This document outlines a Bible study on spiritual warfare and the character of discipleship. It discusses putting on the full armor of God according to Ephesians, with a focus on fastening the belt of truth. Truth is discussed as objective, absolute, and the very character of God. Small accountability groups are proposed to challenge members to overcome challenges through transparency, forgiveness, and mutual support. The study aims to equip men to be gospel warriors through developing close relationships with God and each other.

1. ACE Men’s Bible Study
Spiritual Warfare and
The “Character” of
Discipleship
Spring Semester
2015

2. The Character of Discipleship
“All the tragedy and darkness that has befallen our
world.. I wish it had not happened in my time.” – Frodo
“So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for
them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with
the time given us. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring,
but you were meant to have it.” - Gandalf

3. The Character of Discipleship
• ACE: God has set us apart for His good work..
• God designed it – Man to man, biz leaders, believers, transcends
denominations, equips for discipleship, emphasizes relationships
• God started it – Called broken guys to extraordinary service
• God leads it – Prayerful discernment on curriculum and process
God sustains it – Ten years and counting..
• God directs it – Shaping & challenging us to be more like Christ

4. Ephesians 6:10-14
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His
might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but
against the rulers, against the authorities, against the
cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the
spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done
all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness..

5. The Character of Discipleship
• Paul uses the Roman soldier’s
armor to illustrate his point
• Designed for optimum safety,
flexibility, performance
• The ‘foundation’ is the belt
• Breastplate, knife and sword
attached to the belt
• If the belt failed, the armor
failed

6. The Character of Discipleship
• Truth is essential to being rooted and grounded—it gives our lives
meaning
• Proverbs 23:23; 1 Corinthians 13:6; Philippians 4:8
• Truth is immutable - new information never changes that which is true
• Hebrews 1:11-12; 13:8
• Truth is incorrigible; it cannot be improved or perfected
• 2 Samuel 22:31
• Truth is objective; it is absolute
• John 8:32; Romans 1:16

7. The Character of Discipleship
“Truth is not just the characteristic of a
statement or a proclamation; rather it is
the very character of Almighty God”.
- Anonymous

8. The Character of Discipleship
• Fastening the belt of truth requires a commitment to be open and transparent
about yourself with yourself and before God
• Not a self-imposed witch hunt, rather a genuine heart for obedience,
transparency and sanctification
• Real human challenge: Denial - one of the absolute roots of sin
• You cannot stand firm until you’re willing get past denial and be transparent.
• “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But
we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice
cunning or to tamper with God’s work, but by the open statement of the truth we
would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God”.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2

9. The Character of Discipleship
• Four principles that enable you to fasten the belt of truth and stand firm
1. Principle of Relationship – Abiding in Christ. (John 15)
• Developing a ‘habit of the heart’ thru scripture, prayer, service
2. Principle of Willingness – a genuine willingness to obey God is a prerequisite
to knowing the will of God. (John 7:17)
3. Principle of Obedience – Parable of the Sower. (Mark 4)
• Not obedience of the mind, rather obedience of the heart!
4. Principle of Counsel – Iron sharpening Iron. (Proverbs 27:17)
• In community with wise counsel that know you, want the best for you,
filled with the HS, willing to tell you what you don’t want to hear
• Bottom Line: Live in a wartime posture!

10. The Character of Discipleship
• ACE: How’s that working for you? Can we do a better job equipping and supporting
each other?
• The heart of Gospel change in ACE is small groups
• Yet our approach often leads to restarts and/or superficial discussion
• What if we did two things differently:
1. Challenged each other to be transparent, to seek to overcome that which is
holding us back from a closer walk with God and a greater victory over the
enemy
2. Organized into small groups based on a common challenge(s)
• Ex; Alcoholics Anonymous

11. The Character of Discipleship
• Example small group themes:
• Relationships – spouse, children, sibling, mother-in-law, boss, co-worker,
“friend”, enemy, relative, former spouse, business partner, etc.
• Who do you need to seek out and ask forgiveness?
• Who do you need to forgive??
• Finances – unwise spending, deep debt, salary envy, gambling habit, idolizing
• Career – idol, decline, depression, envy, anger, victim, etc.
• Addiction – work, alcohol, drug(s), porn, smoking, internet, etc.
• Idols – money, position or prestige, influence, toy(s), politics, etc.
• Other?

12. The Character of Discipleship
• ACE Summer Test Program:
• Up to five guys willing to join
me in a “Relationships” summer
session to dig up, open up, lift
up and hold up our challenges
and each other and see how God
works
• Weekly meetings when in town,
plus email, text and calls of
support, prayer, counsel
• Seek to be the gospel warriors
God calls us to be.

13. The Character of Discipleship
“Victory is not a name strong enough for
such a scene as this.”
- Lord Nelson
- Battle of the Nile
- 1798.

14. ACE Men’s Bible Study
Spiritual Warfare and
The “Character” of
Discipleship
Spring Semester
2015