Theme

Our strength to live for him comes from God.

Questions

• Do you think of yourself as a strong person? What (or who) is a source of strength for you in life?
• Why do you think it is important to be strong in the Lord?
• Paul uses the words ‘stand’ or ‘stand firm’ a number of times (v.11, 13 and 14). Why do you think he uses this word – in what ways do Christians take a stand? [This is a phrase Paul uses in his other letters too, for example 1 Corinthians 15:56-58 and Philippians 1:27-28].
• What do you think Paul means in v.12 when he says that our struggle is not against flesh and blood? How do you understand spiritual forces at work in the word – is it something to which you’ve given much thought?
• Look at each of the pieces of the armour. What is the significance of each one?
• This is the Armour of God, it comes from him, but each soldier must take care of his armour. How do you take care of the amour God has given you?
• In v.18 Paul instructs the Ephesians to pray. What should be the characteristics of prayer (think about phrases like ‘on all occasions’, ‘be alert’, ‘pray for the saints’)? Do you find these characteristics challenging?
• Do you think there is a connection between prayer and remaining strong in the Lord?
• At the end of the passage Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him in his ministry and his circumstances (v.19-20).
  • Do you ever ask others to pray for you? Do you ever ask others how you can pray for them? What difference does prayer make?
  • How often do you pray for leaders in the church? How often do you ask in what specific ways you can pray for them?
• In Christ I am strong is the theme for this week. How did this passage help you find strength for life? Did you learn something new, or were you challenged by something in particular?