PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD1
Ephesians 6:10-24
Key Verse: 6:11
1. After giving instructions regarding unity (4:1-6:9), what final admonition does Paul give (10)? Read verse 11. What metaphor portrays the Lord’s protection? Who are our real enemies (12; Rev 12:3)? Why must we put on the armor of God (13; Mk 3:26-27)? What does it mean “to stand” (11,13-14)?
2. What are the elements of the armor of God (14-17)? What is “the belt of truth,” and why do we need it (14a; 4:14-15,21,25)? What does “the breastplate of righteousness” protect, and why is this vital (14b)?
3. What shoes should we put on, and how do these make us ready to engage in spiritual warfare (15; 2:14,17)? How does faith protect us like a shield (16; Gen 15:1; Ro 8:1)?
4. What does “the helmet of salvation” mean (17a)? Why is it important to take it, not only personally, but as a church? What is the only offensive weapon Paul mentions (17b)? How does this irresistible weapon destroy the enemy (Mt 4:4; Jn 6:63; Heb 4:12)?
5. How many times is “pray,” “prayer,” or “praying” repeated in verses 18-20? What should characterize their prayer as a church (18)? What personal prayer requests did Paul make (19-20)? Why is the prayer of the church so important in spiritual warfare?
6. What was Paul’s purpose in sending Tychicus (21-22)? What were Paul’s final greetings to the church in Ephesus (23-24)? In light of this passage, how can we be equipped to win the victory over our enemies as soldiers of Christ, both personally and as a church?
This admonition in verses 10-24 was given to the body of Christ, not just each individual person. “Our” is used in verse 12, and the use of “you,” “your” (11,13,13,14,15,16) is plural.↩