52. CovenantCommunityLivingb

Covenant Christian Living 2: Intentional Prayer

Introduction: The way God has created the human body is amazing. The muscles of the body adapt to the kind of continual stress that they are put under. There are fast twitch and slow twitch fibers in the muscle. Slow twitch is predominately used in low impact and endurance type exercises and fast twitch in high impact. So a marathon runner will predominately use slow twitch muscle but the observant eye will notice how the marathon runner is built. When we look at the players on a football or rugby team you will notice that they are not all built the same, and that is because they do not all workout the same. Because of the job that player does, his workout is tailored and specific and as a result his musculature reflects that. Athletes, regardless of their sport, work their bodies in such a way to get the best performance and as a result their bodies reflect that work. They are very intentional and specific in how they workout, when they workout, their diet, and rest. Paul said in 1 Cor. 9:25 ‘everyone who compete in the games exercises self-control in all things. It is as true now as then. He goes on to say ‘Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim, I box in such a way, as not beating the air.

Peter, in this section of Scripture is commanding our focused attention. The last time we were in 1 Peter we looked at the motive – The End of all Things is at Hand. We saw specifically the blessing it will be to the believer. But it is pointing us to preparation as well as anticipation. How are we to prepare? The following verses tell us how and what we should be doing as a community of saints, those who are in Christ by grace through faith.

1Pe 4:7-11  The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.  (8)  Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.  (9)  Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.  (10)  As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:  (11)  whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

There are 2 Points in this text:

The Motive – the end of all things is near.

The Actions. Four are listed here.

How are we to prepare in the covenant community of the saints? This text gives us instruction in that matter. And there are 4 areas.

Intentional in prayers.

Intentional in Fervent love for one another

Intentional in Hospitality to one another

Intentional in Serving one another.

Intentional in Prayers – be of sound mind and sober for the purpose of prayers.

Peter uses the Aorist active imperative for these verbs meaning that an action requires present, urgent, continual action and that exhortation of continual action comes by way of command.

We are to be of sound judgement and sober for the purpose of prayer. These verbs have two applications in regards to prayer. It is a command that calls us to sanctified living for the purpose of prayer and it is a command to exercise sound judgement and sobriety in the manner in which we pray. We see different translations emphasize one or the other. We will take each word in turn.

NASB

7  The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

ESV

7  The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

NKJV

7  But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

KJV

7  But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Self -controlled comes from the Greek word sophroneo. It is a compound Greek word sozo meaning saved and phren meaning mind. Let that sink in for a moment. But when the words are joined they are translated as sound judgement in the NASB, self-controlled in the ESV, serious in the NKJV and sober in the KJV

Mar 5:15  And they *came to Jesus and *observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the "legion"; and they became frightened. Give context.

Right mind here is the same Greek word. Here we see the one who was demon possessed, naked and out of control now sitting down and clothed, in his right mind. To have a ‘saved mind’, sound mind or sound judgement in Christ is to have self-control. Herein we see the ethical nature of being of sound mind. It is also in this text that we see the theological aspect of being of sound mind. We see in Luke 8:5, the parallel passage that he is sitting at the feet of Jesus. In the following verses

Mar 5:18-20  And as He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was entreating Him that he might accompany Him.  (19)  And He did not let him, but He *said to him, "Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you."  (20)  And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone marveled.

Jesus did not say go and tell them what great things I did for you and how I had mercy on you but that man went and proclaimed Jesus. If you are of a saved mind, a Biblically sound mind then you will see Christ rightly.

Tit 2:6-8  Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.  (7)  Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,  (8)  and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

The word self-controlled is that same Greek word that is used in our text. The inward aspect of a saved mind, a Biblically sound mind has the outward effect of self-control.

Rom 12:3-5  For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.  (4)  For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,  (5)  so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another..

The inward aspect of a saved mind, a Biblically sound mind has the effect of a right understanding of ourselves and a right understanding our place in the body of Christ. There is a doctrinal and ethical aspect. Having a biblical understanding of our place in the body of Christ means, ethically, not being prideful because of our gifts or covetous because we think someone else’s gift is greater that our own. Have we not seen how pride and envy have played themselves out in the church?

To sum this up being of self-control not only means being of right mind in regards to true doctrine but having that true doctrine have its effect on the way we live.

Be sober minded – this word occurs 6x in the NT. Three of those occurrences are in 1Peter. 1:13; 4:7; 5:8 We are to be sober minded in regards to our hope, our prayers, and the enemy.

The idea is to “make sure you keep all your faculties fully operational”. This trait describes one who is free from every form of mental and spiritual ‘drunkenness’, from excess, passion, rashness, confusion, etc. be well-balanced, self-controlled. It's the image of not being drunk when it comes to spiritual things and implies alertness and evaluating things correctly, because you see clearly, and your mind isn't numb with intoxicating influences. Such a person is able to see things without the distortion caused by worry, fear, and their related attitudes. He or she is well balanced and does not "get drunk" on the intoxicating "liquor" that the world so tantalizingly offers to the senses of our old flesh nature. Now with all that said, how is this possible? Is this an attitude we can conger up in our own strength, relying on our natural ability? I think not, so once again we see that to stay sober in this seductive world, we need to be not drunk with the world's wine, but filled with, controlled by the indwelling Spirit of God!

Eph 5:17-21  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  (18)  And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,  (19)  addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,  (20)  giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,  (21)  submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Jesus issues a similar command to "Watch yourselves (Same word as sober), that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation (literally refers to a hangover, a headache arises from overindulgence!) and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth." (Luke 21:34-35)

Luk 21:34-36 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. (35) For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. (36) But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

The negative of being sober is drunkenness, which dulls the senses and alters reality. It is not physical drunkenness necessarily but certainly includes it. It is anything that dulls our minds to spiritual things. This brings to mind the parable of the sower.

Mat 13:22  "And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

This can be us. We can be so distracted and distraught by the news and politics of the day that we become drunk with worry or in pursuit of the latest and greatest of whatever the world has to offer. Or we can be intemperate in the use of alcohol and food and so abuse our liberty in Christ.

How does the lack of sound judgement and the lack of being sober minded affect our prayers?

Psa 66:18  If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear.

Luk 18:9-14  He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:  (10)  “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  (11)  The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.  (12)  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’  (13)  But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’  (14)  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Our theology affects not only the way we live but the way that we pray. When Daniel prayed, his theology guided and directed his prayers. Scripture guided him.

Dan 9:4  I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,

He quotes from God’s testimony about Himself

Exo 34:6-7  The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,  (7)  keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.”

Daniel confesses his and his people’s sin. He acknowledges God’s righteous judgement against them. He points back to Scripture in what God spoke to Moses concerning His judgement concerning their sin should they turn from him. He acknowledges their lack of repentance.

Being of theologically and ethically self-controlled and sober minded for the purpose of prayer controls how we pray and what we pray for.

The Greek word for prayer is plural including private and personal prayer

Webster defines prayer as: a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others, and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits. A prayer however may consist of a single petition, and it may be extemporaneous, written or printed.

There are many patterns of prayer that are all Biblical. There are very short arrow prayers for immediate situations. Ex. Nehemiah before the King. He was serving wine before the king and when the king asked him a question Nehemiah prayed quick and answered in the course of the conversation.

Neh 2:4  Then the king said to me, "What would you request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven.

There are times for extended prayer when we are on our knees, if not physically, then spiritually.

Types and parts of Prayer: From the above definition we can derive the acronym ACTS though to do so means to take it out of order.

Adoration and Praise –

Focusing on God and the accomplishment of His will upon the earth and the glory of His Kingdom. If we have an unbiblical view of God, to whom then are we praying? What sin are we committing? How then can we get a right view of God. How then can we praise, worship, and adore God rightly? We look to His Word, we pray His Word back to Him. I cannot tell you how many times I have read this text but this text struck me as I was reading examples of prayer in the Bible. Luk 1:46-55 And Mary said in her prayer of praise: "My soul exalts the Lord, (47) And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. (48) "For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed. (49) "For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name. (50) "AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. (51) "He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. (52) "He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. (53) "HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed. (54) "He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy, (55) As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his offspring forever."

Mary directly or indirectly quotes Scripture 6 different times. Listen while I read these texts back to you.

1Sa 2:1  Then Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in the LORD;

Psa 35:9  And my soul shall rejoice in the LORD; It shall exult in His salvation.

Psa 103:17  But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,

Psa 98:1  O Sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.

Job 5:11  So that He sets on high those who are lowly, And those who mourn are lifted to safety.

Psa 107:9  For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.

The Bible does not give the age of Mary but the general consensus is mid to late teens.

Confession of sin.

Does our understanding of sin and its effects affect the manner of our confession of sin? What about the cost of our redemption? Are we like the tax gather who would not lift his face to heaven beating his breast, God fogive me,

Thanksgiving for the blessings of grace and mercy that God has showered upon His people.

God’s grace is bestowing on us what we do not deserve. His mercy is not visiting on us what we do deserve? How does that order our prayers of thanksgiving. Let us meditate on these things and let us consider the greatness of God in our salvation. We can say God thank You for Your grace and mercy as a rote prayer like reading the title of a book without ever opening it’s cover to find the riches with in. Or we can say God as the tax gatherer in, Luk 18:13  "But the tax-gatherer, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!

4. Supplication and Intercession – praying for the spiritual and physical needs of ourselves and others.

The Lord’s Prayer Matt 6 and Lk 4 should be understood as an example, a pattern, of how to pray. It gives us the “ingredients” that should go into prayer. Here is how it breaks down. “Our Father in heaven” is teaching us whom to address our prayers to—the Father. “Hallowed be your name” is telling us to worship God, and to praise Him for who He is. The phrase “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is a reminder to us that we are to pray for God’s plan in our lives and the world, not our own plan. We are to pray for God’s will to be done, not for our desires. We are encouraged to ask God for the things we need in “give us today our daily bread.” “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” reminds us to confess our sins to God and to turn from them, and also to forgive others as God has forgiven us. The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil.

The manner in which we pray in private will often be reflected in how we pray in public. When we hear the public prayers of the saints, we are encouraged, our faith strengthen, and our hearts are directed toward our triune God. May we be students of prayer in learning and applying the principles and examples of it in the Scripture.