• How did you go this week with Set Your Pace?

  • How have you made time to rest well this week?

Read Ephesians 6:10-13

• In what sorts of situations do you find yourself needing to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power"? Do you have any stories about times when God's strength was the only thing that got you through?

• Do you have any examples from your own life about needing to "take your stand against the devil's schemes"?

  • What do you think his schemes are like? What is he trying to do in the world?

Read Ephesians 6:14-18

• Think through each part of the armour of God. How do each of the following things help us to stand firm against Satan's attacks?

  • Truth/integrity (belt)

  • Righteousness/justice (breastplate)

  • The gospel of peace (shoes)

  • Faith/reliance on God (shield)

  • Salvation/assurance (helmet)

  • Spirit/Word of God (sword)

  • Prayer at all times (v18)

Read Isaiah 11:1-5; 59:15b-17

• How do you think the prophesies of Isaiah shaped Paul's teaching here?

• What does it show us about 'putting on the armour of God' that this imagery was originally used to describe the Messiah?

• Taking what we've read and discussed today, put together a simple set of instructions about spiritual warfare:

  • What strategies or schemes of the devil do you need to be aware of?

  • What attitude or posture do you need to have in response?

  • What is God's role - and what is our role - in the Lord's army?

  • What should you do if you feel overwhelmed or under attack?

• Spend some time in prayer - pray for the strength of the Lord, and for each part of the armour of God - and pray for each person by name that they would receive what they need to stand firm.