Spiritual warfare is a reality for all Christians. As we persevere to pray in the remaining days of our 40 day prayer, we will learn how to engage in this reality.
Ephesians 6:10-13
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
40 Day Prayer: praying for family, church and country
We are praying for
1. Breakthroughs
2. Gospel Ministry
3. Revival
Reality of Spiritual Warfare
12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Exodus 17:8
11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the enemies were winning.
John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy,”
How do we engage in spiritual warfare?
Know Your Enemy: Three Tactics
1. Deception
John 8:44 says devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Rev 12:9 “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”
2. Division
3. Destruction
John 8:44 says “44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning…”
Know Your God
TRUTH
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except
UNITY
John 17:20
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
LIFE
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Know Your Identity
1. You are God's children
a. John 1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God
2. You are God's victors
a. 1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
3. You are God's army
Romans 13:12-14. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
We are to fight through prayers!
Ephesians 6:18
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.