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Welcome to First Baptist. This page is where you will find the sermon notes and more information about what is happening at FBC.

Stay connected:
www.fbcseminole.org
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@fbcseminole_youth

We meet Sundays:
9:30 am First Service
10:30 am Second Service
Connect Groups on Sunday
Connect Groups throughout the week.

Victory is not an easy path; unseen, powerful foes use deception, distraction, hostility, and creativity to attack the church, God’s plan of redemption, and individual believers.

God’s game plan reminds us that victory is not accidental—it requires alignment.

While personal responsibility is crucial, the call is to prepare together, gear up, pray, and stand firm.

Warm up.

Gear up.

Pray up.

Stand up.

Warm Up: Preparing for Battle (Ephesians 6:10-13)

Embrace Our Identity

Identify the Tactics of Our Adversary

Embrace Our Identity

We fight not for victory, but from victory—the war is won, though battles remain. This “already, not yet” concept of New Testament eschatology means that while the decisive battle has been fought (like D-Day in WWII), the final victory will be fully realized in the future (V-Day). Jesus’s work on the cross and resurrection has defeated the powers in principle, but His victory will be fully revealed when God’s Kingdom is established.

Supernatural strength is available to all who are in Christ. We are called to continually strengthen ourselves in Him. When we are confused, struggling, or overwhelmed, what we truly need is strength—the ability to stand firm in God’s power as we face life’s challenges. God can strengthen us even before our circumstances change. The question is: What are you relying on?

Gear Up: The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17)

Truth: The Belt That Holds Everything Together

Righteousness: Assurance of Position and Provision

Gospel Readiness: Traction and Direction

Faith: The Shield of Promises and Power

Salvation: Protection and Identification

Pray Up: Engaging in Spiritual Battle (Ephesians 6:18-20a)

Stand Up: Fearless Declaration (Ephesians 6:20b)

Discussion & Reflection Guide

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1. The Unique Power of the Locker Room
• Why do you think Paul closes Ephesians with a “pep talk” rather than new instructions?
• In what ways does the church function like a “locker room” for believers?
• How can unity and camaraderie in the church help us stand firm against spiritual attacks?
• Think of a time when someone’s encouragement strengthened your faith. What impact did it have?

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2. Warm Up: Preparing for Battle (Ephesians 6:10–13)

Embrace Your Identity
• What does it mean to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power”?
• How does understanding your identity in Christ change how you approach life’s battles?
• We fight from victory, not for victory—how does that mindset shift your faith walk?

Identify the Tactics of Your Adversary
• What are some of the devil’s common tactics that you’ve seen in your life or the world around you?
• Why is it important to recognize that our struggle is not “against flesh and blood”?
• How can we discern when resistance or discouragement might actually be spiritual opposition?

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3. Gear Up: The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13–17)

Truth – The Belt That Holds Everything Together
• How does truth give strength and stability in your spiritual life?
• What are some lies or half-truths that the enemy often uses to distort your identity or faith?
• How can you keep the “playlist of truth” playing in your heart and mind each day?

Righteousness – Assurance of Position and Provision
• How do you balance being declared righteous by God and living righteously for God?
• What helps you remember your position in Christ when you feel accused or unworthy?

Gospel Readiness – Traction and Direction
• What does “fitting your feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace” mean to you personally?
• How can we move beyond “holy huddles” to advance God’s mission in our communities?
• Who around you might need to experience the peace of the gospel through you?

Faith – The Shield of Promises and Power
• What fiery darts (temptations, doubts, fears) seem to come your way most often?
• How does trusting God’s promises help you extinguish those attacks?
• Share a time when faith gave you strength to persevere in a hard moment.

Salvation – Protection and Identification
• How does the “helmet of salvation” protect your thoughts and perspective?
• Which aspect of salvation (past, present, future) gives you the most hope right now?
• In what ways can you boldly “wear” your salvation this week?

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4. Pray Up: Engaging in Spiritual Battle (Ephesians 6:18–20a)
• Why is prayer compared to a communication line with our “Coach”?
• How can prayer help you stay aligned with God’s game plan during spiritual battles?
• What are some practical ways your group can pray more strategically for one another?

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5. Stand Up: Fearless Declaration (Ephesians 6:20b)
• What does “declaring the gospel fearlessly” look like in today’s world?
• What step of fearless faith is God calling you to take this week?

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6. Team Huddle Challenge
• What kind of “locker room culture” do you want to help create in your church, group, or family?

• Which piece of the armor do you most need to strengthen this week—and how can others help you do it?