Living the Christian life Online magazine of Spiritual truth
1. A.The Spiritual Conflict We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of darkness (v12)
2.The warriors power (v10)
Strong in the Lord and in the power of His might
The Spirit filled believer must continually strengthen himself with armour provided
The ground for the warrior’s strength in his position “in the Lord”
His strength is in the “power of His might”
When the believer takes into account his position in Christ and appropriates the provided armour, the Holy Spirit empowers him to make good the new life in resisting satanic attack.
3. The Warriors Armour Therefore take on to you the “whole armour of God” (v13)
Put on the whole armour of God. (v11)
If we are to have success in our prayer life it is vitally important that we recognise that we are to contend with evil forces. It is only when we appropriate our “Spiritual resources” that we can have success
i.e. “That ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (v11)
Romans Ch13 v12 reminds us
The night is far spent; the day is at hand, let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the “Armour of Light”
4. The Christian’s use of his resources
“Wherefore take unto the whole armour of God.” (v13)
The secret of victory in our prayer life is “reckoning” or “counting by faith” on those resources which are actually his “in Christ the victor” (see Col Ch1 v13 and Ch2. V15) emphasizing the responsibility of so reckoning
If the Christian is to wage an effective prayer life, he or she must realize it will be a “Spiritual battle”. But we stand on firm ground because of “God’s resources in us“ The whole armour of God”
The Prayer Life of the Spirit filled believer
Ephesians Ch6 v10-20
1. Spiritual Conflict (v10-11) Spiritual Warfare (v12)
2 The Warriors power (v10)
3. The warriors armour (v13)
4. The Christian’s use of his resources (v14-17)
5. The Christian’s character of a believer’s prayer life (v18-20)
Christ is the believer’s defence and the resources are from Him.
1. The girdle of truth. Gives confidence against the onslaught of error.
2. Breastplate of Righteousness. The practical outgrowth of imputed righteousness
3. The Good news of peace. Gives firm footed stability when facing the enemy
4. The shield of faith Offers defence against the devious attacks of the devil
5. Helmet of Salvation. Protecting the believers thought life and Spiritual senses.
6. Sword of the Spirit The only offensive weapon provides the “Word of God”
Personal knowledge thereof is used by the Holy Spirit both
offensively and defensively (see Matt ch4 v1-11) and (Heb Ch4 v12)
Our “Prayer Life” is the “capstone” of the believers armour in that it is to be his “uninterrupted activity”
It is in this realm that the armour that Christ has provided is appropriated to the immediate conflict being waged.
Because of the Spiritual resources available to us we can have confidence Hebrews Ch4 v 12 reminds us Let us therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace. (see also Col Ch4 v2) and (1Thes Ch5 v11)
5. The Christian’s character of a believer’s prayer life
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (v18)
Continue in prayer, and watcheth Col Ch4 v2 Pray without ceasing 1Thes Ch5 v17
These verses introduces to the general character of a believers prayer life it involves.
a. All prayer and petition Which focuses on variety in our prayer life, not just set prayers or chants
b. At all times Which focuses on frequency. Our prayer life should be a constant activity
(see Matt Ch26 v41 and Matt Ch13 v33)
c. In the Spirit Which focuses on submission as we line up with the will of God
(see Rom Ch8 v26-27)
d. With all perseverance Which focuses on the persistency of prayer (see Luke Ch11. V9 and Ch18 v7-8)
e. For all Saints Which focuses on the objects of prayer life “praying for one another.
(see Col Ch4.v2 1Thes Ch5. V1 1Sam Ch12. V23 Rom.Ch1 v9)