by Dan Jones
I have just finished reading “The Invisible War” by Chip Ingram. The subtitle is, “What every believer needs to know about Satan, demons and spiritual warfare.”
It’s a well-written book, based solidly on scripture, and I would consider it worth reading for any believer.
Ingram frequently references Ephesians 6:10-17:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NIV)
Ingram is, of course, correct. We absolutely must put on the armor of God if we are to do battle in the spiritual realms and, whether we like it or not, our day-to-day lives are indeed a spiritual battle. If the enemy does not oppose us in some way, it’s obvious we are no threat to him.
But Ingram makes an important point in the latter part of his book. He notes that most versions of the Bible put a break in between verses 17 and 18, when it does not occur in the original Greek.
So, Paul writes about getting all suited up, telling us to stand firm, and then in the same breath says:
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
It’s an excellent point. Most of us read about the armor of God and we assume we do so to guard our hearts and minds from attack, but we forget that once we are all dressed for battle, it’s time to go on the offensive.
I recently heard a preacher on Kinship Christian Radio point out that all of the armor we’re suited up in covers the front of us. We are not wearing that armor on our backs. When we put on the full armor of God, we are preparing for a frontal assault, not for a day on the couch or (heaven forbid!) for retreat.
With the full armor of God covering us and the sword of the Spirit in our hands, we are to go into battle. And the battle field is prayer. The sword is an offensive weapon. We are to wield a living and active sword, penetrating even to divide soul and spirit, joint and marrow, discerning the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Ingram includes an excellent quote by S.D. Gordon in his book:
“The great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer, nor those who say they believe in prayer, nor yet those who can explain about prayer; but I mean these people who take time and pray. They have not time. It must be taken from something else. This something else is important, very important, and pressing, but still less important and less pressing than prayer. There are people that put prayer first, and group the other items in life’s schedule around and after prayer.”
And indeed, as I have written before, Kinship Christian radio was founded on prayer and continues to exist because of prayer. Our almighty and everlasting God does hear our prayers and does act on them.
And Scripture is clear, we are to pray for each other, not just ourselves. That is where the power is. That is what will change this world for Jesus Christ. The war is already won, but the enemy continues to attack as if he has not heard the news that he has been defeated. It is intercessory prayer that repulses and negates these attacks.
You can go to the Kinship website and pray for the ministry and brothers and sisters in Christ by clicking here: https://app.amenprayer.com/kjly/?affid=kjly
Today’s Praise
The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand. Revelation 8:4 (NIV)