A Need for Warfare Praying – Maranatha Baptist Church

Main Preaching Service (March 8, 2020)

This is the second preaching on the Prayer and Spiritual Warfare by Pastor Jun. He reminded Christians to be not discouraged and always remember their riches in Christ. He also warned that our enemies are powerful and not of this world.

¹⁸Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
¹⁹And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
²⁰For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
²¹But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
²²Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
²³Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
²⁴Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Ephesians 6:18-24 King James Version (KJV)

There is a Need for Warfare Praying

Our spiritual conflict against “the enemy” exists, the same as how real fallen angels are. They engage in evil things which requires us to be always alert and on the lookout. We should always pray not only in our most dangerous battles, but also in our daily life.

How are we to pray with regards to the full armor of God?

I. Prayer in relation to the Belt of Truth

We must be founded on the truth so are protected from the deception of Satan.

We should pray to know and be controlled by the truth.
We should pray for Satan’s lies and slanders against God and his people to be exposed.

II. Prayer in relation to the Breastplate of Righteousness

We should be people of mercy and grace, instead of anger and revenge. We should be a model of a Christ-like character in our marriage and parenthood. We should prioritize God’s will instead of our fleshly desires.

We should pray for one another that we would not be carried away by our emotions.
We should pray that we would be seeking after holiness in all things regardless of how we might feel.

III. Prayer in Relation to the Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace

God is always in control. He controls all things. God is our heavenly father. He will not forsake us.

We should pray that God’s peace would control us regardless of our circumstances.
We should pray that we would grow in the knowledge of God and His love for us.

IV. Prayer in Relation to the Shield of Faith

We can always count on God. We can place our total confidence in Him.

We should pray that each of us would become stronger in faith having it tested and proven to be true.
We should pray that the flames of the Devil’s fiery darts would be extinguished by faith in God that is thoroughly grounded in His character and promises.

V. Prayer in Relation to the Helmet of Salvation

A believer in Christ lives in a new life with Him. The old man and old life is already gone.

We should pray that each of us would live according to our new nature, motivated by our hope in God’s promises, and so living with eternity in view.

VI. Prayer in Relation to the Sword of the Spirit

Always spend time to learn God’s word. Remember, you cannot apply the truth that you do not know. And always use the appropriate Bible verse to the situation.

We should pray that we would know and handle the Bible accurately.
We should pray that we would be controlled by its truth when attacked and proclaim its truth to others.

VII. Prayer for Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel

As Paul needed prayers from other Christians when he was in prison, so do our pastors in our churches today. In the proclamation of the Gospel, we are nothing without the power of God. Just as a nuclear war cannot be won with rifles, so is a satanic war that cannot be won by the sole power of man. Christians on their knees is still the most effective way to make Satan tremble. In this battle, the pastors and church leaders are the most vulnerable from the enemies’ direct attacks.

Let us pray for our pastors, Sunday school teachers, deacons, and disciple makers.