Spiritual Warfare and Farewell - Week 10

Ephesians 6:10-24


Note: The study related to these questions may be found at Catholic Exchange. Please go to their site for the complete material concerning this study. Below are my thoughts on the questions presented for the given study (Please see disclaimer at bottom).

Spiritual Warfare

Read Ephesians 6:10-20

1. Read verse 10. What is the word "finally" imply about the relationship between what Paul has just written and what he is about to write? Upon what basis are we to be "strong"? How does the strength contrast with exhortations to be "strong" commonly found in our culture?
(a)

2. Read verse 11. Why does Paul emphasize putting on "whole" armor? What exactly are we called to do about the "wiles of the devil"? Is the devil real, according to Paul?
(a)

3. Read verse 12. Who is the real enemy in the struggles of faith and life? What does this imply about the attitude we should take to human beings who do us evil? What does Paul mean by "principalities, powers, rulers, and spiritual hosts of wickedness"?
(a)

4. Read verse 13. What are we to "withstand"? After we have "done all" what are we to do? How does this contrast to our present culture's fascination with "deserving a break today"?
(a)

5. Read verses 14. To "gird one's loins" is to prepare oneself for battle. How does truth prepare us for battle? The breastplate protects the heart. How does righteousness protect the heart?
(a)

6. Read verses 15. How does the "gospel of peace" protect the way we "walk"? (Recall Paul's habit of speaking of our conduct in life as our "walk" [for example, Ephesians 5:15].)
(a)

7. Read verse 16. How does faith shield us? What are the "flaming darts of the evil one"?
(a)

8. Read verse 17. How does salvation protect the head (i.e., the mind)? How do we use the "word of God" as a sword? Are swords for defense or offense? How do we "fight the good fight" (2 Timothy 4:7) not with "worldly weapons" but with "divine power to destroy strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4)?
(a)

9. Read verse 18. How do we pray "in the Spirit"? What are obstacles to alertness? How do we make supplication for all the saints?
(a)

10. Read verse 19. Paul asks prayers of the Ephesians. What does this indicate about the significance of our co-responsibility as laypeople to work with the ordained office for the progress of the gospel? What is the "mystery" of the gospel according to Paul (see Ephesians 3:4-6)?
(a)

11. Read verse 20. What is implied about Paul's situation as he writes. In what spirit are we to proclaim the gospel.
(a)

Closing Remarks and Farewell

Read Ephesians 6:21-24

12. Read verse 21-22. What do these verses imply about the way in which information by and about the apostles was transmitted to early Christians in addition to writing? Compare this with Colossians 4:7-17, and Philemon 23-24. What do these passages suggest about the relationship between these three epistles?
(a)

13. Read verse 23-24. Is blessing a mere polite gesture? (See Numbers 6:22-27 and Matthew 10:11-13).
(a)


Disclaimer: I do not wish to present myself as an expert in either theology, history, or scriptural interpretation. I am merely someone who is attempting to answer the call of Christ. The ultimate authority and interpreter of scripture is our Holy Catholic Church. If at any point I deviate from the teachings of the Church, please correct me, alfredo@nevarez.net, as this is my shortcoming and in no way meant to be an expression of my views superceding those of the Church founded by Jesus Christ.

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 Alfredo Nevarez
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