Week 6

Look Back

What did you learn about the importance of sacrifice, humility, and unity in your relationships this week? Which of these did you focus on practicing?

Connect

Which do you think is easier, to be a parent or a child in today’s world? Why?

Look Up

Read Ephesians 6:1-9

1. How does the first 9 verses correlate with where we were in chp. 5?
2. How would you put verse 4 into your own words? In what ways does this verse reflect your experience growing up and what impact might it have had on your relationships with others?
3. How do v 5-9 apply to people today? How would the “work” experience be different if this were how all people acted?

Read Ephesians 6:10-18

1. To what extent do you view your daily challenges as a battle against the “powers of this dark world” vs. a battle against other people? Why do you tend to see things this way?
2. How would the situation be different if you viewed a difficult relationship as a spiritual battle?
3. Which of the different pieces of spiritual armor are you most comfortable with? Which one are you least comfortable with? Why?
4. Why do you think that the primary purpose of the spiritual armor is defensive, rather than offensive? How should we apply this in relationships?
5. What in v18 ties it all together? How steadfast are you in this?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

Is there a relationship that you are experiencing “ spiritual attack”? Which piece of the armor do you need to spend time focusing on? What are you going to do this week to move towards a resolve?

Notes

As we continue the riches found in the book of Ephesians, almost weekly there is more and more that is so timely to our lives today. Starting out Chapter 6, Paul continues this big theme of mutual submission. Submission within the family and at work. He then goes on to closing out the book with the theme of war. Behind everything there is a spiritual battle taking place. Sure our struggles manifest themselves to what we can see, however there is so much more happening that we cannot and to not discount that. Truth is, as we live out the Christian life there is a target on our backs. As we embrace the book of Ephesians in our lives, we need to be prepared for the battle. Above all as stated in v 18 turn to prayer. There is no weapon formed against us that will prosper... Leadership tip Spring is here! With the changing of the seasons it's also a great time for a couple things. #1 get outside and have some fun as a group. Go on a group adventure, visit a spring, go on a day trip, and just focus on growing relationally. #2 Get out and serve together. There are needs all around us in our communities. If you need help finding an opportunity, reach out to your Campus Pastor.