Session 10 Study Questions - Man as Soldier

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's enemies." Ephesians 6:10

"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officer." II Timothy 2:4

"Arise, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For you have struck all my enemies on the jaw; you have broken the teeth of the wicked." Psalm 3:7

  1. Until recently, men have been relatively isolated from military service (except perhaps through the media). Compare our present circumstances with 40 years ago.
  2. Do certain values of military life conflict with our societal norms? If so, which values? Do you believe societal values have (and will) change due to the events related to the World Trade Center tragedy?
  3. How does modern warfare meld with our image of the foot soldier? How has modern technology influenced the way we view war?
  4. Can you identify passages of scripture which emphasize the role of the Christian as a warrior? If so, list some of those passages.
  5. Some suggest that King David had the identity of a warrior from early in his life. Can you find passages of scripture which support this suggestion?
  6. David viewed his wars as holy wars. Find passages of scripture (look especially in the Psalms) which support David's view of war as holy.
  7. The apostle Paul (though never a soldier to our knowledge) also viewed the Christian walk as a battle. Find passages of scripture which support the claim that Paul viewed the Christian in a constant battle.
  8. How might men in the church take on the mentality of soldiers while maintaining a heart full of love and a recognition that we fall under the grace of God?
  9. How might the church encourage men to take on the identity of warrior? Should this be an identity which the church encourages? Do you think this identity conflicts with Jesus' commands to love our neighbor and to turn the other cheek?