The Necessity of Prayer in the Christian's Life.

Introduction:

Tonight, we come to the last of our studies in the book of Ephesians. We find ourselves at the end of the section on the Armor of God.

At the end of our time last week, we discussed prayer from verse 18, and how it becomes the energy that we face the Spiritual Battles with.

We discussed that we are to be praying for “all the saints”, meaning that we are to be praying for all Christians, and Paul probably meant especially the believers of our local Church, as we face the spiritual battles together, especially as we are on the front lines of the spiritual battle together.

In verses 19 & 20, Paul gives them an opportunity to pray for him. Here we see how he becomes a model of action and humility, recognizing that he needs prayer as well.

Let’s read: Ephesians 6:19, 20.

We need to remember the historical context in which Paul is writing this letter. At this point in his life, he is in prison in Rome, about to go before Emperor Nero (Eph. 3:1; 4:1). He asks for prayer for boldness as he makes known the mystery of the gospel.

The Great Apostle Paul asked for prayer for his spiritual battle.

Paul recognized that he was still capable of failing at the mission that the Lord had given him.

He humbly asked the people of Ephesus to pray for him, so that he would be able to fight the spiritual battles that comes with being in prison, and standing before Emperors.

Remember what Jesus said:

Matthew 10:16-23. Jesus told them that persecution would come, and they would be brought before all sorts of leaders, but to trust that the Spirit would give them the right words to say in those moments. Paul asked for prayer for that very thing!

Luke 18:1-8. Jesus taught them to pray, so that that would not be discouraged about the difficulties that we as Christians face. We do not need to be discouraged, because we have a compassionate and righteous judge that will bring swift justice because He loves us, rather than because we annoy Him.

Luke 22:39-46.

Its pretty obvious that prayer is vital for fighting spiritual battles.

If the Apostle Paul asks for prayer for fighting his spiritual battles, shouldn’t we?

If Jesus puts a premium on prayer for fighting off temptation, shouldn’t we?

As we continue on, especially in this dark, dead, and dying world, the satanic attacks will grow stronger. We need to be in prayer both for our spiritual battles, and for each other’s spiritual battles.

Paul sent his co-laborer, Tychicus, to comfort the churches that we were concerned for him.

As the churches that Paul planted, discipled, and admonished learned about what happened to Paul, as he was imprisoned in Jerusalem, and shipped off to Rome, on a ship that shipwrecked in the Mediterranean, they were concerned with what had happened, and how he was doing.

This could be seen as an astonishing statement from Paul. How could we be comforted by hearing about all of the things that Paul has gone through? How could someone be comforted by the fact that Paul could be put to death on the whim of a deranged Emperor?

2 Corinthians 1:3-11.

Paul is able to comfort others, by the comfort he himself has been given by God (2 Cor. 1: 3-4).

Paul’s comfort comes from Christ, just as he shares in the sufferings of Christ (2 Cor. 1: 5-7).

Paul’s comfort comes from knowing 2 things:

Christ is victorious over the grave (2 Cor. 1: 8-10).

People in the churches were praying for him (2 Cor. 1:10-11).

Paul’s suffering was productive for the spread of the Gospel.

Paul’s suffering caused him to rely on Christ, which furthered the gospel (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

Paul’s imprisonment was a cause for some of the house of the Emperor to be saved (Philippians 1:12-14; 4:22).

To close out the letter, Paul reminded them of the riches that they have in Christ (Ephesians 6:23-24).

Peace.

With God Ephesians 1:5; 2:1-4. Rather than enemies, we are Children.

With each other Ephesians 2:13-16; 4:1-3.

Grace.

Of salvation Ephesians 2:8, 9.

Of serving Christ Ephesians 3:2, 8-9.

Love.

Of Christ Ephesians 1:3-6.

Of the Brethren Ephesians 4:14-16; 5:1-4.