Journal: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Journal
Volume: RPTJ 10:1 (Fall 2023)
Article: The Other Weapon: Praying In The Spirit As Warfare
Author: Keith A. Evans

RPTJ 10:1 (Fall 2023) p. 5

The Other Weapon: Praying In The Spirit As Warfare

Keith A. Evans

Professor of Biblical Counseling
Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Defining Our Warfare

In order to take up the topic of prayer as spiritual warfare from Ephesians 6:10–20, we must begin by considering the context of this primary passage before us. We must be reminded what the Apostle has just concluded discussing in his letter. He is not suddenly starting a new topic. Instead, he is speaking to the church, and their interactions with one another—challenges between husbands and wives, fathers and children, slaves and masters. The context is conflict between one another.1

So when he introduces spiritual warfare and our conflict not being against one another, he is reminding us of what stands behind earthly conflicts and who our real enemy is. Consider, then, the full passage in this context:

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ 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 firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ 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, ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak (Eph. 6:10–20, ESV).

The Apostle Paul is introducing our warfare; that it is in the Spirit and by the Spirit’s means. Elsewhere, in 2 Corinthians 10:4–7