How do we contend with the battles within us, the circumstances around us and the darkness against us? Scripture is clear that God has granted us the full riches of His glory, giving us everything we need through Christ to face these challenges. Learn how we’ve been spiritually equipped to fight our daily battles in our new preaching series The Armor of God.

Questions for further study

1. Are you inclined to live as if:

a) your salvation is only about securing the future (living life in the present on your own terms),
b) God needs your strength, knowledge, skills, etc. to redeem your life (in the way you want),
c) God isn't powerful enough to redeem your dark past, or
d) God must not care about redeeming your life because your pain is so great?

What would it look like to live according to the truth that God has already been victorious over sin and death when He raised Christ, our spiritual life is secure in Him, and we are now called in the present to actively fight against sin and fight for faith?

2. Ephesians 4-6 teaches us to take off the old self (old sinful lifestyle) and put on the new self (be imitators of God.) Which of the following "old self" patterns are most difficult for you to take off?

Lies -> Truth
Anger/Divisiveness -> Peace
Taking/Consuming -> Generosity
Gossip -> Encouragement
Revenge -> Forgiveness
Promiscuity -> Self-control
Drunkenness -> God's Spirit

Who can you invite to pray for you and fight for you in the battle against the old sinful lifestyle?

3.Who around you is struggling, and needs you to reach out to them in Christ-centered community?

Additional scripture to study: Ephesians 6:10-18; Isaiah 59:15-21; Ephesians 2:4-5; 2:8-9; 5:1; John 10:14-16