Archives for 2023

Read Romans 13:11-14, 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, and 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. How do these verses compare with Ephesians 6:10-20? Why do you think Paul uses this kind of imagery?

In his letters, Paul frequently employs military language and imagery, inviting believers to mimic exemplary, soldierly behavior. While Ephesians 6:10-20 represents his longest and most concentrated use, military language exhibits one of his major ways of understanding the gospel story.

Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com

Having conquered the “rulers and authorities” at the cross (Colossians 2:15, ESV), the exalted Christ now works out the results of that victory from His position as exalted Lord over the powers (Philippians 2:9-11). Recruiting His followers as combatants in the cosmic war, Christ leads the armies of light toward a grand day of victory (1 Corinthians 15:54-58, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 16:20). Gathering up Paul’s uses of military symbolism, we see that he understands the conflict between good and evil to be “a long-running cosmic war: battles ebb and flow between two armies which face each other down through the ages until one wins the final confrontation.” — Peter W. Macky, St. Paul’s Cosmic War Myth: A Military Version of the Gospel (New York: Peter Lang Publishing, Inc., 1998), p. 1.

Paul’s frequent theme of cosmic war is also part of the fabric of Ephesians. In his call to arms (Ephesians 6:10-20), Paul draws together elements of the cosmic conflict, that he has already used: God’s empowering of believers with immense “power” (Ephesians 1:18-20; Ephesians 3:16, Ephesians 3:20); Christ’s victory and exaltation over the powers (Ephesians 1:20-23); believers as a resurrected army of the once-dead but now empowered by their identity with the exalted Christ and able to fight against their former, dark master (Ephesians 2:1-10); the church’s role in revealing to the powers their coming doom (Ephesians 3:10); the use of Psalm 68:18 to portray Christ as the conquering, divine Warrior (Ephesians 4:7-11); and the call for believers to “put on” gospel clothing (see Ephesians 4:20-24). When called to put on God’s “full armor,” we are well prepared to understand the central role of cosmic conflict, but, also, we are to remain firm in the assurance that we have of participating in Christ’s ultimate victory.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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Key Thought: In Ephesians, Paul prays for an enhanced vision for believers so they will see the full reality of the great controversy and the hope it reveals.
September 16, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 6:10,11.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What does Paul’s battle cry mean to us today, as combatants in the great controversy?
3. Personal Application: How do you see the reality of the great controversy, which involves literal supernatural powers, as central to Paul’s point? Share your thoughts..
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “What does it mean that we are not fighting against flesh and blood? There are many people that do evil things and say bad things against me and others. Sure, they may be led by evil spirits, but it is the person’s evil deeds and words that I see and hear.” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Romans 13:11-14.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. Why does Paul use the imagery of battle and soldiers and warfare in referring to the Christian struggle?
3. Personal Application: In what ways have you experienced the reality of the conflict and victory we can claim for ourselves in Christ? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “What does Paul mean by saying we need to wake up out of sleep? What kinds of works of darkness does Paul mention? How do we put on the Lord Jesus Christ?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 6:12-19.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. Why does Paul use the word ‘stand’ and why is this idea important?
3. Personal Application: Why does Paul list a variety of titles for the evil superpowers in Ephesus? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “How do you confront the powers of darkness in your own life? How do you minister to someone who seems oppressed by the forces of evil? How do you discern the schemes of the devil?l” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read I Timothy 6:19,20.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. Why would Paul think he could be a good ambassador for Christ while locked in prison?
3. Personal Application: Have you ever felt like you couldn’t share the good news because of circumstances that you felt hindered you? What does the saying, ‘Our importunities are God’s opportunities’ mean to you? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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