Engaging in Spiritual Warfare as Kingdom Citizens
Summary
### Summary
Today, we conclude our series on Ephesians, focusing on the Kingdom of God and our role as citizens of this divine kingdom. We began by reflecting on the grand narrative of God's work throughout history, calling and redeeming a people to be His witnesses. As we transition to a new series on the church covenant, we are reminded of the importance of living as a unified body of Christ.
I shared a personal story about a friend who fought a long and arduous battle for custody of his children, emphasizing the need for dedication and focus when fighting for something that truly matters. This story served as a metaphor for the spiritual battle we are all engaged in. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, urges us to put on the full armor of God, preparing ourselves for this spiritual warfare. This preparation involves every aspect of our lives, from our thoughts and actions to our prayers and petitions.
As I delved into the passage, I was struck by Paul's call to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." This convicted me deeply, leading me to reflect on my own spiritual life and commitment. I realized that I had not been fully engaged in this spiritual warfare, and I made a public commitment to return to a life of prayer and submission to Jesus.
We then moved into a time of recommitment, inviting everyone to reflect on their own spiritual journey and areas where they need to grow. This was followed by a communal reaffirmation of our faith and a special moment where new believers shared their testimonies and were baptized. Baptism, as I explained, is a powerful symbol of dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ, an act of surrender and a public declaration of faith.
Paul's letter to the Ephesians ends with a reminder that we are all part of a community, working together in this spiritual battle. He humbly asks for prayers, acknowledging that even he, an apostle, needs the support and intercession of fellow believers. This humility and sense of community are crucial as we navigate our spiritual journeys.
We concluded with a time of communion, a sacred act that reminds us of Jesus' sacrifice and our unity as His body. As we partook in the Lord's Supper, we were reminded of the importance of living in a way that reflects our commitment to Christ and His Kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Spiritual Warfare: Engaging in spiritual warfare requires our full attention and dedication. Just as my friend had to focus all his resources on his legal battle, we must focus our spiritual resources on fighting against the powers and principalities of this dark world. This involves putting on the full armor of God and being prepared for battle in every aspect of our lives. [25:03]
2. The Power of Prayer: Paul emphasizes the need to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." This means that our prayers should be constant, varied, and Spirit-led. Prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful weapon in our spiritual arsenal. It requires us to be alert and to intercede for all the Lord's people, recognizing that we are all in this battle together. [31:32]
3. Community and Humility: Paul’s request for prayers highlights the importance of community and humility in our spiritual journey. Even as an apostle, Paul acknowledges his need for the prayers of others. This teaches us that no one is above needing support and that we should humbly seek and offer prayers within our community. [42:16]
4. Recommitment and Confession: Regularly recommitting ourselves to Christ and engaging in communal confession are vital practices for spiritual growth. This involves not just acknowledging our faith but also identifying areas where we need to grow and actively working towards change. Confession should be a communal act that fosters accountability and support within the body of Christ. [46:27]
5. Living Out Our Faith: Our faith should be the underlying factor that influences every decision we make. Paul’s call to pray at all times and his example of living a life fully committed to proclaiming the gospel challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we living in a way that reflects our commitment to Christ? Are we prepared for the spiritual battle, and are we supporting one another in this journey? [38:41]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [23:32] - Introduction to Ephesians Series
3. [24:13] - Fighting for What Matters
4. [25:03] - Spiritual Warfare and Full Armor of God
5. [27:50] - Details of the Armor
6. [29:07] - Importance of Every Detail
7. [30:20] - Full Armor and Prayer
8. [31:32] - Praying in the Spirit
9. [33:08] - The Depths of Prayer
10. [34:37] - Submission in Prayer
11. [36:20] - Spiritual Battle and Life Purpose
12. [38:41] - Paul's Example and Proclamation
13. [42:16] - Community and Humility
14. [44:33] - Recommitment and Confession
15. [46:27] - Communal Confession
16. [49:23] - Personal Confession and Commitment
17. [58:32] - Baptism and Testimonies
18. [01:04:56] - Receiving New Members
19. [01:23:16] - Communion and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:10-20 (The Armor of God)
2. Ephesians 6:18-20 (Praying in the Spirit)
3. Ephesians 6:21-24 (Paul's Final Greetings)
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean by "put on the full armor of God"? List the pieces of armor mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-20.
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the belt in the armor of God? [28:13]
3. How does Paul describe the nature of our spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:12? What are we fighting against?
4. What specific request does Paul make for himself in Ephesians 6:19-20? Why is this significant? [38:03]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests"? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual warfare? [31:26]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of community and humility in our spiritual journey, especially in the context of Paul's request for prayers? [39:54]
3. What does the act of baptism symbolize according to the sermon, and how does it relate to the themes of spiritual warfare and recommitment? [53:46]
4. How does Paul's example of asking for prayers challenge our understanding of leadership and vulnerability within the church? [39:54]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have not been fully engaged in spiritual warfare? What steps can you take to put on the full armor of God in those areas? [49:23]
2. How can you incorporate "praying in the Spirit on all occasions" into your daily routine? What practical changes can you make to ensure your prayers are constant, varied, and Spirit-led? [31:26]
3. In what ways can you foster a sense of community and humility within your small group or church? How can you support and intercede for others in their spiritual battles? [39:54]
4. Think about a time when you needed to recommit yourself to Christ. What prompted that recommitment, and how did it impact your spiritual journey? How can you maintain that commitment moving forward? [49:23]
5. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and a symbol of dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ. If you have been baptized, how does this act continue to influence your daily life and decisions? If you have not been baptized, what steps can you take to explore this important act of faith? [53:46]
6. Paul’s humility in asking for prayers shows that even leaders need support. How can you create an environment where leaders in your church feel comfortable asking for prayer and support? [39:54]
7. Reflect on the communal aspect of confession mentioned in the sermon. How can you practice confession in a way that fosters accountability and support within your small group or church community? [46:27]
Devotional
Day 1: Engaging in Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare is a reality that requires our full attention and dedication. Just as one might focus all their resources on a significant legal battle, we must focus our spiritual resources on fighting against the powers and principalities of this dark world. This involves putting on the full armor of God and being prepared for battle in every aspect of our lives. The armor of God includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. Each piece is essential for standing firm against the enemy's schemes.
Paul's letter to the Ephesians emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and prepared for spiritual warfare. He urges believers to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, recognizing that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. This preparation is not a one-time event but a continuous process that involves every aspect of our lives, from our thoughts and actions to our prayers and petitions. [25:03]
Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to put on the full armor of God and prepare yourself for spiritual warfare?
Day 2: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful weapon in our spiritual arsenal, and Paul emphasizes the need to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." This means that our prayers should be constant, varied, and Spirit-led. Prayer is not just a ritual but a dynamic and powerful means of communication with God. It requires us to be alert and to intercede for all the Lord's people, recognizing that we are all in this battle together.
Paul's call to pray in the Spirit on all occasions challenges us to deepen our prayer life and to be more intentional in our communication with God. It is a reminder that prayer is not limited to specific times or places but should be an integral part of our daily lives. By praying in the Spirit, we align ourselves with God's will and invite His power and presence into our circumstances. [31:32]
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV): "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more Spirit-led prayers into your daily routine? What specific prayers and requests can you bring before God today?
Day 3: Community and Humility
Paul’s request for prayers highlights the importance of community and humility in our spiritual journey. Even as an apostle, Paul acknowledges his need for the prayers of others. This teaches us that no one is above needing support and that we should humbly seek and offer prayers within our community. The sense of community and mutual support is crucial as we navigate our spiritual journeys.
Humility and community go hand in hand. By humbly acknowledging our need for others, we foster a sense of unity and interdependence within the body of Christ. This mutual support strengthens us in our spiritual battles and helps us grow in our faith. Paul's example reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can rely on the prayers and support of our fellow believers. [42:16]
Ephesians 6:19-20 (ESV): "And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for prayer and support today? How can you humbly offer your prayers and support to others in need?
Day 4: Recommitment and Confession
Regularly recommitting ourselves to Christ and engaging in communal confession are vital practices for spiritual growth. This involves not just acknowledging our faith but also identifying areas where we need to grow and actively working towards change. Confession should be a communal act that fosters accountability and support within the body of Christ.
Recommitment and confession are powerful tools for spiritual renewal. By openly acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking God's forgiveness, we create space for His transformative work in our lives. This process is not meant to be done in isolation but within the context of a supportive community that encourages and holds us accountable. [46:27]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to recommit to Christ? How can you engage in communal confession and seek accountability within your faith community?
Day 5: Living Out Our Faith
Our faith should be the underlying factor that influences every decision we make. Paul’s call to pray at all times and his example of living a life fully committed to proclaiming the gospel challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we living in a way that reflects our commitment to Christ? Are we prepared for the spiritual battle, and are we supporting one another in this journey?
Living out our faith means allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives. It involves making decisions that align with God's will, being intentional in our actions, and supporting our fellow believers. Paul's example serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is not just a private matter but a public declaration of our commitment to Christ and His Kingdom. [38:41]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you live out your faith more intentionally today? How can you support others in their spiritual journey and encourage them to do the same?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Have you ever fought for something? Have you ever had to fight for something? And I don't mean just like you know a little argument or a dispute but where you really had to like kind of dig in your heels pull your resources together and you knew like this this was going to take everything that you had to be able to accomplish this or do this. I have a friend that was in an abusive relationship for quite a few years and was finally able to get the strength and the courage and ability to remove himself from that relationship and then realized that in some ways the real battle started because as a man with children the system tends to kind of favor the spouse in situations like that in terms of custody and he knew that it was not a good situation with his previous wife and so he had to go through the legal battle of trying to get full custody of his kids which eventually he was able to do but it took years of dedicating his mental space every spare moment that he had a lot of his financial resources to be able to make it through that battle. When we're fighting for something that really matters that's what it takes right?" [24:13]
2. "If we work for peace in our lives, in our homes, in our communities, without being submitted to the Prince of Peace, we're actually getting sucked into the powers and structures of darkness in this world. And Paul doesn't just say pray in general, right? He gives a specific way that we pray. He says pray in the spirit. Again, there's a lot that could be said here, but I'm going to keep it short. Our prayer, there's a lot of things that can motivate prayer, right? We can pray in obligation. We can pray in desperation. We can pray in arrogance. Actually making our prayers making us feel better about ourselves in some way or thinking that we're good enough to do this. But Paul says pray in the spirit. Even our prayers themselves are submitted to Christ as Lord." [34:37]
3. "When you pray, are you going to war? When you pray, do you see yourself standing in full armor pulling down the strongholds of Satan? Pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests for all God's people. We prepare with the full armor that we can pray at all times with all kinds of prayers. We are at war. It requires our whole person. It requires all of our time and our mental faculties. It's the one thing that should be the underwriting thing that influences every other choice you make in life." [36:20]
4. "There is a depth to prayer in communion with God in his spirit. In active participation in the spiritual battle that Jesus has won but has invited us to partner in. That I guarantee you you have not discovered yet. Why can I say that? Because throughout the history of the church, the greatest prayer warriors, those who have dedicated their life to prayer, who have written. And ways that God has connected with them or brought victory or response to their prayers are all in agreement that the more they prayed, the more they found there was to learn about prayer." [34:37]
5. "Our battle is not against flesh and blood. It's against the powers and principalities of this dark and evil world. And so we don't wage war the way that the kingdoms of this world do. Instead we prepare with the armor of Christ, right? We prepare with the armor of Christ. A lot can be said about this armor and a lot has been said. And you can go and look at each of the individual pieces and what they mean. And there's a place for that. But this morning we're going to kind of look at the armor as a whole component." [27:50]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul says, put on the full armor from head to toe. Pay attention to the details. It requires our whole person, our whole self. Put on the full armor. But you know too often I think in this passage we stop with the armor. It can kind of, this passage can come off as there's this spiritual battle going on out there. And so put on this armor so you can be safe in here. And wherever the in here is, whether that's for you personally, whether that's churches, that kind of try to protect themselves from some ways, from the evils out there. And then it's so we're safe in here. That's not what Paul's talking about at all. Because he doesn't end with the armor. The armor is actually just preparation and then he continues on in verse 18. And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." [31:32]
2. "Paul says just as you pray for everyone else don't think I've arrived or that I don't need prayer anymore I need prayer as well just as you do in your work of proclaiming the gospel with boldness without fear. God we just pray that you would pour your spirit out upon each one of us. God that we would not be so become so comfortable in our pursuit of the things that matter to us in this life that we forget what's most important. God we each need to be reminded that we are in a spiritual battle that there's spiritual warfare going on we pray that you would help us to proclaim the mystery of the gospel fearlessly." [42:16]
3. "There's a practice for this ongoing maintenance that we need to do. Let's mention throughout scripture and there's strong history throughout the history of the church this practice of confession. Right in confession is both confessing what's true. So confessing what we believe about God confessing how we live as as followers and confessing sin. Confessing those areas that we fall short. Throughout the history of the Catholic church confession became this thing that was done with the priest with the individual would go to the priest and confess their sins as a representative of God. And then through the Protestant Reformation there was different ways that confession was understood and still practiced as a community but not with a priest. And as an abaptist we had this understanding that confession was meant to be done in community." [46:27]
4. "And so this year we're trying to recapture that confession, that communal confession in some way. And so we're asking that as you sign your covenant you not only just put your name but that you actually write what's something you want to grow in this coming year. Right and acknowledgement of this is an area that I am weak, this is an area that I am in sin that I'm not faithfully following Jesus and I'm committing myself not just to resigning the covenant as an idea but to engaging in a practice of repentance of actual real change." [46:27]
5. "And so my commitment this year is to is to return to that to repent and I don't know I can't name any specific things that I look at that I'm like this particular activity needs to change but it's more this under writing of everything I do making sure that I'm remaining in prayer that I'm actually praying in the spirit that I'm not just making my own decisions but I'm being fully submitted to Jesus. That in all occasions for all things in all forms of prayer that I'm submitted and committed to Jesus that's my confession that's my commitment." [49:23]
6. "Paul ends with grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. There is a danger for each one of us that our love for Jesus as we go throughout our lives and slowly grow cold and die. There is a danger for churches that our love for Jesus grows cold and dies. Ephesus is a church mentioned in Revelation that if they don't continue faithfully serving Jesus their lampstand might actually be removed. Grace to those who serve Jesus with an undying love. It's some of the reason that every year we do this practice that we're about to engage in of recommitting ourselves to walking with Jesus as individuals end as a church." [44:33]
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