THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD (Part 8 of 9)

Christians around the world are becoming increasingly aware of the spiritual battle that surrounds them.

As a result, there is a renewed interest in the apostle Paul’s recommendation to put on the full armor of God to defend against the devil’s schemes as recorded in Ephesians, chapter 6.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.  Stand firm then, and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:13, 18)

THE POWER AND PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER 

How important is prayer and what role does it play as we strive for victory over an enemy determined to destroy our relationship with God?

I cannot think of a better way to answer that question than to begin with what Christians call the Sinner’s Prayer. 

As an example, Billy Graham would frequently lead those that were willing in this simple prayer.

“Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life.  I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.  I ask this in Your Name.”

That simple act of prayer opens the door to eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, and if sincere and heart felt, lays the foundation for the relationship God intended for all His children.

As if that wasn’t sufficient, accepting Jesus as your Savior is the prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit.

When we are invited to partake of the kingdom of God, we are called into fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:13, 22) 

The Holy Spirit is vital to maturing in our faith and strengthening our relationship with God. 

It is the Holy Spirit that grants wisdom and discernment, knowledge and understanding, and makes possible the application of God’s word to our everyday life. 

Without Him, the effectiveness of scripture is vastly diminished in our lives.

Lastly, there is an aspect of privilege that significantly multiplies the power of prayer, and that aspect is praise.

Praise calls forth God’s supernatural intervention and functions as an offensive weapon in our spiritual battle.

“Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!  You have set your glory in the heavens.  Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” (Psalm 8:1-2)

The mouth is the primary channel for releasing our spiritual weapons against Satan’s kingdom. 

It is prayer and praise that ascends through the heavenlies, reaches the throne of God, and silences Satan’s accusations against us. 

If we do not learn to use our mouths in this spiritual battle, we cannot win the war.

What if there was one book, honed from Scripture, that could guide you to victory over the realities of spiritual warfare?

One that may change your outlook on the importance of prayer and praise as offensive weapons against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

'Take Captive Every Thought' was written to disseminate the truth about spiritual warfare and to provide Christians the wisdom, discernment, and determination necessary to expose and defeat Satan’s influence over their thought life and allow God’s plan to prevail in their lives.  

To inquire about a speaking engagement or find out more about our book and Spirit of Influence Ministries, visit: www.spiritofinfluence.org 

Source:  Take Captive Every Thought – Chapter 6 – The Power and Privilege of Prayer