The words of Jesus
are in red text.
This
lesson
is
intended
for
Christians—because
living
day-
by-day
in
faith
is
sometimes
not
easy.
As
we
grow
in
faith,
we
experience
“events”
in
life
that
may
be
categorized
as
temptations,
trials
and
tribulations.
How
we
respond
to
each
event
involves
engaging
in
varying
degrees
of
spiritual warfare.
Temptations
From
a
biblical
perspective,
a
temptation
occurs
when
we
willingly
allow
the
lies
associated
with
a
sin
to
permeate
our
spiritual
defenses,
and
our
flesh
is
enticed
by
the
sin.
Spiritual
warfare
ensues
between
our
spirit
and
our
flesh
because
we
know
(1)
the
sin
is
wrong,
and
(2)
there
are
undesirable consequences if we are overcome by the lies.
•
“But
each
one
is
tempted
when
he
is
drawn
away
by
his own desires and enticed.” James 1:14
•
Jesus
said,
“Watch
and
pray,
lest
you
enter
into
temptation.
The
spirit
indeed
is
willing,
but
the
flesh
is
weak.” Matthew 26:41
Trials
Christians
desire
for
others
to
see
the
transformation
God
has
made
within
their
heart.
However,
at
times
this
may
be
difficult
because
of
trials.
A
trial
tests
our
faith,
patience
and
stamina
as
we
experience
negative
situations
in
life.
A
trial
may
occur
when
someone
speaks
caustic
words
towards
us.
Trials
may
involve
struggles
with
family
and
business
relationships,
a
temporary
sickness,
constraining
circumstances
or
“walls”
that
hinder
our
progress,
financial
hardship,
a
job
loss,
an
accident,
and
so
forth.
In
addition,
the
time
of
a
trial
can
range
from
short
to
long,
may
have
an
effect
upon
our
emotions,
may
cause
undesired
physical
responses
such
as
stress,
and
often
involves
spiritual
warfare.
However,
there
are
heart-transforming
benefits
of
trials.
“My
brethren,
count
it
all
joy
when
you
fall
into
various
trials,
knowing
that
the
testing
of
your
faith
produces
patience.
But
let
patience
have
its
perfect
work,
that
you
may
be
perfect
and
complete,
lacking
nothing.”
James 1:2-4
Note:
One
may
accurately
perceive
a
temptation
is
also
a
trial
(because
both
test
our
faith).
However,
temptations
are
primarily
“internally
focused.”
Whereas,
trials
are
more “externally focused.”
Tribulations
Tribulations
are
much
worse
than
temptations
and
trials.
Tribulation
comprises
severe
hardship,
adversity,
distress,
and
even
death—due
to
oppression
and
persecution—because
of
a
faith
in
Jesus
Christ—and
represents
the
highest
degree
of
spiritual
warfare.
Jesus
said,
“These
things
I
have
spoken
to
you,
that
in
Me
you
may
have
peace.
In
the
world
you
will
have
tribulation;
but
be
of
good
cheer,
I
have
overcome
the
world.”
John
16:33
During
the
last
days
tribulations
will
increase.
Jesus
said,
“For
then
there
will
be
great
tribulation,
such
as
has
not
been
since
the
beginning
of
the
world
until
this
time,
no,
nor ever shall be.” Matthew 24:21
For
more
information
read
“Temptations,
Trials
and
Tribulations” on UniqueBIbleStudies.com.
Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual
warfare
occurs
as
we
respond
to
temptations,
trials
and
tribulations.
The
objective
of
spiritual
warfare
is
to
overcome
adversarial
lies,
and
to
please
God.
However,
although
there
are
negative
characteristics
associated
with
each
type
of
event,
we
can
benefit
and
grow from these experiences.
•
We learn more about ourselves.
•
Our self-centered sinful nature is revealed.
•
We
realize
how
the
desires
of
our
flesh
conflicts
with
God.
•
We
recognize
our
need
to
completely
depend
upon
Him
for cleansing us of all unrighteousness.
Unfortunately,
at
times
when
in
spiritual
warfare
it
seems
like
we
are
inside
a
boxing
ring—with
a
bloody
nose,
unable
to
clearly
see
because
of
swollen
eyes,
and
find
it
difficult
to
defend
ourselves
as
we
are
pummeled
by
our
adversary.
“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.” Ephesians 6:12
But
praise
God
in
that
we
have
been
purchased
by
the
blo
od
of
the
Lamb;
we
are
God’s
property;
and
there
is
no
need
to
engage
in
spiritual
warfare
alone.
The
objective
of
this
lesson
is
for
Christians
to
recognize
and
use
what
God
has
provided us to become victorious:
•
The Holy Spirit
•
Spiritual armor
•
Attributes He has designed within us
•
Fellow believers in Christ
Here
is
an
important
truth
to
consider:
God
uses
life’s
“events”
as
a
means
to
prepare
us
for
His
purpose
and
glory.
To
gain
additional
insight,
consider
the
similarities
between
how
a
nation
will
prepare
their
soldiers
for
battle,
and
how
Christians
are
prepared
for
spiritual
warfare.
For
example,
a
nation’s
military
training
begins
with
“basic
training”
where
each
soldier
is
stripped
of
“self”
as
they
learn
the
importance
of
obeying
orders
for
the
benefit
of
themselves
and
others.
Thereafter,
each
soldier
receives
additional
training
to
enhance
their
skill
sets
and
use
of
weapons—with
the
intent
of
making
them
more
effective
when
called
upon
to
go
into
battle.
This
scenario
is
spiritually
analogous
to
the
“training”
Christians
experience.
Each
time
we
encounter
a
temptation,
trial
or
tribulation
and
engage
in
spiritual
warfare
we
learn
from
our
mistakes
and
successes,
the
importance
of
self
is
reduced,
we
depend
more
upon
God,
and
we
become
spiritually stronger (battle-hardened).
The Holy Spirit
God
gave
us
the
Holy
Spirit
to
assist
us
with
all
aspects
of
living
for
Him
while
on
this
planet.
Jesus
declared:
“If
you
love
Me,
keep
My
commandments.
And
I
will
pray
the
Father,
and
He
will
give
you
another
Helper,
that
He
may
abide
with
you
forever—the
Spirit
of
truth,
whom
the
world
cannot
receive,
because
it
neither
sees
Him
nor
knows
Him;
but
you
know
Him,
for
He
dwells
with
you
and
will
be
in
you.
I
will
not
leave
you
orphans;
I
will
come
to
you.”
John 14:15-18
“When
He,
the
Spirit
of
truth,
has
come,
He
will
guide
you
into
all
truth;
for
He
will
not
speak
on
His
own
authority,
but
whatever
He
hears
He
will
speak;
and
He
will
tell
you
things to come.” John 16:13
“Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
unless
one
is
born
of
water
and
the
Spirit,
he
cannot
enter
the
kingdom
of
God.
That
which
is
born
of
the
flesh
is
flesh,
and
that
which
is
born
of
the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:5-6
The Holy Spirit:
•
Is the Spirit of Truth. John 14:17, 26
•
Testifies of Jesus. John 15:26
•
Helps us. John 14:16, 26; Romans 8:26
•
Dwells with us and in us. John 14:16-17
•
Teaches
us
all
things.
John
14:26,
1
Corinthians
2:12-
13
•
Gives
us
gifts
(skills,
abilities)
that
spiritually
benefit
others. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
•
Speaks through us. John 15:27; Matthew 10:20
•
Makes intercession for us. Romans 8:27
•
Regenerates and renews us. Titus 3:5
•
Fills us with joy, peace, and hope. Romans 15:13
•
Convicts
the
world
of
sin,
righteousness
and
judgement. John 16:8
•
Restrains Satan. 2 Thessalonians 2:6-10
•
Is
evidentiary
proof
of
God’s
promises
and
guarantee
of
our inheritance. Ephesians 1:13-14
•
Abides with us forever. John 14:16
Humans
are
incapable
of
defending
themselves
within
the
spiritual
realm.
However,
those
who
have
been
born
again
by
the
Spirit
have
witnessed
spiritual
power
that
has
transformed
us
from
death
unto
life—and
spiritual
power
that enables us to become victorious in spiritual warfare.
“Now
to
Him
who
is
able
to
do
exceedingly
abundantly
above
all
that
we
ask
or
think,
according
to
the
power
that
works in us.” Ephesians 3:20
Spiritual Armor
In
addition
to
the
Holy
Spirit,
God
has
provided
us
with
protective
spiritual
means
to
stand
against
evil.
Paul,
in
his
letter
to
the
Ephesians,
correlated
the
armor
and
weapons
commonly
used
by
warriors
at
that
time,
to
seven
components
of
the
armor
of
God
Christians
may
use in s
piritual warfare.
“Finally,
my
brethren,
be
strong
in
the
Lord
and
in
the
power
of
His
might.
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.
Therefore
take
up
the
whole
armor
of
God,
that
you
may
be
able
to
withstand
in
the
evil
day,
and
having
done
all,
to
stand.
Stand
therefore,
having
girded
your
waist
with
truth
,
having
put
on
the
breastplate
of
righteousness
,
and
having
shod
your
feet
with
the
preparation
of
the
gospel
of
peace
;
above
all,
taking
the
shield
of
faith
with
which
you
will
be
able
to
quench
all
the
fiery
darts
of
the
wicked
one.
And
take
the
helmet
of
salvation
,
and
the
sword
of
the
Spirit
,
which
is
the
word
of
God;
praying
always
with
all
prayer
and
supplication
in
the Spirit.” Ephesians 6:10-18
(1) Gird your waist with truth.
We
live
in
a
darkened
world
that
suffers
the
consequences
of
lies.
The
masses
delusionally
seek
fulfillment
in
life
by
various
means
such
as
sex,
drugs,
pride,
wealth,
power,
possessions,
and
so
forth;
and
they
do
not
realize
they
have
a
spiritual
emptiness
within
their
heart
and
soul.
Those
who
realized
the
uselessness
of
lies;
those
who
realized
the
emptiness
within;
those
who
sought
spiritual
truth;
those
who
are
redeemed
by
the
blood
of
the
Lamb;
those
who
are
influenced
by
the
Holy
Spirit;
and
those
who
are
being
transformed
from
within
are
those
who
are
internalizing
truths
that
overcome
lies—truths
the
world
seeks but cannot find because of darkness and sin.
(2) Wear the breastplate of righteousness.
Righteousness
may
be
defined
as
living
moral
truths
in
what
we
say
and
what
we
do.
In
addition,
righteousness
may
be
defined
as
a
reflection
of
our
Savior
and
Lord—in
the
same
way
Jesus
Christ
was
a
reflection
(or
mirror)
of
God.
If
you
want
to
gain
insight
into
the
persona
of
God,
look
at
what
Jesus
said
and
what
Jesus
did.
Jesus
said,
“Most
assuredly,
I
say
to
you,
the
Son
can
do
nothing
of
Himself,
but
what
He
sees
the
Father
do;
for
whatever
He
does, the Son also does in like manner.” John 5:19
As
we
are
transformed
from
within
(sanctification)
we
become
less
like
ourselves
and
more
like
Jesus.
Because
of
God’s
grace
and
love,
our
thoughts
and
behaviors
change
from
being
focused
upon
fulfilling
the
desires
of
our
flesh,
to
doing
those
things
that
please
God—and
we
mirror
the
righteousness
of
Christ
for
all
to
see.
If
our
persona
is
dominated
by
our
sinful
nature,
we
will
be
viewed
as
being
hypocritical
and
will
encounter
difficulty
in
reaching
the
hearts
of
those
who
are
lost—for
this
was
the
essence
of
the
ministry
of
Jesus
when
He
walked
on
earth.
Jesus
said,
“The
Son
of
Man
has
come
to
seek
and
to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10
We
are
ambassadors
for
Christ
(2
Corinthians
5:20)
when
we
renounce
our
sinful
flesh,
are
reconciled
to
God,
and
put
on
the
protective
breastplate
of
His
righteousness
for
all to see—including our spiritual adversaries.
(3) Shod your feet with the gospel of peace.
Paul
summarized
the
benefits
of
righteous
behavior
and
the
gospel
of
peace—because
only
God’s
grace
can
change the hearts of those who are lost.
“Be
ready
for
every
good
work,
to
speak
evil
of
no
one,
to
be
peaceable,
gentle,
showing
all
humility
to
all
men.
For
we
ourselves
were
also
once
foolish,
disobedient,
deceived,
serving
various
lusts
and
pleasures,
living
in
malice
and
envy,
hateful
and
hating
one
another.
But
when
the
kindness
and
the
love
of
God
our
Savior
toward
man
appeared,
not
by
works
of
righteousness
which
we
have
done,
but
according
to
His
mercy
He
saved
us,
through
the
washing
of
regeneration
and
renewing
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
whom
He
poured
out
on
us
abundantly
through
Jesus
Christ
our
Savior,
that
having
been
justified
by
His
grace
we
should
become
heirs
according
to
the
hope
of
eternal
life.
This
is
a
faithful
saying,
and
these
things
I
want
you
to
affirm
constantly,
that
those
who
have
believed
in
God
should
be
careful
to
maintain
good
works.
These things are good and profitable to men.” Titus 3:1-8
Those
who
are
living
in
darkness
and
influenced
by
lies
will
often
put
up
mental
and
emotional
“barriers”
against
God’s
truth.
These
barriers
may
be
exemplified
by
responses
that
are
defensive,
argumentative,
or
deflective—because
they
(1)
are
blinded
and
manipulated
by
darkness
and
lies,
and
(2)
often
view
any
attempt
to
discuss
the
truth
as
a
personal
attack.
They
may
also
speak
caustic
words
(demeaning,
divisive,
condescending,
harsh
and
cynical)
as
a
means
of
defense.
If
these
types
of
behaviors
occur,
they
likely
have
anger
and
hatred
in
their
heart
as
well.
As
such,
any
attempt
to
make
any
degree
of
an
“in-your-face”
declaration
of
the
Gospel
of
Christ
will
be
thwarted
by
protective
measures.
Besides,
no
Christian
should
ever
take
an
aggressive
position
in
any
situation.
The
only
means
to
get
past
the
barriers
of
darkness,
lies
and
defensive
responses
is
to
shod
your
feet
with
the
gospel
of
peace
by
expressing
humility,
grace,
forgiveness,
and
the
love
of
God—for
this
is
how
God
overcame
the
barriers we created against Him before we knew the truth.
Spiritual
truth:
We
do
not
fully
comprehend
the
spiritual
and
transformational
power
of
God’s
grace,
His
forgiveness,
and
His
love.
For
when
we
first
realized
we
are
forgiven
by
what
Jesus
did
for
us
on
the
cross—past,
present
and
future—is
when
we
began
to
grasp
the
love
God
has
towards
us.
It
is
His
love
that
changes
the
motivations
of
our
heart
as
we
seek
ways
to
please
Him
and
not
our
flesh.
It
is
His
grace,
His
forgiveness,
and
His
love—radiating
from
our
hearts
and
soul
and
enveloped
by
the
gospel
of
peace—that
is
most
effective
in
reaching
those who are lost.
Spiritual
truth:
Never
consider
it
a
burden
or
obligation
to
share
Jesus
with
someone.
Communicating
what
God
has
done
for
us
should
come
from
an
overflowing
desire
within
the
heart
as
we
experience
empathy,
forgiveness,
and love for those who are lost.
Spiritual
truth:
It
is
the
Holy
Spirit
who
saves
persons,
and
not
us.
Those
who
are
transformed
by
the
Holy
Spirit
will
emanate
the
light
of
Jesus—which
is
seen
by
those
who
are
in
darkness.
It
is
the
Holy
Spirit
who
prepares
the
hearts
of
those
who
are
in
darkness
to
be
responsive
to
those
who
are
emanating
the
light.
It
is
the
Holy
Spirit
who
knows
what
to
speak
to
reach
the
hearts
of
those
who
are
lost.
This
all
occurs
when
a
Christian
simply
makes
themselves
available
to
be
used
by
the
Holy
Spirit
whenever
needed.
What’s
more,
when
someone
accepts
Jesus
Christ
as
their
Savior
and
Lord—GIVE
GOD
THE
GLORY—because
it
is
the
working
of
the
Holy
Spirit
that
resulted in their salvation.
“For
of
Him
and
through
Him
and
to
Him
are
all
things,
to
whom be glory forever.” Romans 11:36
“’Not
by
might
nor
by
power,
but
by
My
Spirit,’
says
the
Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
(4)
Use
the
Shield
of
faith
by
placing
your
faith
in
God
for
all
aspects
of
life,
and
for
victory
in
spiritual
battles.
“God
has
dealt
to
each
one
a
measure
of
faith.”
Romans
12:3
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-99
“But
without
faith
it
is
impossible
to
please
Him,
for
he
who
comes
to
God
must
believe
that
He
is,
and
that
He
is
a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
When
we
exercise
our
faith
in
God,
it
is
analogous
to
us
plugging
our
spiritual
“electrical
cord”
into
God’s
power
outlet.
Jesus
used
an
allegory
to
explain
how
our
faith
can
overcome
mountainous
temptations,
trials,
tribulations,
and
spiritual
warfare
in
our
lives.
Jesus
said,
“I
say
to
you,
if
you
have
faith
as
a
mustard
seed,
you
will
say
to
this
mountain,
‘Move
from
here
to
there,’
and
it
will
move;
and
nothing
will
be
impossible
for
you.”
Matthew
17:20
Spiritual
truth:
There
is
an
additional
attribute
God
designed
within
us
that
is
the
next
progressive
step
beyond
hope,
belief,
and
faith:
trust.
Trust
is
a
free
will
choice
that
involves
vulnerability
as
we
“give”
an
indescribable
“internal
part”
of
us
to
whom
we
extend
our
trust.
From
a
spiritual
perspective,
extending
trust
towards
God
is
similar
to
letting
go
of
the
steering
wheel
of
the car, climbing into the back seat, and letting God drive.
“Trust
in
the
Lord
with
all
your
heart,
and
lean
not
on
your
own
understanding;
in
all
your
ways
acknowledge
Him,
and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
(5)
Wear
the
helmet
of
salvation
as
an
assurance
we
are eternally redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
I
find
it
interesting
Paul
correlated
the
helmet
to
our
salvation.
When
in
spiritual
warfare,
the
amount
of
activity
within
our
mind
can
be
overwhelming
as
we
attempt
to
analytically
identify
and
segment
the
lies—lies
which
speak
to
the
desires
of
our
sinful
flesh;
lies
that
are
intended
to
weaken
our
faith
in
our
Savior
and
Lord;
and
lies
that
misdirect
us
from
God’s
truth.
In
the
midst
of
this
type
of
attack,
it
is
important
to
wear
the
helmet
of
salvation—which
encompasses
and
covers
what’s
going
on “between our ears.”
Spiritual
truth:
Regardless
of
what
is
going
on…we
are
eternally
saved.
God
loves
us
and
“has
our
back”
(protects,
defends,
watches
over,
supports,
and
shields
us).
“What
then
shall
we
say
to
these
things?
If
God
is
for
us,
who
can
be
against
us?
He
who
did
not
spare
His
own
Son,
but
delivered
Him
up
for
us
all,
how
shall
He
not
with
Him
also
freely
give
us
all
things?
Who
shall
bring
a
charge
against
God’s
elect?
It
is
God
who
justifies.
Who
is
he
who
condemns?
It
is
Christ
who
died,
and
furthermore
is
also
risen,
who
is
even
at
the
right
hand
of
God,
who
also
makes
intercession
for
us.
Who
shall
separate
us
from
the
love
of
Christ?
Shall
tribulation,
or
distress,
or
persecution,
or
famine,
or
nakedness,
or
peril,
or
sword?
As
it
is
written:
‘For
Your
sake
we
are
killed
all
day
long;
we
are
accounted
as
sheep
for
the
slaughter.’
Yet
in
all
these
things
we
are
more
than
conquerors
through
Him
who
loved
us.
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.” Romans 8:31-29
(6)
Use
the
sword
of
the
Spirit:
God’s
word
is
the
best
strategic
and
tactical
weapon
we
can
use
to
speak
to
those
who
are
lost,
and
to
overcome
attacks
by
spiritual
enemies.
Never
attempt
to
fight
a
spiritual
battle
with
human
reasoning
or
opinions.
Spoken
words
that
are
based
upon
human
logic
lack
spiritual
power
and
will
receive
a
defensive
response
that
is
based
upon
a
lie.
The
only
way
to
overcome
darkness
and
lies
is
by
quoting
the
absolute
truth of God’s word.
For
example,
after
fasting
forty
days
and
forty
nights,
Jesus
was
led
by
the
Spirit
into
the
wilderness
where
He
was
tempted
by
Satan
three
times
(Matthew
4:1-11).
Each
time
Satan
tempted
Jesus,
Jesus
responded
by
quoting
scripture,
“It
is
written...”
When
we
use
God’s
word
to
respond
to
those
who
are
living
in
darkness
and
controlled
by
delusional
lies,
it
transitions
their
attack
from
us
to
God.
Truth
is
not
based
upon
our
flawed
logical
reasoning
or
pseudo
intellectual
opinion.
Truth
is
based
upon
what
God
has
said.
When
the
sword
of
the
Spirit
is
used,
those
who
attack
are
now
required
to
argue
against
God’s
word—which
will
defeat
their
intent
because
there
is
no
lying
argument
that
can
overcome
the
absolute
truth
of
God’s
word.
This
is
why
it
is
important
for
Christians
to
read
the
entire
Bible
and
memorize
key
scriptures—so
that
we
are
equipped
to
use
the
sword
of
the
Spirit
when
we encounter lies. Here are examples.
(
7)
Pray
always
because
we
are
completely
dependent
upon God for everything.
God
designed
humans
with
an
ability
to
communicate
with
other
humans.
However,
the
most
important
reason
is
so
that we are able to communicate with Him in prayer.
Because
our
belief
in
our
Savior
and
Lord,
Jesus
Christ,
who
shed
His
blood
for
us
on
the
cross
as
a
propitiation
(paid
the
price)
for
our
sins,
we
are
justified
(“just-as-if-I’d”
never-sinned), and viewed by God as being righteous.
“Even
the
righteousness
of
God,
through
faith
in
Jesus
Christ,
to
all
and
on
all
who
believe.
For
there
is
no
difference;
for
all
have
sinned
and
fall
short
of
the
glory
of
God,
being
justified
freely
by
His
grace
through
the
redemption
that
is
in
Christ
Jesus,
whom
God
set
forth
as
a
propitiation
by
His
blood,
through
faith,
to
demonstrate
His
righteousness,
because
in
His
forbearance
God
had
passed
over
the
sins
that
were
previously
committed,
to
demonstrate
at
the
present
time
His
righteousness,
that
He
might
be
just
and
the
justifier
of
the
one
who
has
faith
in Jesus.” Romans 3:22-26
“Let
us
therefore
come
boldly
to
the
throne
of
grace,
that
we
may
obtain
mercy
and
find
grace
to
help
in
time
of
need.” Hebrews 4:16
Think
about
it…we
have
the
opportunity
to
pray
to
the
One
who
created
the
universe
(Colossians
1:16);
and
the
One
who
knows
the
number
of
hairs
on
our
head
(Luke
12:7).
As
such,
through
Jesus
we
have
a
direct
communication
link with God to pray about:
•
All aspects of our life.
•
Our thankfulness.
•
Acknowledgement,
remorse
and
repentance
for
sin.
Note:
Unconfessed
sin
can
become
a
barrier
to
communication
with
God.
Psalms
66:18;
Isaiah
59:2;
Matthew 6:14-15; James 4:1-6; John 17:7
•
Overcoming
the
scars
from
trauma:
receiving
things
we
should
have
never
experienced
and/or
not
receiving
things we should have experienced.
•
Growing in grace, peace and spiritual wisdom.
•
Seeking
spiritual
help,
guidance
and
power
to
overcome temptations, trials and tribulations.
When
we
pray,
we
should
speak
about
the
spiritual
desires
of
our
heart.
In
addition,
prayer
should
consist
of
the
type
of
personal
interaction
that
occurs
when
we
share
what’s
going
on
in
our
lives
with
a
trusted
and
close
friend.
But
most
important,
our
requests
should
be
based
upon
His will for our lives, and not the desires of our flesh.
“Now
this
is
the
confidence
that
we
have
in
Him,
that
if
we
ask
anything
according
to
His
will,
He
hears
us.
And
if
we
know
that
He
hears
us,
whatever
we
ask,
we
know
that
we
have
the
petitions
that
we
have
asked
of
Him.”
1
John
5:14-15
“Be
anxious
for
nothing,
but
in
everything
by
prayer
and
supplication,
with
thanksgiving,
let
your
requests
be
made
known
to
God;
and
the
peace
of
God,
which
surpasses
all
understanding,
will
guard
your
hearts
and
minds
through
Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Delight
yourself
also
in
the
Lord,
and
He
shall
give
you
the
desires
of
your
heart.
Commit
your
way
to
the
Lord,
trust
also
in
Him,
and
He
shall
bring
it
to
pass.
He
shall
bring
forth
your
righteousness
as
the
light,
and
your
justice
as the noonday.” Psalm 37:4-6
Here are examples of prayers I have made.
Heavenly
Father…in
the
name
of
my
Savior
and
Lord
Jesus
Christ…I
lift
up
John
to
you
in
prayer.
Lord,
it
is
the
desire
of
my
heart
that
you
enlighten
his
heart
and
soul.
I
ask
Lord,
you
give
him
the
strength
and
power
to
overcome
the
sin
in
his
life;
to
walk
in
your
light;
to
grow
spiritually;
and
to
reflect
your
grace,
understanding,
and
love.
Lord,
I
ask
these
things
because
your
word
says
in
2
Peter
3:9
that
you
are
“not
willing
that
any
should
perish
but
all
should
come
to
repentance.”
Lord,
I
ask
that
you
change
him
from
within
by
the
power
of
your
Holy
Spirit,
and
I
thank
you
for
John’s
salvation.
In
the
name
of
Jesus
I pray.
Lord,
I
come
before
you
in
the
name
of
Jesus
Christ,
my
Savior
and
Lord.
I
am
experiencing
deep
anxiety
and
overwhelming
fear
because
of
my
present
medical
condition.
I
do
not
understand
why
I
am
going
through
all
of
this,
nor
do
I
understand
what
will
happen
in
the
future.
Everything
seems
out
of
control
and
it
does
not
make
any
sense
to
me.
But
your
word
says
to
trust
in
You.
Therefore,
I
trust
in
you…I
trust
in
you…I
TRUST
IN
YOU!
Holy
Spirit
I
ask
that
you
fill
me
with
Your
peace
that
passes
all
understanding;
help
me
to
persevere;
and
cause me to grow spiritually during this experience.
Holy,
Holy,
Holy
are
you,
Lord;
and
worthy
to
be
praised.
Thank
you,
God,
for
your
love
and
grace.
Thank
you,
Jesus,
for
dying
for
my
sins
so
that
I
may
become
your
righteousness.
Thank
you,
Holy
Spirit,
for
guiding
me
through
this
spiritual
warfare,
and
for
victory
by
your
power.
In
the
name
of
Jesus—and
through
the
power
of
the
blood
of
Jesus
that
was
shed
for
me—I
take
authority
and
dominion—I
bind
the
spirit
that
is
speaking
lies
and
causing
torment,
and
I
command
you
to
leave
and
never
return. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Good
morning,
Lord.
Help
me
through
this
day
to
live
according to your will and purpose, and to glorify you.
Spiritual Attributes
In
addition
to
the
Holy
Spirit
and
the
seven
components
of
spiritual
armor,
God
also
designed
us
with
multiple
attributes
(innate
qualities,
characteristics,
traits,
etc.)
that
we
may
be
use
to
avoid
(and
while
engaged
in)
spiritual
warfare.
These
attributes
may
be
segmented
into
two
groups:
internal
and
external.
Internal
attributes
are
primarily
focused
upon
how
we
function
internally.
External
attributes
are
primarily
focused
upon
facilitating
interaction with others.
It is important to understand our God-given attributes are:
1
.
Spiritual
because
they
are
components
within
our
heart and soul.
2
.
Used
by
the
Holy
Spirit
to