Ready for Battle: The Armor of God, Part 4 – The Helmet and the Sword
The linchpin in the entire spiritual battle – the most critical element in the life of the believer – is salvation, represented by a helmet in Ephesians 6. The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is a reliable and sufficient weapon for the battle.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing in this message that you found particularly challenging, helpful, or interesting? As you look back on this four-part series, how has your understanding of spiritual warfare or the armor of God changed?
- Why is the helmet of salvation the most critical element in spiritual battle?
- How can assurance in our salvation help us withstand the doubts and fears brought on by the enemy? What are some Scriptures you can think of that assure believers of our security in Christ?
- Why is it significant that the sword of the Spirit is the only piece of the full armor of God that is both a defensive and offensive “weapon”? Do you tend to view the Word of God this way?
- What does it mean that the Bible is inerrant and infallible? Why are these doctrines so important?
- Discuss this statement: “You are only as weak in battle as the Scripture you don’t know.” How can you become a more skilled “swordsman” with the Word of God?
- Which piece of the armor of God do you find most difficult to “put on”? Which one comes the most naturally?
- Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you put on the full armor every day and to “take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” You might use Ephesians 6:10-20 as a framework for your prayer.