4 the disciple’s spiritual life · 10/4/2012 · spiritual warfare and prayer walking effective...

Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute

Discipleship Development is a ministry of Christian Life Center, A Foursquare Church 9085 California Avenue, Riverside, CA 92503 | 951-689-6785 | www.discipleshipdevelopment.org | Jack & Jane Lankhorst, Pastors

4 ~ THE DISCIPLE’S SPIRITUAL LIFE SUGGESTED READING

“Celebration of of Discipline” by Robert Foster The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer “Engaging the Enemy,” “Prayer Shield,” “Breaking Strongholds in Your City,” by C. Peter

Wagner SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1. Spiritual disciplines, when done with the correct motive can

open the door to personal freedom. It is possible to turn disciplines into laws of legalistic “righteousness,” which results in death, especially when superimposed upon others. The Pharisees were masters at external righteousness (Matthew 5:20). Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing

himself. - Leo Tolstoy 2. Outward behavior alone ___________________ changes us. In Romans 12:1-2 it is clear that as we offer

ourselves to God He changes our thinking, which changes our behavior, and transformation occurs! Christian disciplines are intended to enhance our relationship with the Lord and this begins with an internal transformation.

3. In this lesson we will look at the Christian disciplines of:

Prayer Praise and worship Cleansing and renewal Spiritual warfare and prayer walking

Effective Discipleship Through Academics, Service & Missions.

Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 2

~ THE DISCIPLINE OF PRAYER ~ Whenever God gets ready to do something new in the earth, He always sets His people to praying. - Dr. J. Edwin Orr

The ones who have most fully illustrated Christ in their character, and have most powerfully affected the world for Him have been those who spend much time with God as to make it a notable feature in their lives. - E.M. Bounds

God shapes the world the world by prayer… and prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them… - E.M. Bounds PRAYER IS... 1. Prayer is a dialogue based upon our ________________________________ of God. Effective prayer is a

process of knowing God over time. Exodus 33:12-14; Hebrews 5:14

2. Prayer matures our ___________________ and transforms the person who takes time to pray.

Mark 11:12-14, 20-26 3. Prayer is the catalyst in bringing in the Lord’s _______________________.

Matthew 9:37-38 4. Prayer is the means by which we can ______________________ the devil.

Ephesians 6:18 5. Prayer (and being alert) keeps us from temptation.

Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38 COMMON HINDRANCES TO ANSWERED PRAYER God may have to deal with something in us first before He is able to bring an answer through us. 1. ___________________________________ sin.

Psalm 66:18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;... 2. ______________________ (unbelief).

James 1:5-7 ...But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,... 3. Disregarding Biblical Truth.

Proverbs 1:28-31 Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD.

4. Wrong _______________________.

James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

5. Religious insincerity.

Matthew 6:5-7 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites,… to be seen by others. 6. _______________________________________.


Matthew 6:14-15 ...“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

7. ___________________________ interference.

Daniel 10:12-14 ...But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me (Angel) twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me,..

FIVE DYNAMIC AREAS OF THE DISCIPLE’S PRAYER __________________________ Matthew 6:9-13 This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” What we commonly call the Lord’s Prayer in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-13) could actually be called the Disciples’ Prayer Pattern. Using this pattern Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. Approximately a year and a half later, when they asked Him to teach them to pray, He brought them back to the earlier pattern and a more condensed version (Luke 11:1-4). This is our model prayer, a prayer pattern that Christ established for communicating with God. Each phrase reflects a basic area of human need and places us in the position to be able to receive those needs. 1. OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME,...

A. Begin with _____________________ and worship.

B. “To hallow” means to admire, respect, acknowledge as being set apart. In the original language the word “name” gives the meaning of character or authority. Begin prayer by praising Him through the Old & New Testament Names of God (Exodus 3:13-15). Here are a few of His Old Testament Names...

Jehovah Jireh | The LORD our Provider (Genesis 22:1-9). Praise Him because He sees and provides our spiritual and physical needs through Christ.

Jehovah Rophe | The LORD our Healer (Genesis 15:22-27). Praise Him for spiritual & physical healing.

Jehovah Nissi | The LORD our Banner (Exodus 17:8-16). Praise Him for our victory over every work of the devil.

Jehovah M’Kaddesh | The LORD our Sanctifier (Leviticus 20:8). Praise Him for separating us to Himself and for changing us into His likeness.

Jehovah Shalom | The LORD our Peace (Judges 6:1-24). Praise Him because He is our Peace.

Jehovah Rohi | The LORD our Shepherd (Psalm 23). Praise Him for His Shepherding care.

Jehovah Shammah | The LORD is There (Ezekiel 48:35). Praise Him for His Presence.

2. YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.

A. Establish God’s ____________________________

B. As our Savior, He is also our absolute Lord and Master and the King of an eternal Kingdom. We are His Kingdom people with all the responsibilities and benefits.


C. Prayer... Bring everything in our lives under His authority (Matthew 6:33). Pray that His will be done in my life, family, church, nation and in the world.

3. GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD.

A. Receive daily ____________________________

B. Our greatest concerns include food, clothing and shelter. If we seek first His Kingdom that the Lord would provide what we need (Matthew 6:28-34). He wants us to ask so that our joy might be complete (John 16:24). Malachi 3:10-12 states that if I am faithful to the Tithe then He is faithful to provide for me, to destroy the devourer and to enlarge my ability to give.

C. Prayer... Be in the will of God concerning my finances (Tithing, generous attitude). Pray for provision for physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Pray for a hunger for God’s Word in me and in the people of God.

4. FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE HAVE FORGIVEN OUR DEBTORS.

A. Forgive & receive forgiveness or _______________________

B. So powerful is the aspect of forgiveness that Jesus places it in the middle of the prayer and at the end! If we will not forgive others He cannot forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:1-34).

C. Prayer... Ask God to forgive me of my sins and offenses (Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:8-9). Forgive and release those who have offended me (Matthew 6:14). Set my will to forgive those who may offend me today.

5. AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE.

A. Live in Holy Spirit ________________________

B. Deep, unconfessed sin are areas where the devil has authority (John 14:30). When we are unwilling to acknowledge those areas, God will allow us to be led into areas of temptation so that we can recognize those areas and be cleansed (James 1:13-15).

C. Prayer... Ask God to purify me and to cleanse me from secret sin (Psalm 19:12-13; James 1:13-15). Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Pray for the revival of the church (Hosea 6:2-3). Pray for a harvest of souls to come into the Kingdom of God (Matthew 9:37).

PRAYER FOR REVIVAL BY CHARLES SPURGEON (1834 - 1892)

O God, send us the Holy Ghost! Give us both the breath of spiritual life and the fire of unconquerable zeal. O Thou art our God, answer us by fire, we

pray Thee! Answer us both by wind and fire, and then we shall see Thee to be God indeed! The Kingdom comes not, and the work is flagging. Oh, that Thou wouldst send the wind and fire! Thou wilt do this when we are all in one accord, all believing, all expecting, all prepared in prayer.

Lord, bring us to this waiting state! God, send us a season of glorious disorder. Oh,


for a sweep of the wind that will set the seas in motion, and make our ironclad brethren, now lying so quietly at anchor, to roll from stern to stern.

Oh, for the fire to fall again, fire which shall affect the most stolid! Oh, that such fire might first sit upon the disciples, and then fall on all around! God, Thou art ready to work within us today even as Thou didst then. Stay not, we beseech Thee, but work at once.

Break down every barrier that hinders the incoming of Thy might! Give us both hearts of flame and tongues of fire to preach Thy reconciling word, for Jesus’ sake! Amen!

~ THE DISCIPLINE OF PRAISE & WORSHIP ~

1. A definition of praise ~ “Praise is… an instrument of war, and a way of creating an atmosphere for

the Presence of the Lord. Worship is born from the womb of relationship.” - Judson Cornwall.

2. A definition of worship ~ “The essence of worship,… is not the physical prostration as much as the

flattening of the human will which rises to assert its own dignity, ignorant all the while that our highest dignity is entering the Presence of the King with worship,...” - Jack Hayford

PRINCIPLES OF PRAISE & WORSHIP 1. True worship is an issue of the heart, not a religious obligation.

Jesus, our example and High Priest did not come from the Jewish tribe of Levi, the group responsible for temple activities and worship, but from the tribe of Judah (Yadah), meaning praise. Hebrews 7:11-14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

2. God is not seeking worship as much as He is seeking the ___________________________________.

John 4:23-24 ...the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

The Greek word for “truth” in John 4:23-24 is to be real and genuine before the Lord. 3. Praise and worship is the _____________________________ into the Presence of the King of Glory.

A. Psalm 100 ...Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise… B. There are several, distinctly different form of praise mentioned here.

4. God’s Presence descends as worship follows ______________________________.

Moses and the Tabernacle in Exodus 40:34-35 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Solomon and the Temple in 1 Kings 8:10-11 And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.


to jump for joy) through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,… 5. Through praise and worship we receive a revelation of God’s purposes.

Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,… 6. Praise and worship brings joy, spiritual growth and strength.

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

7. Through praise and worship we honor our Father, the God of all creation and establish His

Worth and Superiority. Joshua 5:13-15 …“as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the

earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?” Then the Commander of the LORD’s army said to Joshua, “Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy.”

8. We are positioned for judgment when we _________________________ the way others express their

love for the Lord. As David brought the Ark of God back to Israel, Michal, David’s wife despised the way David

expressed himself in praise to God. The results were very devastating as she became barren. 2 Samuel 6:16-23 Now as the ark of the LORD came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked

through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart… Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.

9. Through praise and worship the enemy is defeated before us.

2 Chronicles 20:18-26 Jehoshaphat he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever.”...

10. Through worship we are delivered out of our _______________________________.

Acts 16:25-26 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

11. Praise and worship is expressive.

Jesus’ “rejoicing” in Luke 10:17, 21 The seventy-two returned with joy (chairo: glad, cheerful, happy) and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”... At that time Jesus, full of joy (agalliao: to rejoice with exceeding joy, to jump for joy) through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,…

Luke 19:37-40 Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

12. There are several words for the word, “praise.” Tehilla is one of those words.

Definition: A hymn, praise, praise worthy deeds. From halal, to be clear (originally of sound, but usually of color), to shine, to make a show, to be clamorously foolish, to celebrate. Tehilla brings in the idea of singing extemporaneously, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “Tehilla is that which births and blesses the Name of the Lord. It is the song that the Lord sings in the midst of His church.”


Leonard Gardner This type of praise is always spontaneous. Psalm 40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise

to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. God dwells in the spontaneous and expressive praise of the believer. Psalm 22:3 But You are holy,

enthroned in the praises (Tehilla) of Israel. Tehilla is the the praise of victorious warfare. Psalm 149:6-9 May the praise of God be in their mouths

and a double-edged sword in their hands,... This is the glory of all his saints. 2 Chronicles 20:22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

13. Notice the various forms of praise found in Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving (Todah) and

his courts with praise (Tehilla); give thanks (Yadhah) to him and praise (Barakh) his name. Todah — Confession, extending the hands in adoration, lifting the arms with hands cupped

inward, a choir of worshippers, the sacrifice of praise and thanks, a vow. Tehillah — From “Halal,” to be clear (transparent) or shine, to laud, rave, celebrate glamorously,

loudly foolish, to make a show. Used 113 times in the Old Testament 24 times with “JAH,” or “Hallelujah,” the spontaneous outcry of one excited about God. This praise is offered in delight and rejoicing. Most occurrences are plural, involving choirs, instruments, speaking (Jeremiah 31:7), singing (Psalm 69:30) and dancing (Psalm 149:3).

Yadhah — To confess, praise, give thanks, to use the hand, revere or worship with extended hands, to throw out the hands with rejoicing. “Yadah” was predominantly used to express public proclamation and declaration of God’s attributes and works including a confession of sin.

Barakh — To kneel, praise, salute and bless: To endue with power for success, prosperity, fertility, longevity, etc. To expect in hope. This word is used 289 times in the Old Testament.

14. Praise can literally bring us out of our deep despair.

1 Samuel 30:1-6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

BIBLICAL EXPRESSIONS OF PRAISE & WORSHIP 1. Audible ~ Psalm 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 2. Singing ~ Psalm 147:1 Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to

praise him! 3. Lifted hands ~ Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. 4. Musical instruments ~ Psalm 150:3-5 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp

and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

5 Bowing down, kneeling ~ Psalm 95:6-7 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our

Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. 6. Clapping ~ Psalm 47:1-2 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the


LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! 7. Dancing, including choreographed dance ~ Psalm 149:3-4 Let them praise his name with dancing and

make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. (Also Psalm 68:24-26)

8. Shouting ~ Psalm 47:1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. (Also Psalm 66:1-2)

~ THE DISCIPLINE OF PERSONAL REVIVAL & CLEANSING ~

1. To successfully engage in Spiritual Warfare, we MUST have a clean and pure heart before God.

This cleansing is not a legalistic exercise but a life habit of repentance from anything that displeases the Lord.

2. A disciple is to have an uncompromising determination to maintain a pure lifestyle and a passion for

the Kingdom. To do this we must have regular spiritual renewal in prayer.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

3. KEY: the ________________ way we are purified of sin is that we confess our sin (agree with God) and

walk in the light by maintaining an open relationship with Him. This is not legalism but a lifestyle of repentance.

John 1:7-9 says: But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

INSTRUCTIONS...

Go through each area below and confess the need as God reveals by His Spirit. Check the areas which need to be energized and ask Him to give you a willingness to make it right. This exercise is NOT intended to condemn (Romans 8:1), but to guide you through an honest evaluation followed by cleansing from the Holy Spirit. Then believe that God will change the heart and finish the work He began in you!

1. God’s Word Psalm 119:97, 140 Do I love to read and meditate on God’s Word? Do I apply what I read to everyday life?

2. Holy Spirit control Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 5:18-21 Do I ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit each day? Am I sensitive to the Spirit’s voice and do I allow Him to lead and

control me? 3. First Love Philippians 1:21-23; Revelation 2:4-5 Is Jesus Christ still the most important Person in my life? Does my schedule, spending, etc. reveal that God is first in my life?


4. Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Am I faithful to a consistent life of prayer? Is my prayer life filled with joy and intimacy with the Father?

5. Submission 1 Samuel 15:22; Hebrews 13:17 Do I truly obey God from the heart? Do I genuinely obey human authorities that God has placed over my life?

6. Humility Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 57:15; Luke 14:7-11 Am I quick to admit I am wrong? Am I willing to take the “lower place”?

7. A pure heart Matthew 5:8; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:9 Do I keep “short accounts” with God and do I search my heart for issues that displease Him? Is repentance (a change of thinking accompanied with action) a part of my everyday life?

8. Moral purity Matthew 5:27-30; 2 Corinthians 10:3; Ephesians 5:3-5 Do I aggressively keep my mind free from immoral fantasizing? Am I accountable to someone?

9. Priorities Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:12-14 Do I love what God loves and hate what He hates? Do I seek to do His Will each day?

10. Finances Proverbs 19:17; Malachi 3:10-12 Do I Tithe the first portion of my earnings to God? Am I a generous person?

11. Forgiveness Acts 24:16; Colossians 3:12-14; Hebrews 12:14-15 Am I willing to release offenses and be reconciled to God and the person with whom I am

offended? Do I stop slander and not allow a destructive spirit of unforgiveness to divide my church? Do I

encourage reconciliation when that is possible? 12. Evangelism Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8 Do I have a burden for people who do not know Christ? How am I reaching the lost with the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ?

Follow up...

Identify the areas I need to focus on. Work on the important one first, then the next, etc. Do I trust the Holy Spirit to create these things in me?

~ THE DISCIPLINE OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE ~

Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. (referencing Genesis 3:15), John 10:10; Ephesians 2:1-10, 6:10-18; James 4:1-7; 1 John 5:4-5

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our


warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,... AREAS OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE 1. The ______________________ Our thinking. (Romans 7:21-24; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5) 2. The ______________________ Our old, unsubmited self. (Romans 8:5-8; Galatians 5:17; James 4:7)

A. Our flesh is at war against the Spirit of God (Romans 7). The flesh is the self-centered distortion of the human nature which makes us want to be our own god. It is

that proud ego, that uncircumcised self which is the seat of willful defiance and rebellion against authority. — Ray Stedman

3. The ________________________ Conforming us to the world’s pattern. (Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17;

James 4:4) 4. The ________________________ The enemy’s focus is to fragment the church to make it powerless

against the enemy. (Ephesians 4:29-32) 5. The ________________________ The evil, supernatural realm. (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Name the five arrogant “I wills” of Lucifer from Isaiah 14:13-14… CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR ENEMY, THE DEVIL 1. Our spiritual battle is NOT/NEVER against people but against the demonic, spiritual enemy. This

enemy is highly strategic, organized and in unity! (Read Ephesians 6:10-20)

Principalities - Arche: First, chief in order, time, place or rank (Satan).

Powers - Exousia: Delegated influence, authority or jurisdiction. These are territorial powers such as the Prince of Persia in Daniel 10:12-14.

Rulers - Kosmokrator: World rulers who use the darkness of philosophies, religions, etc.

Spiritual wickedness - Poneria: Depravity, malice, sins, degeneracy from original condition, physical and moral disease, vicious, evil, wicked, etc.

2. He is subtle, crafty, calculating, and scheming.

2 Corinthians 2:11 ...in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 3. He is a spirit but with limitations.

Job 1:12 The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” (Also in Job 2:6)

4. He is ______________________ committed!

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;.... 5. He has the ability to influence and deceive.

1 Chronicles 21:1 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 6. The devil has three main weapons he uses against the church.


A. _______________________________ To deceive means to believe a lie. From the very beginning, Satan has deceived us into believing that God’s Word is not true (Genesis 3:1-7). Strongholds are built through deception. A stronghold is an incorrect thinking pattern that results from believing something false.

B. _______________________________ Temptation often follows deception. The enemy first attempts

to deceive us about God’s Word/Commands, then makes the “fruit on the forbidden tree” look good. Sin is first pleasing, then easy, then frequent, then habitual.

C. _______________________________ The devil is known as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation

12:10). He accuses you to God, you to others and you to yourself. 7. Satan deceives us, then tempts us, then accuses us of those very things. But, through Christ’s

finished work on the Cross (Colossians 2:15), we have complete victory over our enemy (Revelation 12:11). The following principle may shed light on this...

THE “HANDLES” PRINCIPLE - Galatians 5:16-21

John 14:30 “...the prince of this world is coming and has no hold over me,…” 1. As Satan could have no hold over/on Jesus, so we can walk in that

same confidence. The “acts of the sinful nature” in Galatians 5:16-21 are like the handles of a cup and are areas of unsubmitted weakness where the enemy has authority in our lives. He effectively uses these “handles” to manipulate and torment us. By conquering these areas (breaking off these handles) we CAN be victorious!

2. Notice the illustration “The Power of Our Choice” at the end of the

lesson.

THE ARMOR OF GOD

Ephesians 6:10-18 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places... The focus of the Armor of God is not the pieces of the armor as much as the character they represent in us. It is Godly character, not brute force or human ability, wins the spiritual battle. 1. The belt of __________________

Aletheia: The unveiled reality lying at the basis of and agreeing with an appearance. (John 8:31)

Point: A key in winning the spiritual battle is to have a true understanding of reality, what is really taking place. (2 Chronicles 20:22-23; Luke 22:49-51).

2. The breastplate of ___________________________________

Diakaios: Conforming to God’s rightness, to fulfill God’s claims in contrast to the lawlessness of this world. In essence, it is obedience to God’s Word and to His ways, doing right. (1 Samuel 15:22-23; Song of Solomon 2:15; Psalm 19:13-14; John 14:30)


Point: Satan has authority over a life which is not submitted to God and filled with sin. David cried out to God after his horrific sin with Bathsheba and Uriah and asked that he be restored and filled with God’s Spirit. (2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51) The warrior’s character and right behavior growing from a right heart is a great defense.

3. The footwear of _______________________________

Hetoimasia: Preparation, adjusted, to be ready (Matthew 25:13; Mark 14:32-42; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 2 Timothy 2:21; Revelation 16:15)

Because Peter was asleep and not ready to stand against what was about to take place (the soldiers coming to arrest Jesus just before the crucifixion), he not only reacted against the soldiers but did not have the power to stand with Jesus that night. The result was that he denied the Lord and fell away. (Matthew 26:69-75)

Point: Being ready requires we are always ready. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

4. The shield of ____________________

Pistis: To be persuaded in belief and in action, choosing to believe God and His word in the face of conflicting reality. (2 Chronicles 20:20-24; Hebrews 11:1-2, 6, 32-40)

Point: Satan’s arrows are his lies, deceptions and perversions of reality. True faith is active and powerful (James 2:17-26) and stands firm in the battle.

5. The helmet of ________________________________

Soterion: The confident and anticipative hope of salvation, past, present and future. (Colossians 2:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9)

Point: The helmet both protected the soldier and provided a striking symbol of military victory. With His helmet we can block out the lies of the enemy and place our focus on God’s Word and declare that, in the Spirit, the battle has been won! Salvation is our hope in the battle and our helmet is a spiritual and public statement over the devil!

6. The sword of the Spirit which is the _________________________________________

Rhema: The subject matter of the Word, the personal revelation of the Logos, the Word of God. (Matthew 4:1-11; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:12)

Point: The battle is spiritual and must be fought in God’s strength, with God’s Word. Jesus used God’s Word accurately against the enemy as He was being tested in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). When God’s Word is used with personal understanding and genuineness, we have a powerful weapon!

7. The key to victory over the devil is: _________________________ to God (period). ______________________ the devil, and he WILL flee from you! (James 4:7-8). Then, in the armor of God and His Power, “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests...” (Ephesians 6:18).


PRAYERWALKING: PRAYING BEYOND THE WALLS

Praying on-site (location) with insight (cognitive observation) and inspiration (Holy Spirit revelation).

Genesis 11:14-17 And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are — northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever… Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” 1. Prayer walking is talking to God about people rather than talking to people about

God. It is preparing the land for a visitation & revival.

2. Prayer walking is identificational intercession - Ezekiel 22:30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it;… (Nehemiah 1:3-4)

3. Prayer walking is... Praying on location (Genesis 13:14-17) With Biblical insight & understanding. (Numbers 13:16-20) Clothed in the power of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-13) For the advancement of God’s Kingdom (Isaiah 40:3)

HOW TO DO A PRAYER WALK

1. Always be _________________ by God! Awareness of a need may not necessarily be the Lord sending us. Wait for His timing and command to go.

2. Prior to going, research the past. Spiritual mapping asks questions such as, “What has happened here? What is God’s desire, agenda for the community or area?” This enables us to understand how to pray.

3. Prayerfully choose the team. 4. Confess all known personal sin to God.

5. During the prayer walk... Worship God and give thanks... Repent for the sins of an area/people/historical event... If necessary, engage in spiritual warfare with humility... Then bless and ask God to heal and bring His Presence in Power & Might.

6. When the prayer walk or journey is finished, debrief with discussion and seal what has happened in prayer. Luke 10:17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your

name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven…. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”


YIELDING TO THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH BRINGS...

Decay of our relationship with God,

A continual lust for more,

Bondage to the behavior,

Demonic stronghold,

Deliverance required.

CHOICE

THE POWER OF OUR CHOICE

THOUGHT OR STIMULUS

YIELDING TO GOD’S WORD & THE SPIRIT BRINGS...

Victory,

Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Strength against temptation,

Fruitful Christian living,

Life.

SUBMISSION

ALMOST TOTAL CONTROL

BONDAGE

LOSS OF CONTROL

HABIT

CHOICE

DELIVERANCE REQUIRED

The flesh (Galatians 5:16) The world (1 John 2:15-17) The demonic realm

(Ephesians 6:12)

SUPERNATURAL EVIL

THOUGHT

Chart 1 ~ THE CONTINUUM* OF SIN

2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 11:3; Philippians 4:8; James 1:13-15

*An uninterrupted ordered sequence


never knowledge faith harvest resist Unconfessed Doubt Motives Unforgiveness Demonic PATTERN Praise Priorities Provision Pardon Power Worshipper Entrance Obedience Criticize bondages

ANSWERS - THE DISCIPLE’S SPIRITUAL LIFE

Only mind flesh world Church demonic Fully Deception Temptation Accusation Truth Righteousness readiness faith salvation Word of God Submit Resist sent

4 the disciple’s spiritual life · 10/4/2012 · spiritual warfare and prayer walking effective...

Documents