sf831 - PRAY! - 4 of 4 THE SECRET TO STEADFAST FAITHFULNESS (Acts 2 42)
Acts 2:42; 1 Timothy 2:1-8
Introduction
Acts 2:42 (NKJV) 42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Prayer is the most needed yet most neglected of all Christian privileges.
Luke 18:1 (NKJV) 1Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) 17pray without ceasing,
John 4:24 (NKJV) 24God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
To interpret our text in the most helpful and comprehensive manner, let us turn to Paul’s magnificent and masterly treatment of this subject in his first letter to Timothy, Chapter 2, verses 1-8.
1A. The Characteristics of Our Prayers
1B. There Are Supplications (1a)
This is praying on the basis of the mercy of God.
supplications, petition, request based on a particular need.
Ø A father may petition God for the recovery of his sick child, but the outcome rests entirely with the Father of mercies.
2B. There Are Prayers (1b)
This is praying on the basis of the promises of God.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV) 20For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
This is praying on the basis of the purposes of God.
John 15:7 (NKJV) 7If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Romans 8:26-27 (NKJV) 26Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
3B. There Are Intercessions (1c)
This is praying on the basis of the grace of God.
Ø Abraham interceding for Lot and his family (Genesis 18:23-33).
4B. There Are Thanksgivings (1d)
This is praying on the basis of the goodness of God.
2A. The Comprehensiveness of Our Prayers
1B. The Objects of Comprehensive Praying (1e-2a)
Ø This means all kinds and conditions of people are to be prayed for.
Ø The task is not a simple or easy one, but it is clearly our Christian responsibility.
Ø There are no stipulations placed on these prayers.
2B. The Objectives of Comprehensive Praying
First, there is God’s pleasure in national righteousness. (2b-3)
Ø We are to use prayer not politics to change our world.
The second there is God’s purpose in personal salvation. (4)
Ø Preaching and witnessing with out praying is powerless.
3A. The Conditions of Our Prayers
Whether in private or in public, there are certain conditions which determine effectual praying; Paul makes it clear what those conditions are for you and for me.
1B. Our Prayer Life Must Be Without Defilement (8a)
Psalm 24:3-4 (NKJV) 3Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully.
Psalm 26:6 (NKJV) 6I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
2B. Our Prayer Life Must Be Without Disharmony (8b)
Bitterness toward God, or an unforgiving spirit toward your brother or sister, is the undoing of prayer.
Psalm 66:18 (NKJV) 18If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
3B. Our Prayer Life Must Be Without Doubting (8c)
James 1:6 (NKJV) 6But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
C. H. Spurgeon tells the story: The other evening I was riding home after a heavy day’s work. I felt very wearied and sore depressed, when swiftly, suddenly as a lightning flash, that a text came to me, “My grace is sufficient for thee. I reached home and looked it up in the original, and suddenly it came to, me in this way: “My grace is sufficient for thee,’ and I said, “I should think it is, Lord,” and I burst out laughing. I never fully understood the holy laughter of Abraham until then. It seemed to make unbelief so absurd. O brethren, be great believers! Little faith will bring your souls to heaven but great faith will bring heaven to your souls.
Application
Ø Here, then, are the conditions, the comprehensiveness, and the characteristics of powerful praying.
Ø To neglect such praying is not only a sin against our own souls and those of our fellow men, but against God.
Ø Samuel recognized the great responsibility involved when he declared,
“As for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23).
This kind of praying begins with a personal relationship.
PRAY!
The Secret to Steadfast Faithfulness – Part 4 of 4
Sunday, May 2, 1999 - Acts 2:42; 1 Timothy 2:1-8
1A. The __________________________ of Our Prayers
1B. There Are Supplications (1a)
This is praying on the basis of the _________ of God.
2B. There Are ___________________________ (1b)
This is praying on the basis of the ________________ of God.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV) 20For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
This is praying on the basis of the ________________ of God.
John 15:7 (NKJV) 7If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Romans 8:26-27 (NKJV) 26Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
3B. There Are Intercessions (1c)
This is praying on the basis of the ________________ of God.
4B. There Are ____________________ (1d)
This is praying on the basis of the _______________ of God.
2A. The Comprehensiveness of Our Prayers
1B. The _________ of Comprehensive Praying (1e-2a)
2B. The _______________ of Comprehensive Praying (2b-4)
First, there is God’s _________________ in national righteousness. (2b-3)
The second there is God’s _____________ in personal salvation. (4)
3A. The _______________________ of Our Prayers
1B. Our Prayer Life Must Be _______________ Defilement (8a)
Psalm 24:3-4 (NKJV) 3Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully.
2B. Our Prayer Life Must Be Without Disharmony (8b)
Psalm 66:18 (NKJV) 18If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
3B. Our Prayer Life Must Be Without _________ (8c)
James 1:6 (NKJV) 6But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.