10/28 Living FREE! "In My Prison – I Can Pray"
Texts: Eph. 6:10-20; Rom. 8:15-16, 26;
In a Nutshell: Since we are truly at war with evil, we need to be dressed prepared for battle. We need to fine tune our communication with the commander and fellow soldiers. The world we live in is asleep to the dangers of fighting unseen battles. The church must learn to discern the true enemy, praying at all times consistent with the will and passion of the Spirit of Christ. We must pray that the truths of the Gospel are seen, embraced and spread throughout the world.
Ice Breaker: Do you recall a team sport game that you played as a young person where the teamwork element fell apart and half time with the coach was rough? What started it all? What was the remedy?
CONNECTING WITH THE TEXT:
1. What terms are used to describe the type of battle we are fighting? Eph. 6:12
2. List the individual elements of the armor Paul mentions and a corresponding verse for each element: Jn. 8:31-32; 1 Thess. 5:8; Heb. 5:13-14; Mt. 28:18-20; 1 Jn. 5:4-5; 13-15; Heb. 4:12-13
3. Finish the phrases: “be _______ in the Lord,” “Put on the whole _______,” “stand against the _______ of the devil,” “keep _______ with all perseverance, making _______”
4. How often/frequent does Paul say we should pray “in the spirit?” Eph. 6:18
REFLECTING ON YOUR LIFE:
5. Are you in a season of being on the front lines of spiritual battle? Engaged in war but back on base? At home on leave? How can you tell?
6. What disciplines do you use to help you keep your prayer life fresh and resolute?
7. Are you more or less equipped with the various elements of armor? Which ones and why?
CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHURCH:
8. How might your CARE group support you in your resolve to pray like you are at war? Getting started with prayer.
9. How might our church remain spiritually balanced while our nation is so caught up in the political process? (Less than two weeks before we vote. Think carefully from God's perspective. Biblical Issues up for Election)
Some Resources:
Diverse files supporting prayer on Doug’s blog:http://dougdelp.wordpress.com/pastoral-ministry/
A Scriptural list of Satan's Schemes
Adult Education and "Self Feeding" Christian Standard
Changing the way we do church - "self feeders" Christian Standard
A great Bible Study book for becoming a "self feeder" - "How to Read the Bible for All it's Worth'
NEXT WEEK:
Title: "Jesus Changed Their Story"
Text: Matt. 9:9-12
Questions: Some have suggested that Matthew’s tax (accounting) vocation, as well as his Jewish faith, is reflected in his Gospel. The messianic prophecies he lists and their fulfillment throughout the book resembles an accounting ledger. O.T. prophecy – N.T. fulfillment event looking like a ledger balance sheet. Take a look at some of them: http://christianity.about.com/od/biblefactsandlists/a/Prophecies-Jesus.htm
Parents with your children: Take a look at some of these prophecies and their fulfillment this week. Talk about what it would be like if you (Dad) came home and announced to the family that you had quit your job and were going to follow Jesus as a professional disciple. How would that change your families’ lives? Discuss with your children the type of interests and vocation they are considering and how that can affect their future work/vocation/ministry.http://www.careerdirectonline.org/education/history.asp