Connect Group Study Notes: 23 October 2022

Theme: “Designed by God …. To Live Victoriously.”

Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20

Fellowship (10 min)

Begin with general conversation and sharing about how the past week has gone. Try not to go over time.

Worship and Prayer (15 min)

Click on the link below on your smartphone, Smart TV, or computer, to select songs to sing; and then spend a few minutes in song and prayer.

PLETT METHODIST YOU TUBE CHANNEL SONG’S PLAYLIST: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbsAkwbV_S1vXdZVPkZ0_tQW5n9RqeZX0

And if you need to check on the Message for the week again, then click on:

PLETT METHODIST YOU TUBE CHANNEL (MESSAGE): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU1X4YYw1KLpda1yGnqKgfw/videos

This time of worship and prayer will encourage you to move your thoughts from daily worries and pressures to our time of Bible study and prayer.

Read: Ephesians 6:10-20

This week, we talk about “putting on” the armor of God. Although war and soldiers may seem an odd metaphor for a faith that focuses on grace and peace, there is plenty of insight if we move that metaphor into something more accessible.

Warm up for the discussion time:

In pairs or groups of three, ask group members to share when they had to gear up with proper clothing and/or tools for a specific task. For example, people may need to wear personal protective equipment for the prevention of disease or wear the appropriate clothing for work, have the right tools for gardening or a sporting event etc. How did the gear and/or tools help accomplish the task?

Discussion Questions (Approx. 30 min)1

· Where does Paul note the source of our strength coming from (v. 10)?

· Who does Paul observe as our real enemies (v. 12)? What does this say about who our enemies are, and who are not?

· Which part of the armour of God do you desire the most and why?

· How might this armour help us to “stand against” evil (v. 11)?

· How might this armour help us to “keep alert” (v. 18)?

· What have you learned in this series to help you and your church family to be “geared up for life”?

· How can this group be of further help to you as you seek to grow as a disciple of Jesus for the transformation of the world?

Prayer (10 min). Share prayer requests and then pray together.

Sending Prayer (2 min). End by praying the following or a similar prayer:

Gracious God, empower us to stand against the evil forces we encounter in this world and to be alert to your presence. May your grace enable us to be imitators of you, and to be disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Amen.

Have a great week.

God bless,

Tim.

With thanks to: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/…/ small-group