All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreak havoc on everything that matters to you: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny. But his battle plan depends on catching you unaware and unarmed. If you're tired of being pushed around and caught with your guard down, this study is for you.
The Enemy always fails miserably when he meets a woman dressed for the occasion. The Armor of God, more than merely a biblical description of the believer's inventory, is an action plan for putting it on and developing a personalized strategy to secure victory. (7 Sessions)
Features:
Bible Study Book includes 6 weeks of homework that can be completed between 7 group sessions Includes leader helps and perforated prayer cards that can be used to develop a prayer strategy Leader material (guides to questions and discussion with small group) Benefits: Equip women to get serious, specific, and strategic in their discipline of prayer Turn challenges and discouragement into opportunities for prayer Grow spiritually as you dig deeper into Scripture and expand your understanding of prayer Develop and implement practical, purposeful prayer strategies Appropriate for new or inexperienced Bible study students as well as those well-versed in Scriptures Leaders can be assured of a trusted teacher in every group Opportunity for multiple leaders or facilitators
Priscilla Shirer is a wife and a mom first. But put a Bible in her hand and a message in her heart and you’ll see why thousands flock to her conferences and dive into her Bible study series’ and books each year.
A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Priscilla holds a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies and considers it a privilege to serve believers from every denomination and culture by helping them to know the truths of Scripture intellectually and encouraging them to experience these truths practically by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In addition to Priscilla’s participation in many church and para-church conferences across the globe each year, Going Beyond Ministries hosts AWAKEN – an outreach event in their hometown designed to encourage and mobilize women locally. This free gathering brings together thousands of women from different denominations and backgrounds several times a year in an effort to stir revival.
Going Beyond Ministries also equips believers through books and Bible study resources. Priscilla has authored over a dozen video driven studies for women and teens on a myriad of Biblical characters and topics including Jonah, Gideon, the Exodus, discerning God’s voice, The Armor of God.
Her books include Discerning the Voice of God, God is Able, and two New York Times Bestsellers – The Resolution for Women and Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer, which was named the 2016 Christian Book of the Year. Her latest offering is a 365-day devotional called Awaken: 90 Days with the God Who Speaks. In 2016, Priscilla ventured into the world of children’s publishing with The Prince Warriors, a fiction 4-book series and accompanying 365-day devotional (Unseen) designed to equip tween boys and girls for victory in spiritual warfare.
Priscilla has been married to Jerry for 20 years. Between studying and writing, she spends most of her time cleaning up after (and trying to satisfy the appetites of) their three growing boys – Jackson, Jerry Jr. and Jude.
Love love love the accompanying videos, but there were several passages that I could not support her interpretation of Biblical texts. She has awesome, encouraging ideas, but several times it felt like her spin rather than Biblically based. Just recommend you read the referenced verses for yourself and see where the Spirit leads you for interpretation.
Priscilla breaks down the Armor of God into manageable, understandable and life changing bits. I won't pretend I understood all of her questions because I didn't. However, I got a better understanding when she went deeper in explanation and giving really good examples.
This book challenged me to face hurts and how to respond to new or even forth coming trials. She gave awesome scripture references and tools to incorporate in my life to maximize my life while actually putting on and wearing the Armor of God.
I paired this study with Havilah Cunnington book, Stronger than the Struggle (divinely inspired), causing both of these books to come alive and real in my heart and mind. Try it, you can thank me later. ;)
ps: I am not by no means saying that these books couldn't stand alone and be powerful, just that when I combined them in my studies...🤯
Another excellent study from Priscilla Shirer. My Life Group just finished going through it. Priscilla’s teaching videos are very accessible. Just as we finished it, my home church began a study on hearing God’s voice, so the last video on the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God blended perfectly with what is coming next. Highly recommended.
Robin’s Ratings 5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite. 4🌟 = Enjoyed/loved it. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others. 3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting. 2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more. 1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Excellent Bible study! This is the first exposure I've had to Priscilla Shirer and I found her to be a wonderful speaker as well as an engaging writer. The lessons were in-depth enough that I felt like I was getting some real sustenance, and were always applicable to everyday life. Highly recommended.
This a fantastic Bible Study and really challenged me to understand what putting on the armor of God meant in my life. Paul describes the pieces of armor needed to fight the enemy and Priscilla brings clarity and relevance to them in accordance to what we're facing now.
I recommend this study for all woman and young ladies because this study is crucial in reminding us who we are in Christ and everyone needs to hear that. I believe there's a version of this study coming out for younger students in the spring of 2016 and I think it'll be a valuable study.
If I could give this study six stars, I would. Priscilla Shirer minces no words as she teaches on each part of God's armor in Ephesians. While there was always an interesting anecdote or analogy to help me understand her teaching, her writing, and speaking on the companion videos, were meaty and extremely efficient. Her teaching was so effective this is the first time I could walk through this part of Scripture and really teach it to someone else. I'm disappointed it's over and highly recommend!
I read this book with a group of women at my church, and enjoyed the conversation as well as the study. It's on Ephesians 6:10-19, Paul's description of the armor we need to wear in spiritual warfare.
I never can read that passage without thinking of the summer I spent sword-fighting my male cousin. We were both first-born teens, used to getting our way, and argumentative. But instead of bickering, my dad had us duel in the backyard. He taught a college-level fencing class and had brought home the foils (swords), helmets, and padded, cloth breastplates. The dueling did not always benefit us or resolve the conflict; I distinctly remember that once we dueled over the last piece of cake while our little sisters ate it! But I can still feel the weight of the helmet, the itchiness of the hot padding, and the feel of the sword in my hand. To me, these are real, concrete things, not just a story.
The situation in Paul's narrative is much more serious. Soldiers fight for their lives, and in this world, all of us will face trouble.
There were several things about Roman armor of the times that I had not known:
* The soldier's belt was put on first, because it was a weight-bearing belt, much like a delivery driver's back bracing belt. It partly held the weight of the breastplate, and without it, the breastplate would have been too heavy on the shoulders. Likewise, truth should support us, and our acts of righteousness. The belt was also a source of a soldier's identification separating them from the citizens, and being without it was such a source of embarrassment that sometimes their commanding soldiers would have them go without it for punishment. Truth should be an identifying feature for us as well, and we should be embarrassed without it (although our Commanding Officer would never order us to go without it. He's kinder than that.)
* I didn't realize that a Roman soldiers shoes (the gospel of peace) had cleats in the form of nails, although it doesn't surprise me. And cleats would have come in handy to hold my ground whenever my cousin tried to drive me into the creek in our duels. It wasn't one-sided; I drove him in that direction, too, on occasion, but we were matched well enough that I don't remember either one of us ever getting a dunking over it. I do remember scrambling and sliding on the bank and cleats would have helped.
* The shield is the one part of the armor I wouldn't have any idea how to use properly from my fencing experience. We had no shields, apart from the knuckle-guards on the hilts of our own swords. I didn't realize that the type of shield mentioned as the shield of faith was the larger scutum, which was large enough not only to shield its owner, but part of another soldier as well. They were meant to be linked together in a turtle formation to protect the soldiers from flaming arrows. Likewise, our faith isn't meant to be used alone; it's meant to be linked to others' faith. Our faith can also shield and protect those around us. Yes, they need their own faith, but ours can be a refuge for them at times. I can see this with our kids.
* I also thought it was interesting that the soldiers would dunk their shields in water so that they would actually extinguish the arrows, not just block them. I had recently read a middle ages book with my teens in which the characters did just that. Apparently, putting out the flaming arrows were more of a distraction to keep the soldiers' from noticing the real danger.
* The sword of the spirit, the Word of God, is the Rhema, the specific Word of God, speaking into our lives. The word for sword there was not the heavy, two-handed broadsword, but the short sword of close combat, of the tricky situations and personal attacks. Probably, it would've been shorter than the French foil that I used. As I said under the topic of the shield, the only shield I had was the knuckle-guard of my own hilt. When I think of a defense, I think of parrying a blow. It amuses me to see the four most basic parries - the only ones I ever learned - used in the movies. In particular, towards the end of "The Princess Bride," Inigo Montoya, injured and expecting a death blow, uses those four parries. He's at his most pathetic and those were the only parries I ever learned. (We also laugh at fencing scenes in various movies where they clearly have no idea what they're doing.) But, the sword is an offensive weapon as well.
I liked the discussion on God's perfect righteousness and the righteousness Jesus gave us at the cross. I can be grateful for that all the day long. All my life long.
I appreciated the listing of things for which we can be grateful, (p. 111) and it made me realize that I had several new slips of paper to put into the Answered Prayer jar.
I liked the passages where Jesus called someone's faith "little," and Priscilla Shirer's comment, "He is not challenging them to focus on faith; He is telling them to focus on Him." She also said, "Your shield of faith works because it is directly connected to the faithfulness of your God."
I liked Dr Caroline Leaf's study of neuroplasticity, about how negativitiy changes the structure and the "real estate" of our brains.
And although it has nothing to do with this book, I will say a couple of things I learned about this equipment, having used some of it. I'm far from an expert on fencing, but I did learn a little.
The first thing I had to learn was to trust my breastplate and my helmet. I was intimidated by my cousin, and it sounded like I got a horrible beating, but I wasn't really hurt at all. I think I just spent the first part of the summer learning to just trust my equipment, and stand my ground. And God's armor is trustworthy. This is how He meant life to be lived, and more than that, He is with us in it.
My dad didn't want to train either one of us without the other. He thought that was unfair, but he did encourage me that, despite my many losses, and a man's longer reach, women make better swordsmen than men do. He wouldn't explain that, but let me figure that out on my own. To both our credit, I did, and after I learned it, and the matches were more evenly won, my dad explained it as boys tend to use more brute strength, "hack and slash," while women tend to "use more finesse," by which he meant thinking, strategy, good form. Or, as John Flannagan said, "Six inches of steel will do the job as well as three feet of it." I laughed when I read that line on sword-fighting in the fictional Brotherband series. I knew exactly what he meant. Anyone who draws his arm back to prepare for delivering a hard blow is leaving their entire chest open for a simple thrust, a move of six inches, more or less. More if you use good footwork and lunge into it.
In any case, we were more evenly matched. Whether or not I became the better fencer is ..., well, probably worth dueling over.
But I never got so cocky as to leave my armor off to duel. I can't imagine that. It would've been painful. We've got to put our armor on. We've got to use it.
Disclaimer: I am really not a violent person; I thought of French foil fencing as a sport, something to do with my dad and male cousin, in that long-ago time. I am actually almost, but not-quite, a pacifist, and violence is one thing I don't like in books or movies. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rules, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)
The study itself was incredible, but I read it in conjunction with Dressed to Kill by Rick Renner, and that made it absolutely life-changing. I more clearly see where I was slow or even not putting on pieces of armor, where I laced pieces on too loosely and allowing my enemy to attack--and win--battles that I needlessly gave him power over me. I clearly saw the lies I easily believe, and Priscilla Shirer pointed me to the truth to combat them and bolster both my defense and offense. Rick Renner's book added in the history of the Roman armor and dug deeper into the uses of each piece that sometimes Priscilla glossed over or didn't have room to dive into, making the lesson even more profound. Overall, I highly recommend this study!
I would suggest this Bible Study to anybody who is ages 13 and up and I would DEFINITELY suggest you doing this study with your mom or daughter. The sole reason I gave this study 4 stars instead of 5 is because some questions asked in this book were a little confusing and I didn't always know how to answer all of them. This books was definitely made for older women, older than little old teenage me. It definitely provides many spiritual lessons everybody in their lifetime needs to learn and lessons that can help us win this battle against the enemy, Satan.
Absolutely one of the very best bible studies I have ever participated in, as well as facilitated. God is good, He is faithful, and He is right on time.
Worked through this with my Bible study group. We loved it!! A deep dive on the armor of God balanced with super practical application focused on crafting prayer strategies.
This book was THE REAL DEAL!!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I will forever recommend this book and teaching videos that go along with it, to anyone and everyone I know! It will be a top favorite of mine. Priscilla breaks down the significance of each body of armor using scripture and significance of each as it applies to the time and how we can apply it to our lives. I have never fully understood the significance of the Armor of Christ un👏🏽til now! It has opened my eyes and has given me more knowledge and understanding of God’s word and has greatly strengthened my prayer life. What a gift to read and share with others.
Excellent Bible study! Definitely worth watching the teaching videos that come with it as well. We did this as a group of women at church and ended it by watching the movie War Room. We all were challenged to increase our focus and faith in prayer as we fight against the devil's schemes!
Honestly, I couldn't bring myself to finish this, so I hate to say I did but can't find a place on Goodreads for abandoned books that I read most of but no longer want to read. I read all but 50 pages. I will say that I enjoyed studying this with other women, I learned some things about armor in Roman culture, and I appreciated the guidance through Scriptures. But so much of it was the author's personal dramatic stories to make her points of what she thinks the Scripture is saying instead of letting God's Word speak for itself. That approach may not be wrong, but it felt theatrical and not what I look for in a Bible study.
It's probably only fair to add that my theology of spiritual warfare has shifted more toward God's total sovereignty and my safety as His child instead of blaming the devil for every little thing gone wrong because I'm so important that he's personally out to get me. In some Christian circles, the devil gets blamed for a lot of things that sin might actually be responsible for. This can be a way to avoid personal responsibility, and I am trying to move away from that thinking myself since I avoided acknowledgement of my sin as a Christian for so long. This study contains a lot of truth, but it is probably more helpful for those who are already aware of their sin and instead struggle to believe that spiritual warfare even exists.
I did this bible study with a group of friends and it was great. It was helpful to have the videos and I loved digging in to the different pieces of the armor of God. A great study to go deeper in Ephesians 6!
“Freedom comes to us when we unapologetically follow the truth that we discover in Him and His word. Walking in it, abiding in it, ordering our steps and decisions according to it-that’s what makes the difference. That’s what disarms the enemy’s influence and his impact on our lives.”
“Only God’s peace can dig in deep enough to offer the kind of anchoring, grounding, and security we need, keeping us from being knocked over and undone by a potent enemy who’s always on the loose, and who specifically targets us in those areas where we’re the weakest and most tender.”
“When we choose thankful prayer over wallowing in anxiety and worry, we are demonstrating an unwavering trust in God. Prayer shrouded in gratitude express a firm faith.”
“Let His spirit just naturally guide us in living and sharing the blessings of gospel peace and those around us as we submit to His leadership and promptings.”
“It is the process of adapting your behavior, your decisions, and ultimately, your whole lifestyle so that it accords with what God has asked you to do-without needing to see the evidence that it will all work out in the end.”
Being a woman who extinguishes the fiery darts of the enemy means: - Choosing to live in an unwavering confidence in God and His promises to you - Walking forward in accordance with truth as revealed in His word and His personal directives for your life that align with it - By His power, pushing past the fear or doubts that may seek to paralyze you in insecurity, choosing instead to follow God where He is leading, trusting that He will take care of the rest
“Wherever there is fear, you can always be assured the enemy is nearby, strategically seeking to stall you or paralyze you from what he knows is God’s best for you.”
Priscilla Shirer has gotten quite the following since War Room was released, especially with the follow up of Fervent - yet this in-depth study of Paul's summary in Ephesians is full of wisdom and truth that fans of Beth Moore and group studies will appreciate.
Over the course six weeks of study and seven well-delivered video messages, you will uncover more than you ever imagined in 10 these fairly often quoted verses of scripture. Each week Pricilla takes one element of the armor and breaks it down - she goes over the historical need for the armor, how Paul would have seen it as an example for the battle believers face, and practical steps on how to familiarize yourself with it so that you will be able to stand firm.
The study is designed for a small group - with discussion questions for leaders in the back - however if you are looking for some self-development, this study could be done on your own as well (you just might want to get a mentor or accountability partner...). Each week has five days worth of study and reflection that will demand you to engage your heart, soul, and mind. By the end of the seven lessons, you will be battle ready, full of courage and conviction to stand firm in the days that are ahead of you, not matter what they might hold.
I did this study many years ago but neglected to write a review. This is a Bible study for large or small groups. Priscilla is insightful and easy to understand and delightful to watch on video. She breaks down Ephesians 6:10-19 with it printed in the book. The armor of God is the focus and Priscilla starts with sizing up the enemy. Each piece of the armor—that we already have—needs to be used every day. Our enemy is deceptive and wicked and can attack at any moment. Are we ready? Many teachers fail to add verses 18 and 19. These verses tell us what is vital and needed before putting on the pieces of armor.
When I did the study, we averaged around thirty women to watch the video then divided up into smaller groups for the discussion. I was blessed to be able to lead one of those groups. You always get out what you put in, so I recommend doing all of the homework. I liked the prayer cards in the back and that in each lesson, there was room to write. Also on the back pages is a list of references of who you are in Christ that I refer to still today.
This is a must-do study to build your faith as well as your understanding of who you are in Christ as well as who your enemy is.
I would love to give this study 10*, but alas, they tank out at 5*. Excellent! I loved taking my Ladies group through this series. We slowed it down and took it two weeks for every one and still could have dug in deeper. Amen! Praise the Lord for these lessons!
3rd reading - A terrific study on the passage in Ephesians 6 about the armor of God. Yes, that's true. What's also true is that some of the examples Shirer uses to illustrate points haven't aged well. With a nod of consideration to when the study was written, (2015) the few problematic examples can be overlooked. (A quick edit in a few of her videos would help too.) In the ten years since she wrote it, there has been increased awareness of the negative impact of similar comments, and I do believe she wouldn't use the same example now. (Not going to be specific as I don't want to draw unnecessary scrutiny.) This issue doesn't prevent me from recommending this study tho. It's good stuff. Just be aware.
2nd reading - Just as good 2nd time through. The practical application of this particular study is one of its strengths. Just so good.
This is everything you want in a Bible study - solid, convicting Biblical truth presented in powerful and engaging ways, and full of practical application that can absolutely lead to transformation.
This was a fantastic study. I’m glad it stretched out so far because it matched with some of life’s circumstances. Have always enjoyed P. Shirker’s teaching and directness regarding faith. She’s bold and kind and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend doing the study with the video or audio teaching (I did audio - less distracting for me).
I feel like Priscilla Shirer’s The Armor of God is *perfect* during these chaotic times.
Sometimes we may forget about unseen wars raging. I remember first understanding spiritual warfare as a teen while reading Frank Peretti’s books This Present Darkness & Piercing the Darkness. The Armor of God workbook focuses on teaching about each piece of armor mentioned in Ephesians 6:11-17 - the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Shoes of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).
For me, feeling prepared & having a plan helps reduce my anxiety & fears. This book definitely helps you feel more prepared/less helpless. I’m so thankful for my group of local friends walking through this study with me!