NIV Spiritual Renewal Study Bible PlanSample

Warfare Prayer

Troubles and spiritual battles are a way of life for Jesus’ followers (see John 16:33). Far from excluding us from temptation, spiritual growth often stirs spiritual opposition. When we commit our lives to Christ, we enter the arena of spiritual warfare for our own souls.

Paul uses the analogy of armor and warfare to teach us about the essential equipment needed for standing against temptation and spiritual attacks. His words remind us that we are not simply fighting a physical battle but rather a spiritual one. We must rely on God’s power rather than our own to fight these battles. This dependence on God is strengthened through prayer.

As we look at the armor we notice that we first must put on the belt of truth. Satan is “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). He is constantly trying to deceive and trap us. In contrast, our armor is held together by truth, which comes from the Father of all truth.

Next, we put on the breastplate of God’s righteousness. Though there are many levels of meaning to this phrase, the primary one is that we are not protected by our own righteousness; we need the righteousness of God. Our forgiveness and acceptance through faith in Jesus Christ shields us against Satan’s accusations that we are guilty and unworthy.

We are called to put on the shoes of the gospel of peace. This peace carries us along to spread the Good News to people everywhere.

We are also given the shield of faith to protect us against Satan’s accusations and persecutions. We cling to our hope in Christ and refuse to believe Satan’s lies. Prayer leads us to this faith, keeping our vision clear when circumstances cloud our way.

Paul urges us to put on salvation as our helmet. In addition to protecting the wearer, a helmet identifies a soldier’s allegiance. We belong to the company of Christ. We have been saved from destruction and restored to new life. As our helmet of salvation protects us, we also acknowledge that we belong to the God who has made us whole again.

Finally, we are armed with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. The sword is our only offensive weapon. The Holy Spirit communicates God’s message to others, exposing their sin and opening their hearts to God (see Hebrews 4:12 – 13).

Warfare prayer is a matter of claiming our authority in Christ. Because we are secure in Christ, we are to stand our ground against Satan’s attacks, and we will overcome him (see 1 Corinthians 10:12 – 13; James 4:7).