Praying in the Spirit, Part 1

Praying in the Spirit

Last week we came to the end of the items listed in the Armor of God. Most often, it seems that we get to the end of the list and think – “DONE!” “Put on the armor – I’m done.” I’ve heard some positive input over the course of this series - people tell me, ‘I’ve never really understood the armour of God until now. I thought I did - but I didn’t.’ Well, if God has used any of these messages for your growth in loving and treasuring Him – then I am thankful.

But I’m sorry to disappoint you - we aren’t done yet. The text doesn’t end with ‘the sword of the Spirit.’ If you’re reading from the NIV, you have a period at the end of v. 17. ‘The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. (period)’ But in the original Greek - there is NO period there. In the original - verse 18 continues the sentence (the ESV gets it right here) … “… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (COMMA), praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”

Now, that may not seem to be a big deal to you - “So, the punctuation’s different - who cares?!” But it matters! Do you see what this means to you? It means that you can put on all of the items of spiritual armour - you get your belt and strap it around your waist, you can fasten on the breastplate of righteousness - recognize that you are righteous in Jesus Christ, you can grab your shield and hold it up against the fiery arrows that the devil shoots in your direction, you can put on the shoes of the gospel of peace, to keep your balance, you can put on the helmet of salvation - guard your mind from the doubts that assail you - recognize in every situation that you are a child of God .... you can wrap your fingers around the handle of the sword of the Spirit - learn how to wield God’s word in every situation ....

.... you can do all of that .... and you’re still not ready for spiritual battle yet. I’ve said this before in this series - I’ll say it again - the spiritual battle you are in as a Christian - is a battle to maintain your joy. God gives you the armour of God because He loves you - He wants you to walk through this life with joy - so He says, “Here, put on this equipment”. But if your fight - your spiritual battle - if it doesn’t LEAD you to prayer - you don’t understand spiritual warfare and you are NOT going to hold onto your joy. That’s serious - but it’s true.

You see what that means? You can put on all the items of spiritual armor – belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, sword - - - and you are NOT done yet. In fact, in your spiritual battle, it your fight does NOT lead you to prayer – you don’t understand the battle and you are not going to hold onto your joy.

I love lists - even though I often say that I hate them … I really don’t. And I think that most of you are the same way. You hate it when mom gives you a list of chores to do around the yard and you aren’t allowed to play video games or go to your friend’s house, until the list is done - you say, “I hate lists”. Or you’re exercising - doing a workout routine - and there’s a list of exercises you need to do before your workout is done - and about 3/4 of the way through the list - you think to yourself, “I hate lists”.

You see what that means? You can put on all the items of spiritual armor – belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, sword - - - and you are NOT done yet. In fact, in your spiritual battle, it your fight does NOT lead you to prayer – you don’t understand the battle and you are not going to hold onto your joy.

Remember how this passage on spiritual warfare begins? You don’t have to remember - remind yourself - look back at v. 10. This whole section begins with these words from Paul:

In v. 10, “Be strong in the Lord” which you cannot do without communing with Him.

But you don’t really hate the lists – when you tick off the last item on your grocery list and can go home – because you’re finished – don’t you feel good? When you knock off the last rep of the last item on your workout list - - that’s a great feeling. When you tick off the last course on your list of graduation requirements … that’s a fantastic feeling.

Christian - your spiritual battle begins and ends WITH the Lord - “Be strong IN THE LORD ...”. How can you be strong IN THE LORD - without communing with Him? I think that why here - after listing out all of the items in the armour of God - Paul goes all the way back to the beginning - as if to say - “Now you’ve got your list - but don’t forget the foundation for all of this: “Be strong IN THE LORD’ … and here’s how - “V. 18, “… praying at all times in the Spirit.”

Verses 18-20, make it clear: Prayer isn’t one more item to add on to the end of the pieces of armour God has given us. PRAYER - it’s HOW we put on the armour. And it’s how we walk, while we’re wearing it. Prayer is the foundation for the fight, friend. These verses, that we want to focus on this week and next - vv. 18-20 - they are a call TO PRAY. This morning, I’m here to call you, God’s people - to PRAY

THREE POINTERS I WANT TO BRING OUT FROM THE TEXT

Prayer is not an afterthought to spiritual warfare - - Prayer is how you put on the armor. This morning’s text tells us

Last week we came to the end of the items listed in the Armor of God. Most often, it seems that we get to the end of the list and think – “DONE!” “Put on the armor – I’m done.” I’ve heard some positive input over the course of this series - people tell me, ‘I’ve never really understood the armour of God until now. I thought I did - but I didn’t.’ Well, if God has used any of these messages for your growth in loving and treasuring Him – then I am thankful.

This morning’s text tells us:

1 PRAY THE BIG PICTURE

But I’m sorry to disappoint you - we aren’t done yet. The text doesn’t end with ‘the sword of the Spirit.’ If you’re reading from the NIV, you have a period at the end of v. 17. ‘The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. (period)’ But in the original Greek - there is NO period there. In the original - verse 18 continues the sentence (the ESV gets it right here) … “… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, (COMMA), praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”

Pray the big picture. That’s an important corrective. My natural tendency is exactly the same as yours - I get all wrapped up in my own little corner of the world - in my own little battles. The enemy comes and tries to drive me into shame or carelessness - - and I’m not asleep - I feel it. I recognize, “Hey - this is a spiritual battle. I’m under attack! So where’s that armour?!” “I knew I should have cleaned up my room, like mom and dad said. Oh - here it is, let me try to get this shield of faith up - to deflect the arrows!

Oh, but my arms - they feel so, SO HEAVY. Have you ever been so weary in the battle that even though you know you have the shield of faith - you are just. SO. WEARY. … that you don’t think you can lift it?

What do you do then? Paul says, “PRAY - - pray for all the saints!”

Obviously, ‘all the saints’ here

Now, that may not seem to be a big deal to you - “So, the punctuation’s different - who cares?!” But it matters! Do you see what this means to you? It means that you can put on all of the items of spiritual armour - you get your belt and strap it around your waist, you can fasten on the breastplate of righteousness - recognize that you are righteous in Jesus Christ, you can grab your shield and hold it up against the fiery arrows that the devil shoots in your direction, you can put on the shoes of the gospel of peace, to keep your balance, you can put on the helmet of salvation - guard your mind from the doubts that assail you - recognize in every situation that you are a child of God .... you can wrap your fingers around the handle of the sword of the Spirit - learn how to wield God’s word in every situation ....

Important corrective - - - Our natural tendency is to get all wrapped up in ourselves – in our own little battles. “I’m under attack – Where’s that armor?!” You are on the receiving end of discouraging words – you try to get the shield of faith up, but your arms feel heavy - - weary - - - what do you do?

.... you can do all of that .... and you’re still not ready for spiritual battle yet. I’ve said this before in this series - I’ll say it again - the spiritual battle you are in as a Christian - is a battle to maintain your joy. God gives you the armour of God because He loves you - He wants you to walk through this life with joy - so He says, “Here, put on this equipment”. But if your fight - your spiritual battle - if it doesn’t LEAD you to prayer - you don’t understand spiritual warfare and you are NOT going to hold onto your joy. That’s serious - but it’s true.

Paul says, “PRAY - - Verse 18 - second half: ‘To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.’ ‘Make supplication - pray - for all the saints.’

Obviously when you’re praying for ‘all the saints’, you’re praying for yourself too. If you are in Christ - you are a saint.

But the emphasis, in our text, isn’t on praying for your own needs - there are other great passages for that - like - many great texts about lifting up your own needs. But Paul’s focus here is on praying for others. Why is that?

I’ll tell you why - Because it is a reminder that you are not alone in the battle. You do not fight a lonely battle – and if you do – if you feel like, “It’s just you and me, Lord - against the hoards of the world” - then you are not fighting properly.

Oh it’s so tempting, when under spiritual attack, to cry out, ‘Woe is me’ … and then descend into the quicksand of self-pity. We’ve all done it. When you’re that low - it is so important to lift your eyes and fix them on God - recognizing that you’re not alone. not only is God with you - but in His grace, you are surrounded by other believers who are walking through the same battle that you are.

Picture this scene: It’s a nice day - you are jogging along a grassy field and someone comes running up behind you - jumps you from behind … jumps onto your back and drives you, face-first, into the ground. And they stomp on you while you’re down there. How do you feel? Hurt? Furious? Insulted? Under attack? .... For sure. All of the above.

Remember how this passage on spiritual warfare begins? You don’t have to remember - remind yourself - look back at v. 10. This whole section begins with these words from Paul: FINALLY, BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT.”

Oh, it is so tempting to cry out – “Woe is me” and descend into the quicksand of self-pity. It is helpful to life your eyes above yourself and recognize that you are surrounded by a mighty armor – and every soldier is fighting the same battle.

Now, would it change your feelings at all, if I added this detail that I left out of that scenario: that you are a football player … on a football team, in the Super Bowl .... and the reason you have just been jumped on is because the quarterback just threw you the football and you caught it for a first down and are running for a touchdown?

Of course it does! That detail changes everything doesn’t it? That little detail means that there’s a purpose to your pain - - it’s part of the battle - - AND you know that you’re not alone against the enemy. You’re part of a team! And you are conquering.

If you are walking on a grassy field and someone comes running up behind you – jumps on your back and drives your face into the dirt - How do you feel? Hurt? Furious? Insulted? Under attack – for sure. Does it change your feeling is you are a football player on a football team and the reason you have just been jumped on is because you are carrying the ball? Of course it does - - You know there is a purpose to your pain - - it is part of the battle - - - AND you know that you are not alone against the enemy - - You are on a team.

Christian - your spiritual battle begins and ends WITH the Lord - “Be strong IN THE LORD ...”. How can you be strong IN THE LORD - without communing with Him? I think that why here - after listing out all of the items in the armour of God - Paul goes all the way back to the beginning - as if to say - “Now you’ve got your list - but don’t forget the foundation for all of this: “Be strong IN THE LORD’ … and here’s how - “V. 18, “… praying at all times in the Spirit.”

Does it help to lessen the insult and frustration of being thrown to the ground if you also know that your coach is Bill Belicheck - who has an unstoppable game plan and you are up by 30 points in the Superbowl, with 2 minutes left?

Verses 18-20, make it clear: Prayer isn’t one more item to add on to the end of the pieces of armour God has given us. PRAYER - it’s HOW we put on the armour. And it’s how we walk, while we’re wearing it. Prayer is the foundation for the fight, friend. These verses, that we want to focus on this week and next - vv. 18-20 - they are a call TO PRAY. This morning, I’m here to call you, God’s people - to PRAY

OF COURSE IT HELPS. It helps you immensely to deal with the wounds of battle, when you have the big picture perspective - You can’t lose! Your head is up. You just got hit but you jump right back to your feet without moaning and groaning and run back to the huddle. You’re ready for the next play.

Does it help if you know that your coach has an unstoppable plan for the game and you cannot lose? Of course it does. Your head is up, you jump back to your feet without moaning – ready for the next play.

Do you see the connection with spiritual warfare? Do you see how important it is to pray for your Christian brothers and sisters? It fills in the big picture of your life. When you lift your eyes off of your own, limited situation - - when you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ ....

Then you’re helping THEM - - by taking their needs before the throne of the All-Powerful God of heaven.

And you’re helping YOURSELF - - by bringing the big picture back into focus … ‘my sufferings aren’t meaningless. I haven’t been forgotten! I am not being dragged under the waves to drown! There’s purpose here. This pain isn’t the whole story … we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us ...”.

Do you see how that illustration shows the importance of praying for other saints? When you lift your eyes off of your own little situation – and pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ – You help them – by taking their needs before the throne of the All-Powerful God. You also help yourself – bringing the big picture back into focus - - your sufferings are not without purpose.

THREE POINTERS I WANT TO BRING OUT FROM THE TEXT

Pray the big picture. Pray for the needs of your Christian family - for their encouragement and for your own joy.

How are you doing at praying for the saints? We gather here, week after week, you sit next to people - or the next section over from people that you don’t see between Sundays. How are you doing at lifting them up before the Lord in prayer? They’re in the same spiritual battle as you are - the arrows are aimed at them, just as much as the devil’s aiming them at you. Won’t you bless them by persevering in prayer for them? Won’t you bless yourself by obeying God’s instruction through Paul here?

This morning’s text tells us:

2 PRAY THE GRAND PURPOSE

1 PRAY THE BIG PICTURE

Pray the Grand Purpose. Let’s pick up our text in the second half of v. 18 again, “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 ...”

Did you catch that? Don’ miss how stunning this request is:

This is Paul here, asking for prayer - for HIMSELF. This is Paul, the man on a mission - - This is the world-traversing, beating-enduring, Scripture-writing, church planting, world-impacting .... SUPER-APOSTLE, Paul! If there EVER was a human being, outside of Jesus himself, who would seem to have a direct line to God’s power .... it was Paul. And here is THIS man, asking the believers in one of the churches he started - to pray for Him. That’s massive!

Did you catch that? Paul is asking for prayer. This is Paul, the man on a mission, world traversing, beating enduring, Scripture-writing, church planting, world impacting, super-apostle . . . Paul. If there was ever a human, outside of Christ himself, on a direct line to God’s power – it is Paul. And here he is, asking the believers in one of the churches he started – to pray for Him. That is significant.

Pray the big picture. That’s an important corrective. My natural tendency is exactly the same as yours - I get all wrapped up in my own little corner of the world - in my own little battles. The enemy comes and tries to drive me into shame or carelessness - - and I’m not asleep - I feel it. I recognize, “Hey - this is a spiritual battle. I’m under attack! So where’s that armour?! - - Can’t find my armour! … I knew I should have cleaned up my room, like mom and dad said. Oh - here it is, let me try to get this shield of faith up - to deflect the arrows!

Verse 20 tells us Paul’s specific circumstance for which he wants prayer. Verse 20, “… for which I am an ambassador in chains.” Paul is in prison. Likely he’s chained to a Roman guard. He has no freedom -

Did you catch that? Paul is asking for prayer. This is Paul, the man on a mission, world traversing, beating enduring, Scripture-writing, church planting, world impacting, super-apostle . . . Paul. If there was ever a human, outside of Christ himself, on a direct line to God’s power – it is Paul. And here he is, asking the believers in one of the churches he started – to pray for Him. That is significant.

Oh, but my arms - they feel so, SO HEAVY.” Have you ever been so weary in the battle that even though you know you have the shield of faith - you are just. SO. WEARY. … that you don’t think you can lift it?

Verse 20 tells us that Paul is in a specific circumstance for which he wants prayer. “For which I am an ambassador in chains.” He is in prison, likely chained to a Roman guard. “Oh, that makes sense. No wonder he wants prayer.” So what do you think he would ask the believers to pray for on his behalf?

“Oh, that makes sense. No wonder he wants prayer.” So what do you think he would ask the believers to pray for on his behalf?

“Well, for justice, of course! He is unfairly imprisoned.”

What do you do then?

Paul says, “PRAY - - Verse 18 - second half: ‘To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.’ ‘Make supplication - pray - for all the saints.’

“For release! There is so much more for him to do in the world that he cannot do chained up at his desk!”

Obviously when you’re praying for ‘all the saints’, you’re praying for yourself too. If you are in Christ - you are a saint.

That’s what I would think – That’s what I’m afraid I would be concerned with if I was in Paul’s position. Maybe some of you as well? THIS IS UNJUST - - AND I WANT JUSTICE!

That is NOT what Paul is concerned with.

Look at v. 19. Paul tells us HIS great overarching concern: “… (pray) 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.”

V. 19 tells us his concern: “Pray that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly.” He is not concerned for himself – He is fixed on the glory of God shining in the mysterious good news that in love and justice He sent His own Son to carry our sin and pay our penalty so that by faith we can find unquenchable joy in unending life with Him.

But the emphasis, in our text, isn’t on praying for your own needs - there are other great passages for that - like

Paul’s not concerned for himself at all. He’s FIXATED on the glory of God, shining in the mysterious good news that, in love and justice, He sent His own Son to earth, in order to carry our sin and to pay our penalty, so that, by FAITH in His finished work, we can find unquenchable joy in unending life with Him!”

Paul is concerned that THAT message radiates ever more boldly.

“I WANT WORDS”, Paul says. Pray that I open my mouth boldly. Says it twice in 2 short verses: Verse 19, “ (that I might) OPEN my mouth boldly ...”

“I want words – to open my mouth boldly” To emphasize his concern he says it again in v. 20, “. . . that I may declare it BOLDLY as I ought to speak.”

- many great texts about lifting up your own needs. But Paul’s focus here is on praying for others. Why is that?

Verse 20, “… (pray) that I may declare it — the Mystery of the Good News of Jesus - that I may declare THIS GOSPEL … BOLDLY!”

What does Paul mean by ‘boldly?’ He means that He wants to speak openly, freely - - that he doesn’t want to hold anything back.

I’ll tell you why - Because it is a reminder that you are not alone in the battle. You do not fight a lonely battle – and if you do – if you feel like, “It’s just you and me, Lord - against the hoards of the world” - then you are not fighting properly.

In fact, if you want to get a clear understanding of what Paul is asking for in his prayer request for ‘boldness’ - you can get it from his very own words, back in . In , Paul is saying his last ‘farewells’ to the elders of this very church - in Ephesus. In , he reminds them of how he lived, when he was living among them, building the church. , “… I did not SHRINK from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house ...”. And he says something similar in v. 27 of : “… I did not SHRINK from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”

BOLDNESS IS THE OPPOSITE OF SHRINKING BACK.

That’s what Paul means here in - - “I’ve got a great prayer request here: Pray that I won’t hold anything back because I’m afraid. Pray that I preach and speak the WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD.”

In fact, we get a clear idea of what Paul means in his request for boldness here, if we look at his own words, back in . He was saying his last goodbye to the elders of this very church in Ephesus – and he reminds them there in v. 20, “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable.” BOLDNESS IS THE OPPOSITE OF SHRINKING BACK. Verse 27 of , “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”

Oh it’s so tempting, when under spiritual attack, to cry out, ‘Woe is me’ … and then descend into the quicksand of self-pity. We’ve all done it. When you’re that low - it is so important to lift your eyes and fix them on God - recognizing that you’re not alone. not only is God with you - but in His grace, you are surrounded by other believers who are walking through the same battle that you are.

In fact, we get a clear idea of what Paul means in his request for boldness here, if we look at his own words, back in . He was saying his last goodbye to the elders of this very church in Ephesus – and he reminds them there in v. 20, “I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable.” BOLDNESS IS THE OPPOSITE OF SHRINKING BACK. Verse 27 of , “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”

“Pray that I wouldn’t be so concerned with getting my freedom, or preserving my reputation - that I would water-down, or soft-pedal or minimize that RADICAL FULLNESS of the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

.... “Pray that I would be kept from the fear of man.”

I wonder if you see how timely Paul’s prayer request is for us. If Paul, the apostle, needed prayer help to be bold in HIS WITNESS … how much more does every Christian and every pastor need it in OUR day.

You know the days we are living in - in this society that we are living in. Every pastor today, who is called to PREACH THE WORD OF GOD, is under EXTREME pressure to cave in to political correctness .... to sand down the sharp edges of the Gospel - - - to sand it down until it’s smooth enough that nobody gets uncomfortably poked.

How many internet bloggers and authors, even pastors and entire denominations

Emerging Church Movement and its most recognizable spokesman who says that “the Bible is a unique collection of literary artifacts that together support the telling of an amazing and essential story.” Rejects words for the Bible like ‘infallible’, ‘inerrant’.

That’s what he means here in – “Pray that I will not hold anything back – that I preach and teach and speak the WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD.”

Picture this scene: It’s a nice day - you are jogging along a grassy field and someone comes running up behind you - jumps you from behind … jumps onto your back and drives you, face-first, into the ground. And they stomp on you while you’re down there. How do you feel? Hurt? Furious? Insulted? Under attack? .... For sure. All of the above.

Now, would it change your feelings at all, if I added this detail that I left out of that scenario: that you are a football player … on a football team, in the Super Bowl .... and the reason you have just been jumped on is because the quarterback just threw you the football and you caught it for a first down and are running for a touchdown?

Pray that I would not be so concerned with getting my freedom, or preserving my reputation – that I would somehow qualify or limit the full good news of Jesus Christ.

Of course it does! That detail changes everything doesn’t it? That little detail means that there’s a purpose to your pain - - it’s part of the battle - - AND you know that you’re not alone against the enemy. You’re part of a team! And you are conquering.

Pray that I would be kept from the fear of man.

This is an important point – this is a timely point. If Paul the apostle needed prayer help to be bold – how much more does every pastor today who is called to preach the Word of God. In our society today, we are under extreme pressure to cave in to political correctness – to sand down the sharp edges of the gospel – to make it smooth enough so that nobody gets uncomfortably poked.

Does it help to lessen the insult and frustration of being thrown to the ground if you also know that your coach is Bill Belicheck - who has an unstoppable game plan and you are up by 30 points in the Superbowl, with 2 minutes left?

Emerging Church Movement and its most recognizable spokesman who says that “the Bible is a unique collection of literary artifacts that together support the telling of an amazing and essential story.” Rejects words for the Bible like ‘infallible’, ‘inerrant’.

OF COURSE IT HELPS. It helps you immensely to deal with the wounds of battle, when you have the big picture perspective - You can’t lose! Your head is up. You just got hit but you jump right back to your feet without moaning and groaning and run back to the huddle. You’re ready for the next play.

Does it help if you know that your coach has an unstoppable plan for the game and you cannot lose? Of course it does. Your head is up, you jump back to your feet without moaning – ready for the next play.

Says that no one can be assured that salvation is found outside the work of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, he believes that we cannot jump from this to a claim that there is no salvation outside belief in Jesus Christ. And in fact, in some cases making disciples of Jesus Christ means helping them become followers of Jesus and remain within their Buddhist, Hindu, or Jewish contexts. That is post-modern philosophy wrapped in Christian clothing.

In other words, “WE don’t make truth claims any more - - We don’t claim that FAITH alone, in Christ’s finished Work ALONE, is the ONLY way to be saved - made right and given a certain hope of everlasting life and joy. That’s so … so out of step.

Reminds me of a cartoon I saw: In the first frame there’s a boat … it’s obviously Noah’s Ark .... and it’s floating alone, on a vast surface of water. Far in the background, you can see the silhouette of a steamship.

Do you see the connection with spiritual warfare? Do you see how important it is to pray for your Christian brothers and sisters? It fills in the big picture of your life. When you lift your eyes off of your own, limited situation - - when you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ ....

In the next frame, the modern, technologically advanced steamship is alongside the ark … and it’s MASSIVE - Massive and modern. The ark is absolutely DWARFED by it. There’s a walkway, lowered from the steamship - - and up walk 3 people, from the ark to the ship. One of the ship’s officers is there to greet them.

“Welcome aboard,” he says. “And not a moment too soon, by the look of THAT OLD TUB.”

In the final frame - the grand, modern ship steams away from primitive, little Noah’s ark, showing the aft of the ship. Emblazoned across the ship, is its name, in huge letters: “HMS Titanic”

Oh, the temptation to be ‘with the times’ - which, in our day, increasingly is coming to mean, “Don’t overdo it with the Bible. Don’t claim to have the ONLY truth! Don’t claim that Jesus is the only way to be saved.” And the temptation - it’s strong, to lead people off of the old-fashioned ark of safety .... to the sparkling Titanic of spiritual disaster.

In the next frame the steamship is alongside the ark – and it is massive - - Massive and obviously very modern. Noah’s ark is dwarfed by it. There is a walkway lowered from the ship and 3 people walk up the ramp from the ark to the ship. One of the ship’s officers is there to greet them.

Then you’re helping THEM - - by taking their needs before the throne of the All-Powerful God of heaven.

In the next frame the steamship is alongside the ark – and it is massive - - Massive and obviously very modern. Noah’s ark is dwarfed by it. There is a walkway lowered from the ship and 3 people walk up the ramp from the ark to the ship. One of the ship’s officers is there to greet them.

“Welcome aboard,” he says. “And not a moment too soon, by the look of that old tub.”

And you’re helping YOURSELF - - by bringing the big picture back into focus … ‘my sufferings aren’t meaningless. I haven’t been forgotten! I am not being dragged under the waves to drown! There’s purpose here. This pain isn’t the whole story … we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us ...”.

Can I ask you a favor? Would you pray for me? When my mother passed away 14 years ago, one of the hardest things to deal with, in losing her, was not JUST saying ‘Good-bye’ to the mom I loved - a heroic Christian saint .... but was also losing a faithful, fervent prayer warrior. Who will take her place? With every faithfully-praying, senior saint who passes away - it hits as another blow .... who will pray … for me? For us as a church?

The temptation to be ‘with the times’ – which in our day means – “Don’t overdo it with the Bible, Don’t claim to have the only truth, the temptation for pastors and preachers today - is strong to lead people off the old-fashioned ark of safety to the sparkling Titanic of spiritual disaster.

Pray the big picture. Pray for the needs of your Christian family - for their encouragement and for your own joy.

In the final frame – the grand ship steams away from primitive, little Noah’s ark, showing the backside (aft) of the ship. Emblazoned across the top in huge letters, “S.S. Titanic”.

How are you doing at praying for the saints? We gather here, week after week, you sit next to people - or the next section over from people that you don’t see between Sundays. How are you doing at lifting them up before the Lord in prayer? They’re in the same spiritual battle as you are - the arrows are aimed at them, just as much as the devil’s aiming them at you. Won’t you bless them by persevering in prayer for them? Won’t you bless yourself by obeying God’s instruction through Paul here?

The temptation to be ‘with the times’ – which in our day means – “Don’t overdo it with the Bible, Don’t claim to have the only truth, the temptation for pastors and preachers today - is strong to lead people off the old-fashioned ark of safety to the sparkling Titanic of spiritual disaster.

Pray for me - that I will speak and lead boldly - - -Biblically, in Christ-centered dependence, joy-saturated, power of the Holy Spirit power. pray that the fear of man and human opinion won’t rise up like a giant before my eyes … and cause me to shrink back from preaching the WHOLE counsel of God.

2 PRAY THE GRAND PURPOSE

Would you pray for me? When my mother passed away 3 years ago now, one of the hardest things to deal with in losing her, was not only saying good-bye to a dearly loved mother – but also losing a faithful, fervent prayer warrior. Who will take her place? Can I ask you to pray for me?

The Bible tells us that, in the last days, people will gather around themselves teachers who tell them what their itching ears want to hear. Pray that I won’t scratch itching ears .... Pray that I wont’ give you what you ask for …

Pray the Grand Purpose. Let’s pick up our text in the second half of v. 18 again, “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 ...”

Nobody respects a parent who gives the kids whatever they ask for … We respect a parent who gives the child, firmly and lovingly - what they need.

Please, pray ...

The Bible tells us that in the last days people will gather around themselves teachers who tell them what their itching ears want to hear. Pray that I will not scratch your itchy ears - - - Pray that I will not give you what you ask for - - -

Did you catch that? Don’ miss how stunning this request is:

Nobody thinks much of a parent who gives their children everything they ask for . . .. article in the local paper about that this week –

Pray for each other - our kids in social media … bombarded by a world-view of social orthodoxy that comes at them in wave after wave on social media and in many classrooms. Pray that they will see Christ in His glory - the glory that led the brilliant apostle Paul and so many after him - to sacrifice so much and consider all of it dung, compared with the surpassing Greatness of knowing Christ.

Nobody thinks much of a parent who gives their children everything they ask for . . .. article in the local paper about that this week –

This is Paul here, asking for prayer - for HIMSELF. This is Paul, the man on a mission - - This is the world-traversing, beating-enduring, Scripture-writing, church planting, world-impacting .... SUPER-APOSTLE, Paul! If there EVER was a human being, outside of Jesus himself, who would seem to have a direct line to God’s power .... it was Paul. And here is THIS man, asking the believers in one of the churches he started - to pray for Him. That’s massive!

3 PERSEVERANCE FOR THE PERSECUTED

Verse 20 tells us Paul’s specific circumstance for which he wants prayer. Verse 20, “… for which I am an ambassador in chains.” Paul is in prison. Likely he’s chained to a Roman guard. He has no freedom -

Please, pray that you will not get from me what you ask for - - But that you will get from me you need . . . the Word of God unleashed.

3 - Don’t stop your prayers on the home-front - - Pray for PERSEVERANCE FOR THE PERSECUTED.

Persevere for the Persecuted

“Oh, that makes sense. No wonder he wants prayer.” So what do you think he would ask the believers to pray for on his behalf?

Verse 19, “(Pray) 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.”

V. 20, “For which I am an ambassador in chains . . .”

“Well, for justice, of course! He is unfairly imprisoned.”

Even as he writes this prayer request, Paul looks down at shackled wrists. He is in prison - for no other reason than that he is preaching the Good news of Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation.

As we have been reminded this morning, in so many countries today, our brothers and sisters in Christ face not only insults, but real, physical danger – death even – NOT because they are hostile terrorists, but because they refuse to give up their devotion to and sharing about the God of Love and forgiveness and joy.

“For release! There is so much more for him to do in the world that he cannot do chained up at his desk!”

And around our world this very day - we have brothers and sisters in Christ, who are facing - not only insults - but real, physical danger and death even - NOT because they are hostile terrorists, but because they refuse to give up their devotion to and and sharing about the God of love and forgiveness and joy.

Pray for them. Pray for people like . . .

That’s what I would think – That’s what I’m afraid I would be concerned with if I was in Paul’s position. Maybe some of you as well? THIS IS UNJUST - - AND I WANT JUSTICE!

Dr. Anjaneya Swami was hospitalized with a brain hemorrhage in 2017 following an attack and subsequent police interrogation. The evangelist had been distributing gospel tracts near a Hindu temple when Hindu nationalists attacked him, accusing him of trying to convert people to Christianity. For most of the next 18 months, he remained paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. A VOM worker who visited him in May wrote that Dr. Swami can now stand, respond to people, read the Bible and sing songs. Following his early retirement several years ago, the former professor committed to distributing 50 New Testaments a day, a commitment he had upheld until the attack. Pray for Dr. Anjaneya’s continued recovery.

That is NOT what Paul is concerned with.

On June 8, Boko Haram kidnapped a Christian refugee woman in the middle of the night. They dragged her into the bush and stole all her valuables before sending her back to the refugee camp with a warning for other Christians: Get out of the area within three days or be killed. Many of the Christians left in a panic, and area churches are currently hosting 49 Christian refugees. Several thousand people have taken refuge at the camps in Niger after fleeing Boko Haram violence in nearby northeastern Nigeria. Although few of the refugees are Christians, believers in the camps face continual discrimination from Muslim refugees.

The Eritrean government increased its pressure on Christians in June, arresting about 500 people in various raids, according to a VOM contact. In one raid on an underground church, authorities arrested 45 believers, including children, pregnant women and elderly people.

Christian farmer in Gujarat, India by the name of Bharat Bhai. On October 28, Hindu militants attacked him and his family in their village. The militants beat Bhai and told his family that they would be killed if they continued to go to church and serve Christ. Later that day, the militants went a local church and threatened the pastor and his congregation that they would be killed if they kept holding services in the building.

Look at v. 19. Paul tells us HIS great overarching concern: “… (pray) 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.”

What do you pray for brothers and sisters in chains? What do you pray for children who watch dad clubbed before there eyes -

Paul’s not concerned for himself at all. He’s FIXATED on the glory of God, shining in the mysterious good news that, in love and justice, He sent His own Son to earth, in order to carry our sin and to pay our penalty, so that, by FAITH in His finished work, we can find unquenchable joy in unending life with Him!”

What do you pray for brothers and sisters in chains? What do you pray for children who watch dad clubbed before there eyes -

- who hear venomous mobs or policemen with guns shouting at mom and dad saying – If you don’t shut your mouth – We are going to kill you.

Paul is concerned that THAT message radiates ever more boldly.

“I WANT WORDS”, Paul says. Pray that I open my mouth boldly. Says it twice in 2 short verses: Verse 19, “ (that I might) OPEN my mouth boldly ...”

How do you pray for moms and dads who have to make a decision – “Do I tell the authorities what they want to hear - - or do I take the chance of leaving my kids orphaned? What do you pray for people like that?

Verse 20, “… (pray) that I may declare it — the Mystery of the Good News of Jesus - that I may declare THIS GOSPEL … BOLDLY!”

I guarantee that they do not want you to pray that they will demonstrate a “generous orthodoxy” that stands for nothing. I have talked to pastors in Ukraine who suffered persecution under Communism - - and what they most wanted in their times of suffering for the gospel was the same thing Paul wanted prayer for - - They want a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled Holy BOLDNESS - -

What does Paul mean by ‘boldly?’ He means that He wants to speak openly, freely - - that he doesn’t want to hold anything back.

They know that the power of the good news of Jesus Christ shakes kingdoms and nations and that there is nothing every human needs more.

In fact, if you want to get a clear understanding of what Paul is asking for in his prayer request for ‘boldness’ - you can get it from his very own words, back in . In , Paul is saying his last ‘farewells’ to the elders of this very church - in Ephesus. In , he reminds them of how he lived, when he was living among them, building the church.

, “… I did not SHRINK from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house ...”. And he says something similar in v. 27 of : “… I did not SHRINK from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”

BOLDNESS IS THE OPPOSITE OF SHRINKING BACK.

That’s what Paul means here in - - “I’ve got a great prayer request here: Pray that I won’t hold anything back because I’m afraid. Pray that I preach and speak the WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD.”

“Pray that I wouldn’t be so concerned with getting my freedom, or preserving my reputation - that I would water-down, or soft-pedal or minimize that RADICAL FULLNESS of the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

.... “Pray that I would be kept from the fear of man.”

I wonder if you see how timely Paul’s prayer request is for us. If Paul, the apostle, needed prayer help to be bold in HIS WITNESS … how much more does every Christian and every pastor need it in OUR day.

You know the days we are living in - in this society that we are living in. Every pastor today, who is called to PREACH THE WORD OF GOD, is under EXTREME pressure to cave in to political correctness .... to sand down the sharp edges of the Gospel - - - to sand it down until it’s smooth enough that nobody gets uncomfortably poked.

How many internet bloggers and authors, even pastors and entire denominations have been swallowed up by the philosophy described by one leader of what was called the Emerging Church Movement, a few years ago, wrote a book, “A Generous Orthodoxy” - His idea: “the Bible is a unique collection of literary artifacts that together support the telling of an amazing and essential story.” Rejects words for the Bible like ‘infallible’, ‘inerrant’.

Says that no one can be assured that salvation is found outside the work of Jesus Christ. BUT!! … Believes that we cannot jump from this to a claim that there is no salvation outside belief in Jesus Christ. And in fact, in some cases making disciples of Jesus Christ means helping them become followers of Jesus and remain within their Buddhist, Hindu, or Jewish contexts. That is post-modern philosophy wrapped in Christian clothing.

In other words, “WE don’t make truth claims any more - - We don’t claim that FAITH alone, in Christ’s finished Work ALONE, is the ONLY way to be saved - made right and given a certain hope of everlasting life and joy. That’s so … so out of step.

Reminds me of a cartoon I saw: In the first frame there’s a boat … it’s obviously Noah’s Ark .... and it’s floating alone, on a vast surface of water. Far in the background, you can see the silhouette of a steamship.

In the next frame, the modern, technologically advanced steamship is alongside the ark … and it’s MASSIVE - Massive and modern. The ark is absolutely DWARFED by it. There’s a walkway, lowered from the steamship - - and up walk 3 people, from the ark to the ship. One of the ship’s officers is there to greet them.

“Welcome aboard,” he says. “And not a moment too soon, by the look of THAT OLD TUB.”

In the final frame - the grand, modern ship steams away from primitive, little Noah’s ark, showing the aft of the ship. Emblazoned across the ship, is its name, in huge letters: “HMS Titanic”

Oh, the temptation to be ‘with the times’ - which, in our day, increasingly is coming to mean, “Don’t overdo it with the Bible. Don’t claim to have the ONLY truth! Don’t claim that Jesus is the only way to be saved.” And the temptation - it’s strong, to lead people off of the old-fashioned ark of safety .... to the sparkling Titanic of spiritual disaster.

Can I ask you a favor? Would you pray for me? When my mother passed away 14 years ago, one of the hardest things to deal with, in losing her, was not JUST saying ‘Good-bye’ to the mom I loved - a heroic Christian saint .... but was also losing a faithful, fervent prayer warrior. Who will take her place? With every faithful prayer-warrior, senior saint who passes away - it hits as another blow .... who will pray … for me? For us as a church?

Pray for me - that I will speak and lead boldly - - -Biblically, in Christ-centered dependence, joy-saturated, power of the Holy Spirit power. pray that the fear of man and human opinion won’t rise up like a giant before my eyes … and cause me to shrink back from preaching the WHOLE counsel of God.

The Bible tells us that, in the last days, people will gather around themselves teachers who tell them what their itching ears want to hear. Pray that I won’t scratch itching ears .... Pray that I won’t’ give you what you ask for …

Nobody respects a parent who gives the kids whatever they ask for … We respect a parent who gives the child, firmly and lovingly - what they need.

What everyone needs is the Savior – of this book – revealed Himself in History.

Last Saturday evening – out for my bicycle ride – rode around Fishtrap Creek … headed out of the park, along the discovery trail, toward Maclure Road, went around a bend in the boardwalk trail, when I came upon man, lying on the boardwalk, woman kneeling beside him, rubbing his back – and a little girl beside them. I didn’t think much of it – I personally, wouldn’t choose to lie down on a public trail, but there are a lot of people who do things that I wouldn’t do – and not much surprises me anymore.

But as I was about to go around them, something didn’t look right. I asked if I could help with something – the lady turned to me with frantic panic in her eyes: PLEASE!

Then I took a closer look at the man and something was definitely not right. Man was unconscious, eyes wide open, lying in a Pool of bodily fluids – Lady was on the phone with 9-1-1, but didn’t know where we were. So I took the phone spoke to the operator – who then told me to turn the man over. I carefully turned him onto his back, looked at someone barely clinging to life. He had a pulse, he was still breathing on his own – but he had that far away look in his eyes. Eventually, I heard the sirens of the first of the emergency vehicles – so ran out to the street to flag them down. They sent the lady and the little girl away - - - and the lady came to debrief with me before she left – still in a state of shock …. She said, “I didn’t know what to do – except pray for him.”

I said: “That’s the best thing you can do for him”. She asked if we could pray together – took my hand and we prayed for the man with no identification - -

Fire Department arrived on the scene a little later – no identification for this man. Ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital – still unconscious. Unable to speak for himself and as I left the place – the blood of a stranger on my arm – struck afresh by our society - -

… we can make it just fine without God – or with fuzzy ideas of Who God is or What He’s like … until we can’t. “There are no Atheists in the foxholes” … And oh, how fragile is this one, brief vapour of life that God has given us … can all be over in one summer evening leisure walk.

Please, pray ... pray for the man – still in a coma.

Pray for each other – we are all ‘Christ’s Ambassadors’ – called to hold out the beautiful hope of the Gospel.

Pray for our kids in social media … bombarded by a world-view of social orthodoxy that LISTENS WITH ITS EYES and THINKS WITH ITS FEELINGS (Ravi Zacharias) … and comes at them in wave after wave on social media and in many classrooms. Pray that they will see Christ in His glory - the glory that led the brilliant apostle Paul and so many after him - to sacrifice so much and consider all of it dung, compared with the surpassing Greatness of knowing Christ.

3 PERSEVERANCE FOR THE PERSECUTED

3 - Don’t stop your prayers on the home-front - - Pray for PERSEVERANCE FOR THE PERSECUTED.

Verse 19, “(Pray) 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.”

V. 20, “For which I am an ambassador in chains . . .”

Even as he writes this prayer request, Paul looks down at shackled wrists. He is in prison - for no other reason than that he is preaching the Good news of Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation.

And around our world this very day - we have brothers and sisters in Christ, who are facing - not only insults - but real, physical danger and death even - NOT because they are hostile terrorists, but because they refuse to give up their devotion to and and sharing about the God of love and forgiveness and joy.

Pray for them. Pray for people like . . .

Dr. Anjaneya Swami was hospitalized with a brain hemorrhage in 2017 following an attack and subsequent police interrogation. The evangelist had been distributing gospel tracts near a Hindu temple when Hindu nationalists attacked him, accusing him of trying to convert people to Christianity. For most of the next 18 months, he remained paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. A VOM worker who visited him in May writes that, FINALLY, Dr. Swami can now stand, respond to people, read the Bible and sing songs. Following his early retirement several years ago, the former professor committed to distributing 50 New Testaments a day, a commitment he had upheld until the attack. Pray for Dr. Anjaneya’s continued recovery.

On June 8, in the country of Niger - Boko Haram kidnapped a Christian refugee woman in the middle of the night. They dragged her into the bush and stole all her valuables before sending her back to the refugee camp with a warning for other Christians: Get out of the area within three days or be killed. Many of the Christians left in a panic, and area churches are currently hosting 49 Christian refugees. Several thousand people have taken refuge at the camps in Niger after fleeing Boko Haram violence in nearby northeastern Nigeria. Although few of the refugees are Christians, believers in the camps face continual discrimination from Muslim refugees.

In Eritrea, the government increased its pressure on Christians in June, arresting about 500 people in various raids. In one raid on an underground church, authorities arrested 45 believers, including children, pregnant women and elderly people.

What do you pray for brothers and sisters in chains? What do you pray for children who watch dad clubbed before their eyes -

- who hear venomous mobs or policemen with guns shouting at mom and dad saying – If you don’t shut your mouth – We are going to kill you.

How do you pray for moms and dads who have to make a decision – “Do I tell the authorities what they want to hear - - or do I take the chance of leaving my kids orphaned? What do you pray for people like that?

I guarantee that they do not want you to pray that they will demonstrate a “generous orthodoxy” that stands for nothing. I have talked to pastors in Ukraine who suffered persecution under Communism - - and what they most wanted in their times of suffering for the gospel was the same thing Paul wanted prayer for - - They want a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled Holy BOLDNESS - -

They know that the power of the good news of Jesus Christ shakes kingdoms and nations and that there is nothing every human needs more. Their JOY IS IN HIM – AND what an example they set for us of success in the spiritual battle. We can join them … if we pray. SO pray.