We do many things to protect ourselves from thieves, right? We install security systems; we use locks; we utilize alarms when necessary. We do all of these things to protect what is valuable to us. All of these precautions are necessary and right to take, but did you know that we may be being deceived and robbed without even knowing it? I know it sounds strange, but it is true. For example, one thing that often steals from us is worry. Worry comes and steals our joy, contentment, and peace and ultimately keeps us from living the full lives that Scripture calls us to live. Today we are going to wage war on our worries and fight against the worry that creeps up in our lives and even steals from us. Worry often steals the joy and peace that God wants for us without our knowledge.
What kind of things do you observe many people being worried about today?
Bible Study Questions
WATCH SERMON RECAP #1
1. How have you seen worry negatively affect your life or the life of someone you love?
2. Read Philippians 4:4-7. As you read these verses, what stands out to you?
Philippians 4:4-7 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
3. How do you think prayer helps fight against worry? What is the result, according to these verses, of prayer?
4. Read Philippians 4:8-9. Why do you think this command to consider what we are focusing our minds on follows the command not to worry?
Philippians 4:8-9 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
5. What are you currently worried about? How has the worry been stealing from your life?
6. How, in the past, has prayer given you peace in a season where you felt worried?
7. What are you currently focusing your mind on? Is there a shift of focus that needs to be made? If so, what changes can you make to begin that shift?
Our call today is to follow the command from Scripture to pray instead of worry. Get together as a group, and be sure to pray for each other about the things you are worried over. Ask God to work in these areas of your lives and bring peace and hope that He is working and will continue to work in each one of your lives.
Let's continue our study of Ephesians 6, which provides a detailed battle plan on how to fight the spiritual battles we face every day. We have seen that, in some ways, the armor of God in Ephesians 6 contains some of the same components as a modern military operational order. Paul started by giving us an intel report letting us know who our enemy is (Satan) and also told us who our enemy isn't (other people). Along with the intel report, we have also looked at the "shield of faith," a defensive weapon that has the strength to defeat every arrow and every shot that our enemy takes at us. We also learned how this shield can destroy fear. Today, we are going to inspect the "helmet of salvation" and the "sword of the spirit," which are effective weapons when worry comes against us.
The Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit:
Read Ephesians 6:17.
The Helmet of Salvation:
The Helmet of Salvation sits right over our minds. This is not the only Scripture that talks about protecting our minds. Let's see what other Scripture teaches about protecting our minds.
Look back at Philippians 4:8-9.
Read Romans 12:1-2.
Read 2 Corinthians 10:5
The Sword of the Spirit:
The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is the only offensive weapon Paul identifies. Scripture is the most effective weapon to use against our adversary. This includes fighting against worry.
Read Luke 4:1-14
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Scripture makes it clear that when we focus on God and the things of Him, we protect our minds. Scripture also tells us that we are to "return fire" using Scripture when we are under attack. But for a weapon to be ready for battle, it must be in good working order, sharpened, and in the hands of someone proficient in its use. For the weapon of Scripture, the best way we prepare for battle is by memorizing Scripture. As a group, select a Scripture to memorize. Work on memorizing this verse throughout the week. Jesus fought Satan using memorized Scripture. We must do the same.
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Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
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