September 20, 2015

LOOKING BACK
Fighting for Your Life-Skilled in the Word

Ephesians 6:17; Matthew 4:1-11

Were in a fight for our lives, but by Gods grace, were not without armor. This week, we looked
at the final piece of the armor the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. If were honest though,
most of us hardly view the Bible as a weapon or understand how to wield it. If were really in a
battle (and its clear in Scripture that we are), its critical that we develop that skill. Were
provided with a great example in Matthew 4:1-11 of what it means to take up the sword of the
Spirit against the enemy of our souls.
Thinking It Through (agree/disagree consider/contemplate)

Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between

all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a
fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. Dallas Willard
I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking,
than memorizing Scripture No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Chuck
Swindoll

Working It Out
1. Why is it important to see the Word of God and the Spirit of God as connected rather
than independent from one another?

2. Is there a time in your life (or recently) when you experienced the sharpness
(conviction) of the Word of God in your life?

3. He (Satan) departed from Him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13. When might an
opportune time be in your own life for spiritual attack from the enemy?

4. Why is it so important to not just know Scripture but to embrace and apply it?

LOOKING AHEAD TO:

Fighting For Your Life: In the Trenches

Acts 20:17-38

The Invisible War has a personal, private aspect to it. (See Ephesians 6:10-17) It is multiplied
when it hits the church. Believers are together, the environment is often hostile to the faith,
people are at different stages of their development, and leadership is needed. We get an inside
look at what the fight looks like in the trenches of the local church from Pauls intimate time
with the elders from the church at Ephesus in Acts 20:17-38.

Why do you think Paul tells them what he does about himself and his history in vs. 17-27?

What are your impressions of the fight after hearing/reading Pauls words?

Beginning in v. 28, he switches from himself to the church leaders and what is needed from
them in the trenches. What is his tone? (vs. 28-32)

What specifics does he emphasize? Why?

Why would Paul add vs. 33-35? What could this have to do with the invisible war?