07: Arming for Victory – Teaching Plan
Key Thought : We are called to put on God’s armor of truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and His Word for protection against Satan.
[Teaching plan for Arming for Victory November 12, 2012]
1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 6:14-17.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Since there is no armor for the backside of the Christian, what does it mean to flee from the devil?
C. Personal Application: If you had to choose one piece of armor you felt was more important to you than any other, which one would it be?
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “It’s not as important as to the doctrine that we have, it matters more that we have a relationship with Jesus. Too many churches emphasize they have the truth.” How would you respond to your relative?
2. Have a volunteer read Romans 10:15 and Ephesians 6:15.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What does it mean to shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace?
C. Personal Application: What kind of preparation do you take or think is necessary in presenting the gospel to others?
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “I don’t think I need to go out door to door or share my faith with others. I can share my Christianity by living a good, quiet life and not try to push my religion on others.” How would you respond to your friend?
3. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 6:17 and I Thessalonians 5:8.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why would salvation be portrayed as a helmet? Is it because it covers the whole being? Because it protects the mind? Share your thoughts.”
C. Personal Application: How have you used the sword in your Christian experience in either aggressive or defensive ways?
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Why is the Word of God portrayed as a sword? Are we supposed to use the Word as a weapon against others, or as a defense?” How would you respond to your neighbor?
4. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 6:18.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How does one pray “in the spirit”? Are there times that people pray that is not in the Spirit? What is the difference? Can our prayers become routine?
C. Personal Application: Do you pray for all saints? Who are all the saints to you? How do you pray for all saints?
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)
