Empowered Prayer: The Key to Spiritual Warfare

 

Summary

In Ephesians 6:18, Paul exhorts us to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, emphasizing the necessity of prayer in the spiritual warfare we face as Christians. We are engaged in a tremendous spiritual battle against unseen powers, and the only way to stand firm is by being filled with the power of the Lord and putting on the whole armor of God. However, even with the perfect armor, it is useless without the strength to use it, which comes through prayer. Prayer is not just a ritual or a mechanical act; it is a vital, living connection with God, inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Praying in the Spirit means realizing the truth about God as Spirit and approaching Him with reverence and godly fear. It involves recognizing that our access to God is through the blood of Jesus, and it is characterized by a full assurance of faith and a filial relationship with God as our Father. True prayer is not confined to specific places, times, or forms; it is a heartfelt, Spirit-led communication with God that transcends these limitations. It is thoughtful, disciplined, and aligned with the will and mind of Christ, filled with faith and divine expectation.

The essence of prayer is to know and realize that we are addressing the eternal, holy God, and it is through the Spirit that we are led into this deep communion with Him. The Spirit helps our infirmities and guides us in our prayers, ensuring that they are in accordance with God's will. As we pray in the Spirit, we experience a sense of joy, peace, and freedom, knowing that we are speaking to our Father and that our prayers are heard and answered.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual Warfare and Prayer: We are engaged in a spiritual battle against unseen powers, and prayer is essential to stand firm. It is not just about putting on the armor of God but also about being filled with His power through prayer. [03:16]

- Praying in the Spirit: True prayer is inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit. It involves realizing the truth about God as Spirit and approaching Him with reverence and godly fear. [06:20]

- Access through Jesus: Our access to God is through the blood of Jesus, and praying in the Spirit means recognizing this truth. It is characterized by a full assurance of faith and a filial relationship with God as our Father. [27:38]

- Beyond Rituals: Prayer is not confined to specific places, times, or forms. It is a heartfelt, Spirit-led communication with God that transcends these limitations. [16:19]

- Faith and Expectation: Praying in the Spirit is filled with faith and divine expectation. It is thoughtful, disciplined, and aligned with the will and mind of Christ, ensuring that our prayers are heard and answered. [38:00]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Introduction to Ephesians 6:18
[01:05] - Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God
[02:14] - The Reality of the Unseen
[03:16] - The Importance of Prayer in Battle
[04:32] - Why We Must Pray
[05:05] - How to Pray: Praying in the Spirit
[06:20] - The Essence of Praying in the Spirit
[08:07] - The Day of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
[09:21] - The Ultimate Object of Salvation
[11:34] - Communion with God
[12:06] - Worship in Spirit and Truth
[14:00] - Access to the Father by the Spirit
[15:24] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Prayer
[16:19] - Prayer Beyond Rituals and Forms
[22:33] - Characteristics of Praying in the Spirit
[27:38] - Access through the Blood of Jesus
[30:19] - Assurance and Confidence in Prayer
[31:32] - Filial Relationship with God
[33:34] - The Presence of God in Prayer
[38:00] - Faith and Expectation in Prayer
[39:04] - Methods and Types of Prayer
[41:25] - Conclusion and Exhortation to Pray Always

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 6:18
- John 4:23-24
- Romans 8:26-27

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 6:18, what are the key elements of prayer that Paul emphasizes? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual warfare? [00:09]

2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the importance of praying in the Spirit? How does this differ from other forms of prayer? [06:20]

3. How does the pastor describe the role of the Holy Spirit in our prayer life, according to the sermon? [22:33]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the idea that prayer is not confined to specific places, times, or forms? [16:19]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. What does it mean to pray "in the Spirit," and how does this affect the way we approach God in prayer? Consider the pastor's explanation of this concept. [06:20]

2. How does the sermon explain the relationship between prayer and the armor of God? Why is prayer considered essential in spiritual warfare? [03:16]

3. Reflect on the pastor's discussion about the assurance and confidence we should have in prayer. How does this assurance impact our relationship with God? [30:19]

4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of having a "filial relationship" with God in the context of prayer? What implications does this have for how we view God as our Father? [31:32]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of prayer in spiritual warfare. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual defenses? [03:16]

2. Reflect on your current prayer habits. Are there any rituals or routines that have become mechanical for you? How can you make your prayer life more Spirit-led and heartfelt? [16:19]

3. The pastor mentioned the importance of approaching God with reverence and godly fear. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence in your personal prayer time? [24:35]

4. Consider the idea of praying with full assurance of faith. What steps can you take to build greater confidence in your prayers and trust that God hears and answers them? [30:19]

5. The sermon discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding our prayers. How can you become more attuned to the Spirit's leading in your prayer life? [22:33]

6. How can you develop a more personal and intimate relationship with God, viewing Him as your Father, as discussed in the sermon? What changes might this require in your prayer approach? [31:32]

7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to experience the joy, peace, and freedom that comes from praying in the Spirit. What practical steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit into this area? [33:34]

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Prayer in Spiritual Warfare
Prayer is the lifeline that empowers believers to stand firm in the spiritual battles they face. Ephesians 6:18 highlights the necessity of prayer in the context of spiritual warfare, emphasizing that even with the full armor of God, it is through prayer that believers are filled with the strength to wield it effectively. This prayer is not a mere ritual but a dynamic, Spirit-led connection with God, enabling believers to draw on His power and stand against the unseen forces of darkness. As Christians engage in this spiritual battle, they must remember that their strength comes from the Lord, and it is through prayer that they access His might. [03:16]

Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV): "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel spiritually attacked. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to seek God's strength and protection in this battle?


Day 2: Praying in the Spirit
True prayer is characterized by being inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit. It involves approaching God with reverence and godly fear, recognizing Him as Spirit and understanding our access to Him through Jesus. Praying in the Spirit means aligning our hearts and minds with God's will, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into a deeper communion with Him. This type of prayer transcends mere words and rituals, becoming a heartfelt communication that is thoughtful, disciplined, and filled with faith. As believers pray in the Spirit, they experience a profound sense of joy, peace, and freedom, knowing that their prayers are heard and answered by their heavenly Father. [06:20]

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent prayer you offered. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers more intentionally, ensuring they align with God's will?


Day 3: Access to God through Jesus
Our access to God is made possible through the blood of Jesus, and praying in the Spirit involves recognizing this profound truth. This access is characterized by a full assurance of faith and a filial relationship with God as our Father. Believers are encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing that through Jesus, they have been granted the privilege of entering into His presence. This relationship transforms prayer from a duty into a joyful communion with a loving Father who desires to hear and answer His children's prayers. As believers embrace this truth, they are empowered to pray with boldness and expectation, trusting in God's faithfulness. [27:38]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: Consider how the knowledge of your access to God through Jesus impacts your prayer life. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of confidence and intimacy in your prayers?


Day 4: Prayer Beyond Rituals
Prayer is not confined to specific places, times, or forms; it is a heartfelt, Spirit-led communication with God that transcends these limitations. True prayer is not about following a set formula or ritual but about engaging in a genuine conversation with God. This type of prayer is characterized by authenticity and a deep desire to connect with God on a personal level. As believers embrace this understanding, they are freed from the constraints of traditional prayer practices and are encouraged to pray in a way that is meaningful and relevant to their unique relationship with God. This freedom allows for a more vibrant and dynamic prayer life that is responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. [16:19]

John 4:23-24 (ESV): "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

Reflection: Reflect on your current prayer practices. How can you move beyond rituals and engage in a more authentic and Spirit-led conversation with God today?


Day 5: Faith and Expectation in Prayer
Praying in the Spirit is filled with faith and divine expectation, ensuring that our prayers are heard and answered. This type of prayer is thoughtful, disciplined, and aligned with the will and mind of Christ. As believers pray with faith, they are encouraged to trust in God's promises and expect Him to move in their lives. This expectation is not based on wishful thinking but on the assurance that God is faithful and able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. As believers cultivate this mindset, they are empowered to pray with boldness and confidence, knowing that their prayers have the power to effect change and bring about God's purposes. [38:00]

James 1:5-6 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

Reflection: Think of a specific prayer request you have been hesitant to bring before God. How can you approach this request with renewed faith and expectation, trusting in God's ability to answer?

Quotes



The Apostle tells us that the only way in which to stand, the only way not to be defeated and cast down, is to fill ourselves and to become filled with the power of the Lord, the strength, the Vigor, and the energy of the Lord himself, and in addition to that, to put on this whole armor of God. [00:03:16]

The most essential thing about prayer is that it should be praying in the spirit. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, in the Holy Spirit. Now you notice the Apostle here does enter into many of the other details that often trip and cause people to stumble. [00:06:20]

The ultimate object of Salvation, though we so often forget it, is simply this: to break us to know God. That's our Lord's own definition, is it not, of eternal life? This is life eternal, that they might Know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent. [00:09:21]

Prayer is not to be determined by a particular place. Now that was the error of the Samaritans, wasn't it? They said in this mountain, as if God were localized to that mountain, a kind of local deity. It was an error of which people were constantly guilty. [00:16:19]

Prayer in the spirit is clearly prayer that is inspired by the Holy Spirit. It's prayer that is led by the Holy Spirit. It's prayer that is Guided by the Spirit. It's prayer that is taught us by the Spirit. I suppose indeed it could be put like this: that praying in the SP is the praying of a man who is habitually being led by the Spirit in the whole of his life. [00:22:33]

Prayer in the spirit means realizing that our only way into the presence of God, who is spirit, is by the blood of Jesus. The great work of the Holy Spirit is to call attention to him. He not only does not speak of himself, he doesn't even speak about himself. [00:27:38]

Prayer in the spirit is always a prayer with Assurance of Faith. We've known the other type of prayer, haven't we? We've known what it is to offer our petitions to God, but we've been uncertain, we've been unhappy, we haven't had Assurance, we didn't really know that God was there. [00:30:19]

Praying in the spirit is a praying on the part of one who rarely does address God as Abba Father. He knows that God is his father. God has sent forth the spirit of his son into our hearts, says Paul again to the Galatians, crying Abba Father. [00:31:32]

Prayer in the spirit is a prayer which realizes the presence of God. What If thy form we cannot see, we know and feel that thou art here. That's praying in the spirit, my dear friends. You realize the presence of God, and some of the greatest Saints the church has ever known have taught us. [00:33:34]

Prayer in the spirit is always living, it's vital, it's free, it's warm, it energizes one again, and one is filled with a sense of joy and of Peace. But also at the same time, it's always thoughtful, it's directed, it concentrates. In other words, it isn't a wild Riot, it isn't an ecstasy. [00:38:00]

It will be a prayer that will be full of faith and of a divine expectation, with that quiet confidence and Assurance, knowing that we are indeed being led and directed of the spirit. We shall not only come with faith but with expectancy. We shall look for answers. [00:38:00]

Pray for yourself, pray for your fellow Warriors in this fight against the principalities and Powers, pray for the preachers of the Gospel, that they may speak it with a holy boldness, having no respect of persons or fear of men, that they may preach it as they ought to speak with a great boldness and a holy Assurance. [00:41:25]

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Transcript
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