4 ~ THE DISCIPLE S SPIRITUAL LIFE

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1 4 ~ THE DISCIPLE S SPIRITUAL LIFE SUGGESTED READING Celebration of of Discipline by Robert Foster The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer Engaging the Enemy and Prayer Shield by C. Peter Wagner Needless Casualties of War by John Paul Jackson SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1. Spiritual disciplines, when done with the correct motive can open the door to personal freedom. It is possible, however, to turn disciplines into laws of legalistic righteousness, which results in death, especially when superimposed upon others. The Pharisees were masters at external righteousness (Matthew 5:20). Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself. - Leo Tolstoy 2. Outward behavior alone changes us. In Romans 12:1-2 it is clear that as we offer ourselves to God He changes our thinking, which changes our behavior, and transformation occurs! Christian disciplines are intended to enhance our relationship with the Lord and this begins with an internal transformation. 3. In this lesson we will look at the Christian disciplines of: A. Prayer B. Praise and worship C. Personal revival and cleansing D. Spiritual warfare and prayer walking Discipleship Development is a ministry of Christian Life Center, A Foursquare Church 9085 California Avenue, Riverside, CA Jack & Jane Lankhorst, Pastors Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute

2 THE DISCIPLINE OF PRAYER Whenever God gets ready to do something new in the earth, He always sets His people to praying. - Dr. J. Edwin Orr The ones who have most fully illustrated Christ in their character, and have most powerfully affected the world for Him have been those who spend much time with God as to make it a notable feature in their lives. - E.M. Bounds PRAYER IS Prayer is a dialogue based upon our of God. Exodus 33:12-14; Hebrews 5:14 2. Prayer matures our and transforms the person who takes time to pray. Mark 11:12-14, Prayer is the catalyst in bringing in the Lord s. Matthew 9: Prayer is the means by which we can the devil. Ephesians 6:18 5. Prayer (and being alert) keeps us from temptation. Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38 COMMON HINDRANCES TO ANSWERED PRAYER God may have to deal with something in us first before He is able to bring an answer through us. 1. Hidden, sin. Psalm 66:18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; and unbelief. James 1:5-7...But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, Disregarding Biblical Truth. Proverbs 1:28-31 Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD. 4. Wrong. James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 5. Religious insincerity. Matthew 6:5-7 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, to be seen by others. 6.. Matthew 6: For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 2

3 you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 7. interference. Daniel 10: But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me (Angel) twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me,.. Matthew 6:9-13 This, then, is how you should pray: 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. FIVE DYNAMIC AREAS OF THE DISCIPLE S PRAYER What we commonly call the Lord s Prayer in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-13) could actually be called the Disciples Prayer Pattern. Using this pattern Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. Approximately a year and a half later, when they asked Him to teach them to pray, He brought them back to the earlier pattern and a more condensed version. How is this pattern in Luke 11:1-4 different than the one Jesus taught in Matthew 6 and why do you think He did shorten it? This is our model prayer, a prayer pattern that Christ established for communicating with God. Each phrase reflects a basic area of human need and places us in the position to be able to receive those needs. 1. OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME,... A. Begin with and worship. B. To hallow means to admire, respect, acknowledge as being set apart. In the original language the word name gives the meaning of character or authority. Begin prayer by praising Him through the Old & New Testament Names of God (Exodus 3:13-15). Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 113:1-3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. C. Here are only a few of His Old Testament Names... Jehovah Jireh The LORD our Provider (Genesis 22:1-9) Jehovah Rophe The LORD our Healer (Genesis 15:22-27) Jehovah Nissi The LORD our Banner (Exodus 17:8-16) Jehovah Shalom The LORD our Peace (Judges 6:1-24) Jehovah Rohi The LORD our Shepherd (Psalm 23) Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 3

4 D. This develops my relationship with my Heavenly Father and begins my time of prayer focused on Him first (Colossians 1:15-18). For a more complete list go to discipleshipdevelopment.org and click the article named, OT Names of God. 2. YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. A. Establish God s B. As our Savior, He is also our absolute Lord and Master and the King of an eternal Kingdom. We are His Kingdom people with all the responsibilities and benefits. C. Prayer... I bring everything in my life under His authority (Matthew 6:33). I pray that His will be done in my life, family, church, nation and in the world. D. This focuses me to live out His purposes in my own life knowing that when I seek first His Kingdom all of my needs are provided (Mathew 6:33). 3. GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD. A. Receive daily B. Our greatest concerns include food, clothing and shelter. If we seek first His Kingdom that the Lord would provide what we need (Matthew 6:28-34). He wants us to ask so that our joy might be complete (John 16:24). Malachi 3:10-12 states that if I am faithful to the Tithe then He is faithful to provide for me, to destroy the devourer and to enlarge my ability to give. C. Prayer... Be in the will of God concerning my finances (Tithing, generous attitude). Pray for provision for physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Pray for a hunger for God s Word in me and in the people of God. D. This develops dependency upon Him and brings glory to God as He supplies the need. 4. FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE HAVE FORGIVEN OUR DEBTORS. A. Forgive & receive forgiveness or B. So powerful is the aspect of forgiveness that Jesus places it in the middle of the prayer and at the end! If we will not forgive others He cannot forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15; 18:1-34). C. Prayer... I ask that the Lord to forgive me and to set me free from the destructive power of pride and unforgiveness. I forgive and release those who have offended me (Psalm 32:5; Matthew 6:14-15; 1 John 1:8-9). Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 4

5 I set my will to forgive everyone who has offended me and who may offend me today! D. This is the key to spiritual provision and victory. 5. AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE. A. Live in Holy Spirit B. Deep, unconfessed sin are areas where the devil has authority (John 14:30). When we are unwilling to acknowledge those areas, God will allow us to be led into areas of temptation so that we can recognize those areas and be cleansed (James 1:13-15). C. Prayer... I ask God to purify me and to cleanse me from secret sin (Psalm 19:12-13; James 1:13-15). I put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). I pray for the revival of the church (Hosea 6:2-3) and for a harvest of souls to come into the Kingdom of God (Matthew 9:37). D. This focuses me on the true agenda of God. VARIOUS TYPES OF PRAYER IN SCRIPTURE Using the Prayer Pattern we are able to broaden our effectiveness by understanding that we can focus our prayer in many different ways. Ephesians 6:18 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. 1. Private prayer Matthew 6: Public prayer Acts 4: Planned corporate prayer 2 Chronicles 20: Prayer of praise and worship 2 Chronicles 20:21 5. Prayer to establish God s Kingdom 2 Chronicles 7:14-15; Matthew 6:10 6. Prayer of repentance Hosea 6: Prayer of salvation Romans 10: Prayer of petition Luke 11: Prayer of confession of sin 1 John 1:9 10. Strategic level prayer Daniel 10:1-14; Ephesians 6: Prayer of thanksgiving Psalm 100:4; 1 Thessalonians 5: Prayer for mercy Luke 17: Praying God s Word, meditation Joshua 1:8 14. Prayer of intercession Exodus 32:30-34; Nehemiah 1:4-11 Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 5

6 15. Travailing (birthing) prayer Galatians 4: Listening prayer 1 Kings 19:11a; Psalms 46: Watching prayer Isaiah 62:6-7; Matthew 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 21: Prayerwalking Genesis 13:17; Joshua Evangelistic prayer Matthew 9:37-38; Luke 10:2 THE DISCIPLINE OF PRAISE & WORSHIP Praise is an instrument of war, and a way of creating an atmosphere for the Presence of the Lord. Worship is born from the womb of relationship. - Judson Cornwall. The essence of worship, is not the physical prostration as much as the flattening of the human will which rises to assert its own dignity, ignorant all the while that our highest dignity is entering the Presence of the King with worship, - Jack Hayford BIBLICAL EXPRESSIONS OF PRAISE & WORSHIP Although worship may have many forms, praise is usually always expressive as seen in Jesus example in Luke 10:17, 21 The seventy-two returned with joy (chairo: glad, cheerful, happy) and said, Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.... At that time Jesus, full of joy (agalliao: to rejoice with exceeding joy, to jump for joy) through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, (Also Luke 19:37-40) The following are example from God s Word that encourage us to praise God in many ways Audible Psalm 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 2. Singing Psalm 147:1 Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! 3. Lifted hands Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. 4. Musical instruments Psalm 150:3-5 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 6

7 5 Bowing down, kneeling Psalm 95:6-7 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. 6. Clapping Psalm 47:1-2 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! 7. Dancing, including choreographed dance Psalm 149:3-4 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. (Also Psalm 68:24-26) 8. Shouting Psalm 47:1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. (Also Psalm 66:1-2) 9. Notice the various forms of praise found in Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving (Todah) and his courts with praise (Tehilla); give thanks (Yadhah) to him and praise (Barakh) his name. A. Todah Confession, extending the hands in adoration, lifting the arms with hands cupped inward, a choir of worshippers, the sacrifice of praise and thanks, a vow. B. Tehillah From Halal, to be clear (transparent) or shine, to laud, rave, celebrate glamorously, loudly foolish, to make a show. Used 113 times in the Old Testament 24 times with JAH, or Hallelujah, the spontaneous outcry of one excited about God. This praise is offered in delight and rejoicing. Most occurrences are plural, involving choirs, instruments, speaking (Jeremiah 31:7), singing (Psalm 69:30) and dancing (Psalm 149:3). C. Yadhah To confess, praise, give thanks, to use the hand, revere or worship with extended hands, to throw out the hands with rejoicing. Yadah was predominantly used to express public proclamation and declaration of God s attributes and works including a confession of sin. D. Barakh To kneel, praise, salute and bless: To endue with power for success, prosperity, fertility, longevity, etc. To expect in hope. This word is used 289 times in the Old Testament. 10. We praise God with instruments and worship Him with our heart. Liturgy and music can assist a worshiping heart, but they cannot make a non-worshiping heart into a heart of worship. The danger is that music can give the appearance of having worshiped. Music unites worshipers and sets the atmosphere for worship and God s Word. FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES 1. Worship is A. It was in effect before Adam. As long as there has been Heaven there has been worship. When we worship we touch the eternal. 2. We were created to worship God. (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 22:34-38) Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 7

8 3. God is not seeking worship as much as He is seeking the worshiper. (John 4:23-24) 4. Worship is an attitude of reverence, awe, and submission to God for who He is. It is not a passing emotion. (Joshua 5:15) 5. Worship is centered on A. It is His Person, not His performance that is the object of our worship. We worship the King, not the benefits of Kingdom. B. He is worthy to be worshiped. Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. 6. Worship involves prayer and personal communication. Prayer maintains the life flow of our relationship with the One whom we worship. 7. Worship is enhanced by A. Sameness is not the goal of a corporate worship experience. We all express our love in differing ways, and those differences will lend flavor and color when allowed to be blended together. B. Those who are leading us in worship should never worship as a surrogate for the congregation. We worship God from the heart using our personality and expressions. 8. Worship is a A. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. B. We worship because we are worshipers. Worship flows from a worshiper no matter what. 9. Praise and worship is the entrance into the Presence of the King of Glory. A. There are several, distinctly different form of praise mentioned in Psalm Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise 10. God s Presence descends as worship follows A. Moses and the Tabernacle in Exodus 40:34-35 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. B. Solomon and the Temple in 1 Kings 8:10-11 And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple. 11. Through praise and worship we receive a revelation of God s purposes. A. Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 12. We are positioned for judgment when we the way others express their love for the Lord. A. As David brought the Ark of God back to Israel, Michal, David s wife despised the way David Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 8

9 expressed himself in praise to God. The results were very devastating as she became barren. 2 Samuel 6:16-23 Now as the ark of the LORD came into the City of David, Michal, Saul s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death. 13. Through worship we are delivered out of our. A. Acts 16:25-26 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone s chains were loosed. 14. Through praise and worship the enemy is defeated before us. A. 2 Chronicles 20:18-26 Jehoshaphat he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever.... For deeper study go to discipleshipdevelopment.org and click on the article, Praise & Worship. THE DISCIPLINE OF PERSONAL REVIVAL 1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself... Psalm 51:10-13 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. Isaiah 6:5-7 Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged. 1. To successfully engage in spiritual warfare, we have a clean and pure heart before God. This cleansing is not a legalistic exercise but a life habit of repentance from anything that displeases the Lord. 2. A disciple is to have an uncompromising determination to maintain a pure lifestyle and a passion for the Kingdom. To do this we must have regular spiritual renewal in prayer. Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 3. KEY: The way we are purified of sin is that we confess our sin (agree with God) and walk in the light by maintaining an open relationship with Him. This is not legalism but a lifestyle of repentance. John 1:7-9 says: But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 9

10 PERSONAL CLEANSING Go through each area below and determine whether this a reality in your own life. Take the area the Holy Spirit shows before the Throne of Grace and allow God to cleanse you and to birth or strengthen that area in your life. This exercise is NOT intended to condemn (Romans 8:1), but to guide you through an honest evaluation followed by cleansing from the Holy Spirit. 1. God s Word (Psalm 119:97, 140) Do I love to read and meditate on God s Word? Do I apply what I read to everyday life? 2. Holy Spirit control (Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 5:18-21) Do I ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit each day? Am I sensitive to the Spirit s voice and do I allow Him to lead and control me? 3. First Love (Philippians 1:21-23; Revelation 2:4-5) Is Jesus Christ still the most important Person in my life? Does my schedule, spending, etc. reveal that God is first in my life? 4. Prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Am I faithful to a consistent life of prayer? Is my prayer life filled with joy and intimacy with the Father? 5. Submission (1 Samuel 15:22; Hebrews 13:17) Do I truly obey God from the heart? Do I genuinely obey human authorities that God has placed over my life? 6. Humility (Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 57:15; Luke 14:7-11) Am I quick to admit I am wrong? Am I willing to take the lower place? 7. A pure heart (Matthew 5:8; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:9) Do I keep short accounts with God and do I search my heart for issues that displease Him? Is repentance (a change of thinking accompanied with action) a part of my everyday life? 8. Moral purity (Matthew 5:27-30; 2 Corinthians 10:3; Ephesians 5:3-5) Do I aggressively keep my mind free from immoral fantasizing? Am I accountable to someone? 9. Priorities in life (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:12-14) Do I love what God loves and hate what He hates? Do I seek to do His Will each day? Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 10

11 10. Finances (Proverbs 19:17; Malachi 3:10-12) Do I Tithe the first portion of my earnings to God? Am I a generous person? 11. Forgiveness (Acts 24:16; Colossians 3:12-14; Hebrews 12:14-15) Am I willing to release offenses and be reconciled to God and the person with whom I am offended? Do I stop slander and not allow a destructive spirit of unforgiveness to divide my church? Do I encourage reconciliation when that is possible? 12. Evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8) Do I have a burden for people who do not know Christ? How am I reaching the lost with the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ? Action: Identify the areas you need to focus on. Then make those areas a priority in prayer, knowing that He loves us and will accomplish those things in us by the power His Spirit. THE DISCIPLINE OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. (Referencing Genesis 3:15) Also John 10:10; Ephesians 2:1-10, 6:10-18; James 4:1-7; 1 John 5:4-5 AREAS OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE 1. The Our thinking. (Romans 7:21-24; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5) 2. The Our old, unsubmited self. (Romans 8:5-8; Galatians 5:17; James 4:2-3) A. Our flesh is at war against the Spirit of God (Romans 7). B. The flesh is the self-centered distortion of the human nature which makes us want to be our own god. It is that proud ego, that uncircumcised self which is the seat of willful defiance and rebellion against authority. Ray Stedman C. Pride is at the heart of our sinful nature! It s the very thing that caused Lucifer to loses his place in Heaven. Name the five arrogant I wills of Lucifer from Isaiah 14: The Conforming to the world s pattern. (Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4) 4. The The enemy s focus is to fragment the church to make it powerless against the enemy. (Ephesians 4:29-32) 5. The The evil, supernatural realm. (Ephesians 6:10-12; James 4:7) Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 11

12 CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR ENEMY, THE DEVIL 1. Our spiritual battle is NOT/NEVER against people but against the demonic, spiritual enemy. This enemy is highly strategic, organized and in unity! Ephesians 6: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places...) A. Principalities Arche: First, chief in order, time, place or rank (Satan). B. Powers Exousia: Delegated influence, authority or jurisdiction. These are territorial powers such as the Prince of Persia in Daniel 10: C. Rulers Kosmokrator: World rulers who use the darkness of philosophies, religions, etc. D. Spiritual wickedness Poneria: Depravity, malice, sins, degeneracy from original condition, physical and moral disease, vicious, evil, wicked, etc. 2. He is subtle, crafty, calculating, and scheming. 2 Corinthians 2:11...in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 3. He is a spirit but with limitations. Job 1:12 The LORD said to Satan, Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger. (Also in Job 2:6) 4. He is committed! John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; He has the ability to influence and deceive. 1 Chronicles 21:1 Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. 6. The devil has three main weapons he uses against the church. A. To deceive means to believe a lie. From the very beginning, Satan has deceived us into believing that God s Word is not true (Genesis 3:1-7). Strongholds are built through deception. A stronghold is an incorrect thinking pattern that results from believing something false. B. Temptation often follows deception. The enemy first attempts to deceive us about God s Word/Commands, then makes the fruit on the forbidden tree look good. Sin is first pleasing, then easy, then frequent, then habitual. C. The devil is known as the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). He accuses you to God, you to others and you to yourself. 7. Satan deceives us, then tempts us, then accuses us of those very things. But, through Christ s finished work on the Cross (Colossians 2:15) and our obedience to His Commands, we have complete victory over our enemy (Revelation 12:11). The following principle may shed light on this... Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 12

13 THE HANDLES PRINCIPLES - Read Galatians 5:16-21 and James 1: 1. As Satan could have no hold on Jesus, so we can walk in that same confidence. John 14:30...the prince of this world is coming and has no hold over me, 2. James 1:14-15 (But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.) is a very clear illustration of the principle that Satan s ability to tempt and defeat us is directly associated with what is in our own hearts. A. The acts of the sinful nature in Galatians 5:16-21 are like the handles of a cup and are areas of unsubmitted weakness where the enemy has authority in our lives. He effectively uses these handles to manipulate and torment us. By conquering these areas (breaking off these handles) we CAN be victorious! B. Velcro is also a clear example of this principle. Velcro is a combination of two French words that mean velvet and hooks, which is how it sticks. Notice the microscopic view on the right showing the hooks (temptation) and the loops (ungodly desires in our heart). 3. Victory is based upon honest repentance and turning to God s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Take a moment to study the illustrations on page 16. THE ARMOR OF GOD Ephesians 6:10-18 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places... The focus of the Armor of God is not the pieces of the armor as much as the character they represent in us. It is Godly character, not brute force or human ability, wins the spiritual battle. 1. The belt of Aletheia: The unveiled reality lying at the basis of and agreeing with an appearance. (John 8:31) Point: A key in winning the spiritual battle is to have a true understanding of reality, what is really taking place. (2 Chronicles 20:22-23; Luke 22:49-51). 2. The breastplate of Diakaios: Conforming to God s rightness, to fulfill God s claims in contrast to the lawlessness of this world. In essence, it is obedience to God s Word and to His ways, doing right. (1 Samuel 15:22-23; Song of Solomon 2:15; Psalm 19:13-14; John 14:30) Point: Satan has authority over a life which is not submitted to God and filled with sin. David cried out to God after his horrific sin with Bathsheba and Uriah and asked that he be restored and filled with God s Spirit. (2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51) The warrior s character and right behavior growing from a right heart is a great defense. Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 13

14 3. The footwear of Hetoimasia: Preparation, adjusted, to be ready (Matthew 25:13; Mark 14:32-42; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 2 Timothy 2:21; Revelation 16:15) Because Peter was asleep and not ready to stand against what was about to take place (the soldiers coming to arrest Jesus just before the crucifixion), he not only reacted against the soldiers but did not have the power to stand with Jesus that night. The result was that he denied the Lord and fell away. (Matthew 26:69-75) Point: Being ready requires we are always ready. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. 4. The shield of Pistis: To be persuaded in belief and in action, choosing to believe God and His word in the face of conflicting reality. (2 Chronicles 20:20-24; Hebrews 11:1-2, 6, 32-40) Point: Satan s arrows are his lies, deceptions and perversions of reality. True faith is active and powerful (James 2:17-26) and stands firm in the battle. 5. The helmet of Soterion: The confident and anticipative hope of salvation, past, present and future. (Colossians 2:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9) Point: The helmet both protected the soldier and provided a striking symbol of military victory. With His helmet we can block out the lies of the enemy and place our focus on God s Word and declare that, in the Spirit, the battle has been won! Salvation is our hope in the battle and our helmet is a spiritual and public statement over the devil! 6. The sword of the Spirit which is the Rhema: The subject matter of the Word, the personal revelation of the Logos, the Word of God. (Matthew 4:1-11; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:12) Point: The battle is spiritual and must be fought in God s strength, with God s Word. Jesus used God s Word accurately against the enemy as He was being tested in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). When God s Word is used with personal understanding and genuineness, we have a powerful weapon! 7. The key to victory over the devil is: to God (period). the devil, and he WILL flee from you! (James 4:7-8). Then, in the armor of God and His Power, pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests... (Ephesians 6:18). PRAYERWALKING: PRAYING BEYOND THE WALLS Praying on-site (on location) with insight (observation and understanding) and inspiration (Holy Spirit revelation, power and compassion). Genesis 11:14-17 And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you. Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 14

15 1. Prayer walking is talking to God about people rather than talking to people about God. It is preparing the land for a visitation & revival. 2. Prayer walking is identificational intercession - Ezekiel 22:30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; (Nehemiah 1:3-4) 3. Prayer walking is... A. Praying on location (Genesis 13:14-17) B. With Biblical insight & understanding. (Numbers 13:16-20) C. Clothed in the power of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-13) D. For the advancement of God s Kingdom (Isaiah 40:3) HOW TO DO A PRAYER WALK 1. Always be by God! Awareness of a need may not necessarily be the Lord sending us. Wait for His timing and command to go. 2. Prior to going, research the past. Spiritual mapping asks questions such as, What has happened here? What is God s desire, agenda for the community or area? This enables us to understand how to pray. 3. Prayerfully choose the team. 4. Confess all known personal sin to God. 5. During the prayer walk... A. Worship God and give thanks... B. Repent for the sins of an area/people/historical event... C. If necessary, engage in spiritual warfare with humility... D. Then bless and ask God to heal and bring His Presence in Power & Might. 6. When the prayer walk or journey is finished, debrief with discussion and seal what has happened in prayer. Luke 10:17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name. And He said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven. Application: It s one thing to learn about prayer walking, it s an entirely different matter to develop a lifestyle of prayer walking! We will doing a Discipleship Development prayer walk: Date location Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 15

16 THE POWER OF OUR CHOICE THOUGHT OR STIMULUS YIELDING TO THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH BRINGS... Decay of our relationship with God A continual lust for more Bondage to the behavior Demonic stronghold Deliverance required Spiritual death CHOICE SUBMISSION YIELDING TO GOD S WORD & THE SPIRIT BRINGS... Victory Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit Strength against temptation Fruitful Christian living Abundant life Chart 1 ~ THE CONTINUUM* OF SIN 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; 11:3; Philippians 4:8; James 1:13-15 THOUGHT CHOICE HABIT The flesh (Galatians 5:16) The world (1 John 2:15-17) The demonic realm (Ephesians 6:12) LOSS OF CONTROL BONDAGE DEMONIC CONTROLLED DELIVERANCE REQUIRED *An uninterrupted ordered sequence Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 16

17 THE DISCIPLE S SPIRITUAL LIFE never knowledge faith harvest resist Unconfessed Doubt Motives Unforgiveness Demonic PATTERN Praise Priorities Provision Pardon Power Eternal the Person of Jesus Christ Personal expression lifestyle obedience criticize bondages must only mind flesh world Church Demonic fully Deception Temptation Accusation Truth Righteousness readiness faith salvation Word of God Submit sent Resist Christian Life Center Discipleship Institute 17