The Armory: Ephesians 6:10-20
A sermon series in preparation for the next season of ministry at Dulins Grove. We need to don the full armor of God.
The Belt of Truth
Satan attacks brilliantly on the battlefield of belief. How can we defend ourselves? Our families? Our church? By fastening the belt of truth (v.14).
How?
Satan wants to:
1. Stunt your growth using false teachers (4:14)
2. Keep you on a pointless path using your ignorance and hardness of heart (4:17-19)
3. Keep you in the dark using the empty words of those around you (5:6)
Defend yourself with the belt of truth by:
1. Growing up and speaking carefully (4:15)
Grow up in your understanding of truth so you won’t be deceived. Speak carefully so you won’t be a deceiver.
2. Remembering the gospel (4:20-24)
God loved the world so much that he sent Jesus to save those who would follow him as lord and trust in him as savior. Remembering this helps you see your path clearly.
3. Shining the light (5:7-14)
Expose dark, empty chatter by revealing the truth in every conversation.
If we’re unable to put on the belt of truth, we will grow sloppy as a church. We will trip over ourselves and be destroyed by the enemy.
Discussion Starters:
1. Read Ephesians 4:14. Is Pastor Matt a true or false teacher? What about teachers you hear on radio or TV? How can you tell? (See 2 Peter 2:1-3 and 2 Timothy 4:1-4 for help)
2. Describe times in your life when you hit spiritual growth spurts. Why did you grow so much during those times?
3. Read Ephesians 4:15. Which comes more naturally to you: speaking truth or speaking in love? Why is this the case? What does each mean?
4. Read Ephesians 4:20-24. Collaborate to write down the gospel. What is it? Put it into words. (John 3:16-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 are good starting places)
5. Read Ephesians 5:6-14. What does Paul mean by light and dark? (Check out John 1:1-13 and 12:35-36)
6. How can we as individuals put on the belt of truth? As a church?
7. How can you serve each other as a group in light of this passage?
8. How can your group pray for you this week? Pray together.
Invite
If you live in the Charlotte area and would like to participate in a House to House group, contact Pastor Matt.
