The Bridge Church

“When it comes to the demonic, people usually fall into one of two errors – either they take him altogether too seriously or they do not take him seriously enough.” — C. S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters

Belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14)
Body Armor of God’s righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)
Shoes of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)
Shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)
Helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17)
Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17)

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time

I need to be baptized
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a small group
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/small-groups

I need to join a serve team
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

Dig Deeper
1. Growing up, what was your impression of Satan? How did this view differ once you were an adult?
2. What are some ways you find spiritual forces being portrayed in culture today?
3. Why is it so important to turn to the Bible as our source of information regarding spiritual matters?
4. What is the relevance that Paul is writing about spiritual forces when addressing Ephesus? Does our current culture have anything in common with Ephesus?
5. Read Ephesians 6:12. How does realizing who our battle is against change your perspective?
6. Pastor Josh mentioned two extremes when viewing Satan: unhealthy obsession or disbelief. Do you ever find yourself in one of those extremes? Why is that dangerous?
7. How has Satan deceived you in the past? Were you aware at the time that it was Satan who was deceiving you or was your focus on the circumstances or person creating the struggle?
8. Read 2 Corinthians 4:4. How does this passage resonate with this current age?
9. Read 1 Peter 5:8-9. Why do you think this passage describes Satan as a lion? What characteristics of a lion correlate with Satan?
10. What “game film” does Satan have on you? What lies from him do you often believe? Are they the same lies or different ones? Why is it important to remember that God and Satan are not equal and that God has already won the war when recognizing that the lies are false?
11. How can you “resist him” and “stand firm in the faith”?
12. Review all of God’s armor from Ephesians 6:14-17 and what they represent. Which armor is easiest for you to put on? Which armor is the most difficult for you to use? Why? How can you increase putting on all of the armor of God, even in the areas that challenge you?
13. At The Bridge Church, we grow in community. Why are relationships so important as we walk out our faith and put on our armor?
14. Is there a person in your life that you know is believing the lies of Satan? Is there a person whose “mind is blinded” right now? Pray for that person, asking God’s truth to penetrate their hearts. Share with that person that you prayed for them.
15. What changes in your life do you feel called to make today knowing that you are fighting from victory, not for victory?

Reading Plan
Monday – Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Corinthians 4:4
Tuesday – Revelation 12:7-9, Genesis 3:1-7
Wednesday – Matthew 4:1-11
Thursday – James 4:1-8
Friday – 2 Corinthians 10:1-6
Saturday – 2 Chronicles 32:1-8

Suggested Resources
“A Simple Way to Pray,” by Martin Luther
“The Power of a Praying Husband,” by Stormie Omartian
“The Power of a Praying Wife,” by Stormie Omartian
“The Power of a Praying Parent”, by Stormie Omartian
“Prayer,” by Tim Keller
"Circle Maker," by Mark Batterson