Big Idea: By putting on the full armor of God, we are equipped to stand firm against the enemy's schemes. 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV) We Stand Firm With The Gospel Of Peace By: 1. Becoming a Peacemaker As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” 13 "Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” 14 "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness." 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know.” 18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes." Romans 3:10-18 (NIV) Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18 (NIV) 2. Accepting Peace With God “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:1-5 (NLT2) You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:6-10 (NIV) 3. Developing A Heart For The Lost “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV) “For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. 15 So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News.” “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:14-16 (NIV) "for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:13-15 (NIV) Prayer: “Lord, give me a heart for those who don’t know You.” With whom do you need to bring God’s peace? My next right step I will: Pray for an open door to share Jesus with: 1. 2. Follow Jesus in Believer’s Baptism Invite someone to Church [This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.] Big Idea: By putting on the full armor of God, we are equipped to stand firm against the enemy's schemes. Icebreaker: “Putting on Your Armor” Ask each person to think about and share one area in their life where they rely on God’s strength or peace to “stand firm.” 1. Becoming a Peacemaker Read: Romans 3:10-18, James 3:13-18 Romans 3 describes a world without peace, where people are often led by bitterness and envy. In contrast, James 3 describes a life led by “wisdom from above,” which is pure and peace-loving. What stands out to you about the qualities of a peacemaker in James 3? How does choosing peace over bitterness and envy reflect God’s character? Why is this so important in our relationships? Analogy: Think of a firefighter putting out flames. Just as they bring water to stop the fire, peacemakers “put out” fires of anger or conflict with a spirit of peace. What are some “fires” in your own life where you can be a peacemaker? Action Step: Identify one relationship or area where you can act as a peacemaker this week. Whether it’s listening more intently, forgiving someone, or letting go of envy or bitterness. Share your commitment with the group for accountability. 2. Accepting Peace with God Read: Ephesians 2:1-5, Romans 5:6-10 Ephesians 2 reminds us that we were once “dead in our sins” but made alive by God’s mercy and love. What does it mean to you to have peace with God? How does this peace transform the way we see ourselves and others? Romans 5:8 says that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” How does knowing that God reached out to us first change our understanding of His love? Analogy: Imagine God’s peace as a bridge that crosses over a large canyon between humanity and God. Before Christ, this gap was impossible to cross, but now, because of His sacrifice, we have a way to reach God. How does this image affect your understanding of being reconciled to God? Action Step: Reflect this week on your peace with God through prayer, acknowledging areas of your life where you need to experience His forgiveness or release past guilt. Take time each day to thank Him for His grace. 3. Developing a Heart for the Lost Read: Ephesians 6:19-20, Romans 1:14-17, Romans 10:13-15 In Ephesians 6, Paul asks for prayer so he can share the gospel “fearlessly.” Why do you think courage is so essential when it comes to sharing our faith? How do you relate to this need for courage? Romans 10 emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel, saying, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” How does this change the way we view outreach and our role in bringing the message of Jesus to others? Analogy: Consider a lifeguard watching over a pool. Their mission is to keep people safe and rescue them when they’re in danger. Similarly, Christians are “lifeguards” to a world in need, with the life-saving message of Jesus. How does seeing yourself as a spiritual “lifeguard” impact your view of sharing the gospel? Action Step: Pray for one person in your life who doesn’t know Christ yet. Commit to reaching out to them this week—whether it’s by inviting them to church, sharing your faith story, or simply offering support—and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions. What is my next step to stand firm with God’s armor? Reflect on which part of today’s message—being a peacemaker, accepting peace with God, or developing a heart for the lost—you feel called to focus on this week. Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping us with Your armor and filling us with Your peace. Help us to stand firm in Your truth, to be peacemakers, and to share Your message with courage. Guide our words and actions as we seek to live out Your love in the world around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.