Spiritual War, 5of20

~ Spiritual War: Principles ~

Principle #1 (pray with alertness and perseverance)  ~  “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful [alert] to this end with all perseverance and supplication [petitions, requests] for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:18).  In other words, we are to be alert like a military guard on duty.  Several sub-points are clear;

1) Prayer is a form of worship (“in the Spirit”),

2) We are to be bold with our requests (“supplication” mentioned twice in this short verse),

3) It is a spiritual discipline with the mind of Christ—His heart and His priorities (“in the Spirit”), and

4) Prayer is not me-centered but God-centered and His kingdom-centered (“for all the saints”). 

Principle #2 (pray specifically for boldness in witnessing)  ~  Paul’s final comment in this passage is a request, “for me [Paul], that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20). 

Twice in this single short passage the Apostle Paul asks that his fellow Christians pray that he might have boldness in witnessing. 

The first time is in reference to having freedom and wisdom in choosing the right words. 

The second relates to being fearless regardless of consequences. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .