This mean WAR! SPIRITUAL WARFARE! (6)
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Opener: Let’s start with a prayer: Prayer for energy, prayer for calmness and peace, prayer for success with finals.
Opener: Let’s start with a prayer: Prayer for energy, prayer for calmness and peace, prayer for success with finals.
WE ARE GOING TO FINISH UP TALKING ABOUT PRAYER IN THE HOLY SPIRIT TONIGHT!
It is appropriate that we are talking about prayer tonight before finals start. HA! Are you feeling the need for God’s help yet?
If we have time we will put the lesson to practice through praying and singing for the last few minutes or so.
Now I joked about praying especially now as finals are about to start but...
Q: WHEN DOES GOD TELL US WE NEED TO PRAY AND FOR WHAT REASONS?
Prayer should not be just an emergency thing but an all the time thing and for everything thing. HA!
Our main passage for the topic tonight is which tells us to pray “at all time” or in all circumstances.
Other passages say the same thing, that we should be constantly praying about everything going on. As with ; ;
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
pray without ceasing,
So constant communication with the Father vital to being close to Him and everything we face in our Spiritual war.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME SPECIFIC WAYS WE CAN PRAY THAT IMPACT SPIRITUAL WARFARE?
There are so many ways that prayer can be used as part of our spiritual warfare. It should be a help in every struggle, every temptation, every day, EVERY DECISION, EVERY time and every situation. BEFORE we are ever tempted: Jesus taught us to pray in “And lead us not into _____________.” Some attacks we can completely avoid.
DURING SPIRITUAL BATTLES: This is true of so many occasions or situations. says, “at all times” or situations.
THE TRUTH IS POWERFUL BECAUSE IT IS TEACHES US TO BE PEOPLE OF SUCH CONSTANT PRAYER THAT WITH EVERYTHING AND WHEN THE SPIRIT NUDGES YOU, YOU PRAY.
For example: When you hear of someone or see someone in need: Sri Lanka, person in class…when you need help with a challenge of any kind.
PRAYER TO AVOID TEMPTATION -
If we thought about it there are battles that you have been fighting that you do not even have to be involved in. To not be in situations, at the wrong time…etc.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
“AT ALL TIMES” FOR “ALL THE SAINTS”
Prayer should not just be about us. In fact it shouldn’t even be primarily about us. It should be about (1) God and (2) others.
PRAYER IN SPIRITUAL BATTLE SHOULD ALSO BE USED TO HELP OTHERS
PRAYER WHEN SOMEONE IS IN DANGER SPIRITUALLY:
JESUS PRAYED FOR PETER IN .
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Q: What specifically did Jesus pray for Peter IN THIS CONTEXT? Do you think it matter that we pray specifically about situations?
When we see someone struggling spiritually we can pray that their faith will not fail but that they will overcome as we we pray for and encourage them.
Throughout scripture we see people praying specifically about situations. Bold specific prayers demonstrate our faith that God can do those specific things.
One great example of this in , when the church prayed for boldness and then they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke God’s word boldly.
PRAYER FOR OTHERS TO BE SAVED
- Paul the Apostle prayed for others to be saved, specifically his fellow Israelites.
Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.
So think about who you could be praying for who does not yet know Christ. As you pray for them do what you can to reach them as God gives you opportunity.
We can see it as helping to rescue them from the kingdom of darkness and bringing them into the kingdom of light.
So with that in mind let us look at our key verse:
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Q: WHAT DOES THIS VERSE SAY ABOUT WHEN WE SHOULD PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Q: SO IS THERE EVER A TIME WHEN WE SHOULD PRAY NOT “IN THE SPIRIT?”? No.
Q: BUT DO YOU BELIEVE THAT WE ALWAYS PRAY IN THE SPIRIT?
NO, OTHERWISE THERE WOULD NOT BE A NEED TO FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO PRAY IN THE SPIRIT.
also encourages prayer in the Spirit along with growing in faith.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
So we need to know what it is to pray in the Spirit, and pray that way every time we pray, not matter what context we are praying in.
PRAYER IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
PRAYER IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
There are so many ways that prayer can be used as part of our spiritual warfare. It should be a help in every struggle, every temptation, every day, EVERY DECISION, EVERY time and every situation. BEFORE we are ever tempted: Jesus taught us to pray in “And lead us not into _____________.” Some attacks we can completely avoid.
Q: HOW CAN PRAYER TO GOD BE POWERFUL IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE?
DURING SPIRITUAL BATTLES: This is true of so many occasions or situations. says, “at all times” or situations. THE TRUTH IS POWERFUL BECAUSE IT IS TEACHES US TO BE A PERSON A SUCH CONSTANT PRAYER THAT WITH EVERYTHING AND WHEN THE SPIRIT NUDGES YOU, YOU PRAY. SO FOR EXAMPLE:
PRAYER TO BE GUIDED AWAY FROM TEMPTATION -
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Jesus said that how much more would God give the Holy Spirit to those who ask..
Jesus encouraged to pray for the Spirit!
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
PRAYER FOR OTHERS WHO ARE STRUGGLES
As Jesus prayed for Peter
PRAYER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT’S HELP
PRAYER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT’S HELP
WE DO NOT ALWAYS THINK ABOUT PRAYER WHEN WE ARE IN A DIFFICULT SPIRITUAL BATTLE BUT WE MUST LEAN HEAVILY ON. Read AND ...
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
ESVBut you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
Thverse indicates that prayer should be a constant part of our spiritual warfare. SPECIFICALLY PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT BUT...
WE NEED TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THE SPIRIT’S INVOLVEMENT IN OUR PRAYERS AND OUR “PRAYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.”
Q: BEFORE WE GET DEEPER INTO THIS VERSE, HOW DOES PRAYER FACTOR INTO OUR SPIRITUAL WARFARE?
There are so many ways that prayer can be used as part of our spiritual warfare. It should be a help in every struggle, every temptation, every day, EVERY DECISION, EVERY time and every situation. BEFORE we are ever tempted: Jesus taught us to pray in “And lead us not into _____________.” Some attacks we can completely avoid.
DURING SPIRITUAL BATTLES: This is true of so many occasions or situations. says, “at all times” or situations. THE TRUTH IS POWERFUL BECAUSE IT IS TEACHES US TO BE A PERSON A SUCH CONSTANT PRAYER THAT WITH EVERYTHING AND WHEN THE SPIRIT NUDGES YOU, YOU PRAY. SO FOR EXAMPLE:
This verse indicates that prayer should be a constant part of our spiritual warfare. SPECIFICALLY PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT BUT...Q: BEFORE WE GET DEEPER INTO THIS VERSE, HOW DOES PRAYER FACTOR INTO OUR SPIRITUAL WARFARE? There are so many ways that prayer can be used as part of our spiritual warfare. It should be a help in every struggle, every temptation, every day, EVERY DECISION, EVERY time and every situation. BEFORE we are ever tempted: Jesus taught us to pray in “And lead us not into _____________.” Some attacks we can completely avoid. DURING SPIRITUAL BATTLES: This is true of so many occasions or situations. says, “at all times” or situations. THE TRUTH IS POWERFUL BECAUSE IT IS TEACHES US TO BE A PERSON A SUCH CONSTANT PRAYER THAT WITH EVERYTHING AND WHEN THE SPIRIT NUDGES YOU, YOU PRAYER…SO FOR EXAMPLE: Q: WHAT SPECIFIC SITUATIONS CAN WE PRAY DURING SO WE CAN OVERCOME? (Reference things on the board…every one…) ANXIOUS/worried: tells us to pray when this happens.FEAR: “in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me.” GOSSIP: pray that God will give you the courage to “keep your mouth shut.” HATE: IF SOMEONE HATES YOU HOW DOES PRAYER FACTOR IN? Jesus said “pray for those who ____________ you.” and “love your enemies. If you are struggling to with hate towards others. “Lord, help me to love others and remove this hatred...” APATHY: “WAKE ME UP TO BE ZEALOUS FOR YOU WORK…EVEN IF IT TAKES MAKING ME UNCOMFORTABLE.” BUSYNESS: “God, help me to realize that you are more important even if you have to overwhelm us with our need for you.” “making the best use of your time.” SEXUAL IMMORALITY: “give me help from your Spirit to be like Joseph and flee from sexual immorality.” “AT ALL TIMES” FOR “ALL THE SAINTS” WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS IN DANGER SPIRITUALLY: JESUS PRAYED FOR PETER IN
ANXIOUS/worried: tells us to pray when this happens.
“AT ALL TIMES” FOR “ALL THE SAINTS”
PRAYER IN SPIRITUAL BATTLE SHOULD ALSO BE USED TO HELP OTHERS
PRAYER WHEN SOMEONE IS IN DANGER SPIRITUALLY:
JESUS PRAYED FOR PETER IN .
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Q: What specifically did Jesus pray for Peter IN THIS CONTEXT? Do you think it matter that we pray specifically about situations?
When we see someone struggling spiritually we can pray that their faith will not fail but that they will overcome as we we pray for and encourage them.
Throughout scripture we see people praying specifically about situations. Bold specific prayers demonstrate our faith that God can do those specific things.
One great example of this in , when the church prayed for boldness and then they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke God’s word boldly.
JESUS INTERCEDES FOR US STILL - ;
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
PRAYER FOR OTHERS TO BE SAVED
ESV“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
- Paul the Apostle prayed for others to be saved, specifically his fellow Israelites.
Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.
So think about who you could be praying for who does not yet know Christ. As you pray for them do what you can to reach them as God gives you opportunity.
We can see it as helping to rescue them from the kingdom of darkness and bringing them into the kingdom of light.
PRAYER IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PRAY IN THE SPIRIT?
If we are gonna do it we need to know what that even means. So..This is not the only place that we are commanded to do this. , also mention prayer and the Holy Spirit in the same place. It is possible that it praying according to God’s will as says and praying in faith. PRAYING WHEN PROMPTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jesus is an example of PRAYING AND praising God in the Holy Spirit in .
We had some really good answers last week. But let’s answer the question again to continue the conversation.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS INTRICATELY INVOLVED IN OUR PRAYERS
We also need to seek to pray in the Holy Spirit just as we walk by or are lead by the Holy Spirit.
It is possible that it praying according to God’s will as says and praying in faith. PRAYING WHEN PROMPTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
ESVIn that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.
THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN PROMPT US TO PRAY; As we looked at last week Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and then prayed a prayer of thanksgiving.
As we looked at last week Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and then prayed a prayer of thanksgiving.
The HOLY SPIRIT filled His heart with rejoicing and it led Him to pray this to God. So as this relates to Spiritual warfare, whenever we are faced with anything that needs prayer we can pray and the Spirit will help us to have the right words.
PRAYING WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S POWER
LET’S LOOK AT A FEW VERSE IN , .
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
Q: who does this verse say we pray by “by whom” refers to to who? The Holy Spirit.
NOTICE: BECAUSE YOU HAVE “recieved the Spirit” it is “by whom” we cry, “Abba! Father!” The NIV says “by Him” Him who? The Holy Spirit.
THE HOLY SPIRIT’S HELP WHEN WE PRAY:
rOMANS
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
The Spirit connects with our spirits, and as well as communicating that we are God’s children () He understands our spiritual needs and God’s will and He brings our needs even when we do not know them or when we cannot express them and takes them to the Father.
He works in our hearts and with our spirits in ways we do not fully understand to form our prayers in ways that more than words and in ways that make our prayers and God’s will in harmony.
Have you ever had such a difficult or tricky situation that you really didn’t know what to pray for or how to pray about it. Or your emotions were so intense that you did not know what to say? That’s ok, the Holy Spirit knew how to bring your souls deepest feelings or deepest mournings or joys to God. He also knows what to pray for when all you know how to say is “Lord, help me.”
Let us not miss the significance of this. Every time we pray an incredible spiritual event is going on. The Spirit within you is hearing your heart and communicating that to your Father in heaven. That should give a different perspective...
WHILE THAT IS PART OF IT I BELIEVE THERE IS MORE TO “PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT” THAN THAT. THAT IS MORE OF WHAT THE SPIRIT DOES.
YES, IT IS PRAYING WITH THE FAITH THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS INTERCEDING FOR US. BUT IT IS MUCH MORE!
HOW DO WE PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT?
HOW DO WE PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT?
BY NOT PRAYING IN THE FLESH
Q: WHAT WOULD BE THE OPPOSITE OF PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT? OR THE OPPOSITE OF LIVING BY THE SPIRIT?
Praying in the flesh. Praying in flesh is how many prayers are prayed. It is when we rely totally on ourselves when we pray and forcing the prayer.
Q: do you ever feel like it is forced when you pray? It is really hard because you are doing all the work.
Q: Have you ever prayed and just let God and everything flowed freely and the words were more than you expected?
Praying in the flesh is when we (1) rely completely on the flesh when praying. It is all about how we sound, how eloquent it is, when we are completely focused on our performance in it. Like the religious leaders who prayed long prayers. Or it can be when we try to force or push everything in it out of fear. (2) it can also be prayers like which says, are all about your passions.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
Fleshly prayers how no depth or or real heart even if they sound good. SO INSTEAD OF RELYING ON THE FLESH WE NEED TO RELY ON THE SPIRIT.
BY BEING INFLUENCED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
When you are living in the Spirit you are letting the Holy Spirit to influence and even control everything you are doing. the Holy Spirit dwells in us and when we are “in the Spirit” we are constantly in tune to (looking for, listening for and feeling for) to the Spirit’s leading in everything; what you say, what you do what you think.
So prayer in the Spirit is when you in tune to the Spirit as you pray. You are listening and even giving Him control to lead you.
BY ALLOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO LEAD YOU WHEN YOU PRAY!
Q: If we are led by the Spirit in our lives should we be led by the Spirit in our prayers?
Yes! The Holy Spirit leads us to cry out to God as our Father God. He allows us to see ourselves as sons and daughters of God and pray to God intimately as our Father.
But it is not just that He leads us to and allows us to through Him pray to God but leads us in our prayers.
Just as the Holy Spirit leads us in what we do He should lead us as we pray. So if we understand how He leads us we can understand how He leads us in prayer.
Just as we are to walk by or live by the Spirit we are to prayer in the Spirit. Someone read for me
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
What does it take to walk by the Spirit? It is more than simply what we talked about before OF KNOWING SCRIPTURE THAT APPLIES. THERE IS SOMETHING THAT COMES BETWEEN THE KNOWING IT AND THE DOING IT.
IT TAKES A SUBMISSION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADING
Yes! The Holy Spirit leads us to cry out to God as our Father God. He allows us to see ourselves as sons and daughters of God and pray to God intimately as our Father.
But it is not just that He leads us to and allows us to through Him pray to God but leads us in our prayers.
Just as the Holy Spirit leads us in what we do He should lead us as we pray. So if we understand how He leads us we can understand how He leads us in prayer.
Q: HOW DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT LEAD US IN LIFE? (As the passage says, “we are led by the Spirit of God.”)
It is not just having a spiritual mindset or thinking on spiritual things. It is actually being led by the Holy Spirit who dwells in you in what you do and say.
Q: If we are led by the Spirit in our lives should we be led by the Spirit in our prayers?
Yes! The Holy Spirit leads us to cry out to God as our Father God. He allows us to see ourselves as sons and daughters of God and pray to God intimately as our Father.
But it is not just that He leads us to and allows us to through Him pray to God but leads us in our prayers.
Just as the Holy Spirit leads us in what we do He should lead us as we pray. So if we understand how He leads us we can understand how He leads us in prayer.
HINT TO WHAT IT TAKES TO BE LEAD BY SPIRIT
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
indicate that the Holy Spirit is intricately involved in our prayers.)
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
When we are led by the Holy Spirit we are letting go of our fleshly desires and control and allowing the Spirit to lead us in our thoughts, mindset, words and actions.
So when we are led by the flesh
THE SPIRIT LEADS US OR WE WALK BY THE HOLY SPIRIT WHEN WE SUBMIT TO, LET GO OF CONTROL, AND TRUST THE SPIRIT TO GUIDE US IN WHAT WE SAY AND DO.
Q: IF I AM BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT, WHO HAS CONTROL?
Q:
IF we are led by the Spirit in our actions and in what we say then we should be led by the Spirit when we pray!
So
Have you ever had such a difficult or tricky situation that you really didn’t know what to pray for or how to pray about it. Or your emotions were so intense that you did not know what to say? That’s ok, the Holy Spirit knew how to bring your souls deepest feelings or deepest mournings or joys to God. He also knows what to pray for when all you know how to say is “Lord, help me.”
Have you ever said a prayer where you forgot about all the formalities and rote phrases you usually say and you just poured out your heart to God and just let go (and afterward you were like, where did all that come from?) THERE YOU GO!
Let us not miss the significance of this. Every time we pray an incredible spiritual event is going on. The Spirit within you is hearing your heart and communicating that to your Father in heaven. That should give a different perspective...
WHILE THAT IS PART OF IT I BELIEVE THERE IS MORE TO “PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT” THAN THAT. YES, IT IS PRAYING WITH THE FAITH THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS INTERCEDING FOR US. BUT IT IS MUCH MORE!
IF we are led by the Spirit in our actions and in what we say then we should be led by the Spirit when we pray! Have you ever said a prayer where you forgot about all the formalities and rote phrases you usually say and you just poured out your heart to God and just let go (and afterward you were like, where did all that come from?) THERE YOU GO!
PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT IS WHEN WE LET GO AND THE SPIRIT GUIDES OUR MINDS INTO deep, heartfelt, REAL, POWERFUL, TRULY MEANINGFUL PRAYERS.
THE SPIRIT CONNECTS WITH OUR SPIRITS AND MINDS TO HELP US TO PRAY INTIMATE PRAYERS TO GOD.
IT IS WHEN WE ARE unafraid to say what the Spirit leads you to say…letting go of rote phrases, insincere repetition, sounding good in front of others, without fear letting the Spirit pull from your heart the true deep issues, struggles, feelings that need to be said, along with the bold intercessions for other things.
THERE ARE SO MANY OF THESE PRAYERS IN PSALMS: LET’S LOOK AT AN EXAMPLE OF ONE IN THIS IS A PERFECT ONE BECAUSE IT IS ALSO A GREAT ONE TO PRAY WHEN WE FEEL STRONG PRESSURE/ TEMPTATION/STRESS/…WHEN THERE IS DEMONIC SPIRITUAL ATTACK ON US THROUGH whatever means...
Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!” Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me!
BY FOCUSING ON THE REAL SPIRITUAL CONNECTION THAT IS HAPPENING.
By faith we understand that God is listening and the Holy Spirit is working and we are really connecting and communicating with God.
We really are coming before God’s throne of grace. WHEN WE REALIZE THIS THE PHYSICAL AROUND US FADES AWAY AND WE ARE CONSUMED WITH THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
WHEN WE ARE FOCUSED ON THE SPIRIT RATHER THAN THE FLESH WE CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING SPIRITUALLY.
BY TRUSTING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADING IN EVERYTHING
Q: WILL YOU FOLLOW SOMEONE YOU DO NOT TRUST? NO! BUT if we trust them we can follow them and it is easy.
We need to release control and our let God’s will be first. We often impose our will and plan on through pray.
WHEN WE PRAY DO NOT QUENCH THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies,
:
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.