Eph 6:10-13 How does Paul’s final admonition in Eph 6:10 contrast with people’s fleshly notions? Why is it so important to make the Lord our strength and not man nor the things of the world? See Ps 33:16-17, Is 30:1-5, 31:1-3, Jer 17:5-8. Why are the fleshly things of this world ultimately of no value in the life struggles we face? See Eph 6:12. What does Eph 6:12 teach us about the reality of the powers of darkness, and their potential number? In Eph 4:22 & 24 Paul urged his readers to lay aside the old self and put on the new self; how do his words here complement that picture? See also 2 Cor 10:3-5. What is the significance of putting on the full armor of God? In a physical battle of life and death, where will an enemy always strike? For what three-fold reason are we to put on the full armor of God? See Eph 6:11, 13. How do the “schemes of the devil” manifest themselves? See Eph 4:14. Do you think we are living in “the evil day” Paul mentions in Eph 6:13?
Eph 6:14-17 What was the central importance of a belt or girdle to a soldier, i.e., what was its purpose, and what would be the personal and corporate result if it was lacking? See 1 Sam 18:4, 2 Sam 20:8, 1 Kings 18:46, Mark 6:8. Note: think about the importance of a policeman’s belt, or a carpenter’s tool belt, etc… In what similar way is it important that we be girded with truth, and what is the personal and corporate result if it is lacking? What all important part of his body does a soldier’s breastplate protect? How does righteousness do the same? What was the great danger to a soldier who lacked a breastplate? What is the great danger to us if we lack personal righteousness? What was the importance that a soldier make ready or prepare his feet for battle? See again Eph 6:13b-14a, and note: a soldier’s sandals were often fitted with nails or armed with spikes to hold firm to the ground (see Barnes’ Notes). What is the importance that we as Christians do the same? See Is 52:7, 2 Tim 4:2, 1 Pet 3:15. In what way does the gospel prepare us to not only stand our ground in the spiritual battle, but to also advance for the salvation of souls? See Eph 4:24, 5:26-27, Rev 19:7, 21:2. What is the great danger if we are not so prepared? See Mat 25:10. In what way does faith serve us as a shield? See Ps 3:3, 18:2,30, 28:7, 33:20, 91:4, 115:9-11, etc… From what does it protect us? What sort of flaming missiles might Satan hurl at us, and how does our faith in God extinguish them? See 1 Pet 5:8-9, 2 Cor 4:16-18, Job 13:15. In what sense is salvation a helmet? See also 1 Thess 5:8. What does it protect, and how? See Rom 12:2. How does the word of God serve as a sword? See Heb 4:12, Rev 2:16, 19:15. What would happen to a soldier in battle if he was unfamiliar with his sword and had not spent time learning how to use it? What is the importance that we spend time learning how to use the sword of the Spirit? See 2 Tim 2:15.
Eph 6:18-20 What word repeated several times in Eph 6:18 emphasizes the central importance of prayer in the spiritual battles we face? See also Col 4:2. For what in particular does Paul request them to pray on his behalf? See also Col 4:3-4. What circumstances was Paul experiencing that would inhibit him from continuing in his bold proclamation of the gospel? What do these verses teach us about our proper response when circumstances inhibit our being a bold witness for Christ? See also Acts 4:29.
Eph 6:21-24 Who was the bearer of this letter, and what additional purpose did he fulfill? Where was Tychicus from? See Acts 20:4. To whom also did Paul send Tychicus, and who accompanied him? See Col 4:7-9. How long did Tychicus remain a part of Paul’s missionary band? See Tit 3:12, 2 Tim 4:12. Considering that Tychicus was from Asia and that is where we find Paul most frequently directing him, what can we learn about where our most effective ministry is to be found? With what four Christian blessings does Paul conclude his letter? Do we love the Lord Jesus with a love incorruptible so as to receive them?