10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to STAND against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to WITHSTAND in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND. 14 STAND therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Q & A：
- What does salvation mean to you? Why is it important to wear the helmet of salvation? Describe how the Helmet of Salvation protects you against the invasion of fearful thoughts. How do you understand the word “strongholds”? Identify any captive thoughts you have encountered in your work and personal life. How can we break free and overcome these strongholds? (Eph 6:17; Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 10:3-6; 2 Tim 1:7)
- What is the Sword of the Spirit? Share your understanding of the word Rhema. Describe the co-relationship between the Belt of Truth and the Sword of the Spirit. What is your view on the role of truth in the armor of God? What Scriptures come to support your view? (Eph 6:17; Matt 4:3-10)
- How can we remain vigilant and prayerful in the Spirit? Describe the full armor of God in your own words. How should we employ these weapons as part of our everyday existence? Which part of the armor of God that you want to continue to practice in daily life（Eph 6:18; 1 Cor 14:15）
Summary：
This week’s sermon outlines the complete armor of God with a focus on the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit. The Helmet of Salvation helps us resist captive thoughts and invalid thoughts of fear. The Sword of the Spirit becomes a source of power in our lives as the Word of God, and it will be inseparable from the Belt of Truth as a spiritual weapon of protection and offense. The whole armor of God is built into the Word of God of truth. The Bible is to be the compass of our life of faith. By the Holy Spirit, our prayers and supplications are the way to be constantly aligned with God and His work. This sermon encourages us to be rooted in the truth and to put on the full armor of God.