Comments on Ephesians:
The metaphor of battle was present in 4:8 but there it was Christ and not Christians who were involved in conflict.
It is not a question of a conflict within a divided self or a battle for the moral life, but a battle for the spiritual.
The devil does not set out to lure Christians into telling another lie or committing an act of fornication but to shatter their Christian existence.
Standing firm and praying should go on without ceasing.
If believers are to stand firm against the powers they need to both pray and be alert.
Believers need to pray continually because their struggle with the powers is never ending. The injunction however should not be taken so literally as to imply believers should spend all their time in prayer; what is required is a constant attitude of dependence on God.
Though the Spirit and prayer are related, we are not to think of praying in tongues but of prayer which is Spirit-led or directed.
Prayer is not to be given up lightly but persisted in.
While believers are urged to intercede for Paul it is not suggested that they pray for his release from prison.
Paul was also involved in the struggle. It isn't something that anyone of us is immune to.
Paul prayer request is not one for the loosing of his chains or for the opening of a door before him to continue his mission work. It is instead a prayer request that though imprisoned he may still continue the struggle. Paul does not bemoan his fater in being a prisoner but seeks to continue his preaching.
Believers have been supplied with supernatural armour which is to be worn with prayer and alertness.
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