Equipped for Battle as We Prayerwalk

In preparation for today, read Ephesians 6:10-18. Obviously, the battle with enemy forces is a real battle. Let us take a brief look at the six pieces of armor.

1. The belt of truth: When we have truth firmly attached, we are less likely to be tricked by the enemy.
2. The breastplate of righteousness: Covers the heart and other vital organs. Just as the breastplate covered the physical heart of the Roman soldier, the breastplate of righteousness covers our spiritual heart.
3. The shoes of the gospel: So that we are ready at all times for quick and decisive movement in spreading the good news. As we walk around in this life, we must be firmly established spiritually to maintain. We must know the peace of God by having peace with God.
4. The shield of faith: To protect us from the fiery darts of the enemy. We have faith as a gift from God but we can also increase in faith (Rom.10:17).
5. The helmet of salvation: The helmet covers a most vulnerable part of the body. The necessity of the helmet of salvation is for the protection of the mind; what we believe.
6. The sword of the Spirit: The sword is both an offensive and a defensive part of the outfit for the soldier. Our sword is the Word of God. We need to read it, study it, memorize it, meditate upon it, and apply it to do battle everyday.

Throughout Today

• As you begin your day, literally walk through the six pieces of armor
• Recommit to the Word as ‘the’ source of truth. Know that the righteousness you have as a blessing from God is there to guard your heart from the attacks of the enemy. Be ready to share the message of the gospel. Live a life a faith and increase in faith. Be clear in your mind about what you believe and do not let the enemy deter you. Know the Word is there for us offensively and defensively.
• Pray where the enemy is being successful. Pray that the light of truth would penetrate that area.

Evening Reflection

• Did you have an experience (or several) today where the flesh tried to direct your thoughts or actions?
• What did you do? How did you respond?
• What piece of armor was the most useful?

Spiritual Warfare and the Church

When we put too much focus on our enemy, or our problems, they seem larger than our all powerful Lord God. In those moments, we need to step back, take a fresh look at our Lord, and see how small our enemy is by comparison. What did the enemies of the church say about the believers in Acts 17:6? What a badge of honor to wear.

From the early church we see, in the book of Acts, four central elements that were prominent. See if you can find them.

1. ______ (1:14; 3:1; 4:24; 6:4)
2. _____ ___ _____ (4:32-37)
3. ________ ____ (4:19-20)
4. __________ _____ (3:12vv; 4:8vv)

Rather than focusing on their problems or the enemy, they focused on the Lord. When we pray, we are doing spiritual warfare. We are invading the enemy’s territory (See Eph. 2:1-2). We do not focus on him, we focus on the Lord, but we are not unaware of the battle that rages.

Throughout Today

• Walk in victory
• Walk with your spiritual eyes open
• Be aware of the war that rages
• Review the four elements
• Intercede where the Lord leads

Evening Reflection

• As you review the four elements that were prominent in the early church, are there any areas where you need to improve?
• Confess this using 1 John 1:9 and then improve in that area.

Answers

1. Prayer (1:14; 3:1; 4:24; 6:4)
2. Living out truth (4:32-37)
3. Standing firm (4:19-20)
4. Proclaiming truth (3:12vv; 4:8vv)

Prayerwalking and Spiritual Warfare

A pattern has existed for nearly 2,000 years. From the beginning of the New Testament church, that pattern has been response and resistance. There have been and continue to be those who respond favorably and embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior. There have also been those who passively or very actively resist our Lord and His gospel message.

When we face resistance or outright opposition to the gospel, how should we respond? Some of the earliest followers of Jesus give us tremendous insight. What did Peter and John do in Acts 4 when they were told to not mention another word about Jesus?

• They answered respectfully (vv.19-20)
• They fellowshipped with believers (v.23)
• They praised God (vv.24-28)
• They sought boldness to continue (vv.29-31). This boldness has continued down through the years at various levels.

When we face opposition to the gospel message, we are in the midst of spiritual warfare. As we engage in warfare, the words of Ephesians 6:12 are vital. Read that verse and fill in the blanks. We do not fight with ____ _____ but with ____ forces. The opposition we face is often manifested in other people but we do battle with the enemy and evil forces. One of the ways we do battle is on our knees and on our feet in prayer. There are several truths to remember as we engage the enemy and his territory.

1. Do not believe Satan. He will lie to you (Gen 3:1-8)
2. Do not carry on a conversation with him (vv.2-3)
3. Do not focus on him
4. Trust God, Jesus, and His Word as you follow the Holy Spirit (John 14:1, 6; 17:17; Rom. 3:4)
5. Talk to the Father throughout your day (Luke 18:1; 1 Thess. 5:17)
6. Focus on the Lord (Heb. 12:1-2)

Throughout Your Day:

• Praise God in prayer as you walk.
• Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
• Go to a place where the enemy has great influence. Claim God’s power and presence on that place to reclaim that ground for His glory.
• Be aware of the tendency to focus on the enemy. Immediately refocus on the Father, our Lord, and the Holy Spirit.

Evening Reflection

• What did you experience today?
• Did you experience any struggles?
• Did the enemy hinder you in a specific way?
• How did you respond?