11 Prayer Wars Ephesians 6:10–24

Purpose: To grasp how the ultimate battle is fought and how it can be won.

In a war of bullets, careful aim and heavy armor win battles. In a war of words, eloquent speech and sharp pens overcome the opposition. But if the fight is outside the realm of sight, sound and touch, how are victories won?

1.  How do you respond to the idea that there are spiritual forces in the universe that are working against God's will?

2.  Read Ephesians 6:10–24. In 6:10–12 Paul emphasizes that our struggle is not with flesh and blood. How has he emphasized this same point elsewhere in his letter?

3.  How do you sense a battle around you with more than physical forces and foes?

4.  Four times in verses 11–14 Paul urges his readers to stand firm in the battle against the devil's stratagems. How do we fail to stand firm as Christians?

5.  When Paul wrote Ephesians, he may have been chained to a Roman soldier (see 6:20). This could easily have inspired his analogy of 6:13–17.  Since we obviously don’t put on literal armor, how do we utilize these weapons?

6.  List the “pieces” and how they aid us in battle.  Which piece(s) of armor do feel are underutilized in your fight?

7.  In 6:10–12 Paul identifies our ally and enemies in battle. In 6:13–17 he considers our preparation and tactics. Now, how is the battle itself fought? Explain your answer.

8.  In 6:18–20 Paul urges all kinds of prayers. How has he been a model of a prayer warrior throughout this letter?

9.  What main obstacle do you face in fighting the battle of prayer more effectively?

10.  Take time now to pray about your fight in spiritual warfare.