Sponsor s Guide. For Sponsors of Junior High, Young People and Adult. Prepared by Richard Merritt

Transcription

1

2 Baptist Training Course Sponsor s Guide For Sponsors of Junior High, Young People and Adult Prepared by Richard Merritt Vol. 54, No. 4 ISSUED September 1, 2008 FALL QUARTER Outlines for the series developed by Don Price EDITOR IN CHIEF: Larry E. Clements larryclements@abaptist.org BUSINESS MANAGER: Wayne Sewell wsewell@abaptist.org PRODUCTION EDITOR: Sally McInvale ADULT EDITOR: Jim Jones CHILDREN S EDITOR: Libby Gill ILLUSTRATOR: Connie Spears GRAPHIC ARTISTS: Shawn Blase, Jeff Allen, Greg Hilterbrand, Gerald Martin, Ashley Carozza LAYOUT DESIGNERS: Bonita McKnight, Kyle Elkins, Cindy Butler CONTENT EDITORS: Terry McKellar, Carolyn Burks, Deby Turrentine PRINT PRODUCTION: Charles Easley COVER DESIGN: Greg Hilterbrand Copyright 2008 Baptist Sunday School Committee 4605 N. State Line Ave. Texarkana, TX The Work of Prayer Quarterly Aim: The pupil will gain new insight into the working of prayer and will be challenged to deepen personal, private and public prayer. CONTENTS Lesson No. 1, September 7, 2008 Prayer, Speaking to God Lesson No. 2, September 14, 2008 Praying for a Child Lesson No. 3, September 21, 2008 Praying in God s House Lesson No. 4, September 28, 2008 Praying Pastors Lesson No. 5, October 5, 2008 Praying for Missionaries Lesson No. 6, October 12, 2008 Jesus Prays Lesson No. 7, October 19, 2008 Prayers for the Sick Lesson No. 8, October 26, 2008 Prayers for Churches Lesson No. 9, November 2, 2008 Prayers for Leaders Lesson No. 10, November 9, 2008 Praying for Enemies Lesson No. 11, November 16, 2008 Prayer Postures or Positions Lesson No. 12, November 23, 2008 Private Prayers Lesson No. 13, November 30, 2008 Public Prayers

3 2 SPONSOR S GUIDE LESSON 1 September 7, 2008 Prayer, Speaking to God Lesson Text: Matthew 6:9-13. Related Scripture: Genesis 20:17; Exodus 33:12-23; Job 42:9, 10; Daniel 6:10; Matthew 6:5-8, 14, 15; Luke 18:1-8; John 17:1-26; Philippians 4:6, 7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5: Application: Prayer is worship of God, seeking God s will, thanksgiving, asking a petition and supplication. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS Teach Us To Pray, Luke 11:1-13. When asked to teach His disciples to pray, Jesus gave them an example we refer to as the Model Prayer. He did not give it to be used as vain repetitions. He gave the Model Prayer so we would know what things should be included in an acceptable prayer to God. Jesus began the Model Prayer with adoration and praise to the Father (verse 2). All prayer should be directed to God the Father. Then the Lord included a petition for daily needs (verse 3) Jesus emphasized the need for asking forgiveness and seeking direction in daily life (verse 4). The Matthew account of the Model Prayer concludes with the words, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (Matt. 6:13). When we pray, our ef forts should include the parts of the Model Prayer Jesus gave as an example. Jesus guaranteed the ef fectiveness of prayer. God will answer prayer. He is like a friend who will give what is needed. The success rate in prayer is one hundred per cent. Jesus said, Every one that asketh receiveth (Matt. 7:8). He also said, He that seeketh findeth (verse 8). He promised, T o him that knocketh it shall be opened (verse 8). Prayer works by enlisting the power of Almighty God. Although God will answer and prayers will be successful, the answer may not be in the form we request. We may not recognize or be glad for the answer to our prayers. God knows best and gives the best when He answers prayer. God s answers to prayers are good gifts that work for our best whether His answer is yes, no or later. It is our part to pray and God s part to answer prayer. EXAMINING THE TEXT Matthew 6:9-13. Matthew 5 7 is the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus gave His commands and instructions on how to please God as a faithful disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ in this passage of Scripture. The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 give a list of Christlike characteristics that should be evident in the life of a child of God. These should all be present all the time, ideally. Jesus emphasized the importance of a child of God being a part of a New Testament church in Matthew 5: In Matthew 5:17-48, Jesus restated the moral and spiritual principles of the Ten Commandments. He restated them with a higher responsibility. Matthew 6:1-34 begins a section concerning how to practice one s faith and obedience to God. Matthew 6:1-8 reminds us to do good works and to pray to be known by God and not to be seen of

4 SPONSOR S GUIDE 3 men. Matthew 6:9-13 gives the proper method about how to talk to God in prayer. Matthew 6:14, 15 refer to the necessity of being for giving. Matthew 6:17, 18 concern the practice of fasting. Matthew 6:19-34 emphasize the need to rely on God for daily needs rather than being worldly minded or worrying. Matthew 7:1-5 address how we should deal with one another in a non-judgmental way. Matthew 7:6 reminds us to keep the holy things of worship such as doctrine and ordinances from those who have a life-style that would trample under foot the teachings of Jesus. Matthew 7:7-11 promise the success of prayer. Matthew 7:12 states the Golden Rule. Matthew 7:13, 14 teach the narrow way of salvation. Matthew 7:13-23 warn against false preachers and teachers. Matthew 7:24-27 assure the disciples that those who build their lives on Jesus the Rock of Ages will never be disappointed in the midst of life s storms. Prayer is talking to God. Jesus explained prayer by giving a model for His disciples to go by when they prayed. This pattern or example for an appropriate prayer includes several parts that God expects to be in our prayers. These parts include adoration, petition, confession, direction and declaration. Each part of prayer is valuable to the child of God. Prayer should begin with adoration. Adoration is praise. Prayer should begin with acknowledging the greatness of God. Prayer begins with addressing God the Father. Jesus said, Our Father which art in heaven (Matt. 6:9). When we refer to God as our Father, we honor Him and show respect to Him as the God over all. After we call God s name at the beginning of our prayer, we should take time to praise Him for who He is and what He has done. Prayer without praise is an unthankful attitude. The Bible commands In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thess. 5:18). Jesus said, Hallowed be thy name (Matt. 6:9). The Lord referred to the holiness of the name of God. God s name is to be reverenced and to be honored. God promises to hear the prayers of those who call upon Him by using His name. Second Chronicles 6:24, 25 declares, And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee; and shall return and confess thy name, and pray and make supplication before thee in this house; then hear thou from the heavens, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest to them and to their fathers. Prayer is addressed to God the Father by name. Prayer should include petitions. Petitions are requests. Every child of God should take his worries, concerns and cares to God in prayer. First Peter 5:7 reveals, Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. God cares about every problem believers have. Your requests to God should include everything from the greatest to the smallest. God answers both big and small prayers. Matthew 7:7, 8 reads, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. God guarantees to answer your prayers! Banks will not guarantee a loan every time a customer asks for it. God does. Although His answers sometimes occur in surprising forms, they are still His answers. Every time God answers prayer, the child of God should be more committed to and more confident in making his petitions known to God. James 4:2 declares, Y e have not, because ye ask not. Should God s power in answering prayer be limited, it is limited because of the believer s unfaithful commitment. Prayer works because God has the power to supply all our needs. When the child

5 4 SPONSOR S GUIDE of God prays according to God s will, God will hear and answer. Prayer includes confession. Confession declares one is a sinner. To be on speaking terms with God, the praying person should not have unconfessed sins hindering his prayers. First John 1:9 states, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to for give us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Confession does not inform God of the existence of one s sins. It does express repentance and godly sorrow for sins. Many prayers leave the phrase forgive me of my sins until the end, as if it is an afterthought. The confession of sins by the believer and the for giveness of sins by God make a completed transaction in Heaven on the basis of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. David confessed his sins to God and received God s cleansing. Psalm 51:3, 4 declares, For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Confession requires complete honesty with God. For giveness includes admitting one s particular sin, abhorring that sin and asking God to cleanse from the guilt and shame of the sin. When the believer s prayer includes confession, that prayer is acceptable to God. Prayer involves seeking God s direction. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, Lead us (Matt. 6:13). The child of God who seeks God s will, way and direction will find God s direction always agrees with the Bible. God will never lead against His revealed will in the Bible. The phrase lead us not into temptation does not mean God tempts people to sin. God does not tempt men. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry (1 Cor. 10:13, 14). Wherefore is a connecting word that ties what comes after with what came before. Idolatry or false worship reveals how alluring temptation can be. Most people probably think of temptation in terms of immorality or substance abuse. Satan is active in tempting God s people with false worship. Jesus said, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41). Temptation is common to every person. No one is strong enough to withstand temptation without God s strength. Prayer of fers the believer the power to overcome temptation. Prayer concludes with a declaration. The Bible teaches we should end prayer with the declaration call upon the name of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:2). Jesus promised the success of prayer when it is prayed in His name. John 14:13, 14 declares, And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. Some pray to Jesus. The Lord s Model Prayer requires us to pray to God the Father. Jesus instructed His disciples to make their requests known in His name. There is great power in the name of Jesus. John 15:16 reveals, Y e have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. Children of God are accepted, loved and blessed from Heaven when they pray in the name of Jesus. John 16:23, 24 states, V erily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the

6 SPONSOR S GUIDE 5 Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. God of fers fullness of joy and His rich blessings for His children who will pray in Jesus name. RELATED SCRIPTURE Genesis 20:17. Abraham had power with God in intercessory prayer. He obeyed God. He walked with God by faith. When he prayed, God answered his requests in a mighty way. Abraham prayed for God to open the wombs of all the women in Abimelech s household. God s answer remains clear They bare children. Exodus 33: Moses prayed to God seeking God s presence as they left Egypt. He said, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence (verse 15). He also prayed for a glimpse of God s glory. He could not look on God s face, but God permitted him to see His glory in His back parts (verse 23). Job 42:9, 10. God ended Job s test of faith when he was willing to pray for the three friends who had vilified him with their accusations. When he prayed for them, he had to have forgiven them. God promises to hear our prayers and to forgive our sins when we for give others. (See Matthew 6:12.) Daniel 6:10. Daniel believed in praying several times each day. Although the law was passed that he should not pray except to the king, he continued to be faithful in prayer. Daniel s prayers included giving thanks to God and making supplication before his God (Dan. 6:11). Matthew 6:5-8, 14, 15. Jesus taught His disciples about prayer. He condemned the prayers of the hypocritical Pharisees. Jesus encouraged private prayer or closet prayer. He did not intend for prayer to be vain repetitions. It must be a heartfelt expression of our needs. Forgiveness of others insures God s forgiveness. Luke 18:1-8. This parable about prayer is a parable of contrast. Some parables are parables of similarity. In this contrast, God is not like the unsaved judge who was unwilling at first to grant the widow s petition. God is not reluctant to answer prayer! He will hear and answer the prayer according to His timing speedily (verse 8). John 17:1-26. The Lord s Prayer reveals His love, compassion and will for His first church, future New Testament churches and other people yet to be saved. He said, I pray for them (verse 9). He prayed for the success of their evangelistic and mission ef forts. He prayed for them also which shall believe on me through their word (verse 20). Philippians 4:6, 7. Paul taught the church members at Philippi to pray about everything. He instructed them to make their requests and supplications known to God with thanksgiving. Surely a large part of prayer should be devoted to thanking God for the great things He has done. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The attitude of prayer must be constant. Satan repeatedly bombards children of God with temptations. Believers deal with the weakness and desires of the flesh many times a day. Since there is a continual need for God s strength and help through prayer, the child of God should maintain an attitude of prayer at all times. James 5: God s Word reveals the record of success of answered prayers. When af flicted, pray. When someone is sick, pray. When there is need for the for giveness of sins, pray.

7 6 SPONSOR S GUIDE When others ask us to pray for them, we should be faithful in intercessory prayer. Elijah s example proves the prevailing power of prayer. RELEVANCE OF THE TEXT The Model Prayer gives the example of the parts that should be found in acceptable prayers. When God s people pray, they should pray praising God for His blessings. Prayers should include giving adoration to God by using His name. We must pray to God for He said, Without me, ye can do nothing (John 15:5). Prayer remains an essential need in the life of every believer. When children of God fail to pray, an attempt is made to live without God. Prayer shows one s dependence upon God. Every child of God should remind himself, his family and others how important God is by continuing faithful in prayer. Some only use prayer in times of emergencies. Prayer brings God s help, power, blessings and direction. Believers should pray often. Daniel prayed at least three times a day. His devotion to prayer revealed the source of his spiritual power. Through prayer, Daniel lived for God in a foreign land in the midst of a heathen culture. He needed prayer when he arrived in Babylon. He became an old man who still needed prayer as the empires and kings changed around him. Prayer helped Daniel get through daily life. David gave the example of the prayer of repentance in Psalm 51. Although some seem to believe there is no need for repentance after one is saved, there must be frequent repentance if children of God stay in fellowship with the Lord. David knew the way to keep in close fellowship with God demanded he repent often. Like David, a child of God is a saved sinner who repeatedly needs God s forgiveness. Children of God need to be aware that, to be useful servants to the Lord, we must be in communication with Him often. Those who do not pray have unconfessed sin in their lives, attempt to go through life without God s direction and soon shipwreck their relationships with others. Prayer helps believers be clean vessels fit for the Master s use. Usefulness depends on ones s faithfulness to pray. CONTEMPORARY APPLICATION Supplications suggest prayer on behalf of others. Saved people should pray for others, including their mate, their children, their parents, their pastor, the church of their membership, the unbelievers they know and for the success of the missionaries around the world. Abraham persisted in praying for the people of Sodom because they were Lot s neighbors. His repeated ef forts did not anger God. We cannot frustrate God by remaining faithful to pray for others. The believer who keeps a written record of prayers for others and records God s answers will upon reflection be amazed at what God has done. Communication with God is needed on a daily basis. God has provided the means whereby children of God may be in constant communication with Him. The Word of God is God s message to mankind. Prayer is simply man speaking to God. Both means of communication are important. Neither should be ignored. Daily Bible study is blessed when one prays first. Daily prayers find strength through the promises of God found in the Bible. Children of God should never spend a day without any contact with the Lord. We should commit ourselves to sweet fellowship with God on a daily basis through Bible study and prayer.

8 SPONSOR S GUIDE 7 LESSON 2 September 14, 2008 Praying for a Child Lesson Text: 1 Samuel 1:9-11. Related Scriptur e: Genesis 17:18-20; 24:15-27; 2 Kings 19:20; Psalms 42:4; 62:8; Lamentations 2:19; Daniel 9: Application: To encourage God s people to pray for specific things. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS Hannah Vows a Vow, 1 Samuel 1:1-28. Hannah s circumstances in life were not what she wanted. God had made her childless. She was so grieved about it that she could not eat. Her husband saw her sorrow. He could not be good enough to her or love her enough to fill the emptiness in her heart. This problem could only be resolved by God. Hannah wept and prayed specifically for a son. She prayed seriously. She was in bitterness of soul (verse 10). She continued to make her prayer unto the Lord. While she prayed, she... wept sore (verse 10). She promised God that if He would give her a son, she would bring him up as a special servant of the Lord. The Nazirites were recognized easily by their hair which had never been cut. Not only would her son be brought up to fear, love and obey the Lord, she promised to give him to God. Hannah prayed from the heart. Her silent prayer must have looked strange to Eli. He thought she was drunk. When he tried to rebuke her, she shared the burden of her heart with the man of God. She said, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit (verse 15). She poured out her heart to God in prayer. Eli assured her God heard her prayer. She left the place of prayer with peace in her heart. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad (verse 18). When people pray, they receive His peace and comfort immediately. God s answer came. Hannah kept her promise. Her son was Samuel, the great prophet of the Lord. His name means, heard of God. God answers specific prayers. LESSON TEXT 1 Samuel 1:9-11. Hannah went to the house of the Lord to pray. Anyone can pray anywhere. Prayers will reach God s ear from anyplace on earth. David said, In my distress I called upon the L ORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears (Psalm 18:6). There is a perceived sense of closeness to the Lord in coming to the house of the Lord to pray. In Hannah s lifetime, the house of the Lord was the Tabernacle which was set up at Shiloh. She knew God s presence was there. Her family came faithfully to the house of the Lord to worship. During a time they had set aside for worship at the Taberna-

9 8 SPONSOR S GUIDE cle, Hannah prayed to the Lord about her burden. Jesus said, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer (Matt. 21:13). (See also Isaiah 56:7.) The advantage of praying at the house of the Lord is having others there who will pray with you. Eli observed Hannah s anguish of heart when she made her petition known to God. Hannah s prayed and wept before the Lord. Praying with tears stirs God to action. God saw Hezekiah s tears and heard his prayer. Second Kings 20:5 declares, T urn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee. Those who pray and serve the Lord with tears will be blessed. The soul-winner who prays and weeps will be fruitful in his efforts. Psalm 126:5, 6 reads, They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. There are too many casual, dryeyed prayers that quickly are for gotten by the person praying. God takes note of our tears. Job prayed with tears unto the Lord. Job 16:20 reveals, My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. The psalmist asked God to put thou my tears into thy bottle (Psalm 56:8). God hears the prayers and honors the tears of His people. Hannah prayed specifically for a son. Many prayers are so general no one can tell if God answered them or not. Some examples could be noted: Save the lost. For give me of my sins. Bless the missionaries. Specific prayers will receive specific answers. One who is burdened for the salvation of a family member, friend, coworker or neighbor will pray for them faithfully by name. When a child of God seeks for giveness of sins due to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, there are specific sins for which to ask for giveness. The most ef fective prayers for the missionaries continue to be the ones that are prayed for certain ones. After one prays for a missionary, read the reports and marvel at God s answer! Hannah had a special prayer she had been praying about for a long time. The fact of being childless had brought her many sorrows. In Israel, a barren woman was viewed as under the condemnation of the Lord. God tested Hannah s faith by her barrenness. She responded to the test with great faith and diligent, specific prayer. Hannah made a vow to the Lord when she prayed. Vows are serious to God and they should be to us. Jacob s vow involved a promise to show thankfulness to God for His presence with him by giving God a tithe of all God had given him. (See Genesis 28:20-22.) Vows were voluntary in Israel, but God expected those who made them to keep them without fail. Deuteronomy 23:21, 22 states, When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the L ORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. Hannah chose to make a vow unto the Lord. She desired a son so much that she was willing to give him to God as a special servant. Her great faith expressed in her prayer came before God. God honors faith. She believed God could give her a son. She believed her son could be a special servant of the Lord. She kept her vow conscientiously. After giving her son to God, Hannah loved him and left him at the house of God. She promised to give her son to the Lord all the days of his life (1 Sam. 1:11). Hannah s son Samuel served God faithfully and well all his life. He was the

10 SPONSOR S GUIDE 9 last of the judges and the first of the group of the prophets who served God in succession. He spoke the words of God in truth. He proved himself to be a man of integrity. He served God faithfully by anointing two kings over Israel, Saul and David. He preached against the sins of the people of Israel and urged them to repent and turn back to God. First Samuel 7:3 states, And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the L ORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. Samuel led Israel to revival that day. When they asked him to pray for them, God answered his prayer with victory in battle over the Philistines. Samuel s life proved the value of God s answer to specific prayers. Hannah promised if God would give her a son, she would raise him as a Nazirite. A Nazirite was a special servant of the Lord. The word Nazirite means one separated unto the Lord. Their uncut hair represented a natural crown that revealed their special covenant relationship with the Lord. Cutting the hair carried the message of humiliation, shame and corruption. Jeremiah 7:29 declares, Cut of f thine hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places; for the LORD hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath. Joseph is a good example of a Nazirite in being separated from his brethren and unto the Lord he served. The Nazirite promised to live a separated life from uncleanness. Leviticus 15:31 reads, Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them. A Nazirite could be a man or a woman. Numbers 6:2 reveals, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the L ORD. The three requirements for keeping one s vow as a Nazirite included not cutting the hair, not drinking and not coming into contact with anything that was unclean. Samson was a Nazirite. Samson said, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother s womb (Judges 16:17). Hannah promised her son would live the life of a Nazirite. Hannah prayed for a son who would be a devoted servant of the Lord. Godly parents such as Hannah should pray for godly children. The influence of the world tends to cause even godly families to raise ungodly children. Amos 2:11, 12 declares, And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the L ORD. But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not. In Israel, a child raised to live like a Nazirite was considered pure and holy by Israel. Lamentations 4:7 states, Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire. Parents should pray that their children will live pure and holy lives before the Lord. Daniel came to Babylon with the training and teaching from a godly home which prepared him to live a life for the Lord and maintain his separation from anything unclean. Daniel 1:8 reveals, But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he

11 10 SPONSOR S GUIDE might not defile himself. Christ prayed that His servants would be separated from all uncleanness. John 17:15 reads, I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. Parents should follow Hannah s example to pray that their children would live separated, pure and holy lives which please the Lord. One way to pray such a prayer would be for parents to pray for God to call their son to preach and raise him with godly standards and bring him up faithfully in true worship. RELATED SCRIPTURE Genesis 17: Abraham prayed for his son Ishmael. He could not be the son of promise. Isaac would be the son God gave Abraham and Sarah for the covenant of the Lord. God still had a purpose for Ishmael s life. God s answer to Abraham s prayer for Ishmael included being fruitful, twelve sons who would be princes and of them a great nation. God s answer was not what Abraham wanted, but it was God s best for Ishmael. Genesis 24: Abraham and his servant prayed for a wife for Isaac. Abraham did not want a Canaanite wife for Isaac. The servant made a trip to Padanaram (Gen. 25:20) and God led him to the woman Rebekah who was to be Isaac s wife. She was of the right lineage, beautiful and had enough wisdom and faith to follow where God led. The servant s words describe the answer to their prayers. He said, I being in the way, the LORD led me (Gen. 24:27). 2 Kings 19:20. God sent the prophet Isaiah to tell Hezekiah that God had heard his prayer. Hezekiah prayed that God would turn back Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, and spare the city of Jerusalem. God s answer came. Second Kings 19:32, 33 states, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. In this instance, God said yes to his prayer. Psalm 42:4. The psalmist prayed to appear before God. God answered his prayer in public worship. The psalmist went to the house of God and met the Lord there. Some worship and do not meet the Lord there. The psalmist poured out his heart to God in prayer. During worship, he began to praise God. He left with great assurance. Psalm 42:5 declares, Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Psalm 62:8. The wise believer relies on the Lord to hear and answer his prayers. When we have a burden that is troubling us, we may open our hearts to the Lord in prayer. Prayer is a source of comfort, strength and assurance in times of distress. The spiritual truth that God still hears and answers prayer will enable believers to avail themselves of the opportunity to take refuge in the Lord. Lamentations 2:19. Some refer to Jeremiah as the weeping prophet. He lamented over the sad spiritual condition of the people of Jerusalem that led to the destruction of the city and the Temple. In the time of siege by the armies of king Nebuchadnezzar, he asked the Lord to save the lives of the young children by providing food. During the siege, they could not go out to obtain food or bring in food. Daniel 6: God heard Daniel s prayer from the den of lions. The Lord delivered Daniel from death in the den of lions as a witness to the king. He said, My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions mouths, that they have not

12 SPONSOR S GUIDE 11 hurt me (Dan. 6:22). God can do the same for any one of His people. (See also 2 Timothy 4:17, 18). RELEVANCE OF THE TEXT Hannah prayed for a son. She poured out her heart to God for a son. This specific prayer was answered. God heard her prayer and blessed her so that she conceived and bore a son they named Samuel. In that day, Israel needed a man of God who would be an example of faith, courage and commitment to the Lord. Hannah s son became this man in answer to her prayer. She prayed and made a vow to the Lord. Since vows are voluntary, many preferred not to make vows to God. Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5 declares, When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. In times of distress, some make foolish promises to God. This writer has heard one person promise if God would make their child well, they would be faithful to go to church. When we make a promise to God, He takes no excuses! God s people should pray for their children as Hannah prayed for Samuel. She prayed for a son so that she could give him to God, and he could be used in serving the Lord. The Bible instructs us to pray for laborers. Matthew 9:37, 38 states, Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. One way to pray for more laborers is to ask God to use the children of His people. Church members should pray that God would use their sons in His work. If you pray such a prayer, do not be surprised at God s answer. When one woman prayed such a prayer, God answered her prayer with a son-in-law who became a preacher, a son that became a deacon and another son who served the church of his membership. Parents should teach their children the value of serving the Lord through a New Testament church. Before children are born and as long as parents live, they should pray for their children. When God answered her prayer, Hannah did not for get to keep her promise to God. CONTEMPORARY APPLICATION The ef fective prayer is a fervent prayer of a righteous man. (See James 5:16.) Parents need the wisdom, strength and guidance from the Lord that may be found through daily prayer. The Bible is filled with examples of parents praying for their children. Abraham prayed for his children, Ishmael and Isaac. David prayed for his children, especially Absalom. Parents should pray for their children by name. Parents should pray for the salvation of their children. It is easier for a child to be saved with a tender heart than later in life with a heart hardened by a life of sin. God expects parents to pray for their saved children. The Lord will give a burden to parents who pray for their children to have a family altar time of prayer and a devotional in which they take time to explain salvation to their children. There are many other important needs children have that may be provided by the Lord in answer to prayer. This writer prayed for his children to have marriages that will endure, for sons-inlaw and a daughter-in-law that know the Lord as their Savior and will faithfully worship Him in the true church of their membership; for the way they will teach and raise their own children; for their needs to be supplied and for the blessing of good health.

13 12 SPONSOR S GUIDE LESSON 3 September 21, 2008 Praying in God s House Lesson Text: 1 Kings 8:22-53; 9:1-9. Related Scripture: Deuteronomy 12:10-14; Psalms 5:7; 30; Ezekiel 37:21-28; Daniel 6:10; Acts 2:41-47; Hebrews 10:24, 25. Application: To encourage God s people in New Testament churches to pray for God s presence in every service, and every action of His people to be God honoring. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS The Church Prays for Peter s Deliverance, Acts 12:5-17. When Peter was arrested, the church at Jerusalem had a prayer meeting. They prayed without ceasing (verse 5). God answered their prayers during the night. God s angel freed Peter from the two chains, the two soldiers and the two locked doors. Peter knew God had delivered him. He said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me (verse 11). Peter wanted to tell the good news to the church. The report of answered prayer gives great joy to the people of God. When he arrived at the house where the church met, they were still praying. After the young girl Rhoda realized it was Peter, she went to tell the others. They did not believe her. Their prayers received an unexpectedly quick answer. God answers prayers according to His timing. He is never late, even though we think He is. God s answer to their prayers saved Peter from being put to death. Peter continued to knock at the door of the house. When they finally let him in, they were all amazed that it was Peter. After they quieted down, Peter gave his testimony concerning their answered prayers. He gave God the glory. He declared how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. The church was so lar ge that while many were gathered together praying (verse 12) at the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, the apostles and other church members were praying in another place. Peter wanted the whole church to hear the news that God had delivered him. When God answers prayers, church members should be faithful to give God the glory and tell it to the church. LESSON TEXT 1 Kings 8:22-53; 9:1-9. Solomon prayed a prayer of dedication at the time of the completion of God s house. It had been a seven year project costing a huge sum and using a tremendous work force. The personnel which labored to complete the temple included thirty thousand men working in the forests of Lebanon, seventy thousand who carried burdens, eighty thousand who quarried stones in the mountains and three thousand three hundred who oversaw the work at the quarry. (See 1 Kings 5:13-18.) His prayer rejoiced at the completion of the house of God. At the time of the dedication of the Temple, Solomon prayed one of the greatest intercessory prayers in the Bible. First Kings 8:28 declares, Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant,

14 SPONSOR S GUIDE 13 and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day. He prayed asking God to hear and forgive the sins of the people of Israel if they prayed from the Temple. First Kings 8:29 states, That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place. Although Solomon realized the people of Israel could pray anywhere at anytime, he sought God s assurance that the Lord would hear and for give when the prayer was from the Temple. Solomon prayed for those who might trespass against their neighbor, using the word if. He asked God to judge fairly by condemning the wicked, justifying the righteous and cause the wicked to make recompense. He knew God would show respect to thine altar in this house (verse 31). Solomon also prayed about when Israel would go into captivity. Although there is no record that the people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel who went into Assyrian captivity ever returned from that land, the Bible reveals Solomon s prayer was answered after the captives from Judah prayed to return from Babylonian captivity. He prayed for God s forgiveness for Israel. When thy people Israel be smitten down before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this house: then hear thou in heaven, and for give the sin of thy people (1 Kings 8:33, 34). He realized the people of Israel would sin against God and that God would justly punish them by withholding the rain. First Kings 8:35, 36 declares, When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou af flictest them: then hear thou in heaven, and for give the sin of thy servants. Again, he prayed that when they sin God would for give them, send them rain and teach them the good way wherein they should walk (verse 36). Solomon s great prayer on behalf of his nation sought God s continuing for giveness and mercy if they would repent in times of God s judgment. He did not ask God not to judge them for their sins. Solomon prayed about their sins that were the result of the plague of his own heart (verse 38). He knew God would punish these with pestilence, mildew, locust or caterpillars destroying their crops and causing famine in the land. Famine in the land was a result of famine of hearing the word of God in their hearts. Amos 8:11 reveals, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord G OD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the L ORD. Even those dif ficult times of famine could not separate God s people from the love, mercy and for giveness of the Lord. Romans 8:35-37 declares, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Solomon took into account the wicked and perverse hearts of the people of Israel when he prayed his mighty intercessory prayer from the Temple. When Solomon prayed for the people of Israel, he asked God to accept their repentance, hear their prayers and for give their sins. Repentance and for giveness of sins must occur if people are to fear God as they should. First Kings 8:40 states, That they may fear thee all the days that they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers. Why is there so little fear of the Lord today? The lack of repentance being preached, taught and practiced

15 14 SPONSOR S GUIDE results in many unconfessed sins that produces hardened hearts in God s people, a lack of response in the invitation, a falling away from faithfulness and causes them to have less and less fear of God. When people quit repenting, they quit fearing the Lord. Solomon knew the grace and mercy of God would be extended to the people of Israel if they would only turn back to the Lord when God dealt with them because of their sins. Solomon prayed for the Gentiles which would be converted and pray near the Temple. He knew God intended for Israel to be a witnessing nation to the world concerning the one true God of Heaven who rules over the kingdoms of men with power, justice and righteousness. Solo - mon prayed for a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name s sake; (For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house; Hear thou (1 Kings 8:41-43). Solomon understood that the God he served loved all people and sought all men to know Him by salvation, to worship Him in truth and to serve Him faithfully. In his God-given wisdom, Solomon prayed for many more people than just the Jews. Solomon prayed for revival for his people even if they were in captivity in a foreign land. First Kings 8:47-49 declares, Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness; and so return unto thee with all their heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their enemies, which led them away captive, and pray unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, the city which thou hast chosen, and the house which I have built for thy name: then hear thou their prayer. Solomon realized that, even in captivity, God s grace and mercy would be extended to the people of Israel if they would only seek the Lord. Solomon did not base his prayer for God s forgiveness for the children of Israel on their goodness. He knew they were the people of God s covenant. First Kings 8:51-53 reveals, For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron: that thine eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy servant, and unto the supplication of thy people Israel, to hearken unto them in all that they call for unto thee. For thou didst separate them from among all the people of the earth, to be thine inheritance, as thou spakest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord G OD. Solomon prayed that God would remember His love, protection and blessings showered upon Israel in former days, not for get His covenant with them. After Solomon prayed this great prayer of intercession, God appeared to him and answered his prayer. First Kings 9:3 reads, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. Part of God s answer to Solomon is recorded in another book of the Bible. Second Chronicles 7:14-16 declares, 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. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. Solomon s assurance of answered prayer came with God s reminder that Solomon and Israel needed to continue to

16 SPONSOR S GUIDE 15 be faithful to serve the Lord. God promised Solomon that He would act righteously and send judgment upon the children of Israel if they sinned by worshiping idols. God abhors false worship. For the people of God to turn to false worship, they must first forsake God in their hearts, quit obeying the Lord s commands and then abandon God s house. God s promise to answer prayers and to forgive does not limit His actions in accord with His holy and righteous character. God was determined that both Solomon and the people of Israel would know that they would bring God s judgment upon them when they sinned. God promised Solomon He would faithfully deal with the people of Israel because of their sins, and He would also faithfully forgive when they repented. RELATED SCRIPTURE Deuteronomy 12: God chose one spot in one tribe for His designated place of worship. Moses wrote by inspiration of God a place (verse 11) offer not thy burnt-of ferings in every place (verse 13) and the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes (verse 14). This designated place would be where the altar of God would be, where worship would be acceptable and where God would put His name and His presence to dwell. Psalm 5:7. David knew God had commanded him to worship in the house of the Lord. He determined to come to God s house with the knowledge that it was a place of mercy. He came to worship the Lord in truth with a great fear. David understood that God s eyes and desire would be centered on His holy place of worship. The Tabernacle was God s holy Temple and dwelling place at that time. Psalm 30. The psalmist spoke of worship at the house of the Lord that included singing, thanksgiving, rejoicing, testimonies of praise and prayer. True worship at the house of the Lord will involve all these plus truth in doctrine. David rejoiced over the answer to his many prayers which God answered by delivering him from danger from his enemies. He came to the house of the Lord seeking the presence of God and found Him there. Ezekiel 37: Ezekiel had been taken captive with many others during one of the three attacks upon Judah by the armies of Nebuchadnezzar. This double-barreled prophecy has in view the Jews returning from Babylonian captivity as well as the final and future regathering of the people of Israel into their land under the rule and protection of the Lord Jesus Christ during His one thousand year reign on the earth. Daniel 6:10. Daniel prayed toward the city of Jerusalem where the Temple of the Lord had been. He knew God would hear and answer the prayers of His people from that place according to His promise. He prayed with thanksgiving even though the evil law boded ill for him in the near future. He remained strong in faith, relying on the Lord and drawing strength and comfort from prayer. Acts 2: The church Jesus built continued to worship at the Temple on a daily basis. They continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (verse 42). The T emple was the third Temple in Jerusalem. The list includes Solomon s Temple that was destroyed by the Babylonians, Zerubabbel s Temple and Herod s Temple. God s people continued daily with one accord in the Temple (verse 46). Hebrews 10:24, 25. The writer of Hebrews sent this epistle to the Jews who were scattered to encourage them not to turn back from true worship according to the teachings of Jesus. He challenged them to be faithful to assemble at the house of God for worship and prayer. God uses each

17 16 SPONSOR S GUIDE person s example of faithfulness to stir up others to remain dedicated to the Lord and to continue in serving Him. RELEVANCE OF THE TEXT Although a church building is only brick or wood, yet, it is the place where God s name and presence resides as His designated altar for true worship. Prayer in or toward the Temple had meaning only because God s presence was there. Most church buildings have been dedicated and set aside for use as a sacred place for the worship of the Lord. The church is the people whom God has covenanted together by His authority. Where God s people meet to worship Him in spirit and in truth is a special place. Solomon made a great intercessory prayer at the time of the completion of the Temple. The occasion involved many sacrifices, the dedication of the house of the Lord, and the people rejoiced greatly. Solomon s prayer for the children of Israel encouraged them to commit themselves to God s principles and commandments. He sought God s assurance that He would hear and help the Israelites in times of trouble caused by their own sins if they would repent, pray and seek God s forgiveness. The Tabernacle and later the Temple were special places where God met with His people. The glorious presence of the Lord was there. At both the Temple and the Tabernacle, God gave visible evidence of His presence by the bright shining forth of His glory cloud from that place. When God s glorious presence left the Temple, Ezekiel revealed it was only a corrupted building no longer a sacred place. The place where God s presence dwells must be a place of glory, honor, thanksgiving, prayer and blessing. Psalm 100:4 declares, Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. The Israelites had corrupted God s sacred place with their idols and false worship which they brought inside the Temple. It is important that God s people today be committed to keeping God s house separated from the corruption of false worship. Second Corinthians 6:16, 17 reveals, And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. God will not share His glory! CONTEMPORARY APPLICATION The church at Jerusalem met at the Temple for worship. This church had grown to a huge congregation. Some estimate the membership reached ten thousand. They sometimes met in dif ferent places for prayer. In Acts 12, the group meeting at the house of Mary the mother of John Mark did not include the group where the apostles and others were praying. Today, God s house is the place where each of His churches meets to worship Him. As God heard the prayers of the church at Jerusalem, He will hear ours. The promised power of the Holy Spirit came upon the church at Jerusalem for the purpose of giving the needed strength to carry out the Great Commission. (See Matthew 28:18-20.) The Great Commission remains the complete work of God for His churches. As we labor to obey the marching orders God has given, much prayer is needed. God s people should rely on God to bless the preaching of His Word, for souls to be saved, for the work of the missionaries and for churches to be established. God s house should ever be a place of prayer where we may find comfort, assurance and help in time of distress. Through God s presence and power as He answers prayer, God s churches are able to do all He has commanded.