THE MAIN REASON to even study or to discuss what the enemy is doing is so that we can squash him. We are not to be ignorant of his devices.

Transcription

1 11. WARFARE PRAYER STAY BALANCED Stay Jesus focused, not demon focused. Our conversation should not be consumed with what the devil is doing, it should be focused on what Jesus is doing. It is only one manner of prayer. Luke 10:19 warning THE MAIN REASON to even study or to discuss what the enemy is doing is so that we can squash him. We are not to be ignorant of his devices. Eph 4:27 footholds, opportunity 2 Tim 2:26 escape the snare of the devil, having been held captive to do his will 1 Peter 5:8,9 traps Eph 6:11 schemes, strategies, deceits of the devil James 4:7 2 Cor 2:11 To keep Satan from getting the advantage over us, we are not to be ignorant of his wiles and intentions Wile = a trick or strategy intended to deceive or enslave = a beguiling trick = skill in outwitting or trickery KEYS a) not flesh and blood b) pure heart c) complete dependence on God d) uncovering strategy We work in cooperation with God, we must do our part. Eph 6:11-13 YOU!!

2 A. Warfare Prayer, Authoritative Prayer, Mountain-moving Prayer Mark 11:22-24 anyone says to this mountain Isaiah 41:15 Behold, I will make you to be a sharp new threshing instrument having teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and beat them small, and shall make the hills as chaff Isaiah 40:4 Acts 3:1-10 Warfare prayer is different because other types of prayer are directed towards God, while warfare prayer is directed towards Satan, or the obstacle. Mountain = an idolatrous high place of worship. Obstacles... i.e. fear, unbelief, torment, infirmity Matt 12:22-29 Ephesians 6:10-12 In order to pray effectively as intercessors, we need to not be ignorant of the enemy s devices. Understanding the enemy s setup gives us insight into prayer. a. Principalities Gk. Archas positions, series of rulers, geographical areas Daniel 10:10 war between the princes their mission is to keep out the gospel they gain strength through sin Rom 6:16 bind them, don t cast them out b. Powers Exousias = authorities - Eph 2:1,2 over an evil realm/influence i.e. communism, religious spirits, antichrist, unbelief c. Rulers, world rulers, international politics / nations d. Spiritual wickedness in high places: assignments on people, and seats of authority - cleanse the seat, rebuke any previous assignments - leadership positions Pastor s fall take out the flock

3 Lk 10:19-20 Power over forces of darkness Matt 28:18 ALL power is given in heaven and earth Eph 1:20 Jesus is higher than any demonic power now and forever 2 Cor 10:4 We pull down every stronghold How? 1. Identify the enemy s work get specific Identify the strategy that God would give a) ask God for spiritual discernment through waiting on Him in prayer b) obvious outward manifestations of the situation 2. Submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Never go in your own strength, plan, ideas 3. Destroy the legal right of the enemy through confession of sin and repentance. Stand in the gap for others on behalf of their sin and pray in the redemptive blood of Jesus. 4. Bind, don t cast out principalities. Bind the strongman Matt 12, render him powerless, then spoil his goods. Loose the power of God into the situation, using authoritative prayer. B. Authority Of The Believer Eph. 6:10-12 Be strong in the Lord, and the power of HIS MIGHT! 1. God created man and gave him dominion over all the earth Gen 1: Man fell through Satan s temptation and lost dominion Gen 3: Satan became god of this world - he took man s dominion I John 5:19 2 Cor 4:4 4. Jesus did not dispute Satan s authority Matt 4:8-9

4 5. Jesus defeated Satan through his death on the cross Heb 2:14 Heb 2:9 Col 2:15 6. We have been sealed in heavenly places with Him Eph 1:20-23 Eph 2:5-6 I John 3:8 7. We have been given power and authority over ALL the works of darkness Luke 10:19 I John 4:4 Eph 3: We have been given authority in the name of Jesus John 16:23-24 John14:12-14 John 15:6 9. We are to cast out devils in the name of Jesus Mark 16:17 John 20:21 Matt 10:1-8 HINDRANCES Lack Of Knowledge Habit Patterns Of Defeat Unbelief Of Authority Lack Of Courage/Boldness Lack Of Dependance On God You & Jesus = Spiritual Majority C. Weapons Of Warfare 1. The Name of Jesus - Mark 16:17 John 20:21 Acts 3:16 2. The Blood - Rev 12: The word of our testimony - Rev 12: Prayer - Eph 6:18 1 John 5:14,15 5. Praise - 2 Chron 20:20-25 Jehoshaphat 6. Word of God - Heb 4:12 living, active, sharper than 2 edged sword

5 7. Armour of God - Eph 6: Fellowship - Heb 10:25 9. Anointing - Isaiah 10: Clapping - Job 27:23 Ps 18: Righteous Living - Ps 50: Gifts of the Spirit - 1Cor 12: Sacraments/communion - 1 Cor 11: Consecrated Oil - Mark 6:13 James 5: Favour of God - Psalm 5:12 surround the righteous with favour as a shield 16. Laughing - Psalm 2:1-4