Ephesians Online: Chapter 6

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Let's Dive Right In

In last weekend's gathering, we talked about a spiritual battle and our need to be battle-ready.

1. What is the first image that comes to mind when you hear the word 'devil'?

2. What do you think about the idea that there is a battle going on in the world that we can't physically see?

3. Who do you typically view as your enemy or enemy of Christ and his followers? According to Paul who is the real enemy (vs 12)?

4. How do "rulers and authorities of the unseen world, mighty powers in this dark world, and evil spirits in the heavenly places" show up in this world?

Sometimes when we hear this type of language in the church it causes fear and unfortunately, is sometimes used to cause fear.

1. Does Paul seem afraid?

2. What is Paul's point in explaining there is a battle? What is it Paul wants them to do?

3. How does Paul's use/description of the armor compare to how armor is traditionally used in human conflict?

4. What does this tell us about the type of battle we are fighting?

In last weekend's gathering, we said we are to be 1) aware, 2) prepared, and 3) surrendered to Christ. Of those three which do you tend to struggle with?

1. Do you tend to not realize there is a battle? Do you tend to minimize the devil? Or do you overemphasize the battle and the devil learning toward fear rather than action?

2. Do you forget to be prepared? Do you struggle with what it looks like to be prepared or how to use the armor? Are there pieces of the armor you struggle to wear/keep on?

3. Do you struggle to surrender to Christ's plan or his way of bringing about that plan? Do you forget to pray or try to battle in your own strength? Do you tend to fight in ways that make sense to you but don't always reflect Christ or your trust in Him?

Let's Review

1. If you had to summarize Paul's letter to Ephesians in 3-5 sentences, what would you say it's about?

2. What has stuck out to you the most (an idea or theme, a verse, a section, a sermon)?

3. What is one takeaway you have from Ephesians?

4. How has the Holy Spirit spoken to you these past 7 weeks? Where have you been comforted (encouraged/inspired) and where have you been convicted (challenged)? What is He saying to you?

5. What is one thing you can do as a result of what you learned in Paul's letter to fellow Christ-followers in Ephesus? How can we others help you follow through?

Feel free to share what you're learning in the comments below.

A Reading Challenge

Our modern Bibles have verses and chapters and sections and section titles. These aren't part of the original manuscripts. The Holy Spirit didn't give these numbers, titles, and breakdowns to the original authors. They have been added over time to help us navigate Scripture with more ease and increase our understanding.

They are good, but they can also get in the way.

So here's a challenge now that you've read the letter of Ephesians. Go to Bible Gateway, print out the entire letter of Ephesians without verses, chapters, or section breakdowns/titles. Give it a final read.

• How would you divide up Ephesians? What would your sections be?

• What titles would you give each section and why?

Thanks for joining us as we looked at Ephesians Online. Don't forget: If you are looking for a group or mentoring/discipleship connection, reach out to us. We want to help you grow your roots.