Big Idea: Because our battle is spiritual, we must fight with spiritual weapons to stand firm with God’s armor. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 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. 13 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 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 saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV) We Can Stand Firm In Prayer When We: 1. Align Our Heart & Mind With The Holy Spirit “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Ephesians 6:18a (NIV) In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. Romans 8:26-27 (NIV) “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT2) 2. Remain Watchful and Persistent “… With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18b (NIV) Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 (NLT2) Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 (NLT2) Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) 3. Pray for Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV) “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Acts 4:29 (NIV) “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:1-5 (NLT2) Where do I need to be more persistent in my prayers? To stand firm in prayer, I will choose to: Be more persistent in praying for Invite someone to Christmas Eve 4pm or 6pm Accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior [This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.] Big Idea: Because our battle is spiritual, we must fight with spiritual weapons to stand firm with God’s armor. Icebreaker: What do you find yourself praying for most often? Family Corner: [Choose one or two days this week to ask one question to go deeper in faith as a family. Try this over dinner. Keep it to 12 minutes or less.] What does it mean to you to pray in the Spirit? Why is it important to be watchful and persistent in prayer? How does knowing that the Spirit intercedes for us - change the way we pray? Discuss any challenges you face in maintaining a regular prayer life. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:14-18 (NIV) Stand Firm Summary: 1. Stand Firm with God’s truth and refuse to compromise to fit in. “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:21-24 (NLT2) How am I Seeking God’s Truth in my life? 2. Stand Firm with His righteousness that comes from our relationship with Jesus where He takes our sins and gives us His holiness. “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:22-24 (NIV) Where do I need to devote myself more to God? 3. Stand Firm with readiness to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” Philemon 1:6 (NIV) With whom is God asking me to share my faith? 4. Stand Firm with faith as I obey and trust in the character of God. Knowing that I am called to be faithful, and faithfulness is my true success. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) Where do I need to be faithful regardless of results while I wait on God? 5. Stand Firm with my salvation. In Christ my past is forgiven, my present is protected with His purpose and my future is secure for eternity. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (NIV) What thoughts do I need to take captive to my new identity in Jesus? 6. Stand Firm with the Word of God by studying it in context, refusing to water it down and applying God’s Word to my everyday life. In doing this I will become a blessing to my family, church and community. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV) What is my routine in studying God’s Word? 7. Stand Firm with prayer by persistently praying for God’s kingdom and purpose above my own. “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for Him, as I should.” Ephesians 6:18-20 (NLT2) Where do I need to be more persistent in my prayers? Prayer Requests: