Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Basic Instructions for Warriors on the Front Line

Battle Basics:

We often spend quite a bit of time studying the armor Paul instructs us to carry in his letter to the Church at Ephesus. Yet, many miss or neglect his specific instructions for prayer that follow. After the soldiers of Christ have “suited up,” prayer must take place. To those called to the Front Line in this season, take note and take heed to the call to prayer and intercession.

If we are to be warriors for the Kingdom, these things MUST be present in our lives. We are making no impact if any are lacking. Many of us consider ourselves to be warriors, but neglect prayer for our leaders. Many of say we are ready for battle, but fail to preach the truth with boldness. We say we are on the battlefield, but lack understanding of the Word of God. True warriors are always equipped and understand their orders. They are obedient without question. They are aware of the basics and master them.


Ephesians 6

14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).

19 And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel),

20 For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.



The instructions:

PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR
- Truth
- Integrity
- Morality (purity in character)
- Right standing with God (righteousness)
- Preparation (study and understanding)
- Readiness in the Gospel
- Faith
- Salvation
- The Word of God

PRAY
- Constantly and consistently
- While remaining alert (not complacent or comfortable)
- While watching (aware rather than ignorant)
- Intercede on behalf of the saints
- For leaders and co-laborers, that they will be bold and courageous to preach truth

No comments: