ZEALTEAMSIX

ZEALTEAMSIX

Dear Men and Brothers … Mount Up … Sound the Alarm … Raise our Banner … Prepare yourselves for Battle!!!

I wonder how you’d react if you heard those words blasting out of a news channel or interrupting your regularly scheduled TV show. The reality is this study is purposefully and personally meant to prepare our hearts for the times in which we live. The truth is, we are living in an urgent hour and surrounded by one of the most intense and hotly debated moments in human history. As the moral high ground around us evaporates, we can begin to sense what it feels like to be surrounded and imbedded well within enemy lines. The threats are real and the arsenals grow strong against us. The advances previously experienced seem few and far between the battle being waged both physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. If we are not prepared we will suffer the consequences of defeat. But God has seen fit to prepare us for such a time as this. Like other times in history, we need to be ready, armed and alert. That is why I am personally so thrilled you have chosen to be apart of ZealTeam6. Not for my own sake but for yours and ours together. You see, this is far from a normal book study or men’s group. This, gentlemen, is our weapons deployment, our armament inventory and ground war assessment of all that is necessary to ensure both our safety and certain victory. We are never called to take His triumph over the wicked one for granted. Rather, to the contrary we are called to stand our ground and defend the faith. So for all practical purposes this study is both our call of duty and declaration of war on the enemy as if it has just been handed down by our commander and chief, the Lord Jesus Christ. May your answer to His call be “yes” and “amen” as you enlist your life into His service as a blood bought member of the Zeal Team.

In His Victorious Name,

Pastor Bob Botsford

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 \\\ THIS MEANS WARSTAGE I

20 \\\ BELT & BREASTPLATESTAGE II

30 \\\ OUR FANCY FOOTWORKSTAGE III

42 \\\ SHIELD & FORTRESSSTAGE IV

52 \\\ HELMETS & CONCUSSIONSSTAGE V

62 \\\ OUR SWORD & THE SECRET WEAPON STAGE VI

Some of the most physically, intellectually and emotionally

intensive training anyone can go through is Navy SEAL training.

Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, or BUD/S, is designed

to find and develop men of the strongest character who give

everything they have to accomplish their mission and support the

men on their team. Just to get considered for their BUD/S training

program a man needs to be able to swim 500 yards in 12:30 minutes,

do 42 pushups in two minutes, do 50 sit-ups within 2 minutes, and do

6 pull-ups (palms facing away from you). And then run 1.5 miles in 11

minutes. Oh yeah, and it all needs to be performed in that order, all

at once. Then you can begin training. Once through BUD/S a trainee

INTRODUCTION \\\

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INTRODUCTION \\\undergoes everything from basic conditioning, combat diving and

land warfare training, and eventually is at the stage for qualification

training to show their mastery of SEAL skills. And those guys are

the real deal – Warriors for their country ready for assignment.

That intensity in training is what should be applied to this study.

However, the fact of the matter is that 80% of the guys in Navy SEAL

training never make it to the final stages. At any point in their training

they can DOR – Drop on Request. In the middle of the camp there’s

this shiny brass bell and all they have to do is ring it and signal their

surrender and defeat. The most competitive, hardest working,

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and physically fit drop out, get injured, or breakdown and in turn

walk to the middle of camp and ring the bell. But what about you?

Are you going to make it to the end of training? Are you going to

make it to the end of this study? More than that, are you ready to

make it to the end of the battle? Because that’s what the SEALs are

trained to do. They are willing to fight, even if it means death. And

the spiritual battle requires that same willingness – a willingness to

put to death our flesh.

So before jumping into this study let’s ask the big question that might

be on your mind – why warfare anyway? If we know that Jesus is the

Ultimate Victor, and we have victory with Him, why do we need to be

prepared for the fight at all?

Simply put, whether you want to see it or not, the battle is going on

everywhere around you, and Jesus says to man up. In the book of

Job we see that Satan attacked Job on every front. He went after his

wealth, health and livelihood, he went after his family, and he clearly

went after his relationship and trust in the Lord. And the same

tactics deployed then are still being deployed around you.

As men we are the leaders of our homes and families and it’s our

responsibility to prevent the enemy from infiltrating our camps. Are

you letting the allure of money and success sway you to compromise

your integrity in business? It’s time to stop! Are you letting your poor

priorities affect the way you treat or speak to your wife? It’s time to

stop! Are you allowing worldly influences to lead your kids astray?

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Don’t let them near your kids to begin with! Are you searching the

internet for those pictures that you think will fill your longings?

They won’t and it’s wrong!

So where does that leave us? Obviously, to the point that there’s a

battle worth fighting, but how do we prepare for the fight? – We

train, and we train hard.

Navy SEALs are some of the most fearless men around. It’s even

been said, “When the Navy sends their elite, they send the SEALs.

When the SEALs send their elite, they send SEAL Team Six.” For

them, it’s not good enough to just be a member of the Special

Forces, they go beyond that and are the most elite and effective

team there is. They really are the best of the best. That’s the

challenge before us as well. To not just be part of the Lord’s

Special Forces, but to be His elite, trained and ready to go.

All in all, yes – the battle is the Lord’s — but He is asking us to fight.

So put on your armor, don’t take it off, and stand strong in the Lord.

What do you think? Ready to be a member of Zeal Team 6?

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THISMEANSWAREPHESIANS 6:10-12

ITHIS MEANS WAR E P H E S I A N S 6 : 1 0 - 1 2

What are some of the most famous rallying cries that come to mind when you start to think about it? The presidential speech given in the movie Independence Day… “We will not go silently into the night! We will not give up without a fight!” Or what about Lord of the Rings? – “I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day!” Or even Braveheart? “Fight and you may die. Run, and you’ll live… at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin’ to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take… OUR FREEDOM!” Most likely you could have finished those quotes in your head before you finished reading them. You may even know the rest of the speech. But it’s the ability of the leaders giving those speeches that is impressive. It’s their rally cry. And these verses in Ephesians 6 should be ours.

Everyday we wake up and need to be aware that there is a battle going on. Good versus evil. And while the victory is secured in Christ, it’s still on us to know what the enemy looks like, the weapons that he uses, and how we can be successful in battle. Because when we head out our front doors, it’s not to a playground, it’s to a battleground – so we better be ready!

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Ephesians 6:10-12“10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

1. Before digging into these verses any further, consider this: Are you ready for battle? If so, how? If not, what are you going to do about it?

2. Right out of the gate Paul gives a clear mandate – Be strong in the Lord!

a. What are the world’s definitions of strength? Do they line up with a biblical definition for strength in the life of a believer? Why or why not? b. In what areas do you consider yourself strong in the Lord?

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David Guzik defines might and power like this:i. Might is inherent power or force. A muscular man’s big muscles display his might, even if he doesn’t use them. It is the reserve of strength.

ii. Power is the exercise of might. When the muscular man uses his might to bend an iron bar, he uses his power. It means that the reserve of strength is actually in operation.

iii. God has vast reservoirs of might that can be realized as power in our Christian life. But His might does not work in me as I sit passively. His might works in me as I rely on it, and step out to do the work. I can rely on it and do no work. I can do work without relying on it. But both of these fall short. I must rely on His might and then do the work. 1

3. Consider whether there are areas of your life where you wouldn’t consider yourself strong in the Lord.

a. Can you identify areas of weakness in your life? Or areas that need to be strengthened?

b. Beyond that, in what areas of your life do you rely on your own might and power, rather than the reserves of the Lord?

c. How will you refocus both of these categories to instead be strong in the Lord and the power of His might?

1. Guzik, David. “Study Guide for Ephesians 6.” Blue Letter Bible. 7 Jul, 2006. Web. 3 Mar, 2016.

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4. Read the prophecy in Isaiah 59:15b-20 where you’ll see Jesus Himself puts on armor.

a. What pieces of armor does Christ wear?

b. Why do you think it’s significant that Christ clothes Himself in these pieces?

c. How does this motivate you?

5. Paul points out that our adversary is not flesh and blood – it’s not that person we can’t stand at work or the neighbor that’s driving us crazy. Anytime you struggle with someone personally, you’re fighting the wrong battle.

a. Consider your interactions and relationships right now. Where are you fighting the wrong battle?

b. How will you redirect your thoughts, prayers, and actions so that you begin fighting the right battle?

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Even for a SEAL, it can be a fatal error to underestimate an armed, organized, experienced and dangerous enemy. While it is important for believers to recognize that our Lord has won the victory over the demonic powers, Paul still draws our attention to the four categories the devil divides his forces into. Let’s do a bit of a Greek word study and look at these four areas a bit further.

i. Principalities – In Greek the word is archeœ (Strong’s number G746) which means prince or authority of spiritual existence, referring to authority and power of those in authority over different regions.

a. Daniel 10:13 speaks to the truth and power of these principalities. The angel of the Lord, who was sent with a message for Daniel, was withheld for twenty-one days by the prince placed over the kingdom of Persia. And the power of the principality over Persia was so strong that the angel Michael had to come and aid in the battle.

ii. Powers – In Greek, this word is exousia (Strong’s number G1849), which speaks of authority and power of created beings that are more powerful than men.

a. For example, in Acts 19:14 Jewish exorcists, along with the seven sons of Sceva, tried to cast out a demon from a man, but they were not prepared. They knew Jesus’ name, but they didn’t know Jesus personally. Without His armor, this “powerful” demon sent them running away naked and wounded (Acts 19:16).

iii. Rulers of the darkness – In the Greek, this word is kosmokratoœr (Strong’s G2888), which means a worldly prince or a power paramount in the world of the unbelieving and ungodly.

a. There is an undeniability that there are forces at work everyday in this world - Over government, education, certainly over entertainment, and the whole culture.

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In 2 Corinthians 4:2 we are told the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they cannot see the light of the gospel and the glory of Jesus, so that they are kept in darkness. And in 1 John 5:19, John tells us the whole world is under the sway of the wicked one.

iv. Spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places – In the Greek, these words are pneumatikos and poneœria (Strongs G4152 and G4189), and they refer to the wicked, mischievous condition of evil spiritual servants.

a. In Job 2:3 and 2:7 Satan is in the throne room of heaven asking for Job. The devil even disguises his demons to be “angels of light” so that they can manipulate and confuse people (2 Corinthians 11:14).

Whether knowingly or unknowingly we have all experienced this – You walk into a room and can feel the heaviness. You turn on the TV and see the evidence of the forces at work immediately. You open an internet browser and are immediately tempted to search something you shouldn’t. Or get caught looking through whatever magazine is nearest in the grocery store check out line. You may even watch those around you get manipulated by the new age self-help messages plastered everywhere. Whatever it is, it’s apparent that the oppression and corruption of the world is around every corner and the tactics of the devil prevail when you’re not guarded and fighting back.

6. Many people read Ephesians 6:12 and verses on spiritual warfare and find them frightening, or at the very least confusing. However, the gravity of the battle we’re fighting should be sobering instead. What is your response to this spiritual call to arms?

7. Read the following verses: Romans 8:38; Ephesians 1:15-23; 1 Corinthians 15:20-24; and, Colossians 2:13-15. What assurance do these verses give you?

Application

Joshua 1:1-9 is probably the most popular section of scripture mandating strength and courage. However, it’s not just a good reminder because the message is repeated three times, but because it gives an example of the reasons why we need to be strong in the Lord.

1. Joshua needed to be strong because he was a leader (and a new one at that). All eyes were on him and how he acted and the people desired a strong leader. 2. He needed to be strong because he had significant decisions to make. 3. And he needed to be strong in order to remain obedient to the Word of the Lord.

Consider your strength in each of these three areas in your own life:

What leadership roles are you in that demand you to be strong? In the home where your wife and kids are looking to you for consistency, gentleness, and an unwavering stance in the Lord? In the workplace where you may be the only example of Jesus that your employees or peers see?

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What decisions do you face that require strength in the Lord? Saying yes to that career change the Lord is calling you to? Strength to say no to the ways and success markers of the world? How will leaning into the Lord enable you to make those decisions better?

How obedient to the Word of the Lord are you? Do you need His help to keep His commandments more? To be a better servant of Him and others? To be strong enough to remain diligent and disciplined in the meditation and study of His Word?

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BELT &BREASTPLATEEPHESIANS 6:13-14

IIBELT & BREASTPLATE E P H E S I A N S 6 : 1 3 - 1 4

Whether you have experience in the military or not, there are two commands that most people recognize when they are called. When your leader says “Ten Hut” you know that you are to stand straight, ready for the inspection or the orders that are about to come. If you’re in the mess hall and your officer walks in the room and calls attention, you can bet that everyone jumps straight up to present himself. Whereas the other command that people recognize is “As You Were” – The command that says relax a little, the difficult part is over, go back to what you were doing. However, we are not in the mess hall of life, so to speak. Even at church our true enemy is trying to attack and undermine the work of the Lord. So in these verses, when Paul gives the command to stand, you can bet it’s to stand at attention, with eyes and ears open for the movements of the enemy, and the orders of your Commander.

Ephesians 6:13-14

“13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”

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Paul tells us to take up the whole armor of God, in its entirety. While we’ve not gotten to each piece yet, here’s a head’s up to what they are: the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. 1. Just at first glance, what do you think might keep you from taking up every piece and why? Distraction? Inconvenience? Apathy? Laziness? Insecurity?

2. What do the following verses say about the stance of a Christian? Consider this foundation in your own life as well.

a. Romans 5:2 - We stand in b. 1 Corinthians 15:1 - We stand in c. 1 Corinthians 16:13 - We stand in and d. 2 Corinthians 1:24 - We stand in e. Galatians 5:1 - We stand in f. Philippians 1:27 - We stand in g. Philippians 4:1 - We stand in h. Colossians 4:12 - We stand and in

3. The simple act of girding your waist appears in other places in scripture. Jesus girded Himself in Luke 12 before washing the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper. It is a step that readies you for service and action. What do you think girding/readying yourself looks like today?

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4. The KJV of verse 14 says to have your loins girt about with truth. In essence, the personal and private areas of your life, which are unseen from the outward appearance.

a. Is your private life tightened up or are there areas that are slipping or falling away because your spiritual belt is too loose or you are wearing the wrong belt altogether?

b. What about the value you place on honesty and truth specifically?

5. Read Ephesians 5:13. How are truth and light similar?

6. Consider the difference between aligning yourself with truth versus legalism. Why does legalism confine, yet truth sets you free? What about truth versus the ways of the world?

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7. The second piece of armor that Paul lists is the breastplate of righteousness. What do the following verses suggest about righteousness?

a. Psalm 112:6

b. Proverbs 21:3

c. Romans 4:3

d. Romans 6:18

e. 2 Corinthians 5:21

“Our first weapon in spiritual warfare is truth, which is

always stronger than a lie.” – Chuck Smith

8. Righteousness has to do with living rightly – in your speech, conduct, and character. Take a hard look at these areas in your life. How would you rate your righteousness?

a. Speech.

b. Conduct.

c. Character.

9. If you’re not living rightly, your heart is in emotional distress. Most likely your heart is exposed and unguarded. Even within circles of believers, there are sad hearts, heavy hearts, broken hearts and hard hearts because the breastplate guarding them has been removed leaving you vulnerable to deception and attack.

a. Read Revelation 12:10. What does this say about the accusations of the devil?

b. What does that mean for the significance of the breastplate of righteousness? Also read Proverbs 4:23.

Application

When King David was in his fifties he decided he was ready for a bit of a break from battle. He took off his armor spiritually and physically, left the frontlines and proceeded to have an affair with a woman named Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). It is believed that David wrote both Psalm 32 and Psalm 51 after his inappropriate relations with her. However, Psalm 32 specifically displays much of the pain that is felt when we’re not honest before the Lord, as well as the remedy to that pain – honesty and confession.

This week read Psalm 32 and further consider the importance of rooting your life in truth and honesty.

1. What are your first impressions of this Psalm?

2. What does David say were the effects of his dishonesty and silence before the Lord? See verses 3 and 4. Have you ever experienced this before?

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3. Are there areas in your life right now in which you need to be more honest or no longer keep silent?

4. What are the blessings that David points to that come when you walk in truth before the Lord?

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OURFANCYFOOTWORKEPHESIANS 6:15

IIIOUR FANCY FOOTWORK E P H E S I A N S 6 : 1 5

You’ve probably heard of a Mud Run, but what about a Spartan Run? It’s similar to the Mud Run, full of obstacles and challenges, pushing you outside of your comfort zone. However, in a Spartan Run it’s not just mud and ropes courses that you face. Some of the obstacles are never pre-listed and most would be enough to make an average guy quit. And there are thirty of them over the 12-mile course? The obstacles range from things like a fire jump, wall jump, spear throw, traverse wall, and the classic barbed wire crawl! And needless to say, the gear you wear in the race determines where you place in the race. From the right clothes that won’t get caught on that barbed wire to the best footwear to get you across the finish line, each piece matters. That’s the same for our spiritual armor as well, and in this stage of training we’ll look at the specifics of our battle boots.

Ephesians 6:15“and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace”

1. How is the gospel a firm foundation in your own life and what does this “good news” mean to you personally?

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What did the shoes of a Roman soldier look like?

One of the defensive weapons used in warfare were sticks that had been sharpened to points that the enemy would bury upright in the ground with the points barely visible. If you would step on them bare-footed you would be disabled. They were sort of the land mines of ancient warfare.

i. Thus it was very important to have heavy soles on your feet when going into battle. ii. The sandal of the Roman soldier was mainly a sole with straps that went up around his ankles and calf holding the sandal tight to his foot. These sandals also had spikes on the bottom much like a golf shoe so that you might have solid footing. 2

4. Imagine you are sharing about the Armor of God to an unknowing audience. Or teaching it to a Sunday School class this weekend. How would you explain the shoes?

5. Consider how you would define peace.

a. Write out your definition of peace here.

b. Is there a difference between peace with God and the peace of God? Explain your answer.

2. Smith, Chuck. “Sermon Notes for Ephesians 6:15.” Blue Letter Bible. 1 May, 2005. Web. 27 Feb, 2016.

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6. When have you personally experienced or witnessed unrest, and a lack of peace, stopping someone from moving forward in their life?

7. What alternatives do people tend towards as a substitute for the true peace of God? What about in your own life?

8. Read Ephesians 2:14. What does this verse mean to you. How can it be applied to your relationships today – at home, at work and in your community?

9. Read Isaiah 52:7. What does it say in connection to this piece of the Armor of God? What is its implication for your own life?

10. Preparation implies readiness and readiness implies that we are waiting on the Lord actively, not passively so that we are prepared for any situation. Evaluate your readiness in light of the following areas in your life:

a. Ready to flee from something or somewhere you shouldn’t be.

b. Ready to share the gospel with anyone God puts in your path.

c. Ready to fight for what you know is true.

d. Ready to fight for your marriage and your kids.

e. Ready to do whatever it takes for the kingdom to be advanced.

f. Ready to lead others by serving them.

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Application

When Chuck Smith taught on the gospel of peace, he pointed out three areas to consider. 1. First of all, peace with God2. Peace with yourself3. Peace with othersTake time this week to look at these three areas in your own life. Do you have peace in each area? If not, what seems to be in the way? What steps will you take to move towards peace in these areas?

Peace with God.

Peace with yourself.

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Peace with others.

Let’s go one step further. Chuck Smith also offered a fourth idea – that a contentious fighting Christian is a denial of the gospel of peace.

con•ten•tious – [k n’ten(t)SH s]Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial: “a contentious issue”synonyms: controversial • disputable • debatable • disputed

What kind of Christian warrior are you? Do you pick a fight when you know someone disagrees with you? Or consider this – do you always seem to end up in an argument whether you think you are starting it or not? What might this say about your nature?

e e

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“Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.” - Romans 12:11-13 (The Message)

SHIELD& FORTRESSEPHESIANS 6:16

IVSHIELD & FORTRESS E P H E S I A N S 6 : 1 6

As Paul wrote these verses, he imagined a soldier in a battlefield, sword drawn, armor on, in the thick of the fight. But what happens when that soldier looks up only to see the sky littered with fiery arrows headed his direction. How will he survive that barrage of arrows? He will endure by lifting up his shield, to extinguish the fiery darts of the enemy. The Bible is full of verses that promise us that the Lord is our strong tower, our shield, our fortress, a very present help in times of trouble. And in today’s day and age we can be very glad of that. This week we will look at some of the specific attacks of the enemy and how to defend ourselves against them and to be blunt, it might be a difficult week of self-evaluation. There might be areas where you aren’t holding up your shield, or are standing in open fire. But the promise of protection that comes from the Lord is a good one, we just need to take up our shields of faith and continue to wear the full armor of God.

Ephesians 6:16“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

1. How would you describe the difference between belief and faith?

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2. Read Romans 5:1-5. What do these verses say concerning the characteristics of our Christian faith? What place do these characteristics have in your own life?

3. Hebrews 11 has often been considered the “Hall of Faith.”

a. Write out the biblical definition for faith found in verse 1.

b. Read through the chapter and consider the people listed. What about their stories and their faith stand out to you? Also consider what would have happened had they not had faith.

i. Noah (v. 7). ii. Abraham (v. 8-10). iii. Moses (v. 24-26).

c. Now look at your own life. Has there been a time when you were able to move forward or accomplish things by faith? More specifically, how was your faith a shield for you as you walked through that decision or season?

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4. Write out 1 Peter 5:8-9.

5. Like the verse you just wrote out shows you, it’s a guarantee that the devil has been gathering intel on you to make sure his attacks are well aimed. So consider what threat you pose to him and what intel he might have found.

a. How do you think you pose the biggest threat?

b. What are your flesh’s tendencies/weaknesses that he might prey upon?

c. What do these things reveal about your walk with the Lord?

6. How do the following verses describe the protection that comes from the shield of faith and how do they encourage you?

a. Psalm 3:3

b. Psalm 18:2

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c. Psalm 28:7

d. Psalm 84:11

e. Proverbs 30:5

7. Read 1 John 5:4 and Revelation 12:10-11. What is the promise we are given in these verses and how do they relate to the shield of faith?

The Roman army of the days of Paul was one of the most technologically advanced of their time. The battles they won and the cities they conquered can be attributed to their one of a kind, and intricately designed armor. We’ve already looked at their studded shoes that protected them from the landmines at the time and we’ve seen the practicality of the belt in battle. And yet, one of the most significant pieces of equipment they possessed was their shield. It was typically two feet wide by four feet long, and shaped almost like a door. It was large enough that a grown man could crouch behind it and have practically his whole body covered. It was built with planks of wood that were fused together. The wood was then covered by canvas and then by leather. And finally, there was an iron hub in the center and iron outlining the shield on every edge. It could take the hard-hit-ting strokes of the enemy in both long-range attacks and close combat. The shield of the Roman army, and the shield that is being offered to you, has another unique characteristic. It’s designed to link together with the shields of the other men in battle. Whole linear formations of men could link their shields and guard themselves from attack.

8. The shield that is being described (and offered to you) has another unique characteristic. It’s designed to link together with the shields of the other men in battle. When the attacks come against you, you are to run under cover, not alone, but with your brothers in Christ.

a. Are there areas in your life where you consider yourself a “lone ranger”? What are they?

b. How might your isolation in that area be holding you back or making you more vulnerable to attack? Also see Proverbs 18:1.

Application

Let’s consider the actual attacks of the enemy Paul talks about in this verse? The word used for “the wicked one” is poneros, which has the same root as the word for pornography. That is no coincidence. And the fact that the darts being shot at you are fiery is no coincidence either because they are the things in your heart and mind that burn. They might mean burning with lust because of the temptation to look, or acting on the temptation to look, at pornography. Or burning with gossip at the workplace. Or burning with impurity for any number of reasons. Or even burning someone else with your critical thoughts – and the list can go on.

This week, identify the fiery darts that are being shot at you personally – at home, at work, or when you are alone, even just driving in the car? What’s burning in your heart? List those things out here.

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Now that you’ve identified them and made that list, write out the other ones that you thought of but didn’t want to actually write down.

Take some time to pray about each one of these things this week.

How will you use the shield of faith, and the accountability of your brothers in Christ, to defend yourself?

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HELMETS &CONCUSSIONSEPHESIANS 6:17a

HELMETS &CONCUSSIONSEPHESIANS 6:17a

VHELMETS & CONCUSSIONS E P H E S I A N S 6 : 1 7 a

Hell Week – the most intense five and a half days of training during the Navy SEAL candidacy process. SEAL candidates have commonly made the mistake of thinking that BUD/S is all about physical strength. However, it’s more mental than it is physical. It’s their minds that give up more often than their bodies. They decide they are too cold or too sore or too tired – they decide. Navy SEAL instructors apply stress, sow seeds of doubt, and give tempting invitations for trainees to quit but it’s up to the individual student to either turn it into increased resolve, or decide to quit. What about you? When the devil sows seeds of doubt or tempts you, are you going to let it sharpen you?

The great thing is that we’ve been given a piece of the armor to protect our minds. We’ve been given a helmet. When you step back and consider how much warfare really begins in the mind it makes sense that the Lord would want that guarded. That’s where our thoughts wander or we weaken our defenses through justifications and rationalizations. That’s where concussions happen and we have lapses in judgment or get caught up thinking what we shouldn’t. So since the spiritual battle is one for the mind, let’s do something to guard and protect it, 24-7 – let’s put on our helmets.

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Ephesians 6:17a“and take the helmet of salvation”

1. Why do you think salvation is connected to the helmet? How can your salvation act as a defensive measure for your mind?

2. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:8. What distinction does it make about the helmet of salvation and how does this affect your day-to-day life – your choices, actions, or even your thoughts?

3. Let’s unpack the hope of salvation a bit further. With a helmet of hope we are given the assurance that God will win and we are protected from discouragement and against the desire to give up. Are you currently struggling with discouragement or feelings of defeat? If so, how are you encouraged by this promise? If not, how can you encourage someone who is struggling?

4. Read the following verses: Matthew 5:21-22 and 27-28; Romans 8:27; and Jeremiah 17:10. What do they suggest about our inward thoughts?

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There are three components to consider as we look at salvation.

i. Justification – the judicial act of God, by which He pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, and accounts, accepts, and sees them as righteous.ii. Sanctification – the process by which we are continually delivered from the wrath of God on earth, fortified against the enemy’s attacks, and conformed into the image of Christ as our minds are renewed.iii. Glorification – the ultimate perfection of believers that comes when we are in the presence of the Lord in Heaven. Something to be hoped for that is the work of God that is yet to be revealed and obtained.

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5. With these three components in mind, consider the rescuing and restoring nature of salvation.

a. Salvation’s rescuing power

b. Salvation’s restoring power

c. How do these characteristics of salvation influence your day-to-day life?

d. Why are these characteristics significant – specifically within the context of spiritual warfare?

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6. What about the process of sanctification? Reflect on the following verses. What marching orders do they give you on how to better guard your mind?

a. Romans 12:2

b. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

c. Philippians 4:8-9

d. Colossians 3:2-3

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Application

Have you heard this old adage?

“You sow a thought you reap an action,You sow an action you reap a habit,You sow a habit you reap a character,You sow a character you reap a destiny.”

The interesting thing about that catchy saying is that it all starts with a thought! Unfortunately, history shows more often than not that if you rehearse a situation over and over in your mind (and sow to your flesh), when the slightest opportunity to act on it presents itself your next step over the line will probably come pretty easily because it’s not a new thought.

This idea is backed up further by scripture in Galatians 6:7-9:“7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Beyond that, what is in your mind is fair game for the devil to tempt you in, speak lies about, and use to ensnare you. We saw it with the Pharisees of the New Testament – They were deceived by their own thinking, and the devil wants to deceive you as well. This week let’s develop a game plan so that he can’t!

List out what thoughts seem to creep into your mind. Do they fill your mind? How long do you let yourself dwell on those thoughts and ideas?

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Ask yourself this – Do you really see the need to hold your thoughts captive? Maybe other guys but not you, right? Do you think you’re immune to ever acting on a sinful thought? Because if you think that, you are 100% wrong!

What steps will you take this week to take your thoughts captive so that they are never given an opportunity to become acted upon? Specifically consider the helmet of salvation and daily sanctification in your response.

And lastly, this week, write out and work to memorize one of the verses we looked at earlier in the study: Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Philippians 4:8-9, Colossians 3:2-3

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OURSWORD &THE SECRETWEAPONEPHESIANS 6:17b-20

OURSWORD &THE SECRETWEAPONEPHESIANS 6:17b-20

VIOUR SWORD & THE SECRET WEAPON E P H E S I A N S 6 : 1 7 b - 2 0

Here’s the switch. We’re no longer just looking at our defenses, but we’ve arrived at our offensive weapon, our ability to not just stand strong but also to fight our enemy. After five weeks talking about the battle, strengthening our defenses, and beginning to get our lives in line, I am sure there are some of you ready to run into battle. Ready to not just wait for the attacks to come against you, but to be proactive and make advances on the enemy. So let’s do it – let’s deepen our understanding of the weapon the Lord has given us so that we wield it rightly.

Simply put, we’ve been given the sword of the Word of God – the most powerful and effective weapon out there. John 1:1 says that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” We have that Word. If you think back to the beginning of this study you’ll remember that we have the full reserves of the Lord available to us. However, there’s the simple matter of figuring out how to use them. That’s where our secret weapon comes in – the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 6:17b-20“and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

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1. A sword can be used both in defense and in offense.

a. What are the characteristics of the Sword of the Spirit in these two categories?

i. Defensive weapon

ii. Offensive weapon

b. When might it be used as one over the other?

c. How do you primarily wield the Sword of the Spirit in your own life? Do you wield it with confidence? Explain your answer.

2. The main offensive weapon of the believer is the Word, not to be confused with the tongue. Why is it important to make this distinction?

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Word Study – The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of GodEphesians 6 is not the only place in scripture where the Word of God is described as a sword. It is a metaphor widely used and built upon. This can be seen in an even deeper way when you peel back the layers and look at the Greek language being used. For example:

i. When the Greek word for “Word” is Rhéma (Strong’s G4487) it refers to that which has been uttered by the living voice. It has been described as the “right now” Word from God that gives you a sense of direction. Rhéma is the word for your current situation telling you what to do.ii. When the Greek word for “Word” is Logos (Strong’s G3056) it refers to the words that Christ uttered; the sayings of God that have been recorded. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that logos is sharper than any double-edged sword. iii. When the Greek word for “Sword” is Machaira (Strong’s G3162) it refers to a large knife or small sword used for cutting up flesh. It is intended for use in one on one combat where your enemy (remember the real enemy here) is close at hand.iv. When the Greek word for “Sword” is Rhomphaia (Strong’s G4501) it’s referring to a large sword, similar to a javelin. This is the sword that proceeds from the mouth of Christ in John’s depiction of Him in Revelation 1:16.

In Ephesians 6:17 the Greek words being used are rhéma and machaira, implying that our main offensive weapon is not this large and wide swingy ability to recite whatever scripture we may have memorized, but instead is the intimate ability to discern the rhéma Word that the Lord gives you for that specific situation.

3. With this fuller image of the type of sword in your armory in your mind, read the following verses that use the specific word “rhéma” – What do they teach you about the nature of your weapon?

a. Matthew 4:4

b. Luke 1:37-38

c. John 3:34

d. John 6:63

e. John 15:7

f. Hebrews 11:3

g. 1 Peter 1:25

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4. We have a great example of how to wield the sword of the spirit in Jesus. Read Matthew 4:1-11. How does Jesus’ example challenge and inspire you in the battle?

5. So let’s talk about the secret weapon - the Holy Spirit.

a. Read the following verses and reflect on what they suggest about the power and purpose of the Holy Spirit.

i. Luke 12:11-12

ii. John 14:15-18

iii. John 16:12-15

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b. How do you see the role of the Holy Spirit in your own life?

6. Prayer is the other offensive maneuver we can take when we are in battle. Paul goes as far as saying to pray with all prayer.

a. List all the kinds of prayer you can think of that could define what he means by all prayer (i.e. group prayer, intercessory prayer, etc.).

7. Which of these styles of prayer are you the most comfortable with, or quickest to go to?

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8. Supplication is the humble request for something specific when we pray.

a. Why is supplication and petition important when we pray – for our own lives and for others?

b. Read Philippians 4:6-7. What does it say about your heart when you pray?

c. Read or recite the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6. What stands out to you in Jesus’ example of prayer?

9. Remark on Paul’s prayer requests in Ephesians 6:20.

a. What stands out to you about them? Are they similar or different to your requests?

b. Consider this — what are you trying to achieve with your prayers?

10. Throughout this study we have looked primarily at protecting ourselves – our minds and hearts – from attacks. However, Paul also encourages us in our role to fight on behalf of others.

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a. What is your understanding of intercessory prayer?

b. Paul is asking the Ephesians to pray for him. Reflect on when someone has asked you to pray for them. How faithful were you to stand in the gap on their behalf?

11. Along with prayer is the role of worship. There’s a quote that says “If the Word is your sword then worship is the way you swing it” (Unknown).

a. What do you think this means?

b. Read Joshua 5:13-15. How do these verses give you more insight into this idea?

12. Some of the advice given in physical war can be translated into spiritual warfare as well. Winston Churchill said during World War II, “next to cowardice and treachery, overconfidence leading to neglect and slothfulness, is the worst of wartime crimes.” How might his warning apply to your worship and prayer life?

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Application

John Bunyan once said, “I would rather have a heart without words than words without a heart.” So this week take that idea and reflect on your prayer life. Ask yourself which of the two categories in John Bunyan’s quote do you fall into – words without a heart, or a heart without words.

Now it’s your turn to pray – to confess, to petition on your behalf and on the behalf of others, and to ultimately advance against the enemy with this roar of a battle cry. You might find that your thoughts wander as you pray, so put on that helmet and guard your mind, and write out your prayer (not just your prayer requests) in the space below and on the next page.

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Ways to Wield the Sword of the Spirit

“For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world.” – 1 John 2:16

When Satan tempts you to lust after the flesh:i. 1 Corinthians 6:18 ii. Genesis 39:12 – the example of Joseph iii. Proverbs 5:3-11 vi. Proverbs 6:23-32 v. Proverbs 7:1-23

When Satan tempts you to look at pornography:i. Job 31:1 ii. Matthew 15:9

When Satan tempts you with pride:i. Proverbs 6:16-18 ii. Proverbs 16:18 iii. Proverbs 18:12 iv. Isaiah 2:11-12 v. Matthew 23:12

“When the powers of darkness are arrayed against you, and aim to destroy your joy forever, nothing is more precious than to have the Word of God ready for the battle. The fight for joy is not for the unarmed.” – John Piper (from When I Don’t Desire God)

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