March 5, 2006
Prayer That Can Change Your Life—Part 5
"Prayer Warfare"
Matthew 6:13
... Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
—Matthew 6:9-13
The purpose of prayer:
- Glorify God's name.
- Establish God's kingdom.
- Accomplish God's will on earth.
- Meet daily physical needs.
- Find forgiveness and forgive.
The purpose of prayer is to gain guidance.
And lead us not into temptation...
—Matthew 6:13
Clearing up the confusion:
- Does not mean God tempts us
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone...
—James 1:13-17
- Does not mean don't allow me to be tempted
When we pray "lead us..."
- We are saying, "Don't let me face a temptation that is too big for me to handle."
But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.
—1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
Second, when we pray "lead us..."
- We are giving evidence of repentance and true conversion.
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
—2 Corinthians 7:10
No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
—1 John 3:9-10
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
—Ephesians 4:22-24
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
—Matthew 26:41
Third, when we pray "lead us..."
- We are telling God we don't want to go back into bondage.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
—Galatians 5:1
Finally, when we pray "lead us..."
- We are asking God to keep us from sinning.
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
—Jude 24-25
Lifework
Life is a test and you have a choice. When you are tempted, you have a choice to resist or give in. God has provided prayer so that we can walk in victory over sin. Where do you need victory in your struggle against temptation? You can trust God to give you the help you need today.
Protection and Warfare
Personal and Small Group Study
Getting Started
- Who was your favorite super-hero as a kid? Why?
- Were you ever in a group where you wore a uniform? How did you feel when you wore that uniform? What was you favorite part of that uniform? Why?
Digging Deeper: Read Ephesians 6:10-20
- Read Ephesians 1:19-21. How powerful is Christ? How does this instill hope in you as a Christian as you encounter the evil described in Ephesians 6? Who seeks to harm Christians?
- With what attitude should we face these forces? How does prayer fit into this battle?
- What does Paul mean by each of the six pieces of armor? What is the purpose of each? Which are offensive and which are defensive? What does that tell you about the battle we fight?
- Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. What is God's promise to you when you are tempted? How have you seen this to be true in your experience? How has your battle with temptation prove that you are truly a child of God?
Applying It To My Life
- As you consider your armor, what parts are in good shape? What parts of your armor are rusty? What do you need to do to get your equipment ready for battle? What is at stake if you don't?
- What evidence do you see of spiritual battle in your life? In your church? In your community? What can you do to take your stand in these particular battlefields?