LESSON TWELVE (12)
TOPIC: THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE
OPENING PRAYER: Father, please do not al
low any satanic weapon fashioned against
me to prosper.
BIBLE PASSAGE: EPHESIANS 6:13-18
[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
MEMORY VERSE: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” 2 Corinthians 10:4
LESSON INTRODUCTION: The Bible points to us that the conflict with Satan is spiritual and, therefore, no physical weapon can be effectively employed against him and his agents (2 Cor.10:4; Eph.6:12). We are not given a list of specific tactics that Satan will use.
However, the passage is quite clear that when we follow the instruction (to put on the whole armour) faithfully relying on the strength of the Holy Spirit, we will be able stand and we will have victory regardless Satan’s strategy (Eph 6:13).
TEXT REVIEW: Ephesians 6:13-16.
The Apostle Paul admonishing the believers
on engaging the enemy (Satan and his agents) in warfare, made clear in these verses as follows:
1. That Believers should take unto themselves the whole armour of God in order to:
……V13.
2. That believers should stand:
i. …………… V14a.
ii. ………….. V14b.
III. …………. V15.
iv. …………. V16.
v. ………….. V17a.
vi. …………. V17b.
vii. ………….V18a.
vii. ………….V 18b.
LESSON OUTLINES:
LESSON OUTLINE 1: THE WHOLE ARMOUR
OF GOD
A. No soldier goes to battle with only one
weapon.
B. When the battle is long, we may feel weary, we may be tempted to give up, but these are the moments when we must remember that we do not fight in our own strength.
C. According to Ephesians 6:10-18, the whole amour of God include:
1. Belt of Truth: The first element of our amour is truth (V14). Satan is said to be the “father of lies” (Jn.8:44). We are, therefore exhorted to put on truth for our own sanctification and deliverance (Jn.8:32).
2. Breastplate of Righteousness: A breastplate shields a warrior’s vital organs from blows that would otherwise be fatal. This righteousness is not works of righteousness done by men. Rather, this is the righteousness of Christ, imputed by God and received by faith, which guards our hearts against the accusations and charges of Satan and secures our innermost being from his attacks (Isa.54:17).
3. Preparation of the Gospel of Peace: When you preach the gospel, God will fight for you (Isa.52:7; Dan 12:3; Mk.16:15).
4. Shield of Faith: Our faith, of which Christ is “the author and finisher” (Heb.12:2) is like a golden shield, precious, solid, and substantial with which one can be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
5. Helmet of Salvation: The head is the seat of the mind, which, when it has laid hold of the sure gospel hope of eternal life, will not receive false doctrine or give way to Satan’s temptations. The unsaved person has no hope of warding off the blows of false doctrine because he is without the helmet of salvation and his mind is incapable of discerning between spiritual truth and spiritual deception (2 Sam.22:3}.
6. Sword of the Spirit: This is the word of God which is both offensive and defensive weapon for victorious living (Ps 107:20; Heb.4:12).
7. Prayer: We cannot neglect prayer, as it is the means by which we draw spiritual strength from God. Without prayer, without reliance upon God, our efforts at spiritual warfare are empty and futile (1 Thess. 5:17: James 5:16).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Class should discuss why they need to put on the whole armour of God.
LESSON OUTLINE 2: OTHER WEAPONS FOR
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
1. The power of praise, worship and thanksgiving is undeniable as it can defeat the enemies without physical combat. (2 Chron.20:15, 22-24).
2. The name of Jesus is another strong weapon which should be supported by a personal relationship with God (Phil. 2:9-11: Prov. 18:10; 1 Sam. 17:45)
3. The blood of Jesus Christ provides victory over all our enemies. (Rev. 12:11).
4. The personal testimony of the followers of Christ is a highly charged weapon connecting Christians to God’s grace and each other (Rev.12:11). Each testimony speaks of God’s presence and of the transforming power that defeats the enemy and inspires hope in the downtrodden.
5. Christian fasting is an amazing tool of the believer for spiritual warfare in breaking bondage and setting the captives free (Isa. 58:6; Matt. 17:21).
6. We do not often think of unity as a spiritual weapon, but it was one of the great weapons the early church employed when praying for Peter’s deilverance from prison (Acts 12:5).
7. Jeses promised His disciples and all believers, answered prayers whenever they are in agreement (Matt. 18:19).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Class should mention other weapons of warfare apart from those listed above with biblical references.
SUMMARY: No man can prevail by physical strength: to overcome the devil, engage spiritual weapons of warfare.
CONCLUSION: Every battle belongs to the Lord. Engage God always and He will give you victory.
EVALUATION: Mention ten (10) of the weapons of spiritual warfare identified in this lesson.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father all battle belongs to You, give me unmatched victory as I engage Your weapons of warfare.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention any five (5) of the ways the devil attacks a believer.
