12/07/2020
When we are actively engaged in spiritual warfare we are to stand firm against the enemy, the armies of darkness, but do we pray solely for our own deliverance? Certainly we pray for God to protect us, but any soldier knows that if those around him go down on the battlefield, or are not prepared for the battle ahead, then success is unlikely, and many others will fall. So how does this relate to us as Christians? Well, we are to pray for all those around us as we engage the enemy, and before that day, we are to have helped them in their training, and putting on their armor.
“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Ephesians 6:18 ESV
Being a Christian isn’t simply an individual undertaking. Certainly we are responsible for working out our own salvation, but no one should believe that they are entering this venture alone.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
James 5:16 ESV
We are most certainly responsible for our own souls, but Jesus has shown us how to live our life of faith as He did, and is actively engaged in intercession for us. We also know that the Holy Spirit gives us remembrance, wisdom, and understanding, and that God has clothed us in armor, but there is one more important element in preparing for battle; the efforts of our fellow Saints in prayer, brotherhood, ministering to us in spirit/truth, and teaching... then, lest we forget, our own humble efforts being coupled with theirs in the same unrelenting dedication towards them.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”
Philippians 2:12 ESV
So, when we are in the midst of spiritual battle we don’t stand alone we march together, clothed in the armor of God, led by Jesus Christ, and fighting side by side with our fellow Saints... Christian soldiers... being ever in the presence of God whose strong right hand will protect us.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
Ephesians 6:13 ESV
So as we engage the forces of darkness do we stand firm? If we feel the resolve of those to our left, and right, beginning to whither do we pray for them, and encourage them with scripture? If the hands of our leaders begin to tire do we hold them up to secure God’s promised victory?
“Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.”
Exodus 17:11-13 ESV
Let’s look at how well we have been trained as soldiers of Christ, and how strong we are in the face of suffering in battle. Do we study God’s Word, know how to put on his armor, and the proper way to wield the weapons He has provided us? Is our attention unwavering as we form ranks behind the Lord... not thinking of worldly pursuits, but dedicated entirely to the spiritual battle ahead? Can we say that we are prepared to suffer for Christ, and to obey His every command? Think on these things today, and determine your readiness for the battles ahead. Are you truly a Christian soldier?
“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”
2 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for preparing us to face the challenges and temptations that Satan will bring against us. Thank you for your protection, and for teaching us how to defeat every adversary of the dark. Thank you for our brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage us, and lift us up in prayer. Help our prayers for them to be sufficient as we pray to strengthen them, increase their resolve, and intercede for them before you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who defends us, and whose hands never tire in the midst of battle. Great are you whose Son Jesus stands firm before us, and commands our movements against all heavenly enemies. Praised be your name Father for your many victories, and the mercy you show to those you have conquered. We worship you Lord, and thank you for hearing our prayers for not only our fellow Saints, but for the salvation of those who confront us so fiercely. Cover us with the blood of Jesus that has been shed for us, and when we stand before you on judgement day, see only His valiant efforts, and perfection in your service when you look at us. Call us as your children, princes, and princesses, to be commanders of your Holy army, dress us in brilliant armor, and make us victorious in battle for you... winning many souls to your kingdom.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:13-20 ESV
Rich Forbes