Hungry Hearts Ministries: Spiritual Warfare Lesson One

The Armor of God

Lesson 1

Know where our power comes from

Ephesians 6:10 "…be Strong in the LORD and in the power of HIS might."

In studies of spiritual warfare, this simple statement is the nexus, the beginning and the ending, the alpha and omega, of the entire subject. It is too easy to fall into the deception of self-sufficiency and confuse the power of our might with the power of HIS might.

Yes, King David was physically strong and had physically mighty men in his army. Yes, Bathsheba wrote of valiant women in her letter to her son. All Christians, both women and men, are commanded be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIS might.

One example of how to do this is found in the life of Moses. Moses was the most powerful man among all the Hebrews, yet he was also the most humble person on earth. When faced with the overthrow of his God-ordained authority, Moses did not use force—which he could have done—but rather fell on his face before God in intercession and prayer for a people who were condemning themselves.

He knew that real victory entailed much more than mere physical victory over a physical enemy. Moses was raised a prince in Egypt. He was a physically powerful man trained in physical warfare. At the age of 40, he was capable of fighting and single-handedly defeating multiple adversaries, simultaneously. The Bible says, he remained a physically powerful man throughout his life. Yet, when Moses became God’s man, we never again see even a hint of the masculine pride and self-sufficiency that had dominated his early life.

Discussion

Who else in the Bible is an example of being strong in the power of the Lord’s might? What was the result?

Who [in the Bible] was an example of depending on their own power? What was the result?

Are there examples in the Bible of someone doing both? What was the result of each?

What power works [or should work] in the lives of believers?

List Companion verses to Ephesians 3:10

Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now unto HIM that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us Unto HIM be glory…”

Life Application

What are some ways [aside from physical strength] in which we might depend on our own strength / abilities rather than God’s, and how can we avoid doing that?