Discussion Notes (for use in a small group or individual study)
Sermon: The Sword of the Spirit
(Phone apps are good for comparing multiple translations. Study Bibles help with interpretation.)
Questions:
1. Icebreaker question: Did you have a memorized bedtime or meal-time prayer as a kid? What was it?
2. The sermon focused on the prayer life of God’s people (Ephesians 6:18). What do you remember about each of the main points? What stood out to you or impacted you?
3. In what ways do you think the enemy has tried to deceive and confuse the people of our society lately? How can we combat this?
4. Read 2 Kings 6:8-23.
a) Why was Elisha’s servant afraid?
b) How did Elisha pray and what was the result?
c) There is a theme of blindness in this story. Why do you think that is?
d) In what areas do you need to have your eyes opened to God’s presence, purpose, and power? What should you do?
5. Read Genesis 18:17-33 (Here, God informs Abraham that the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are facing judgment. Abraham responds by praying for mercy. This is the first detailed prayer that we see in the Bible).
a) Why do you think that God revealed His plan for Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham?
b) Now read Genesis 19:27-28. How do you think Abraham felt about his prayer not being answered the way he had hoped?
c) Do our prayers for unsaved people make a difference? (see 1 Timothy 2:1-4)
d) Why do you think that God doesn’t always save the people we pray for? (see Ezekiel 33:11 and Zechariah 7:12-13)
6. Read Colossians 4:12
a) What was this man, Epaphras, doing for the Colossian Christians?
b) What do you think it looks like to be “always wrestling in prayer” for someone?
c) What was Epaphras hoping would happen as a result of his prayers?
d) Do you have anyone in your life who prays for you like this?
e) Do you pray for anyone else in this way? If not, who could you adopt this next week as someone to wrestle in prayer for?
7. Spend some time praying that God would strengthen and inspire your prayer life. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s help. And pray for any needs in your group.