Spring 2009, Week 5 – Small Group Questions

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

Have you ever had (or do you have) anyone in your life that you trust completely? Why was that person trustworthy?
Have you ever had friends that you didn’t completely trust? Why didn’t you trust them?

Read Ephesians 6:16 out loud. What stands out for you in this verse? What questions do you have?
In what way is faith a “shield”? How have you experienced faith as a “shield”?
What are “the flaming arrows of the evil one”? How have you experienced “the flaming arrows of the evil one” in your life?
Read Hebrews 11:1 out loud. What stands out for you in this verse? What questions do you have?
What are some things that you hope for and are sure of? What are some things that you are certain of, but can’t see?
How might this understanding of faith help us to “extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one”?

What are some verbs or adjectives that describe your present level of faith? Why these?
How has your life changed as a result of your faith in God? What has your faith cost you? How has your faith affected your neighbors (friends, family, co-workers, etc.)?
What is one simple step you could take to help you grow in your faith? Is this something you’re willing to do?

Application: Spend a few moments praying silently about whatever step God might be asking you to take to help you grow in your faith.
Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
Here at Northminster: Pray for the Session and the deacons as they lead and care for the ministry of Northminster. Ask God to give them guidance, wisdom, and compassion.
Beyond Northminster: Pray for Floresta, that they would be able to help poverty-stricken communities become self-sufficient. Pray for those communities, that they would discover the love of Jesus as Floresta works with them.