Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Eph. 6:10-20
The Priority of Prayer Ephesians 6:18-20 Vs. 18 concludes what precedes it Translated “; by means of all prayer . . .” Vs. 18 connects back to verse 14 - “Stand firm therefore . . . by means of all prayer and petition.” Each piece of the armor of God is to be put on with prayer.
Prayers and Petitions Ephesians 6:18 proseuch / proseuchê – a general word for prayer and always used in reference to God Nicoll says that it “emphasizes prayer as an act of worship or devotion.”
Prayers and Petitions Ephesians 6:18 devhsiV / deêsis - petition / supplication is general word for asking concerning a need Nicoll states that it is "the cry of personal need."
Prayers and Petitions Ephesians 6:18 God desires to have us ask from Him for those things that are on our hearts both general and specific We ask with thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6) Thanksgiving is an indicator of our worldview & heart (Hebrews 13:15-16)
Praying in the Spirit Ephesians 6:18 All prayer is to be made in accordance with the Holy Spirit This is not “speaking in tongues” The tongues spoken in Acts 2 were known languages & dialects Speaking in tongues was for the benefit of unbelieving Jews - 1 Cor. 14:21-22; Isa. 28:11
Praying in the Spirit This is not a private prayer language All gifts are for common good of the body, not self edification - 1 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 4:1-16 Their practice resulted in blasphemy Prayer is to be with both mind and spirit The Spirits intercession in Romans 8:26 is without speech
Praying in the Spirit This is praying under the control of the Holy Spirit for God’s will to be done and His name to be glorified Examples of praying in the Spirit: Matthew 26:42 Acts 16:7-10 2 Corinthians 12:9 Philippians 1:21-26
Warfare Praying Taking part in the spiritual battles of others through my prayers and petitions to the Lord on their behalf Belt of Truth: Pray to know & be controlled by truth and for Satan’s lies & slanders to be exposed
Warfare Praying Breastplate of Righteousness: Pray to be seek holiness in all things regardless of emotions and deal with others in righteousness Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace: Pray to be have God’s peace in all circumstances and growing in the knowledge of God His love.
Warfare Praying Shield of Faith: Pray for a proven faith thoroughly grounded in God’s character and promises that will extinguish the devils destructive schemes. Helmet of Salvation: Pray to live according to the new nature motivated by our hope in God’s promises and so living with eternity in view
Warfare Praying The Sword of the Spirit: Pray to known and handle the Bible accurately, to be controlled by its truth when attacked and proclaim its truth to others.
Warfare Praying Wrong Methods Bind Satan – Matthew 16:19; 18:18 There are no scriptural examples of men binding Satan or demons Bind & loose: a Jewish idiom referring to what is forbidden or permitted If Satan can be “bound,” how does he keep getting free?
Warfare Praying Wrong Methods Plead the blood - Exodus 12:13 Claiming Jesus’ blood as a covering of protection This makes prayer a magical incantation of making things okay by just saying the correct words. It distorts what has already been done - 1 John 1:7-9
Praying for One Another Ephesians 6:19-20 Paul requests intercession so that he would speak the gospel with boldness We must be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might (Eph. 6:10) and not our own strength We must be praying pro-actively - before things go wrong
Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ