bible today, approach it not just as an ancient text, but as a living message from God to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate a particular verse or passage, making it a “rhema” word - a timely, specific message for your current situation. How might this word guide your decisions or actions today?

Day 5: Prayer in the Spirit
Reading: Ephesians 6:18 and Romans 8:26-27
Devotional: Prayer is not just a religious duty but a powerful spiritual weapon. Praying “in the Spirit” means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers, even when we don’t know what to pray. This kind of prayer transcends our limited understanding and aligns us with God’s will. Today, set aside time for prayer, but instead of presenting a list of requests, start by being still and asking the Holy Spirit to lead your prayer time. Be open to new insights, burdens, or directions in your prayer. Remember, effective prayer is less about your eloquence and more about your openness to God’s Spirit.