Boot Camp 101(Pack Up & Ship Out Your Civies- Put On Your Uniform!)

05/11/14

Ephesians 6:18

“Prayer” – Our “long-range” weapon - proseuchē (pros – face-to-face & euchē – prayer).

“Supplication” – deēsis - • proseuchē – used of prayer in general.• deēsis – stresses the sense of need.

“Praying” – present middle participle (imperative use of the participle) of proseuchomai.Here is our order to keep on praying – prayer is not optional – it is commanded for every believer in the Royal Family of God.

Ephesians 6:18

• We enjoy tremendous privileges – some of which were never experienced by believers in other ages – and, “to whom much given, much is required!” (Luke 12:48). • One of our foremost duties is the responsibility of prayer – the importance of prayer can’t be overemphasized.

• This command is obeyed less frequently & with less enthusiasm than all other orders from the Divine HQ!

• For the Christian Warrior who is skilled in its deployment, the use of prayer unleashes the very power of God – but this fantastic power goes untapped all too often.

Ephesians 6:18

Prayer is one of the greatest weapons ever forged in heaven for the use of the Royal Family (RF) of God -

1) Prayer can avert disaster, halt corruption in government, halt the influence of evil, & bring tranquility to a nation (I Timothy 2:1, 2).

2) By means of prayer each member of the RF can offer combat support to the frontline Christian Warrior.

3) This tremendous weapon goes unclaimed & unused simply because too many Christians lack Bible Doctrine in their soul & the discipline which is required for intelligent & effectual prayer.

Ephesians 6:18

The “Silent Service” is a tremendous illustration of the principle of prayer – very little is known of their activities –but they always have far-reaching activities & impact.Submarines were one of our most decisive weapons in WWII.Torpedoes & missiles are fired on faith - sometimes the results are seen, & sometimes not. The Tomahawk missle has a range of well over 1,000 miles, & is extremely accurate.The Mark-48 torpedo can be guided even after firing by a wire that is cut before the final attack.

Ephesians 6:18

One result can be intensified pressure on you!

“Always” – literally, “at all times” or, “on every occasion.”There are countless opportunities for prayer –• Before meals – for thankfulness for the food & that God would sanctify the food for the nourishment of our bodies.• Before Bible study – spiritual food request for concentration & objectivity.• For Divine guidance in situations where you lack a definite course of action – praying that pertinent doctrine resident in your soul may be brought into focus to be properly applied.• In times of adversity & heartache (see Hebrews 4:16).• For others within your periphery; for your pastor!• For those in authority (local, state, & national).

Ephesians 6:18“In the Spirit” – “In the filling/controlling of the Holy Spirit.” (See Ephesians 5:18)

“Being watchful” – “be on the alert” – present active participle (imperative use of the participle) of agrupneō – agreuō (to chase) & hupnos (sleep).

• Expresses not mere wakefulness, but the watchfulness (alertness) of those who are intent upon a thing.

• Prayer demands more than self-discipline & concentration – it requires alertness!

• Alertness comes from Bible doctrine in the soul & expresses itself in the function of effective prayer. (See James 5:16)

Ephesians 6:18

“Perseverance” – persistent determination.“Supplication” – deēsis (see above) – stresses the sense of need.“The saints” – Royal Family of God.• There is a need for prayer in our generation as never before.• Prayer offers tremendous opportunities.• We especially need to pray for ourselves & one another to have strength, wisdom, & faithfulness to press the attack of Bible doctrine.• Prayer can turn the course of our nation – there are many opportunities for pressing the attack of Bible doctrine in America today.• But, we could forfeit these phenomenal opportunities by neglecting prayer – if prayer warriors slacken, the open door could slam shut.