Engaging in Spirtual Battle through Prayer
Paul says in 1Cor 15:46 that the natural comes first, then the spiritual. Deuteronomy 20 instructs the Israelites regarding how to go into battle against natural (physical) enemies. This came up on my ipod shuffle about a week ago, just a few days prior to our prayer meeting at church. I think my iPod shuffle is directed by the Holy Spirit!
Deuteronomy 20: 1-8 (interspersed with my comments marked by “–“)
When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.
— The Lord likewise brought us out of slavery to sin
When you are about to engage in battle
— Make note of this phrase it is going to come up again and again,
the priest is to come forward and address the army.
He is to say to them: “Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them. For the Lord your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
The officers are to address the army, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise he may die in battle and another man dedicate it. Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit. Has any man become engaged to a woman and not married her? Let him leave and return home. Otherwise he may die in battle and another man marry her.
— The battle is serious – when you become a THREAT to the enemy, you become a TARGET. We need to be prepared when we enter into spiritual battle, both for the battle itself and for the wrath of the enemy after we plunder his camp.
The officers will continue to address the army and say, “Is there any man who is afraid or cowardly? Let him leave and return home, so that his brothers’ hearts won’t melt like his own.”
— We need to approach God and the work of prayer with hearts of confidence, boldness and faith, as Hebrews 10:22 says “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from and evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.”. Lets pray with confidence, knowing that HE WANTS TO SHOW HIS POWER IN RESPONSE TO OUR FAITH!
After hearing this passage from Deuteronomy 20, my thoughts immediately went to Ephesians 6, which talks about the armor of God. At first I thought to myself, hmmm if prayer is spiritual battle, why aren’t there any pieces of armor that deal specifically with prayer? Then I turned to Ephesians 6 and found a surprise.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 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 of 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…
OK so here I am I’m all decked out in my armor. What’s next? Everybody seems to stop here – but Paul goes on!!!
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… PRAYER IS THE BATTLE!
Likewise Paul gives instruction to Timothy: 1Timothy 1:18, 2:1, 2:8
Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for EVERYONE
Therefore, I want THE MEN in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without wrath and without doubting.
Contrary to popular opinion, prayer isn’t just for little old ladies. Prayer is the primary battleground for the MEN of the church. We need to equip ourselves for spiritual battle and fight like men!