When you have an issue with someone, do you prefer to address it from a distance or face to face? When’s an appropriate time to do either?
How should Christians address each other? How should we address non-Christians?
Verse 3 What does it mean to “wage war according to the flesh”? What kind of war are we fighting?
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12 ESV
Verse 4-6: Paul references that we are fighting an external war to make God known, and we are fighting an internal war to control our thoughts. What are some external strongholds that we are at war with?
What are ungodly thoughts that have taken a stronghold in your mind and your heart?
How do we fight this war?
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Ephesians 6:13-18 ESV
Verse 7: Paul makes a statement that we are to “look at what is before your eyes” when making judgments about people. Have you ever made a judgment about a person without ever speaking to them? How do we prevent our predisposition to unfairly assess people? How should we approach others whom we don’t know?
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5 ESV
Verse 8-11: Why do you think the people of Corinth saw a difference between Paul’s writing and how Paul presented himself in person?
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”
1 Peter 5:1-3 ESV
Verse 12: Who’s someone you wanted to be like? Why?
Is there someone you’ve compared yourself to and thought, “at least I’m not like that guy”?
Who should we compare ourselves to? How does that change our perspective on the kind of person we are?
Verse 13-16: What is a story you share when talking about how God has impacted your life? Do you have stories of how God is still working in your life?
Verse 17-18: When you apply for a job, you often have to provide references, people who will speak on your behalf about your performance. If someone wanted to validate that you were a faithful Christian, who would you want them to talk to? Who would you want them to not talk to? Do you feel the Lord would commend you?