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. Ephesians 6:13

Lesson One

Relevant Living Spiritual WarfareLesson 3 Believers Boot Camp 301

As a part of our Bible study we are going to be learning and memorizing Ephesians 6:10-20 in class together. Notice that I have not included the actual pieces of the armor in this verse but will do so in Boot Camp 401. I am asking all coaches, leaders, and members to commit this to memory, as it will be something each one of us will want to remember for the rest of our lives. This is a very important part of this particular Bible study series. Spiritual warfare is one of the most misunderstood and/or poorly utilized principles in the Bible today. At the same time it is very important for us to come to an understanding of what it is and how we are to effectively wage war in the spiritual realm. Frankly, I have been a little uncomfortable with what I have seen and heard for years yet somehow could not quite get a grasp of what was unsettling to me. Somehow, it did not seem like we were doing anything but trying to pit our own strength against the powers of darkness. I have seen some devastating repercussions over the years, and yet could not figure out where these teachings were going awry. I hope I have a few more answers today and pray that what we will study in the next weeks will prove to be not only powerful for all of us, but also very freeing. I believe we can see things change in our lives, our homes, our schools, our churches, our city, and even in our country if we can just realize how we can approach the matter of spiritual warfare more proficiently. First we must begin with the very basics, the Armor of God. We will be looking at several passages in the weeks to come, but for now lets simply focus on Ephesians 6:10-20.

Days One and TwoStand Firm!

1. Please read Ephesians 6:10-20. It is very obvious by this passage that we have struggles, are in battles, and therefore need to use our weapons of warfare. 2. Read the following verses and explain what they mean in regard to spiritual warfare. They are very simple in meaning and only intended to show you how easily you can enter into this study without being intimidated by the subject of spiritual warfare. a. Proverbs 20:18

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b. Romans 13:11-14

3.

Paul tells us three times in this passage to stand (or to keep standing). Lets look at some more verses that admonish us to stand. Please read the following verses and explain what they mean (to you and me) in regard to war or warfare (physical or spiritual). a. Luke 21:34-36

b. Malachi 3:2

c. 1 Corinthians 10:11-13

d. Jude 1:24

e. James 4:7

4. Have you ever felt like you were about to fallthat your life was just so out of control and things were coming against you so viciously that you did not think you could make it another day? Explain a time when this has happened and how you reacted (as well as what the final outcome was).

Days Three and FourThe Belt of Truth

As Paul is writing this letter to the Ephesians admonishing them to stand firm, he is a prisoner chained to a Roman soldier. He uses the soldiers armor as an illustration of the armor and weapons for physical battle and compares it to the believers armor and weapons for spiritual battle.

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1. In as few words as possible, list the six pieces of armor and what they exemplify found in Ephesians 6:14-17. (Note: Four of their meanings can be explained in one word.)

Below is a picture of two Roman soldiers. Notice the Belt. The Breastplate is held in place by it, and all of the equipment for battle hangs from the belt.

The Roman soldier wore around his waist a very wide belt which was the holder for a lot of his equipment. The belt was the first thing the soldier put on because everything else depended on it. The belt was worn tightly and was well secured in place so that it could not move about. There were leather holders for his sword(s), other loops for his ropes and ration sack (which doubled as a sack to hold gold, jewelry, and other plunder when the army conquered a city). There were loops for darts. The breastplate was tied to the belt with leather chords. Paul said nothing about a javelin, so the one soldier may have chosen it rather than his standard issue. (Ya think?) They have different gear, so one must have a superior rank. Thats my story and Im sticking to it. 2. Read the box above and explain the different images Paul is giving his readers just by the belt (of truth) alone.

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3. What is truth and why is it important in spiritual warfare? Read the following Scriptures and explain truth and what it does and/or why it is important. a. John 8:32

b. John 8:43-47

c. John 14:6

d. John 17:17

4. Is knowing the truth enough for the Christ-follower to be ready for the battles he/she will face? Explain your answer.

5. Read Ephesians 5:8-16 and write paragraphs about why it is so important to, not only know the truth, but to live it out. Use the back for more room.

Day FiveThe Breast Plate of Righteousness

1. Discuss the following questions: Do you see why Paul first talks about the truth (the belt of truth) before mentioning righteousness? They obviously go hand in hand, due to the fact that before righteousness can be a part of the believers life, the believer must know the truth and the truth will set her free. Why do you think Jesus said the truth will set you free when the truth actually requires obedience? Does this sound like bondage to you? Why does it often sound like bondage to the world? Explain your thoughts.

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2. The breastplate of the soldier protected his heart (his life). How can this be a picture of the breastplate of righteousness and what it does for the spiritual heart?

3. Think of a time when you were attacked in the area of your emotions, your mind, or your character. Did you know the truth at that time? Did you know how to defend yourself? Explain

4. Can you give an example of a time when you were falsely accused by someone (or just by the accuser in your mind)? How did you handle itaccording to the truth or according to the lies you heard? Why did you respond this way?

5. Can you explain a victorious time when you were tempted (in any way) and stood firm because you were living and obeying the truth?

6. This has been a very short overview of truth and righteousness. Please write a brief summary of what these two pieces of armor have to do with spiritual warfare, as well as how you will personally respond to what you have studied this week.