What do you rely on for protection? You can depend on your own strength and plan for difficulties by taking out insurance policies for your car, your house, or even for your very life. You can trust in your family who will bail you out when you are in trouble. You can find security by spending time in the gym, building a powerful physique that is intimidating for even the hardest criminal. Ultimately though, even these steps will not give you protection from the flaming arrows of the evil one. The way we are protected from his assault is through the power and shield of faith. This study takes a look at how to find protection in this Forgotten War through faith.
What are some steps that you have taken to protect your personal valuables?
1. What are some steps that you have taken to protect yourself from the attacks of the evil one?
2. Read Ephesians 6:16. Why would Paul connect the concepts of a shield with faith to describe the armor we should put on? What might be the purpose behind this connection?
Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Ephesians 6:16
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
3. What are some of the fiery arrows that Satan might launch in our direction? How do we, as a group, link our shields together for protection?
4. Read Hebrews 11:1-6. How is faith defined in this scripture? How does this type of faith protect us?
Hebrews 11:1-6 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God.And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:1-6
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.
It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God.And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
5. What are some of the differences between faith and fear? How does fear get the best of us at times?
6. When was the last time you took a faith risk? When was the last time you believed God was calling you to do something you couldn't do on your own?
7. What is one way you can commit to stepping out in faith this week?
Luke 10:3 tells the story of when Jesus sent out 70 of His followers. Jesus said to them, "Go, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves." He knew how hard it would be for them to stand firm. He also knew that if they went out in faith, that they would be prepared to stand against the attacks of the evil one. When they returned, Jesus was, "full of joy (Luke 10:21)" and He praises His Father in heaven. How do you imagine that Jesus would be pleased if you stepped out in faith the same way? Take some time to process this as a group and then praise God for the opportunity to make Jesus known.
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Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
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