May 7, 2025
Power in Prayer #
Ephesians 6:17-20, 18*
Introduction
The context of Ephesians 6 we are given a list of the Armour of God. We are not going to look at the armor of God tonight, but understand that is the context in which our text is given. It is closely tied to and related to that context.
As a society, it would seem that sin has increased, and our nation has become more wicked, not more godly. The moral fiber of our society, is literally falling apart. Is that our failure? I don’t have to belabor or argue the point, it is clear and obvious.
The failure of christianity, is not due to the wickedness which surrounds us. Wickedness is not new, nor is it worse than it was in Bible times! Furthermore, the Bible declares us as “more than conquerors” through Christ! Christian failure is not God’s fault, it is our own fault! However accepting the fault is not sufficient, we must identify the problem, and fix it!
If my car doesn’t run, there is a problem. It is not enough to say, well, it is my fault the car doesn’t run, there was probably some maintenance I missed, something I forgot to do. No, I must identify what is the problem, and fix it in order to get the car moving again! Perhaps, I neglected something so simple as putting gasoline in the tank!
I. We have Opposition! (Ephesians 6:11-12) #
A. Wiles (11) #
- Wile – A trick or stratagem practiced for insnaring or deception; a sly, insidious artifice; a beguilement; an allurement
1. Cheater #
2. You are not smarter! #
B. Wrestling (12) #
C. Wickedness (12) #
Isaiah 5:20-23
- We must pray, because we have opposition!
II. We have an Order (Eph 6:18) #
1Th. 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Luke 18:1 ¶ And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
A. All the time “Praying always” #
Col. 4:2 ¶ Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
1. 12 hours of prayer is not possible! #
2. Open line of communication #
Is. 64:7 And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.
B. All Prayers & Supplication #
1. Prayers of Confession #
2. Prayers of Praise to God (Psalms) #
3. Prayers of Thanksgiving! - For what He does! #
4. Prayers of Supplication (asking God) #
5. Prayers of Consecration (dedication of oneself) #
C. All perseverance #
- Persevere – to persist in prayer, in spite of opposition, discouragement
III. We have an Obligation (Eph 6:19) #
A. Others “and for me” #
1Tim. 2:1 ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1. Pray for our national leaders! #
1Tim. 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
2. Pray for one another #
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
B. Witness #
1. “And for me” (Eph 6:19) #
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- 1. Speech “utterance” 2. Shamelessness “boldness” 3. Salvation “gospel”