Central Truth

God has given us the tools we need.

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Reflections

The correct tools make all the difference. I have learned that lesson while attempting to do a lot of the work myself around our house.

Last summer, while we were getting ready for our third child, we decided to redo two of our bedrooms. I did not realize how difficult it would be to pull up the carpet tack strips. The first room took much longer than I anticipated.

When I mentioned my struggle to a friend, he told me I was using the wrong tool and identified the right one I needed. That night, I stopped by the home improvement store and bought the correct tool. What a difference! The second room took only 20 percent of the time the first had.

Of course, God also knows it takes the proper tools to resist the devil. In His wisdom He has equipped us with armor that includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.

God has not left us alone and defenseless. Not only can we stand firm because He has given us a great set of tools, but He has also given us instruction. After we put on our armor, God tells us to "pray at all times in the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:18). It's a great reminder that we need to depend on God's strength.

I continue to learn which tool to use in different situations. I am grateful that God has also given me a tool set. My responsibility is to learn how and when to use them. Community has been a great place to learn more about how to use God's tool set. I have learned a lot from their advice and also by watching how they utilize the word of God in their lives.

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Discussion Questions

1. When was the last time you needed to stand firm?

2. Why is it difficult to remember to use the tools God has provided?

3. Are you asking people in your life to help you better understand how to use these tools?

WEEKLY FAMILY ACTIVITY

August 6-10 (Ephesians 2-6)

Read Ephesians 6:10-20.

In verse 11, Paul talks about the schemes and strategies of the Devil.
• What are they?
• 
What does Paul say we should use to fight those schemes?

• Make a list of all the pieces of God's armor. What does each piece do?

• Go through your house and find articles of clothing to represent all the pieces of God's armor. 
Take time to review and memorize what each piece is and what it represents. Example: a hat to stand for the helmet that represents our salvation.

Activity: Write each of the following words on a separate piece of paper: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, Word of God. Now put the clothing that represents each one across the room. If you have enough family members, you can make this into a competition by getting two piles of clothes that represent each thing. Now, draw one card from the pile, read it, and run down and get the item that represents that word. You can make it more difficult by pulling out more than one card.

Daily, we are to put on our armor so that we can withstand the attacks of the enemy. Talk together about what it looks like to put these things on every day (spending time in God's Word, praying, reminding yourself of your salvation, etc.).

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