What happens when we pray?

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Ephesians 6:10-12;16-18 For though we walk in the flesh, Finally, be strong in the Lord and we are not waging war in the strength of his might. Put according to the flesh. For the on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against weapons of our warfare are not the schemes of the devil. For we of the flesh but have divine do not wrestle against flesh power to destroy strongholds. and blood, but against the
We destroy arguments and rulers, against the authorities, every lofty opinion raised against the cosmic powers against the knowledge of God, over this present darkness, and take every thought captive against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
to obey Christ, being ready to
punish every disobedience In all circumstances take up the when your obedience is shield of faith, with which you can complete. extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God, praying at all times in the
Spirit, with all prayer and
supplication. To that end, keep
alert with all perseverance,
making supplication for all the
saints.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 Ephesians 6:10-12;16-18 What happens when we pray? Where do we fight the battle?
● We receive DIVINE ● In the spirit; in heavenly
POWER to wage war in the places
SPIRIT ● We CANNOT fight in the
flesh; in an earthly realm
with earthly ideas
● God gives us might and
strength to fight (vs. 10)
What do we do with that power? Who do we fight?
● Destroy strongholds ● Rulers
● Destroy arguments ● Authorities
● Destroy every lofty opinion ● Cosmic powers over this present darkness
○ Raised against the
● Spiritual forces of evil
knowledge of God
● Take every thought captive
○ So that it obeys Christ
● Punish every disobedience
○ WHEN our own obedience
is complete :)
Where do we get the
weapons?
● In prayer - in heavenly
places
● Our most powerful
weapon is prayer
● Vs. 18 - we’re to pray
○ In the Spirit
○ At all times
○ For all the saints

Jesus’ Practical Application of walking in divine power
● Reading the scriptures is necessary to instruct us and encourage us, but it’s not just for hearing - it’s practical; it’s meant to be lived out
● Monday night teachings don’t help us unless we put them into use - “doers of the Word”

Mark 1:21-35 God has authority over every realm and circumstance
● Jesus walks on water; Jesus calms the storm; Jesus casts out demons; Jesus heals the sick; Jesus feeds thousands
God has control over the powers that oppose him
When the Kingdom of God advances, the power of the enemy is driven back = destroyed

And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit.

Jesus is about to wrestle with spiritual forces of evil - He has spiritual weapons

And he [unclean spirit] cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the holy one of God.”

Remember, 2 Corinthians tells us that we have divine power to destroy everything lifted up against the knowledge of God. 1 John 3:8 tells us the reason Jesus came to earth:

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

So, yes, unclean spirit, he came to destroy you, and when we pray, we destroy the devil

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”
Ephesians tells us to take every thought captive to obey Christ.
The unclean spirit HAD to obey Jesus; we’re called to walk in the same power; we get power through prayer

We see Jesus’ power over a fever, over diseases, and over demons
(Mark 1:29-34)

And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of
SImon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons.
And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

Jesus’ actions are 2 Corinthians 10 and Ephesians 6 in action

● He understands he is not fighting the sick people or
demon-possessed people
● He understands that he has divine power over EVERYTHING that does not obey his father
● He understands that he is equip for any circumstance
● Why is he equipped? Look at the next verse (35)

Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

What happens when we pray?
● We receive divine power
● We receive spiritual weapons to fight a spiritual battle
● We join with the will of God in destroying the devil
○ We destroy strongholds
○ We destroy every argument / lofty opinion against God
■ We make every thought obey God
■ We punish disobedience

Additional Verses Colossians 2:9,10; 15 ● God and Jesus are the head of all rule and authority
● Jesus disarmed rulers and authorities when he triumphed over them on the cross Jeremiah 1:10; 17,18 ● God was with Jeremiah to enable him to destroy strongholds
● Jeremiah didn’t need to be dismayed because God was fortifying
Jeremiah Romans 8:26,27

● Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God; the will of
God is to destroy works of the enemy (1 John 3:8) Mark 4:35-41; 5:1-13; 6:30-56 ● Note how the power of God has no boundaries or limitations
● God controls every realm, every dimension - the weather has to obey him, bodies (sickness and disease) have to obey him; food has to obey him (feeding 4,000 and 5,000) - EVERYTHING is subjected to him Hebrews 2:5-8 (quotes Psalm 8:6) ● Everything is put in subjection under Jesus’ feet
● Our prayers should focus on bringing everything into obedience to God’s Kingdom