Context: We come to Paul’s closing words in Ephesians. They appear to be mostly future orientated, focussing on being prepared for “struggle” (v. 12) and “the day of evil” (v. 13). However they bring together many of the themes from the rest of the letter:

From chapter 1, the total victory and unquestionable authority that has been given to Jesus

Rescue from “the ruler of the kingdom of the air” and spiritual forces opposed to God (Eph 2:2)

The decisive battle has already been won on the cross, bringing peace and reconciliation between God and people (Eph 2:13-14)

The other “thread” these verses bring together is the large section of teaching about the way we should relate to each other and the world (Chapters 4-6). Paul urges us to pursue things like unity, humility, gentleness and patience. “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Eph 5:21). Helping each other grow toward maturity, putting aside sexual immorality, coarse joking, drunkenness, and so on.

Try to keep these ideas in mind as your group considers what exactly “the devil’s schemes” might look like in practice.

Read: Ephesians 6:10–24 (NIV)

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

²¹ Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. ²² I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

²³ Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Bible Study Questions:

Observation:

1. Scan back over the passage and name the recurring word/idea Paul gives (v11, 13, 14). Is it what you expect? why/why not?
   

2. According to v12, who is our struggle really against? Who is it not against?
   

3. In addition to “putting on armor”, what else are we told to do?
   

   
   Meaning:

4. What does depending on God’s mighty power (v10) in place of our own strength look like practically? when will it be especially relevant to do this? (hint: look at the things/situations the pieces of armour are designed to help with!)
   

5. What are the “devil’s schemes” (v11)? Can you think of some ways that the “spiritual forces of evil” might try to attack or discourage believers today? Think especially of university students (e.g. doubt, temptation, division … keep adding to the list, and discuss which you think are most pressing in our context)
   

6. Based on whatever you came up with in Q.5, what piece(s) of armour would be most effective against them, and why?
   

   
   Application:

7. How does knowing our struggle isn’t ultimately against “flesh and blood” change how you view conflicts or difficulties with people (e.g., difficult housemates, group project members, family disagreements)?
   

8. Prayer is presented as essential “equipment” for the Christian alongside armor. But “pray(ing) in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests” (v18) can sound intense! Help each other think about what this could look like in the rhythm of a busy uni semester? How can we realistically “be alert” and always praying for each other (and gospel workers like Paul)?
   

Pray: like we’re told to!!