THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Learn more about how to fight the enemies of your soul at one of our ADA BIBLE ACADEMY classes offered this spring. Deeper Walk: Spiritual Practices for Life with God will be taught by our Kentwood Campus Pastor, Ben Vaught. Parenting with Purpose: Building Faith-Filled Families will be taught by our Pastor of Marriage and Family Ministry, Mike Wilkerson, along with our children’s and student ministry teams. All classes are held at the East Paris Campus from 7-8:30 p.m., Thursdays, April 17 and 24, and May 1 and 8. Learn more and register HERE.
GROUP VALUES. This month, we focus on the Group Life theme “Pursue God” by examining SPIRITUAL PRACTICES. These time-tested practices help create space in our daily rhythms for God and aid our growth as believers. At Ada Bible Church, we focus on prayer, Bible study, solitude, community, fasting, celebration and sabbath. As a group, consider choosing one practice to focus on together. Debrief each week and celebrate how God is working in your life through the practice!
GROW AS A LEADER. Join us for RECOURAGE on March 6 by watching online! This sold-out event is available to stream HERE. ReCourage is a one-day conference for ministry leaders hosted by Ada Bible Church. As a small group leader, the health of our hearts can directly impact the well-being of our groups. Be encouraged by speakers such as Pastor Jeff Manion, John Dickson and more! If you are unable to attend, please pray for all those attending and serving at this event.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the final week of our sermon series, ENEMIES OF THE SOUL. This week, Pastor Aaron Buer explores the biblical concept of spiritual warfare and how we can stand firm against our enemies by using the armor God has provided.
ICEBREAKER
If you could choose any type of armor (historical, fictional, futuristic) to protect you in battle, what would you choose and why?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Ephesians 6:10-20 aloud.
What phrases or words in this passage stand out to you?
Why do you think Paul uses the imagery of armor to describe spiritual resources?
How many times does Paul use the words “stand” or “stand firm” in this passage?
What might this repetition tell us about spiritual warfare?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Aaron concluded the ENEMIES OF THE SOUL series by teaching about how we can put on the full armor of God and stand firm in spiritual warfare. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
What messages do we hear from our culture about spiritual warfare? Do people generally acknowledge its reality, dismiss it or misunderstand it?
How would you describe the difference between trying to fight spiritual battles through your own willpower versus relying on “the Lord and his mighty power” (v. 10)?
Pastor Aaron emphasized that each piece of armor represents a gift from God through the gospel. How does viewing the pieces of armor as gifts from God change your perspective on spiritual battles?
Because the spiritual battle is constant, putting on armor every day before engaging in battle is important. This is where the spiritual practices come in. What practices help you prepare for spiritual warfare before temptation or attack comes?
Which piece of the armor of God do you find yourself most often neglecting? Why do you think that is?
Pastor Aaron pointed out that the “you” language Paul uses in this passage is plural. Why is community important in spiritual warfare? How can our small group support each other in our battles against the world, the flesh and the devil?
In what areas of your life do you need to “stand firm” right now? Which piece of armor seems most relevant to that situation?
What specific step could you take this week to better prepare to stand firm in that area and put your armor on?
WRAP UP
As we conclude the ENEMIES OF THE SOUL series, take a moment to reflect on how your understanding of spiritual warfare has been challenged or deepened. What is one practice you want to incorporate into your life to stand firm against the world, the flesh and the devil?