warm-up

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “safe” or “safety”?

Is there someone you admire because of their strength (in any area)? Tell us about him or her.

Tell us about a time you did something you normally don’t do, but you ended up liking it.

word

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. . . . ¹²For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10,12

In earlier chapters, Paul told the Christians in Ephesus how they should practically live, as those in Christ. However, as he closes his letter, Paul reminded them that they should be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might because they will be fighting spiritual battles. Even until now, we Christians are and will be facing spiritual battles. But because of our identity in Christ, we can claim His victory in any spiritual battle. We do this by preparing and praying in the Spirit, and proclaiming the gospel by the Spirit

1
Prepare in the Spirit.

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:10,11

Before Jesus went up into heaven, He told His disciples to wait until they were clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Before we engage in any spiritual battle, we need to prepare in the Spirit by putting on the whole armor of God. This armor consists of truth, righteousness, readiness to bring peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. What is a verse that you hold onto when preparing for a spiritual battle?

2
Pray in the Spirit.

. . . praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints . . . Ephesians 6:18

Paul did not only encourage the Christians in Ephesus to pray, but to pray at all times in the Spirit. Praying at all times in the Spirit involves being alert and praying earnestly for each other against any spiritual attacks. How does praying in the Spirit cause you to rely on God’s strength in spiritual battles?

3
Proclaim by the Spirit.

¹⁹. . . and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19,20

(Read also ACTS 1:8.)

At the time Paul wrote Ephesians, he was under house-arrest in Rome for boldly preaching the gospel. However, he still asked the Christians in Ephesus to pray and ask the Spirit to give him words to continue to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel. Even Paul was aware that if he was not empowered by the Spirit, he might stop proclaiming the gospel. Was there ever a time you boldly engaged someone by the Spirit? What happened?

application

Are you assured of your identity in Christ? Why or why not? Would you like to find your identity in Him today?

How can you grow in preparing and praying in the Spirit? Name three people who can help you in this area starting this week.

Are there specific family members and friends you want to boldly proclaim the gospel to? Ask the Spirit to give you the words to say to them this week.

prayer

Thank God for your identity in Him. Thank Him for the power of the Spirit that He gives us to fight spiritual battles.

Ask God for a deeper understanding and filling of the Spirit in you. Pray for the power to be fully equipped with the whole armor of God.

Pray for those you want to boldly proclaim the gospel to. Ask God to soften their hearts to receive the gospel as the Spirit gives you the words to say to them.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
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