May 18, 2023 -- Ephesians 6:10-12 -- Understanding both the enemy and your Advocate

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Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV

On Wednesday evenings I am leading a group of Christians through a teaching called “Passion and Power in Prayer”. The study includes reasons why believers should be praying. This brief passage today gives helpful insight to the why question, showing Christians their urgent need for prayer. In the verses 11 and 12 you get a clear sense of the enemy who engages you. He hates Jesus. He hates all who follow Jesus.

The Devil is a supernatural force. You are not. Only by prayer can you couple the strength of God’s might in heaven to your human, natural powers. The LORD our God has promised to work through the prayers of His people.

The Devil is a schemer. He is an opposing general, looking for weaknesses, laziness, or gaps in the ranks of those who are soldiers in the army of Christ. He is exploit them. Beware! Pray.

Remember, as you pray, you have an Advocate, the Captain of Salvation, Jesus Christ, Who prays for you. Listen to these beautiful words “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He [Jesus] always lives to make intercession for them” Hebrews 7:25 ESV. That should spark to life a new zeal for prayer, knowing that as we draw near to God Jesus is praying, will continue to and not barely save us, not just get us through the gates, but to save to the uttermost. That is more than the most. What a Savior! What a glorious reason to draw near to God in prayer.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the strong and glorious protection You have given us in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the Spirit's presence within us. Spirit of God, make the word shine into our minds, let it electrify our hearts so that we are renewed in our zeal to pray, having been made aware that Jesus, the Captain of Salvation, brings all our needs, burdens, weaknesses, and failures to the Father. Father in heaven, thank You, that You have chosen us in love and have determined to work through Jesus to save us to the uttermost. Amen.

https://youtu.be/tGhQARQwKYE "Praise His Name (Psalm 148) SovereignGraceMusic

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