Equipped for Spiritual Warfare: The Power of Prayer
Summary
In our journey through 1 Corinthians 10 and other scriptures, we've delved into the profound truth that our battles are not fought in the flesh but in the spiritual realm. We've been reminded that Christ found us, not the other way around, and it is through the prayers of the faithful that many of us have come to know Him. The story of Linda, who prayed for me on the bus, exemplifies the power of intercessory prayer and the joy of witnessing salvation unfold.
We've explored the concept of presenting our bodies as instruments of righteousness rather than unrighteousness, recognizing that we have a daily choice to serve God or to succumb to sin. The battle within our own members is real, and it is by the grace of God that we are empowered to overcome these struggles. Grace is not merely a blanket of forgiveness; it is the divine influence upon our hearts that leads us to repentance and a life that reflects the holiness of God.
The armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6, is our spiritual equipment for warfare. We are called to stand firm, girded with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. This armor protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy and empowers us to stand against the forces of darkness.
We've also been cautioned about the dangers of allowing sin to reign in our mortal bodies. Sin can penetrate our spiritual armor, leading to shame, bitterness, and strongholds. It is crucial to be quick to repent and seek accountability within the body of Christ.
Finally, we've been encouraged to seek God in the secret place, understanding that our most powerful prayers are often those offered in private. The Father delights in rewarding those who seek Him earnestly and humbly in prayer.
Key Takeaways:
1. The power of intercessory prayer cannot be overstated. It is through the faithful prayers of others that many are drawn to Christ. As believers, we must commit to praying for those who are lost, trusting that God orchestrates divine encounters and opens hearts to His truth. [46:28]
2. Our bodies are vessels that can be used for righteousness or unrighteousness. Daily, we must choose to surrender our members to God, allowing His grace to transform us and lead us away from sin. This is not a passive process but an active submission to the Spirit's guidance. [43:52]
3. The armor of God is our defense against spiritual attacks. Each piece represents a vital aspect of our walk with Christ, from truth and righteousness to faith and salvation. We must put on this armor daily, standing firm in the power of His might. [26:09]
4. Sin has the potential to create breaches in our spiritual armor, leaving us vulnerable to further attacks. It is essential to maintain vigilance in our spiritual walk, being quick to repent and seek godly counsel when we falter. [41:20]
5. The secret place of prayer is a powerful weapon in our spiritual arsenal. When we pray in private, we engage in deep communion with God, and He promises to reward us openly. Our most intimate and earnest prayers often yield the most profound results. [47:58]
Remember, as we go forth, let us do so with the full armor of God, standing firm in the faith, and seeking the Lord in the secret place with expectation and humility.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)
> Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness 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. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
2. Romans 6:11-14 (NKJV)
> Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
3. Matthew 6:5-7 (NKJV)
> And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the different pieces of the armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18, and what do they represent?
2. According to Romans 6:11-14, what are believers instructed to do with their bodies, and why?
3. In Matthew 6:5-7, what does Jesus say about the manner in which we should pray, and what is the promise associated with praying in secret?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-18 relate to the daily struggles believers face? [24:03]
2. What does it mean to present our bodies as instruments of righteousness according to Romans 6:11-14, and how does this impact our daily choices? [36:35]
3. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of private prayer in Matthew 6:5-7, and how does this practice strengthen our relationship with God? [59:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the power of intercessory prayer. How did it impact your faith, and how can you commit to praying for others more consistently? [46:00]
2. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that you are putting on the full armor of God daily? How can you remind yourself of this spiritual discipline each morning? [26:09]
3. Identify an area in your life where sin might be trying to reign. What steps can you take to present that area to God as an instrument of righteousness? [36:35]
4. How can you create a dedicated "secret place" for prayer in your daily routine? What changes might you need to make to prioritize this time with God? [59:00]
5. Think of a specific person who is not yet a believer. How can you incorporate intercessory prayer for them into your daily routine, trusting that God will orchestrate divine encounters? [46:00]
6. How can you seek accountability within the body of Christ to help you stay vigilant against sin and maintain your spiritual armor? [41:20]
7. Reflect on the last time you prayed in private and felt a deep connection with God. How can you cultivate more of these moments in your spiritual walk? [59:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Harnessing Intercessory Prayer's Power
Intercessory prayer is a profound force in the spiritual life of believers. It is through the earnest prayers of the faithful that the hearts of those who are lost can be softened and drawn to Christ. This form of prayer is not a passive wish into the void but an active engagement in spiritual warfare, where one stands in the gap for another, pleading before the throne of grace. It is a selfless act that mirrors the heart of Jesus, who intercedes for us before the Father. The story of Linda praying on the bus is a testament to the transformative power that intercessory prayer holds, as it can lead to life-changing encounters and the joy of salvation.
The practice of intercessory prayer is a call to action for every believer. It is a privilege to carry the burdens of others to God and a responsibility to persist in prayer, trusting in God's perfect timing and will. As one intercedes, they join in the work of the Kingdom, becoming a conduit of God's love and mercy in the lives of others. It is a spiritual discipline that requires faithfulness, patience, and a deep trust in the sovereignty of God. [46:28]
James 5:16b (ESV)
"The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Who is God placing on your heart to intercede for today, and what specific circumstances can you bring before Him on their behalf?
Day 2: Choosing Righteousness Daily
Every day presents a choice: to present one's body as an instrument of righteousness or to succumb to the temptations of sin. This is not a one-time decision but a continuous, conscious act of surrendering to God's will. The grace of God is not just a covering for past mistakes; it actively influences the heart, leading to repentance and a life that mirrors the holiness of God. By choosing to serve God daily, believers allow His grace to work within them, transforming their desires and empowering them to resist sin.
This daily choice is a battle against the flesh, where one must actively submit to the Spirit's guidance. It is a process that involves self-awareness, humility, and a willingness to be molded by the divine hand. The believer's body becomes a vessel through which God's righteousness is displayed, impacting the world around them. The grace that enables this transformation is a testament to God's love and the power of His Spirit at work in the lives of His children. [43:52]
Romans 6:13 (ESV)
"Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to make a conscious choice to serve God rather than give in to sin, and how can you actively make that choice today?
Day 3: Donning the Armor of God
The armor of God is the believer's spiritual defense against the onslaught of the enemy's attacks. Each piece of this armor—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—is essential for standing firm in the face of spiritual warfare. This armor is not a passive protection but requires active and daily engagement. By putting on the armor of God, believers are empowered to resist the fiery darts of the adversary and to stand their ground in the power of His might.
The call to wear the armor of God is a call to vigilance and preparedness. It is an acknowledgment that the battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. As believers equip themselves with these spiritual tools, they are fortified to face challenges with courage and to remain steadfast in their faith. The armor is a gift from God, designed to protect and empower His people as they navigate the complexities of the spiritual realm. [26:09]
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: Which piece of the armor of God do you feel you need to focus on strengthening in your life, and what practical steps can you take to fortify that area?
Day 4: Vigilance Against Sin's Breaches
Sin has the potential to create breaches in our spiritual armor, leaving us vulnerable to further attacks from the enemy. It is essential for believers to remain vigilant in their spiritual walk, being quick to repent and seek godly counsel when they falter. Sin can lead to shame, bitterness, and strongholds that are difficult to break. However, through repentance and accountability within the body of Christ, these breaches can be repaired, and the believer can be restored to spiritual health.
Maintaining spiritual integrity requires a proactive stance against sin. It involves recognizing the areas of weakness and taking deliberate steps to guard against temptation. The community of faith plays a crucial role in this process, offering support, encouragement, and accountability. As believers confess their sins to one another and pray for each other, they find healing and strength to overcome the challenges they face. This collective effort helps to maintain the integrity of the spiritual armor and the overall health of the body of Christ. [41:20]
Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV)
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Is there a sin or temptation you've been struggling with that you need to bring into the light and seek accountability for, and who can you reach out to for support?
Day 5: The Secret Place of Prayer
The secret place of prayer is where believers find the most profound communion with God. It is in the quiet and private moments of prayer that one can pour out their heart to the Father, away from the distractions and noise of the world. God delights in these intimate times with His children and promises to reward them openly for their earnest and humble seeking. The secret place is a powerful weapon in the spiritual arsenal, where battles are fought and won, and where the believer's faith is deepened and strengthened.
Engaging in prayer in the secret place is an act of faith and devotion. It is a sacred space where one can be honest and vulnerable before God, trusting that He hears and answers according to His perfect will. The impact of these private prayers often extends far beyond the confines of the secret place, as God moves in response to the heartfelt petitions of His people. The secret place is a refuge, a place of renewal, and a source of spiritual power. [47:58]
Matthew 6:6 (ESV)
"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: What is one specific request you can bring to God in your secret place of prayer today, and how can you make time to seek Him earnestly in this way?
Quotes
Here are selected quotes from the sermon transcript that support the sermon summary provided:
1) "We are a church that believes by faith that we are saved by grace, that we're saved by the mercy and the grace of God, but in my studies, in my walk with the Lord, I have learned what the full definition of grace means." [37:01] (Download | )
2) "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they're mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds, casting down arguments in every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God." [49:38] (Download | )
3) "If we're not spending our time in the Word, then we're not sharpening our sword. It's okay to go into prayer and to go into the Word and do a word search or find a scripture for the particular moment in your life." [53:42] (Download | )
4) "When we make the solemn choice to sin, you're opening your armor up. Your shield's down. Your sword's laying by the side. There's a crack in your breastplate of righteousness." [40:43] (Download | )
5) "Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey in its lusts. Do not present your members, your bodies, as instruments or weapons of unrighteousness to sin." [43:22] (Download | )
6) "When you go into your room, you've shut the door. Pray to your father who's in that secret place. Your father who sees in secret will reward you openly." [01:03:10] (Download | )
7) "We have been called to be soldiers in the Lord's army, and it is our duty to take up our cross daily. Do not let sin reign in our mortal bodies." [39:01] (Download | )
8) "The secret place dwells in you too, right? You got the spirit of God in you. The spirit, the spirit honestly, is the secret place." [01:01:06] (Download | )
9) "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers, and heavenly places. These are demonic forces, demonic entities." [30:37] (Download | )
10) "But when you do that, it's like you have an arsenal to draw from. If we're not spending our time in the Word, then we're not sharpening our sword." [53:12] (Download | )
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