1. How did your upbringing influence your dreams for the man you wanted to be, especially as it related to the idea of standing firm?
2. What observation did Joby emphasize based on Ephesians 6:10? How should that truth frame the way we think about standing firm in the armor of God?
Bible Journey:
READ: Ephesians 6:10-18
1. Why is truth such a critical part of the armor of God (see Eph. 4:20–25)? As you think on the areas of life where you have influence (family, work, neighborhood, etc.), would you say you model truthfulness well? How could you improve in this regard?
2. How do you strive to model righteousness? Where do you struggle most in this regard? How could you be more intentional about reminding yourself of the righteousness you have received in Christ? What could you do to be more intentional about reminding your family of this truth?
3. In what ways do you model a gospel of peace for others? What are some areas of your life that are in need of peace? What would it look like for you to be a peacemaker in those areas? What would have to change?
4. According to verses 17–18, what specific defense does the shield of faith provide? What observation did Joby make about the function of a shield? What are some ways you find yourself particularly vulnerable to the “fiery darts” of the enemy?
5. What role does salvation play in terms of your conversations at home with your family? How about in your workplace? What would it look like for you to better reflect the salvation you have in Christ through your life in those arenas?
6. According to verse 17, what is the “sword of the Spirit”? What are some ways to “wield” the Word of God?
7. Who in your life would you consider disciplined in the practice of prayer? What stands out to you about their prayer life?
Live it out:
Pray: Ask the Lord to reveal to you the ways in which you depend on your own strength rather than His. As He does, be quick to confess and repent in order to walk in the true strength of Christ.
Invite: If you are lacking in community, invite mature believers into your life to help you carry whatever burdensome circumstances you face. Allow them to come alongside you as a strength and defense.
Evaluate: Over the next week, evaluate your life in comparison to the list of the armor of God. Note areas where you need to grow and take the necessary steps to do so.
Serve: Use the strengths God has given you in service to other men who need them, like Blake does for the young men in youth detention centers. Find a way to intentionally serve someone over the course of this next week.
Memorize: Commit to memory the various pieces of the armor of God, as listed in Ephesians 6:10–18. As you do, ask that God would help you to depend on Him and His resources for your spiritual strength as opposed to your own.
Session #3 - Stand Firm
Be A Godly Man
Session #3 Stand Firm
Review:
1. How did your upbringing influence your dreams for the man you wanted to be, especially as it related to the idea of standing firm?
2. What observation did Joby emphasize based on Ephesians 6:10? How should that truth frame the way we think about standing firm in the armor of God?
Bible Journey:
READ: Ephesians 6:10-18
1. Why is truth such a critical part of the armor of God (see Eph. 4:20–25)? As you think on the areas of life where you have influence (family, work, neighborhood, etc.), would you say you model truthfulness well? How could you improve in this regard?
2. How do you strive to model righteousness? Where do you struggle most in this regard? How could you be more intentional about reminding yourself of the righteousness you have received in Christ? What could you do to be more intentional about reminding your family of this truth?
3. In what ways do you model a gospel of peace for others? What are some areas of your life that are in need of peace? What would it look like for you to be a peacemaker in those areas? What would have to change?
4. According to verses 17–18, what specific defense does the shield of faith provide? What observation did Joby make about the function of a shield? What are some ways you find yourself particularly vulnerable to the “fiery darts” of the enemy?
5. What role does salvation play in terms of your conversations at home with your family? How about in your workplace? What would it look like for you to better reflect the salvation you have in Christ through your life in those arenas?
6. According to verse 17, what is the “sword of the Spirit”? What are some ways to “wield” the Word of God?
7. Who in your life would you consider disciplined in the practice of prayer? What stands out to you about their prayer life?
Live it out:
Pray: Ask the Lord to reveal to you the ways in which you depend on your own strength rather than His. As He does, be quick to confess and repent in order to walk in the true strength of Christ.
Invite: If you are lacking in community, invite mature believers into your life to help you carry whatever burdensome circumstances you face. Allow them to come alongside you as a strength and defense.
Evaluate: Over the next week, evaluate your life in comparison to the list of the armor of God. Note areas where you need to grow and take the necessary steps to do so.
Serve: Use the strengths God has given you in service to other men who need them, like Blake does for the young men in youth detention centers. Find a way to intentionally serve someone over the course of this next week.
Memorize: Commit to memory the various pieces of the armor of God, as listed in Ephesians 6:10–18. As you do, ask that God would help you to depend on Him and His resources for your spiritual strength as opposed to your own.