MEETING 4: EVERY DAY

WORKOUT

ON A MISSION FROM GOD

Before Paul went on his travels to share the Gospel and disciple the Church, he spent about three years studying God’s Word and growing in his faith. By the time he made his first journey, Paul was strong, bold and ready for the challenges he was about to face.

The strength he received from the Lord helped him endure a shipwreck (Acts 27), a venomous snakebite (Acts 28:1–6), physical beatings (2 Corinthians 11:24), assassination attempts (Acts 23), unfair legal trials (Acts 24–25), and prison (Acts 16, Acts 28).

The boldness he received from the Holy Spirit gave him the courage to preach the Gospel in hostile environments, speak to leaders with confidence and withstand the constant threat of physical harm.

Paul was ready for anything because he had prepared himself in advance. One of his most consistent battle cries for believers was to be ready for what God wants to do through you, which comes through a relationship with Jesus.

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” — 2 Thessalonians 1:11

FULLY EQUIPPED

Just like Paul, we are to embark on a mission from God—something we were created to do and enabled to do through our relationship with Jesus:

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” — Ephesians 2:10

The good things planned for us are part of the mission God has called and equipped us to do. Jesus gave us this mission right before He returned to Heaven:

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:19–20

But to be strong, bold, and ready for that mission, you need to be prepared and have the right equipment; and through prayer, Bible study, fellowship with the Church, and the power of the Holy Spirit, preparation and equipment are provided.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. — Ephesians 6:13–17

Just like in competition, having all of the right spiritual equipment is vitally important to the success of your mission.

• The belt of truth protects you from deception.
• The body armor of God’s righteousness protects you from temptation.
• The shoes of peace protect you from anxiety.
• The shield of faith protects you from fear.
• The helmet of salvation protects you from confusion.
• The sword of the Spirit gives you the boldness and courage to fulfill your calling.

Failing to put on one or more of these pieces can lead to areas of vulnerability. Putting them all on and using them under the Spirit’s guidance will lead to guaranteed victory.

Q: Is the fact God created you for a purpose easy or difficult for you to believe? Explain.

Q: How would putting on God’s armor give you more boldness and courage to step into His mission for your life?