Spring 2009, Week 4 – Small Group Questions

The sermon for this week from the series “Strong: Putting on the Full Armor of God” is titled “Feet Fitted“.

Have you ever gotten into a debate/argument with someone over a particular issue (political, religious, economic, etc.)? Who won the debate? How did you and the other person feel when the debate/argument was over?

Read Ephesians 6:14-15 out loud. The most literal translation of v. 15 is: “and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.” How clear is verse 15? What questions do you have?
The NIV and TNIV translate v. 15 as, “and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” The NRSV translates v. 15 this way, “As shoes for your feet, put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.” What’s the difference between these translations? What’s the relationship between “readiness” and “the gospel of peace” in each translation? What do we need to be ready for according to each translation (for NIV, see Eph. 6:11)?
Read 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 1 Peter 3:15, and Colossians 4:5-6. What do these passages have in common?
How do these passages portray the way in which one ought to “proclaim the gospel of peace.”

In what way does “the gospel of peace” (peace with God and peace with each other) help you to “stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11)?
Do you feel “ready to proclaim the gospel of peace”? Why or why not?
What are some steps you could take to help yourself become “ready to proclaim the gospel of peace”?

Application: Think of someone in your life (friend, family member, co-worker, etc.) who needs to hear “the gospel of peace.” Have each group member pray for their person by simply saying, “Lord, please make your ‘gospel of peace’ known to _____________________.”
Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
Here at Northminster: Pray for Northminster’s Worship Band. Let’s thank God for all their hard work preparing music to help us worship each Sunday. And ask God to encourage and guide them as they continue to lead us in worship each week.
Beyond Northminster: Pray for Reality Changers, a Christian organization in San Diego that helps at-risk teens be the first in their families to attend college.