It Is Written

Goals for this Week’s Study:

  • Review Sunday Morning’s Message.
  • Help group members (especially new members) get to know one another.
  • Reflect on any doors God has open up with conversations with others about Jesus or any cool stories that have happened over the week!

Getting Started:

Open your group with prayer.

SHARE: Pastor Daniel shared how the “Sword” of the Spirit was actually more like a dagger than an actual Sword. Share a funny or embarrassing story where you thought something meant something other than what it really did! (Feel free to come up with your own icebreaker if you want! This is just a suggestion)

Scripture:

- “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 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. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:10-18

- “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’ Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.” “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’ Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.” – Matthew 4:1-11

Sermon Notes: Take time to let everyone share some of the notes they took or anything that stood out to them from the message. Use this time to get everyone in your group talking (a good tip for this situation would be to go around the room and have everyone share one thing that stuck out to them from Pastor Daniel’s sermon)! Keep in mind, not everyone may feel comfortable talking yet, so try your best to help assist them in any way you can!

Study Questions

  1. Since this was the last week of our Champion series, can anyone remember every piece of armor and what it represents? (Belt of Truth, Shoes of Peace, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, Sword of the Spirit)
  2. Which item listed is the only offensive piece? (Sword of the Spirit)
  3. As seen in Matthew 4:1-11, What are Satan’s three main strategies for temptation? (Lust of Flesh, Lust of Eyes, Pride of Life)
  4. How does this mirror the account of the temptation of Adam and Eve?
  5. A lot of people don’t realize that Satan knows scripture like the back of his hand. Why is it important to memorize scripture to combat him when he tries to portray truth out of context to tempt us?
  6. Think about something you struggle with a lot. Do you know a verse that can help you this week? Memorize it! If not, find one and then memorize it!
  7. How can your Group help you this week?

Final Thoughts:

  • If you don't know the word, you have no power
  • Read, Hear, Pray, and Meditate on the Word!
  • If you know how to worry, you know how to meditate
  • The Bible doesn't become your sword until you memorize it
  • How do you dress yourself with the armor? You pray it on!

Pray Over Your Group!

Pray specifically for our Easter services this coming Saturday & Sunday and for opportunities for conversations to invite people to church throughout the week!

LEADER CHALLENGE:

Reach out to at least one member of your group this week. Pray for them and encourage them through either a text message, phone call, over lunch, or even coffee.  

Zach Hacker