Wk 1 // October 14 & 15
Wk 1 // THE STRUGGLE IS REAL
October 14 & 15, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
Some of us are more competitive than others. However, pretty much everyone gets at least a mild thrill out of winning competitions of various types. Recognizing the importance (or lack thereof) of each battle in the grand scheme of things, and even more so recognizing against whom we are truly competing when life’s struggles manifest, is of vital importance.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ephesians 6:10-12
It has been said that the greatest lie Satan has ever led humanity to believe is not in fact that God doesn’t exist, but instead that he (Satan) doesn’t exist. There is no quicker way to get off course and blindsided by the struggles of life than to misdirect our anger and our retaliations. We have one enemy who uses people and circumstances of various kinds to misdirect our defenses and our counter-attacks.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ephesians 6:13-18
Take a look at pictures of a recently retired NFL player from 60 years ago and then take a look at one who retired in 2022. You’ll quickly see the value of protective equipment. Far too many of us neglect to wear the spiritual protection offered to us and then turn around and ask God why we’re so beat up all the time. God loves you… put your helmet on!
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Pray that God would challenge you with opportunities this week to put on each piece of armor as you spend time daily praying the Spirit.
October 14 & 15, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- What is your favorite competitive activity/game/etc.?
- What is your best memory of competing for something?
Some of us are more competitive than others. However, pretty much everyone gets at least a mild thrill out of winning competitions of various types. Recognizing the importance (or lack thereof) of each battle in the grand scheme of things, and even more so recognizing against whom we are truly competing when life’s struggles manifest, is of vital importance.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ephesians 6:10-12
- What does it look like for you personally to be strong in his mighty power?
- What person do you struggle against most and how is that actually a spiritual struggle?
It has been said that the greatest lie Satan has ever led humanity to believe is not in fact that God doesn’t exist, but instead that he (Satan) doesn’t exist. There is no quicker way to get off course and blindsided by the struggles of life than to misdirect our anger and our retaliations. We have one enemy who uses people and circumstances of various kinds to misdirect our defenses and our counter-attacks.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ephesians 6:13-18
- Which piece of armor do you think is most important/valuable and why do you think that?
- Which piece of armor are you currently having the most difficult time wearing on a daily basis? Please explain.
Take a look at pictures of a recently retired NFL player from 60 years ago and then take a look at one who retired in 2022. You’ll quickly see the value of protective equipment. Far too many of us neglect to wear the spiritual protection offered to us and then turn around and ask God why we’re so beat up all the time. God loves you… put your helmet on!
APPLICATION
- What are some ways that you can spend the next 7 days reflecting on the 7 different items listed in this passage? - (1) truth, (2) righteousness, (3) peace, (4) faith, (5) salvation, (6) Word of God, (7) praying in the Spirit
PRAYER
Pray that God would challenge you with opportunities this week to put on each piece of armor as you spend time daily praying the Spirit.
