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(Mark all the correct answers.)

(putting on the armor of God – From Ephesians 6:10-20)

Ephesians 6:17-20 (ESV) and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

A/ Take the helmet of salvation. — The helmet is to protect the head, here it isn’t talking about physical damage but thought or knowledge damage.

See also, 1^st Thessalonians 5:8… But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

— Q1. We see here that love is added to the breastplate of faith… (fill in the blank)
— Having faith in God stems from the knowledge that God LOVES and wants _____________ to be saved.

O – only His own.     O – the lost.     O – everyone.

(For discussion) What does the knowledge of God’s love have to do with our hope of salvation?

B/ Ephesians 6:17 The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
– (It’s interesting to note this part of our equipment for battle is the only weapon on the list from Ephesian #6.)

See Revelations 2:14-16… But there are a few things I have against you: there are some among you who follow the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak how to lead the people of Israel into sin by persuading them to eat food that had been offered to idols and to practice sexual immorality.  (15)  In the same way you have people among you who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans.  (16)  Now turn from your sins! If you don’t, I will come to you soon and fight against those people with the sword that comes out of my mouth.

–Q2. To first answer a question that will probably immediately arise, “Who were the Nicolaitans?”

— (From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia – on the Nicolaitans.) A sect or party of evil influence in early Christianity, especially in the 7 churches of Asia. Their doctrine was similar to that of Balaam, “who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication” (Revelation 2:14,15).

— (From www.gotquestions.org) Balaam counselled Balak on the most effective way to weaken Israel. This was through seduction, using Moabite and Midianite women to tempt the Israelites into sexual relationships and into pagan rituals. The Israelites who participated brought God’s judgment upon themselves (Numbers 25:1–9).

— Q3. (Now that we understand the doctrine of the Nicolaitans) How does ” the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17), align with “the sword that comes out of my mouth” (Revelations 2:16)?

O – Both “swords” describe the Word of God.     O – They are different “swords”, one is love, and one judgment.

— Q4. (For discussion) Why does God’s Word both love and judge?

O – Because God is Holy.     O – Because God’s love cannot compromise with sin.     O – God only loves.

(Hint: See Romans 6:15-16; Titus 1:10-16.)

The Apostle Paul closes his teaching on the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:18-20… praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,  (19)  and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,  (20)  for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

C/ Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

— Read Jude 1:17-21… (ESV) But remember, my friends, what you were told in the past by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (18)  They said to you, “When the last days come, people will appear who will make fun of you, people who follow their own godless desires.”  (19)  These are the people who cause divisions, who are controlled by their natural desires, who do not have the Spirit.  (20)  But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,  (21)  and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life.

— Q4. (For discussion) How do we follow God’s Holy Spirit in our prayers?

–Q5. Will God answer prayers that are not according to the lead of the Holy Spirit? (See Vs. 18-19)

(An excellent close leading us into our time of prayer.)