Ephesians Curriculum jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 6:10-20
Teacher Study Notes:
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
Teaching Text: Ephesians 6:10-20
Teacher Study Notes:
- Overview / Review: The last half of the book is now focusing on how to live as a result of God’s grace. Paul made a transition in his writing from God working in the Ephesian believers (chapters 1-3) to God working through the Ephesian believers (chapters 4-6). In the first part of chapter 4 Paul addresses the relationships that the Ephesian believers have with each other. Then chapter 5 begins with some practical ways that the Ephesians can walk or live a life that imitates God and relies on Him completely. Paul now begins the last set of instructions regarding how to walk in spiritual battle.
- Notice that the context of these verses is still connected to chapter 5:1-2 and the command to be imitators. Notice, however, that Paul makes a slight shift in this passage. The believer still is to imitate God while battling Satan, but God is the only one who has the resources for the battle. God aids in the preparation, God gives protection and God provides all that is needed for the believer to stand firm against Satan’s schemes.
- Reliable Provision: Paul uses the pieces of Roman armor as an illustration for his audience in Ephesus to understand the seriousness of the battle with Satan. These pieces of battle armor have a specific role for the Roman soldier. The assistance that they provide the soldier in battle is then related, by Paul, to the reader and their spiritual battle. Notice, that once again, the battle is impossible without God showing His grace (see Eph 3:20). The Ephesian believers now have the opportunity to live under the strength and grace filled protection of God. They are reminded that obedience and service to God are accomplished by using the reliable tools that God has faithfully provided in order to gain spiritual victory. God is at work displaying His grace and power through the believer for His glory. Godly soldiers are empowered by God to stand amid the ongoing struggle against Satan.
- Attraction of the audience to your Bible lesson with an illustration.
Ask the question, “What sin do you struggle with?” Give people time to think about this. Transition: In this passage the Ephesian believers are challenged to use what God has provided to live a life of spiritual victory. - Read the Bible passage
Read the Bible passage out loud or ask someone else to read it out loud, open in prayer Make general important observations about the passage and the context
Briefly review by telling what has been presented up to this point in the book. Summarize for the group what will be covered in this section. - Examination of the Bible passage with the group
(These questions are to guide your thinking and development of your Bible lesson.) Connect this passage with the rest of the book.
Who are the main characters in these verses?
List, describe and define the pieces of armor.
What is the relation between the physical armor and the spiritual protection? Who does the fighting?
Who does the protecting?
Who does the equipping? - Application of the Bible lesson
Have the group think about their relationship with God and Satan.
Discussion: How can we show that we honor God and value what He has given to us? Application: Trust God, use what He provides to experience victory in spiritual battle.
Copyright © 2020 Ken Gibbs jethrotools.org
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