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War: The Importance of Prayer

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War: The Importance of Prayer

Ephesians 6:18-24

“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.” (Ephesians 6:18–24, NASB95)

CPT: Paul reminds the Ephesian believers of the importance of prayer.

CPS: As believers we need to remember the importance of prayer.

Question: With the pressures and temptations of this world how are to pray? Why should we pray

Introduction

Video- “Isn’t Enough”

Does having the best equipment in a sport make you the best? Is it enough?

Does having the best calculator make you the best mathematician?

Does having the best cookware make you Paula Deen?

What about having the best microphone does this make you Martina McBride?

If you have a Les Paul Gibson guitar make you Stevie Ray Vaughn?

What about in war. Does having the best equipment make you the best? Is equipment all it takes to win a war? Can you take average Joe of the street give him the best boots, the best camouflage, the best ammo, the best gun, and expect him to be G.I. Joe?

While the equipment by itself is important there is something more that undergirds all of that equipment. It is the training, the preparation, and most importantly the heart that makes the soldier. There is something deeper. Something intangible.

When it comes to you and I in this spiritual war it is the same. While the belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword are vitally important there is something deeper. There is something that makes all of good stuff and makes it great.

There is something that undergirds all of the weapons of this spiritual war that the apostle Paul tells us about.

Let’s see what the Bible tells us that this undergirding is.

Exposition 

Read Ephesians 6:18-24

Paul begins Ephesians with the comprehensive declaration that “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (1:3). He then proceeds to tell us of our blessings.

You are chosen, predestined, and adopted as God’s children (1:4–5)

You are lavished with His grace (1:6, 8; 2:7)

You are redeemed and forgiven (1:7; 4:32)

You are given the mystery of His will (1:9; 3:4–6)

You are receivers of an inheritance (1:11)

You have been sealed with the Holy Spirit (1:13–14; 4:30)

You are greatly loved by God (2:4; 5:25)

You are made alive with new life (2:5–6)

You are the workmanship of Christ, created by Him for doing good works (2:10)

You are given God’s own peace (2:14)

You are made one with Christ and with every other believer as His own Body (2:13–19; 3:4–6)

You are made citizens of God’s kingdom and members of His family (2:19)

You are built into God’s own temple and the dwelling place of His Spirit (2:20–22)

You are given boldness and confident access to God (3:12)

You are made powerful beyond your imagination (3:20)

You are given the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (4:3)

You are individually and uniquely gifted by Christ (4:7)

You are blessed with specially gifted leaders to equip you in the work of ministry (4:11–12)

You are taught by Jesus Christ Himself (4:20–21)

You are given a new self in God’s holy likeness (4:24)

You are made light (5:8)

You are offered the fullness of the Holy Spirit (5:18)

You are given the instructions and resources to make all relationships with others what God intends them to be (5:21—6:9)

You are given God’s full armor to make us invincible against Satan and his demonic forces (6:10–17).

In light of our immeasurable and wondrous privileges and blessings, you and I can easily begin to think we are adequate in ourselves and thereby lose our essential sense of dependence on God.

Prayer is the closing theme in the letter to the church at Ephesus . Prayer is not merely another essential weapon in the offense and defense of the believer. It is the very spiritual air that the soldier of Christ breathes. The thing that MUST undergird everything is prayer. Let’s walk through this verse 18 noting the 4 all statements as we answer the question, with the pressures and temptations of this world how are to pray?

All Prayer and Petition

The word used here for prayer refers to general requests. The word used here for petition refers to those that are specific. The use of both words points leads us to the idea that we are to be involved in all kinds of prayer. We can pray publicly or privately; in loud cries, in soft whispers, or even silently; deliberately and planned or spontaneously; while sitting, standing, kneeling, or even lying down; at home or in church or in the car; while working or while traveling; with hands folded or raised; with eyes open or closed; with head bowed or erect; standing or sitting or kneeling or laying prostrate. We can pray wherever we are and in whatever situation we are in. We are to pray for all things and for all circumstances.

This means that we need to pray about physical needs, emotional needs, and most importantly we need to be praying for peoples spiritual needs.

Philippians 4:6-7- “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Maybe you see a wreck while you are traveling, you can pray right there in your car. Maybe you are talking to a friend on the phone and they are telling you about a struggle they are having, pray for them over the phone. Maybe you are at the hospital visiting a family member, pray for them then and there.

Wherever you are and what ever circumstances you are in pray.

All Times in the Spirit

To pray at all times is to live where everything we see and experience becomes a kind of prayer. This is not a 24 hr long prayer but constantly going to the Father throughout the day because of you know of your great need for Him. This may be a several minute prayer or a short two word prayer.

It is to go to the Father and ask for help when you are tempted. When you experience something good and beautiful, you give thanks to the Lord. When you see evil around you, you pray that God will make it right and be willing to be used of Him to that end. When you meet someone who does not know Christ, pray for God to draw that person to Himself and to use you to be a faithful witness. When you encounter a situation of trouble, you turn to God as your Deliverer. In other words, our life becomes a continual prayer, constantly communing with our heavenly Father. Friend, there is no time when you do not need to pray and no time when God will not hear your prayers.

Luke 21:36- “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

1 Thess. 5:16-17- “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;”

What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? This has nothing to do with speaking in tongues or anything of the sort. To pray in the Spirit is to pray in the name of Christ. To pray in the Spirit is to pray consistent with His nature and will.

To pray in the Spirit is to pray in concert with the Spirit, who as Romans 8:26-27 states, “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

All Perseverance and Petition 

To pray on the alert with all perseverance and petition is to pray in a certain manner. We are to pray intently, specifically, and persistently.

Luke 11: 1-13- “It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. ‘Give us each day our daily bread. ‘And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ” Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and from inside he answers and says, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ “I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. “Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? “Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?””

In this parable we have a person who has a problem so they go intently to their friend to meet that need. Also, they go asking specifically for three loaves of bread. Not only this but they asked persistently for the bread.

Luke 18:1-8- “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. “There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ “For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’ ” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?””

If this ungodly and unjust judge will answer this persistent widow, how much more will a righteous, just and loving God answer our prayer.

I encourage you in your prayer life to pray intently, persistently, and specifically.

All the Saints

Our passage tells us to prayer for all the saints. In other places it tells us to pray for non-believers and  for government leaders. Here he specifically states that we are to pray for all the saints. We are not in this spiritual war alone, there are other believers that are going through struggles and temptations. We need to be praying for them.

Men, do you pray for your wife on a regular basis? Do you pray for her spiritual well being? Do you pray her maturity in Christ? Do you pray that you will be the husband your wife needs? Do you pray for the worries and stresses that she faces on a daily basis? Women, do you pray for your husband on a regular basis? Do you pray that he would have wisdom as the spiritual leader of your home? Do you pray for his continual maturity in Christ? Do you pray for the worries and stresses he faces? Do you pray for your children? How about other family members? What about ministry leaders, do you pray for them?

Conclusion

In 1836 Charlotte Elliot wrote these words:

Christian, seek not yet repose,

Cast thy dreams of ease away;

Thou art in the midst of foes;

Watch and pray.

Principalities and power,

Mustering their unseen array,

Wait for thy unguarded hours;

Watch and pray.

Watch as if on that alone

Hung the issue of the day,

Pray that help may be sent down;

Watch and pray.

I want to encourage you as we each go through the trials and temptations this world can throw at us be a person of prayer. Be a prayer warrior. Be someone who understands their need for the Savior. Be a person of prayer.

Prayer

Invitation

Sermon Notes: War- The Word- Ephesians 6:17b

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Here is my sermon notes from yesterday. Please note that this next to last in the current sermon series. This upcoming week will be about the necessity of prayer in our everyday life as we face the pressures of this world.

Let me know what you think.

War: The Word

Ephesians 6:17b

“And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17b, NASB95)

CPT: Paul exhorts the believers that the Word is essential in this spiritual war.

CPS: The Word is essential for you in this spiritual war.

Question: Why is the Word essential in the life of the believer?

Introduction

Theodore Roosevelt famously stated, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

In conventional war countries are always after having the biggest stick. That stick through history may have been the bow and arrow, the sword, the cannon, the naval ships of war, different advancements in firearms, bombs, and of course the big stick of today, the nuclear bomb.

In the struggle against Satan and his influences on culture do we have a BIG STICK? If we do what kind of big stick can we use? Further, when you are being tempted and under spiritual attack what can you do?

Whether you realize it or not we are all in a spiritual war. While it is not a conventional war in the way we think of war it is still war. This is a war over the truth, the gospel, and over the souls of men and women. We have a choice, we can either stand-up and fight or we can stick our heads in the sand and pretend there is nothing going on.

Let’s see what the Bible has to say in how we are to fight this spiritual war.

Exposition

Read and review Eph. 6:10-17a- “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation.” (NASB95)

The full armor, not just picking and choosing. Each piece of this armor is essential in the life of the believer. Why? Resist the devil and to stand firm in the shakiness of this world and culture.

Girded loins- belt of truth. The knowledge and confidence in the truth that is found in the gospel.

Breastplate of righteousness. We must live in a manner that is righteous and godly. To live in a manner that is above reproach because of your righteousness and godliness will help you from stumbling. Further to live righteously is a great witness to a watching world.

Shoes of the gospel of peace. We as believers have peace with the Father because of our faith in the gospel message of Jesus Christ. This gospel of peace give us as believers a firm foundation. A foundation that is solid and will not fall away or erode.

Shield of faith. It is our unshakable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that will guard us from the attacks of the devil. Attacks that will pierce and cripple you without a rock solid faith in Jesus Christ.

Helmet of salvation. It is the helmet of salvation because you and I can have confidence in our salvation against any and all doubt and discouragement. We live in a world that is constantly questioning and doubting. We live in a world that is filled with evil. Even through this doubt and discouragement that surrounds us we can have confidence and encouragement.

The Bible give us another weapon that is essential to you and I as believers in this spiritual war.  Let’s see what this weapon is.

Read Eph. 6:17b- “and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

The sword to which Paul refers here varied in length from six to eighteen inches long. It was the common sword carried by Roman foot soldiers and was the principal weapon in hand–to–hand combat. Carried in a sheath attached to their belts, it was always at hand and ready for use. This was a sword used with skill and precision and not a sword to be swung around recklessly and without regard. This is the sword that carried Rome to greatness. While short in terms of a sword, it was the BIG STICK of the day.

The power of this sword is from a source and the source is the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who guides us, teaches us, and convicts us through the Word of God.

John Wesley stated about the Bible- “I am a creature of a day. I am a spirit come from God, and returning to God. I want to know one thing: the way to heaven. God himself has condescended to teach me the way. He has written it down in a book. Oh, give me that book! At any price give me the book of God. Let me be a man of one book.”

C.H. Spurgeon stated about the Bible- “Some people like to read so many [Bible] chapters every day. I would not dissuade them from the practice, but I would rather lay my soul a soak in half a dozen verses all day than rinse my hand in several chapters. Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up in your very soul, till it saturates your heart!”

Why is the Word Essential in the Life of the Believer?

First, the Sword is a defensive weapon. It is capable of deflecting the blows of an opponent. It is a wonderful weapon of defense against the onslaughts of Satan Yet, unlike the shield, which gives broad and general protection, the sword can deflect an attack only if it is handled precisely and skillfully.

When we think about the temptations that Jesus faced in Matthew 4, each time Jesus responds with Scripture. In the same way we have the Word to help defend us against spiritual attack.

In fact Paul could have used several different words for the term word. Yet Paul did not use the general and most popular term for word which refers to general statements or messages, but he used a term that refers to individual words or particular statements. The apostle is therefore not talking here about general knowledge of Scripture, but is emphasizing again the precision that comes by knowledge and understanding of specific truths.

Oh that all of us as believers would dig into the Word and that we would soak in the depths of Scripture, in order that we would be skillful in the knowledge and understanding of the truths that are found in the Bible.

Maybe you are facing some type of spiritual attack. Maybe it may be an attack of doubt in your faith or confidence in your salvation. You can use the Bible to help defend you against such attacks.

Maybe like Jesus you are facing some type of temptation in life. It maybe a temptation to cut corners financially or be haphazard with your finances. There are passages in the Bible that can help you, defend you, and encourage you.

Maybe that temptation you are facing is a temptation in your marriage. Oh my spouse will never know I had that lunch with so-in-so, or my spouse will never know I had that intimate moment with so-in-so, or my spouse will never know about this affair. My brothers and sisters do not fall to these temptations. You and I have the Word to help us in these circumstances, to defend us and encourage us in these tough circumstances.

Second, the Sword is also an offensive weapon. It is a weapon capable of inflicting blows on the enemy. In fact, of all the weapons that are listed for us in this passage there is only one that is offensive in nature. It is not the shield nor the breastplate nor the belt nor the shoes. The only offensive weapon we as believers have is the Bible.

The Bible describes itself in Hebrews 4:12-13-  Scripture is “living and active and sharper than any two–edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”

When we use the Bible to teach, to preach, to confront evil and sin it brings God’s judgment to bear on lives as it reveals sin and spiritual guilt.

The Bible also powerfully transforms individuals from falsehood to the truth, from the darkness to light, and from sin and death to righteousness and life. It brings the individual from failure to success, childishness to maturity, despair to hope, and sadness to joy.

The Bible is a wonderful weapon that we have to use in this spiritual war, yet so often it is neglected, ignored, and forgotten. It is a book that simply looks good collecting dust on our book shelf or sun faded because of being in our car all week every week.

Conclusion

I encourage you and challenge you, become a person who is constantly being transformed by the Holy Spirit through the truths of the Bible. Read your Bible, study your Bible, memorize passages in the Bible, and apply the truths you have read and studied.

The Bible is far to important to be marginalized in your life. Pick up your Sword and prepare for battle.

Prayer

Gospel Presentation

 

Again let me know what you think.  I would love to have a great discussion on this sermon.