Prayer: A First Priority

Transcription

1 Prayer: A First Priority What is the most important thing you can do for your country in celebrating July 4 th? David J. Andersen

2 Biblical Success Is there a clear strategy of most effective impact under any form of government that is presented in Scripture?

3 How do we determine such a Strategy? I. It must conform to foundational priorities of Scripture & Christ A. Doing the Greatest Commandments B. The Priority of the Gospel II. It must be a practical, workable action plan that unquestionably pleases God III. It must be God-Centered, rather than man-centered, to bear eternal fruit

4 I Timothy 2:1-6 I exhort therefore, that, firstof all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kingsand for all who are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

5 God Defines Prayer: Supplications: To have an audience with a king, the privilege to present your requests before the king

6 The Greatest Privilege Prayers: This word is only used of addressing the King of the Universe, the Creator! 1 st use in NT: Mt. 5:44

7 Loving Prayer: Intercessions: To have an audience with a king, on behalf of someone else

8 Gratitude in Prayer: Giving of Thanks: The expression of Gratitude to God. (It alone speaks of the content of our prayer)

9 Why is Prayer God s First Priority for the Church? I. Prayer Simultaneously Fulfills the Greatest Commandments II. Prayer for others Demonstrated the Greatest Faith III. Prayer is the First & Continual Act of the Early Church IV. Prayer is the First Essential Necessary for Church Leaders V. Prayer is the Greatest Power in Evangelism VI. Prayer is the First Exhortation to the Church VII. Prayer is the Foremost Opportunity of the Church

10 I. Prayer Simultaneously Fulfills the Greatest Commandments Matthew 22:37-38 You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22:39-40 And the second is like unto it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

11 We must love whom God loves! John 3:16 For God so loved the world... Matthew 5:44-48 But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven...

12 II. Prayer for others Demonstrated the Greatest Faith A. The Political Leader of Christ s City of Ministry in Capernaum Mt. 8:5-15 He leads the Church in faith in God s Word B. The Canaanite Woman who interceded for her daughter Mt. 15:22-28 She leads the Church in perseverance in prayer

13 III. Prayer is the First and Continual Act of the Early Church These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication Acts 1:14 And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers Acts 2:42 Peter and John went up together to the Temple at the hour of prayer Acts 3:1

14 The First response to persecution So when they heard that, they raised their voice to Godwith one accord and when they had prayed Acts 4:24-31

15 What was the result of this emphasis on prayer? I. They had Unity Acts 4:32 II. Self-sacrificing Love Acts 4:32, 34 III. Boldness & Power to witness Acts III. Boldness & Power to witness Acts 4:31, 33

16 IV. The First Essential Necessary for Church Leaders But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word Acts 6:4

17 How was this priority practiced by the leaders in the early church?

18 They prayed for their flock Romans 1:9-10 Ephesians 1:15-18 Colossians 1:3 Philippians 1:3-4 Colossians 4:12 I Thessalonians 1:2 II Thessalonians 2:13 II Timothy 1:3 Philemon 1:4

19 V. Prayer is the Greatest Power in Evangelism, especially to Leaders Acts 6:7 Then the Word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Stephen s last Will & Testament Acts 7:51-60 Lord, do not charge them with this sin.

20 Did Jesus answer that dying prayer? You and I are believers today, if we trace it all the way back in the lineage of the Gospel, as a result of the dying prayer of Stephen, the first martyr of the Church! It is no wonder that Paul passes on his commission to the Church with a fourfold emphasis on prayer, making it the first priority!

21 VI. Prayer is the First Exhortation to the Church I Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, firstof all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings and for all who are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

22 Does that include our Church Leaders? Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

23 Was it important in Scripture for the church to pray especially for their church leaders?

24 Acts 12:5 Romans 15:30 II Corinthians 1:11 Philippians 1:19 I Thessalonians 5:25 II Thessalonians 3:1 Philemon 1:22 Hebrews 13:18

25 The evidence builds: not only is prayer, I. The Simultaneous Fulfillment the Greatest Commandments II. The Demonstration of the Greatest Faith III. The First & Continual Act of the Early Church IV. The First Essential Necessary for Church Leaders V. The Greatest Power in Evangelism VI. The First Exhortation to the Church

26 VII. Prayer is the Foremost Continual Opportunity of the Church There is only one thing in the entire New Testament that we are continually commanded to do without ceasing! PRAYER

27 Acts 12:5 without ceasing Romans 1:9 without ceasing Ephesians 1:15-16 cease not Colossians 1:9 do not cease I Thessalonians 1:3 without ceasing I Thessalonians 2:13 without ceasing I Thessalonians 5:17 - without ceasing II Timothy 1:3 without ceasing

28 I Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

29 Is not prayer God s answer to a wayward nation?

30 II Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

31 I Samuel 12:23-24 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider what great things He has done for you.

32 What am I to do? 1. Be a loving example in prayer 2. Make Prayer the first priority of your life 3. Particularly pray for your leaders, and especially your spiritual leaders 4. Do what you can to help your church leaders with time consuming details & responsibilities so that your church leaders can pray more for you and effectively serve the Word of God to you

33 What am I to do? 5. Remember that you as God s child have the privilege of immediate audience with the King of the Universe 6. Pray without ceasing!

34 Prayer is our eternal work.