LGC - Rooted & Fruitful Part 27

Rooted & Fruitful (Part 27)

Speaker: Tiffany Goh

INTRODUCTION

“Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. […] Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:11,13 NIV)

In our Christ-following lives, we inevitably face trials and persecution. Our salvation does not exclude us from the temporal difficulties of a fallen world. Attacks from the enemy will only increase in intensity as we draw closer to Jesus’ return. Therefore, it is essential to put on the full armour of God in all circumstances to prepare us for an attack from the enemy.

Last week’s sermon focused on putting on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness, emphasising how they empower us to stand firm in our spiritual struggles. This week, we will explore the role of the shoes of the gospel of peace and the shield of faith, examining how they contribute to our Christian lives and fortify us in the battle against the enemy.

DISCUSSION

Share with your group a recent experience involving spiritual warfare.

a. How did you know it was spiritual warfare?

b. How did you overcome the challenge?
Read Ephesians 6:14-16. Just as shoes provide a Roman soldier grip, protection and the ability to march long distances, equipping them for success on the battlefield, the gospel of peace equips us to stand firm and be ready for the ongoing spiritual warfare.

a. How does the peace offered by the gospel equip us to stand firm in our faith?

b. In what ways does the gospel of peace help us resist Satan’s attacks? What specific gospel truths are especially helpful when engaging in spiritual warfare?

c. We are not only fitted with the gospel but with the readiness that comes from it. Are we truly ready to move? How can we be prepared to share the gospel of peace with others?
To a Roman soldier, the shield provided complete protection, covering them entirely, and was to be used in all circumstances. For us as believers, the shield of faith offers protection and allows us to extinguish the enemy’s fiery darts.

a. Share with your group which types of attacks from the enemy you are most susceptible to in your faith.

b. In Genesis 15:1, God tells Abraham “I am your shield, your very great reward”. What should be the object of our faith? How does our faith in God’s truth protect us from the enemy’s attacks?

c. There is a danger that we might falter as the enemy’s attacks grow more intense. One way to remain strong in Christ is to saturate ourselves with God’s Word. What are some ways we can fill ourselves with God’s Word to be prepared when attacks come?
The good news is that the battle belongs to the Lord, who is already triumphant over Satan. Our role is to put on the armour of God and stand firm. How do we stand firm and build resilience even though the obstacles before us seem insurmountable?

WHAT WILL YOU DO

As believers, we struggle not against flesh and blood but against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:15-16 highlights two vital pieces of the armour of God: the shoes of the gospel of peace and the shield of faith. These elements serve as both our foundation and protection against spiritual threats.

By embracing the peace that comes from the gospel, we are better equipped to remain steadfast in our faith. The shield of faith is a barrier against doubts, fears, and attacks from the enemy, allowing us to rely on God’s truth. Both components of the armour of God empower us to bravely share the gospel and stand firm against any spiritual adversities we may encounter.

MEMORY VERSE

“And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of the faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” – Ephesians 6:15-16 (NIV)

An Each 1 Reach 1 Reflection

From 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.

Although we are unsure of the time and dates of the Lord’s return, are we doing all we can to be prepared for His return? Paul addresses the uncertainty of the day of the Lord and encourages believers to be alert and self-controlled. As Paul reminds the Thessalonians to stay vigilant, we are called to be prepared to share the good news of Christ, especially in a world that is often oblivious to spiritual realities.

Let us foster a lifestyle of watchfulness—praying for opportunities to witness and being sensitive to the needs of those around us. We can also support one another in our evangelistic efforts by creating an environment within our community that encourages sharing our faith boldly. Let us be reminded to be proactive in reaching out, sharing our hope in Christ, and encouraging others to embrace the light amid the darkness.

Let us pray.