Explore More: Ephesians, Week 11

September 12-18, 2010; Week 11

KNOW | Personal Study
Read Isaiah 11:4-5; 59:15-17; 49:2; 52:7 and Ephesians 4-6.   Read these sections of Scripture.  Take time to be alone and talk with God and reflect on His Words to us.  Allow the seeds of Scripture to grow within your heart and life.

GROW | Discussion - Option #1
Can a Christian be a soldier and a person of peace?  Paul uses interesting imagery in Ephesians 6:10-20 to describe our role in this season of God's Kingdom.  The image is that of a soldier.  Paul most likely got this imagery from Isaiah (see verses above) and his daily view in prison (of Roman guards).  In on sense, the use of a soldier seems contradictory to the Good News of Jesus (peace).  What are your thoughts?

GROW | Discussion - Option #2
Do you have all your armor?  Paul lists the essential armor for every Christian in Eph. 6:10-20.  Are you living with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word, the Spirit, and praying at all times?  It seems silly for a soldier to go into combat with the right tools or weapons, but we often go into the daily battle without one or more of Paul's list.  What armor do you leave behind the most?

SOW | Application
Get in the battle.  The application for this week's scripture is simple.  Put on all the armor and join the battle.  Bring armor of God into your home, your workplace, and your neighbourhood.  This could be as simple as praying for those people, speaking a word of truth/encouragement, or loving someone sacrificially.