“Put on the full armor of God that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11
The Armor: All of the pieces of the armor are defensive in nature, except The Sword of the Spirit. This should serve as a clear warning to all prayer warriors that an attack from the enemy is eminent.
“Stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” v. 12
The Enemy: Though the weapons of the warrior can be used against flesh and blood of family, friends and fellow-believers, these weapons are for use against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
“…Having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore…” v. 13
The Stand: The prayer warrior stands against the devil and all of his spiritual forces, by putting on the Armor of God, and lining up in formation next to The Champion. Prayer warriors obey the orders of The Champion. The key to victory is not their armor, but their obedience.
“…So that you will be able to resist in the evil day.” v. 13b
The Resistance: Resisting the devil begins by recognizing him as a liar, a deceiver, counterfeiter, and an accuser whose sole purpose for existing is to throw any lie against believers and to put every crisis in their path to see if it will stick or cause them to stumble.
“GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH…” v. 14a
The Truth: Believers surrounded by the powerful propaganda of the devil, protect themselves by listening to Jesus, ‘The Way, The Truth, and The Life.”
“HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,” v. 14b
The Righteousness: Prayer warriors protect their hearts. The heart of the matter is sin. Being right with God requires seeing one’s own sin through the eyes of God, agreeing with Him and calling it by its right name. Being made right with God begins by admitting sin to God. Staying right with God requires protecting ones’ heart from the enemy’s temptation to sin.
“…and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARTION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE.” v. 15
The Gospel: Prayer warriors long for peace with God, but take their stand at the foot of The Cross. They refuse peace offered at any price lower than the cost for sin, the death on The Cross of God’s Son, The Lord, Jesus Christ.
“…in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one…” v. 16
The Faith: Trusting in God for direction, and believing God for protection are the two sides of the same shield. Prayer warriors take the attack to the enemy by faith. They don’t hunker in the bunker, but face the enemy with confidence in The Champion to direct them towards the enemy and to protect them from the enemy.
“And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION…” v. 17a
The Salvation: Prayer warriors know they are children of God, and have been rescued from the enemy camp, by faith in Jesus. The Helmet of Salvation protects the mind of Christ in the believer. Jesus came to save and to serve. Believers were not saved to sit and soak, but to carry out the mission of The Savior.
“…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” V. 17b
The Word: Prayer warriors receive marching orders for the mission from the Word of God. The Spirit of God illuminates, but never contradicts or violates the Word of God. The sword of The Spirit cuts both ways. It protects the prayer warriors, by taking the battle to the enemy, and it corrects the prayer warriors by revealing and removing their own sin.
“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petitions for all the saints, and pray on my behalf…” v. 18-19a
The Grip: Praying at all times in the Spirit reveals the warrior’s humility, and releases God’s power for the battle. Self-assured converts will never be Spirit-filled believers. They may enter the battle, but they soon lose their grip on the sword of The Spirit. Prayerless and weaponless warriors strike no fear in the enemy camp.
“Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor the onslaught (lit. storm) of the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence (lit. at your side) and will keep your foot from being caught.” Proverbs 3:26
The Champion: The enemy fears The Champion, not prayer warriors. Fear is a powerful force, and when it can be injected into the enemy camp, the enemy flees the scene. When the devil hears prayer warriors calling out to God, in the name of The Lord, Jesus Christ, he expects Jesus to take the field.
Prayer warriors face the storm of war, in confidence that The Lord is at their side. Wise prayer warriors take their stand on bended knees, and invite The Champion to make His stand on their behalf. TALK LESS! PRAY MORE!