ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

PICTURES OF THE CHURCH 6: THE LORD'S ARMY

For home groups that would like them, here are some questions on the sixth of our series on Pictures of the Church. There's no need to answer them all - just tackle the ones you have time for. You don't need to stick to the areas mentioned here - feel free to discuss any other issues that arise for you.

1. How do you respond to the idea that Christians are soldiers in an army?

2. In 2 Timothy 2:3 Paul says this: 'Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.' What particular hardships do soldiers face? What are the parallels with our experience as Christians?

3. Paul goes on in 2 Timothy 2:4: 'No-one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officer.' How does this apply to us as Christians today?

4. One of the things that helps is to know that we're on the winning side! How can we be sure of this? Have a look at Colossians 2:14 and John 16:33.

5. Please read Ephesians 6:10-18. What would you say to a Christian who feels ill-equipped for the battle?

6. What exactly are we supposed to be fighting against? What characteristics of the enemy does Paul set out here?

7. In this spiritual battle, what weapons do we have? How do they differ from the sort of weapons we might use against a flesh and blood enemy?

8. What are the spiritual counterparts of the different pieces of armour mentioned here in Ephesians 6? How in practice do we put them on?

9. The bottom line is this: if we're finding the Christian life hardgoing, we're not to worry - the picture of the Christian as a soldier tells us that it's supposed to be like that! Pray for one another, especially those facing particular hardship at the moment.

David Stone
7 July 2008