Equipped for Battle: Embracing Faith and Prayer

 

Summary

In our journey through the book of Ephesians, we have explored the profound connection between our beliefs and behaviors, understanding that they are inextricably linked. Our lives reflect what we believe, and it is crucial that we believe what is true. This truth is the foundation of living as fully devoted, Spirit-filled followers of Jesus Christ.

The first three chapters of Ephesians focus on our beliefs, while the last three chapters address our behaviors. This progression culminates in the famous passage about the armor of God. The armor is a metaphor for the spiritual resources available to believers, and it is only through faith in Christ that we can effectively wield this armor. We must be born again to engage in the spiritual battle that rages around us.

The good news of the Gospel is that Christ has done all the work necessary for our salvation. We have nothing to boast about except His grace. However, this does not mean we have nothing to do. Our lives are a response to the work Christ has accomplished, and we are called to pursue and respond to the truths of Scripture and the sanctifying work of the Spirit.

We cannot live the Spirit-filled life Paul describes without daily putting on the full armor of God. This involves visualizing ourselves taking up each piece of the armor, from the helmet of salvation to the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. By doing so, we are filled with courage, perseverance, and the assurance of our salvation in Christ.

Prayer is essential in this process. Without prayer, we cannot treasure intimacy with Jesus or respond to the Holy Spirit's sanctifying work. Prayer and the Word of God have a synergistic relationship, each empowering the other in our lives. We must pray in the Spirit at all times, maintaining an awareness of His presence throughout the day.

Jesus exemplified a life of prayer, often withdrawing to pray and depending on the Spirit for direction and strength. As His followers, we are called to do the same. If we neglect prayer, we risk living joyless, defeated lives. We must stand firm, put on the full armor of God, and engage in prayer, just as Paul instructs.

Key Takeaways:

- The armor of God is not a mere symbol but a tangible representation of the spiritual resources we have in Christ. Each piece—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—must be consciously embraced daily to live victoriously. This is not a passive act but an active, deliberate choice to stand firm in the strength of the Lord. [07:41]

- Prayer is the lifeline of our relationship with God. It is not an optional add-on but the very means by which we engage with God and His Spirit. Without prayer, we cannot hope to stand against the spiritual forces that oppose us, nor can we expect to grow in sanctification and reflect the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. [16:57]

- The spiritual battle we face is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Recognizing this, we must be vigilant and prepared, not only for our own sake but also for the sake of those around us. Our battle stance is one of readiness, rooted in the power of God, not our own strength. [20:55]

- Encouragement within the body of Christ is vital. Sharing what God is doing in our lives and standing together in prayer strengthens our resolve and helps us persevere. We are not meant to fight alone; the community of believers is a God-given resource for mutual support and encouragement. [25:38]

- Our prayers should align with God's kingdom purposes, not just our temporary needs. While it is right to pray for personal and immediate concerns, our ultimate goal should be the advancement of God's kingdom and His will being done on earth as it is in heaven. This eternal perspective transforms our prayer life and aligns our desires with God's. [23:42]

Study Guide

Bible Reading:

Ephesians 6:10-18 (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. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication."

John 3:3 (ESV)
"Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'"

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (ESV)
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

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."

Observation Questions:

1. In Ephesians 6:10-18, what are the components of the armor of God, and what do they represent?
2. According to Ephesians 6:12, what is the nature of the struggle that believers face, and who are the opponents in this struggle?
3. How does Ephesians 6:18 instruct believers to approach prayer, and what is the relationship between prayer and the armor of God?
4. What does it mean to be "born again" as mentioned in John 3:3, and how does this relate to engaging in spiritual warfare?

Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is it necessary for believers to put on the full armor of God rather than just select pieces?
2. Considering the description of the spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:12, how might this influence a believer's daily life and choices?
3. How does praying in the Spirit, as described in Ephesians 6:18, differ from other forms of prayer?
4. In what ways does the concept of being "born again" empower a believer to participate in the spiritual battles described in Ephesians?

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the past week: which piece of the armor of God did you most frequently neglect, and how will you consciously embrace it in the coming days?
2. Identify a situation in your life where you are facing opposition. How can you apply the principles of spiritual warfare from Ephesians 6 to stand firm in that situation?
3. What specific time each day can you set aside for prayer in the Spirit, to ensure you are consistently seeking God's presence and strength?
4. Think of a recent conversation or interaction that challenged your faith. How can you use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, to respond to similar challenges in the future?
5. Consider the community of believers you are part of. How can you encourage someone this week to stand firm in their spiritual battles, and how can you support them in prayer?

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Armor Daily
The armor of God is a powerful metaphor that encapsulates the spiritual resources available to every believer. It is not enough to merely acknowledge these resources; one must actively and consciously put on each piece of the armor every day. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God are not just abstract concepts but practical tools to be utilized in the daily battle against spiritual forces. This act of embracing the armor is a deliberate choice to stand firm in the strength of the Lord, not in one's own power. It is a commitment to live out the victory that Christ has already won on the cross, and it requires a conscious decision to engage with the spiritual realities of life as a follower of Jesus.

Ephesians 6:14-17 (ESV): "Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Reflection: How can you intentionally put on each piece of the armor of God in your daily routine to prepare for the spiritual battles you face? [07:41]

Day 2: Prayer as Our Lifeline
Prayer is not merely a religious duty; it is the lifeline that connects us to the heart of God. It is through prayer that we engage with God and His Spirit, drawing on the strength and wisdom needed to face the challenges of life. Without a robust prayer life, believers cannot hope to stand against the spiritual forces that oppose them, nor can they grow in sanctification. Prayer is the means by which the fruit of the Spirit becomes evident in a believer's life. It is a dynamic conversation with God that empowers and transforms, aligning our will with His and enabling us to live out the fullness of our identity in Christ.

James 5:16b (ESV): "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: What specific time can you set aside today to deepen your prayer life, and how can you ensure that this time is honored daily? [16:57]

Day 3: Vigilance in Spiritual Warfare
The spiritual battle believers face is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this present darkness. Recognizing the true nature of our conflict is crucial for maintaining vigilance and preparedness. It is not by our own strength that we stand, but by the power of God within us. This understanding calls us to be alert and ready at all times, equipped with the full armor of God, so that we can effectively support not only ourselves but also those around us in the spiritual struggles we all encounter.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV): "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a mindset of readiness and vigilance in your spiritual life, and how can this perspective change your daily interactions? [20:55]

Day 4: Encouragement in Community
The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. Encouragement within the body of Christ is essential for spiritual growth and perseverance. Sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness and standing together in prayer not only strengthens individual believers but also fortifies the church as a whole. The community of faith is a God-ordained means of support, where believers can find strength in one another's company and encouragement in their shared journey of faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Reflection: Who can you encourage in your faith community today, and how can you actively seek encouragement from others to strengthen your walk with God? [25:38]

Day 5: Kingdom-Focused Prayer
Prayer should extend beyond our immediate needs and personal desires, reaching into the very heart of God's kingdom purposes. When we pray, our ultimate aim should be the advancement of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of His will on earth as it is in heaven. This eternal perspective not only transforms our prayer life but also aligns our desires with those of our Heavenly Father. By focusing on God's kingdom in our prayers, we participate in the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan and find our place within His grand design.

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: How can you reshape your prayers today to reflect a greater emphasis on God's kingdom and His will, rather than just your personal concerns? [23:42]

Quotes

"We are uded if we don't think we need this armor and we are utterly foolish if we don't put it on every single day with overflowing gratitude at how great our God is to have not only won the war on our behalf but who now also equips us with everything we need to fight the daily battles and live this life in a manner Worthy of the gospel and for his glory alone." [11:12]( | | )

"Church I don't have enough words, I don't have the right words to express the gravity of how critical it is that we heed this directive. It is not a suggestion, it's not an add-on, it's not to be done flippantly or casually. This is how we fight our battles: we pray always in the spirit with all prayer and supplication." [12:42]( | | )

"Right, we'll never see this end State come to pass if we think that all this digging into scripture for the last two years is just to fill our heads with more knowledge. Church, we are in the battle for our lives, we're in a battle for the lives of those we love, we're in a battle for those who have yet to trust in Christ." [19:34]( | | )

"Paul would say church pray, pray for each other, pray for me, pray please that every time I open my mouth that I'd have the words to say, pray that I'll be bold in sharing my faith in proclaiming the mystery of the Gospel, please pray that I won't ever back down but that I'll declare it boldly as I ought to." [22:11]( | | )

"What are our lives all about? What are our prayers all about? The Right Here and Now or are we about the kingdom, 'thy kingdom come, thy will be done'? Is this our deepest desire? Is this what we hunger and thirst for most? Is this what we're ultimately praying for, no matter what it takes?" [23:42]( | | )

"I'm kind of a visual person and so I literally picture myself putting on or taking up each of the pieces of the armor... I am filled with renewed courage and perseverance because ultimately Jesus is my helmet of salvation and nothing can or will ever change that." [07:41]( | | )

"Church, Christ was and is Victorious. He has won the war against sin and death forever, and he is alive today sitting at the right hand of the father... we are all looking forward to celebrating his resurrection together next Sunday, but until he comes..." [09:58]( | | )

"Without prayer, we will never come to treasure intimacy with Jesus. How could we if we're not communicating with him daily?... if we're not praying, we won't be able to put on the armor that we learn about in his word, and if we don't have our armor on, we'll never be able to stand strong in battle." [16:23](Download clip | Download cropped clip | Download captioned clip)

"Friends, without engaging with God In Prayer, we cannot respond to the holy spirit's work of sanctification in us, which means his fruit will never ripen in our lives, which is exactly what God's will is for every one of us, for that fruit to become more and more abundant and evident." [17:35]( | | )

"Unfortunately, though, prayerless is the way far too many professing Christians live. It describes way too many of our churches. We're functioning in our own strength, no wonder so many of us are living joyless, defeated lives. For mile, if we're not praying, if we're not daily putting on our armor..." [18:18]( | | )

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