WARM-UP
There is a clear contrast between trying to accomplish a goal on your own versus having solid, consistent support.
A successful competitor is defined by the people around them. You need coaches, teammates, trainers, parents, administrators and sometimes an entire community to help provide the proper equipment and training along with the opportunity to compete.
Q: Who are the people who help you succeed as a competitor? What would happen if you didn’t have those people in your life?
Q: What equipment and training is vital to your success as a competitor? Whatwould happen if that training and equipment weren’t available to you?
WORKOUT
On A Mission From God
Before Paul went on his travels to share the Gospel and disciple the Church, he spent about three years studying God’s Word and growing in his faith. By the time he made his first journey, Paul was strong, bold and ready for the challenges he was about to face.
The strength he received from the Lord helped him endure a shipwreck (Acts 27), a venomous snakebite (Acts 28:1–6), physical beatings (2 Corinthians 11:24), assassination attempts (Acts 23), unfair legal trials (Acts 24–25) and prison (Acts 16, Acts 28).
The boldness he received from the Holy Spirit gave him the courage to preach the Gospel in hostile environments, speak to leaders with confidence and withstand the constant threat of physical harm.
Paul was ready for anything because he had prepared himself in advance. It was one of his most consistent battle cries for believers: be ready for what God wants to do through you, which comes through a relationship with Jesus.
Fully Equipped
Just like Paul, we have been called to embark on a mission from God—something we were created to do and enabled to do through our relationship with Jesus.
The good things planned for us are part of the mission that God has called and equipped us to do. Jesus gave us this mission right before He returned to Heaven.
But in order to be strong, bold and ready for that mission, you need to be prepared and have the right equipment—and that preparation and equipment are provided through prayer, Bible study, fellowship with the Church and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Just like in competition, having all of the right spiritual equipment is vitally important to the success of your mission.
The belt of truth protects you from deception.
The body armor of God’s righteousness protects you from temptation.
The shoes of peace protect you from anxiety.
The shield of faith protects you from fear.
The helmet of salvation protects you from confusion.
The sword of the Spirit gives you the boldness and courage to fulfill your calling.
Failing to put on one or more of these pieces can lead to areas of vulnerability. Putting them all on and using them under the Spirit’s guidance will lead to guaranteed victory.
Q: Is the fact that you were created for a purpose something that’s easy or difficult for you to believe? Explain.
Q: How would putting on God’s armor give you more boldness and courage to step into His mission for your life?
WRAP-UP
Every Day with Christ
As simple as it sounds, we can’t live the Christian life without Christ. But many people try to do just that every day. Here are three key things to remember that will help you take full advantage of the Holy Spirit that is inside of you through your relationship with Jesus:
1. You are strong. Even when you don’t feel like it, Christ will give you the physical, emotional and spiritual strength to fulfill God’s mission for your life.
2. You are bold. With Christ, you have courage to overcome your fears and insecurities, to speak truth, to share your testimony and to serve others.
3. You are ready. With Christ, you are equipped with every spiritual resource you need to withstand Satan’s attacks and forge ahead to complete the mission to which Christ has called you.
As you dedicate yourself to prayer, Bible reading, Christian fellowship and following the Holy Spirit every day, you will continue to experience the powerful truth found in our daily theme verse:
OVERTIME
Q: What are some areas of your life that you feel aren’t fully protected right now and might be vulnerable to Satan’s attacks?
Go back to Ephesians 6:13–17 and read through the pieces of God’s armor. In Notes, write down some specific things in your life that each individual piece might protect you from.
Then, make a plan for how you might put on each piece of armor and consistently wear it every day moving forward.