Our pastor will conclude the Fall series on the spiritual Armor of God this Sunday, including exploring what “praying in the Spirit” means. Here are key points from the first part of that teaching in case some would like to have the quotes and bible references “in print.”
Armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-20
Alert in Prayer – v 18
MAIN IDEA – Since Christ has called us to the spiritual army of God, we should remain alert, praying in the Spirit.
Why do we need to hear this? Although there are numerous other paradigms the Bible presents for the Christian life, one we most easily forget is that of spiritual warfare. We don’t actively remember that we are in a “spiritual combat zone” and this renders us less effective in prayer.
Prayer as Warfare
“The armor God provides for us must never be thought of mechanically, still less magically. The danger, the temptation, is to feel that as long as we put on this armor, there is no more to be done. All is well…the armor will in and of itself protect us, so having put it on, we can relax, and put watching aside…But that is the exact opposite of the true position….Every single piece, excellent though it is in itself, will not suffice us, and will not avail us, unless always and at all times we are in a living relationship to God and receiving strength and power from Him.” Lloyd-Jones
“Our blessed Lord, when He was here in the flesh, was engaged in the same conflict. He was ‘tempted in all points like as we are’. The devil assailed him, and all these powers were used against Him. And the very fact that we are Christians means that we are inevitably involved in this fight and conflict. Nothing is more fatal than to start in the Christian life with the notion that now we are Christians we have finished with all our difficulties and problems. That is far from being the truth. Indeed, it is almost the antithesis of the truth. The New Testament rather gives the impression that because we are Christians, we must expect attacks upon us in a way that we have never known or realized before. But, thank God, we are not only told that we have to wrestle and fight in this way, we are also told how we can be enabled to do so successfully.” Lloyd-Jones
Aware in Prayer
- Mark 14:34-38
- 1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary, the Devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Resist him, Stand firm in your faith.”
- Acts 20:31 – “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; And from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.”
- 1 Cor 16:13, – “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”
- Rev 3:2-3 – “You have the reputation of being alive, but are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”
- Col 4:2 – “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
