SF708 - HOW TO FIGHT THE FIGHT - 5 of 9 BUILDING WINNERS IN A WORLD OF LOSERS (Nehemiah 4 7-9)
Nehemiah 4:7-9, 13; Ephesians 6:11-19
Introduction
When God’s people have a mind to work the devil’s crowd has a mind to wreck. We are told to “watch and pray.” If we pray without watching that is laziness. If we watch without praying that is presumption.
Ephesians 6:11-19
If you are living for God, you have a battle on your hands. The closer you stand to Jesus the more opposition you will face. “A Christian that has no conflict is a Christian who has retreated from the front lines of service.” (MacArthur, Ephesians, 332.)
How are we to prepare for the battle?
We must identify our enemy, then we are to put on our armor, and finally we must enter the battle.
1A. Identify the Enemy (6:11-12)
1B. He is subtle (6:11)
“Schemes,” (methodia) means wiles or deceptive strategies. The fall of the human race is hinged on two pivots, deception, and disobedience. His nature is revealed by the various names he is given in Scripture.
The tempter
1 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV) "For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless."
The evil one
Matthew 13:19 (NIV) "When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path."
The prince of this world
John 12:31 (NIV) "Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out."
The god of this age
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV) "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
The accuser of our brothers
Revelation 12:10 (NIV) "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down."
2B. He is a spirit (6:12a)
“Struggle” (pale) was used to describe hand to hand combat. Our battle is not against “flesh and blood.” Satan is a spirit being. Our enemy is not man, but Satan.
1 John 4:1 (NIV) "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
3B. He is strong (6:12b)
Do not underestimate Satan, he rules this world. He controls a legion of demons, “rulers…powers…world forces….” “His power and craft are great.” (Martin Luther)
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Revelation 12:9 (NIV) … Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him."
4B. He is sinister (6:12c)
We wrestle with “spiritual forces of wickedness.” Satan’s real war is with God. He attacks God’s people because God loves us. If you cannot get to someone, get to someone they love.
2A. Put on the Armor (6:13-17)
1B. The Belt of Truth (6:14a)
What it was.
Wide leather belt that held the armor in place, it held everything together. It gave a place to tuck the long tunic. Girding the loins was a mark of preparedness. We need the belt of truth because Satan will attack us with error.
What it represents
The “truth” (aletheia) of God holds everything together.
Ø We are to know the “truth” (biblical content). In order to defeat falsehood.
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NASB) 14As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
The Scripture clearly teaches that the closer we draw to the coming of Christ the more prevalent false teachers will become.
1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV) "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons."
Jesus tells us that remaining faithful to the Bible is one mark of a true believer.
John 8:31-32 (NIV) "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. {32} Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.""
Ø We are to have an attitude of truthfulness - we are to be genuinely committed
Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV) 1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
The truth will cause us to remove sin and be genuinely committed to Christ.
Ø We are to be self-disciplined
2 Timothy 2:4 (NIV) "No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer."
2B. The Breastplate of Righteousness (6:14b)
What it was.
The breastplate was a sleeveless piece of armor that covered the torso. It was made of leather or heavy linen on which was sewn overlapping slices of animal hooves, horns or pieces of metal. It was designed to protect the vital organs, the heart (mind & will), the bowels (emotions and feelings). These are Satan’s primary targets. Satan will attack us with impurity.
What it represents
Ø This is not self-righteousness
Matthew 5:20 (NIV) "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
Ø This is not imputed righteousness
Imputed righteousness is the perfect righteousness of Christ given to believers at salvation.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
We cannot put on what God has clothed us with already.
Ø This is practical righteousness
The breastplate represents a pure life. To put on the breastplate of righteousness is to live in daily obedience to God.
Colossians 3:9-10,12 (NIV) "… since you have taken off your old self with its practices {10} and have put on the new self, …. {12} Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
What we must do.
Ø We must keep our life pure and our sins confessed.
Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV) 26“Be angry, and do not sin”:£ do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27nor give place to the devil.
Isaiah 52:11 (NIV) "… Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the LORD."
We should be holy and fearful of sin. We must deal ruthlessly with our sin.
3B. The Boots of Peace (6:15)
What they were.
They prepared the solider for battle. They protected the soldier’s feet. They provided for sure footing, they had cleats in them. They gave the soldier security/confidence. Satan attacks us with discouragement by placing obstacles in our way.
What they represent.
Ø The Gospel prepares us for battle
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ø The Gospel protects us from fatigue
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ø The Gospel will keep us from falling
Jude 1:24 (NIV) "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy"
Ø The Gospel gives us confidence for the battle
Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV) 37Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
4B. The Shield of Faith (6:16)
What it was.
The shield was used to deflect the enemy’s attacks. It was 2.5 feet by 4.5 feet and covered with metal or oiled leather. It was designed to protect the entire body and present a solid wall of defense. Satan will attack us with distrust. Faith is the gift of God! Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith.
What it represents.
Ø This faith is a basic trust in Christ
Ø Not just what you know but who you know
Galatians 3:11 (NKJV) But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”
Ø Christian faith never fails because God never fails!
“When John Paton was translating the Bible for a South Seas island tribe, he discovered that they had no word for trust or faith. One day a native who had been running hard came into the missionary’s house, flopped himself in a large chair and said, “It’s good to rest my whole weight on this chair.” “That’s it,” said Paton. “I’ll translated faith as ‘resting one’s whole weight on God.’”” (MacArthur, 358)
Satan will attack you and try to cause you to distrust God.
Ø Distrust God’s provision
Genesis 3:1 (NIV) "…Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
Matthew 4:3 (NIV) "…If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
Ø Distrust God’s protection
Genesis 3:3-4 (NIV) "but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" {4} "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman."
Matthew 4:6 (NIV) ""If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'""
Ø Distrust God’s plan
Genesis 3:5 (NIV) ""For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.""
Matthew 4:8-9 (NIV) "Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. {9} "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me.""
God gives faith!
Romans 12:3 (NIV) "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
Ø Remove your sin
Ø Look to God and wait
5B. The Helmet of Salvation (6:17a)
What it was.
Thick leather covered with metal plates with cheek pieces to protect the face. Satan will try to cause you to doubt your salvation.
What it represents,
Ø Satan wants you to doubt the certainty of your salvation.
Our certainty is found in God’s work of regeneration. It is our freedom from the damning penalty of sin.
1 John 5:13 (NKJV) 13These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Ø He wants you to doubt the security of your salvation.
Our security is rooted in the work of sanctification, whereby we become more like Christ. It is our freedom from the dominating power of sin.
Romans 5:10 (NASB) 10For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
“Christ’s death saved us once for all from sin’s penalty, and His life within us now is saving us day to day from sin’s power and mastery.” (MacArthur, Ephesians, 365.)
Ø He wants you to doubt the completion of your salvation.
Our salvation will be complete when are saved from the presence of sin. We call this glorification.
1 John 3:2 (NASB) 2Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.
Romans 8:30 (NASB) 30and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
God’s golden chain of salvation cannot be broken.
6B. The Sword of the Spirit (17b)
What is was.
The sword was used to destroy the enemy. It was six to eighteen inches long and designed for hand-to-hand combat.
What it represents.
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Ø It is the Word of God
2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) 16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, It is the inerrant and infallible Word of God
Psalms 18:30 (NIV) "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him."
Ø It is the inerrant, infallible and complete Word of God
Revelation 22:18-19 (NIV) "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. {19} And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book."
Ø It is the inerrant, infallible, complete and authoritative Word of God
Isaiah 1:2 (NIV) "Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken...”
Ø It is the inerrant, infallible, complete, authoritative and sufficient Word of God
2 Timothy 3:17 (NKJV) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Ø It is the inerrant, infallible, complete, authoritative, sufficient and effective Word of God
Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV) So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
The sword is our only offensive piece of armor.
3A. Enter the Battle (6:18-19)
When we pray we are not preparing to fight… when we pray we are fighting.
The army of Christ marches forth on its knees. Satan wants to keep us from praying. The only thing that we do that really frightens Satan are the prayers of God’s people. The armor prepares us for prayer.
1B. This is Laboring Prayer (6:18a)
We are to pray with “all prayers and petition.” Praying is hard work! Verse 12 tells us that we are in a struggle!
Romans 15:30 (NIV) "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me."
2B. This is Lingering Prayer (6:18b)
We are to “pray at all times.” The idea is that prayer knows now vacation.
John 15:7-8 (NKJV) 7If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
3B. This is Listening Prayer (6:18c)
Praying “in the Spirit” is us saying speak Lord you servant is listening. Praying “in the Spirit” means praying what the Holy Spirit wants you to pray. Prayer is the Holy Spirit putting the desire of the Father in our hearts and then sending it back to heaven in the power of the cross. We must be still and listen.
4B. This is Loving Prayer (6:18d-19)
We are to focus our prayers not on ourselves but on others.
John 13:35 (NIV) "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.""
Do you have a problem pray for someone else’s problem.
Application
Will you enter the battle?
Identify the enemy – Satan.
Put on the armor
Pray!
Our battles are won or lost in prayer.
Exodus 17:8 -13 (NASB) 8Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. 9So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” 10Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. 12But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. 13So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Where was the real war fought? On the hill not in the valley.
The devil knows that the way to Victory is our Prayer.
Ø When my prayer life is weak, I am weak.
Nehemiah 4:7-9, 13; Ephesians 6:11-19
Introduction
When God’s people have a mind to work the devil’s crowd has a mind to wreck.
We are to watch and pray
If we pray without watching that is laziness
If we watch without praying that is presumption
Ephesians 6:10-19
If you are living for God, you have a Battle on your Hands
The closer you stand to Jesus the more opposition you will face
“A Christian that has no conflict is a Christian who has retreated from the front lines of service.” (MacArthur, Ephesians, 332.)
How are we to prepare for the battle?
We must identify our enemy, then we are to put on our armor, and finally we are to enter the battle.
1A. Identify the Enemy (6:11-12)
1B. He is subtle (6:11)
“Schemes,” (methodia) = wiles or deceptive strategies.
The tempter
1 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV) …” the tempter”
The evil one
Matthew 13:19 (NIV) “…the evil one …"
The prince of this world
John 12:31 (NIV) "the prince of this world "
The god of this age
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV) "The god of this age …."
The accuser of our brothers
Revelation 12:10 (NIV) "… the accuser of our brothers, …."
2B. He is a spirit (6:12a)
3B. He is Strong (12b)
Do not underestimate the Devil
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
4B. He is sinister (6:12c)
Satan’s real war is with God
2A. Put on the Armor (6:13-17)
1B. The Belt of Truth (6:14a)
What it was.
What it represents
Ø We are to know the “truth.” In order to defeat falsehood.
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NASB) 14As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 15but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
Ø We are to have an attitude of truthfulness - we are to be genuinely committed
Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV) 1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Ø We are to be self-disciplined
2 Timothy 2:4 (NIV) "No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer."
2B. The Breastplate of Righteousness (14b)
What it was.
What it represents
Ø This is not self-righteousness
Matthew 5:20 (NIV) "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."
Ø This is not imputed righteousness
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Ø This is practical righteousness
Colossians 3:9-10,12 (NIV) "… since you have taken off your old self with its practices {10} and have put on the new self, …. {12} Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
What we must do.
Ø We must keep our life pure and our sins confessed.
Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV) 26“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27nor give place to the devil.
Isaiah 52:11 (NIV) "… Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the LORD."
3B. The Boots of Peace (15)
What they were.
What they represent.
Ø The Gospel prepares us for battle
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 10For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ø The Gospel protects us from fatigue
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) 8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ø The Gospel will keep us from falling
Jude 1:24 (NIV) "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy"
Ø The Gospel gives us confidence for the battle
Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV) 37Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
4B. The Shield of Faith (6:16)
What it was.
What it represents.
Ø Not just what you know but who you know
Galatians 3:11 (NKJV) “… the just shall live by faith.”
Ø Christian faith never fails because God never fails!
Satan will attack you and try to cause you to distrust God.
Ø Distrust God’s provision
Genesis 3:1 (NIV) "…Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
Ø Distrust God’s protection
Genesis 3:3-4 (NIV) "but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" {4} "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman."
Ø Distrust God’s plan
Genesis 3:5 (NIV) ""For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.""
God gives faith!
Romans 12:3 (NIV) "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
5B. The Helmet of Salvation (6:17a)
What it was.
What it represents,
Ø Satan wants you to doubt the certainty of your salvation.
1 John 5:13 (NKJV) 13These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Ø Satan wants you to doubt the security of your salvation.
Romans 5:10 (NASB) 10For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Ø Satan wants you to doubt the fulfillment of your salvation.
1 John 3:2 (NASB) 2Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him….
Romans 8:30 (NASB) 30and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom
6B. The Sword of the Spirit (17b)
What is was.
What it represents.
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword….
Ø It is the Word of God
2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) 16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…
Ø It is the inerrant, infallible and complete Word of God
Revelation 22:18-19
Ø It is the inerrant, infallible, complete and authoritative Word of God
Isaiah 1:2 (NIV) "Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the LORD has spoken...”
Ø It is the inerrant, infallible, complete, authoritative and sufficient Word of God
2 Timothy 3:17 (NKJV) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Ø It is the inerrant, infallible, complete, authoritative, sufficient and effective Word of God
Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV) So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void…
3A. Enter the Battle (6:18-19)
When we pray we are not preparing to fight… when we pray we are fighting.
1B. This is Laboring Prayer (6:18a)
Romans 15:30 (NIV) "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me."
2B. This is Lingering Prayer (6:18b)
John 15:7-8 (NKJV) 7If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
3B. This is Listening Prayer (6:18c)
4B. This is Loving Prayer (6:18d-19)
John 13:35 (NIV) "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.""
Application
Will you enter the battle?
Identify the enemy – Satan.
Put on the armor
Pray!
Our battles are won or lost in prayer.
Exodus 17:8 -13 (NASB) 8Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. 9So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” 10Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. 12But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. 13So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
Where was the real war fought? On the hill not in the valley.
The devil knows that the way to Victory is our Prayer.
Ø When my prayer life is weak, I am weak.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR BATTLE
Overcoming Obstacles to Victory – Part 6
Nehemiah 4:7-9, 13; Ephesians 6:11-19
1A. _______________________ the Enemy (6:11-12)
1B. He is ____________________________ (6:11)
The _______________________
1 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV) …” the tempter”
The ____________________ one
Matthew 13:19 (NIV) “…the evil one …"
The __________________________ of this world
John 12:31 (NIV) "the prince of this world "
The _____________________________ of this age
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV) "The god of this age …."
The accuser of our brothers
Revelation 12:10 (NIV) "… the accuser of our brothers, …."
2B. He is a _________________________ (6:12a)
3B. He is ____________________________ (12b)
Do not underestimate the Devil (1 Peter 5:8)
4B. He is sinister (6:12c)
2A. Put on the _______________________ (6:13-17)
1B. The Belt of ______________________ (6:14a)
2B. The Breastplate of Righteousness (6:14b)
3B. The Boots of _____________________ (6:15)
4B. The Shield of _____________________ (6:16)
5B. The Helmet of ___________________ (6:17a)
6B. The Sword of the ___________________ (17b)
3A. Enter the _______________________ (6:18-19)
1B. This is ___________________ Prayer (6:18a)
Romans 15:30 (NIV) "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me."
2B. This is ___________________ Prayer (6:18b)
John 15:7-8 (NKJV) 7If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
3B. This is ____________________ Prayer (6:18c)
4B. This is _________________ Prayer (6:18d-19)
John 13:35 (NIV) "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.""