Unpacking Unpacking PrayerPrayer

Part 4: Prayer and the Prayer and the Battlefield Battlefield

1. The Basics of Spiritual Warfare- The three heavens

(2 Cor. 12 : 2-4, Gen. 28)

2 Corinthians 12:2-4

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

1. The Basics of Spiritual Warfare- The three heavens

(2 Cor. 12 : 2-4, Gen. 28)

1st heaven

2nd heaven

3rd heaven

Jacob’s Ladderand the three heavens

1. The Basics of Spiritual Warfare- The three heavens

- Angels and demons(2 Cor. 12 : 2-4, Gen. 28)

(Psa. 104 : 4, Heb. 1 : 14)

Psalm 104:4

Who makes His angels spirits,         His ministers a flame of fire.

Hebrews 1:14

Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

● Angels carry answers to prayer.

● Angels battle with demonic forces.

● Angels minister to God’s people.

What do angels do?

● Angels worship God

1. The Basics of Spiritual Warfare- The three heavens

- Angels and demons

- The authority of humans

(2 Cor. 12 : 2-4, Gen. 28)

(Psa. 104 : 4, Heb. 1 : 14)

(Psa. 8 : 4-6, Heb. 2 : 16)

Psalm 8:3-6

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,     The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,What is man that You are mindful of him,     And the son of man that You visit him?For You have made him a little lower than the angels,     And You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;     You have put all things under his feet…

1. The Basics of Spiritual Warfare- The three heavens

- Angels and demons

- The authority of humans

(2 Cor. 12 : 2-4, Gen. 28)

(Psa. 104 : 4, Heb. 1 : 14)

(Psa. 8 : 4-6, Heb. 2 : 16)

2. The Importance of Spiritual Warfare

- the superiority of the spiritual realm (Eph. 6:12)

Ephesians 6:12

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.

2. The Importance of Spiritual Warfare

- the superiority of the spiritual realm (Eph. 6:12)

- minds are veiled (2 Cor. 4:1-4)

2 Corinthians 4:1-4

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

2. The Importance of Spiritual Warfare

- the superiority of the spiritual realm (Eph. 6:12)

- minds are being veiled

(2 Cor. 4:1-4)

- behaviours are being influenced (Eph. 2:1-3)

Ephesians 2:1-3

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

2. The Importance of Spiritual Warfare

- the superiority of the spiritual realm (Eph. 6:12)

- minds are being veiled (2 Cor. 4:1-4)

- our relationship with God is under attack (Rom. 8:37-

38)

- behaviours are being influenced (Eph. 2:1-3)

Romans 8:37-38

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2. The Importance of Spiritual Warfare

- the superiority of the spiritual realm (Eph. 6:12)

- minds are being veiled (2 Cor. 4:1-4)

- our relationship with God is under attack (Rom. 8:37-

38)

- behaviours are being influenced (Eph. 2:1-3)

3. Angels, demons and prayer3. Angels, demons and prayer

- We have been given authority.

- Join with the angels in the battle.

- Understand the roles of angels and demons.

- Do not get your eyes off of Christ the King!

The battle belongs to the Lord.

Next week will be strategic!Next week will be strategic!

Make sure you come next week!Make sure you come next week!