The Importance Of Praying For God's Man

Temple Baptist Church - 12-28-2011

Ephesians 6:19-20

Introduction:

A. Ephesians 6 stresses the importance of being fully armed both defensively and offensively. We must both be on guard and constantly on the attack. God has given us all things pertaining to both life and godliness so that we can walk righteously in this present evil world, making a difference. We can finish our race; keep the faith; and get a well done at the end of our lives.

B. As we finish the armor of God, we find the necessity of continual prayer and supplication for each other as well as all men. The Apostle Paul now expresses the importance of praying for God’s man. I said in a previous message that if the pulpit stays right—the people will stay right—and the church will stay right. If we stand together in the Old Paths, trouble will come but we will be victorious.

C. As Paul is requesting to be prayed for, I see once again the importance of the pastor in the lives of God’s people.

Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Mark 14:27 And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

D. You need a pastor, not just a preacher. I need a pastor! The child of God will never be complete without one. We live in days where many people will not allow God’s man to be their pastor: they only want a preacher. Many churches want only a preacher. Many preachers are not pastors. God gave churches pastors “according to mine heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

E. The reason for making supplication for God’s man are found in these two verses tonight: 1) a prayer for bold preaching 2) a prayer for straight preaching.

F. Preaching is much more than just climbing into the pulpit and “letting her fly.” The pastor must be both right and in the right frame of mind in order to preach as he should. Therefore, his physical and spiritual life need to be prayed for. I want to give you several things that you need to request for your pastor.

1. Pray For His Preaching - 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

a. Complete Preaching - Acts 20:26-27 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. (27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

b. Courageous Preaching - Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

c. Compassionate Preaching - 2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

2. Pray For His Protection - 2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. (A pastor’s life is characterized by adversity. I have often described the work of the ministry as bitter-sweet. Much more sweet than bitter but there are seasons of both good and hard times.)

Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

a. There Are Attacks Against His Person – 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: (Attacks upon both his person and his family. When Satan cannot get to God’s man, he will attempt to get to God’s man through his family.)

b. There Are Attacks Against His Principles – 2 Timothy 4:15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

c. There Are Attacks Against His Position - 3 John 9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. (10) Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

3. Pray For His Purity – 1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

a. Purity In Longings – Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

b. Purity In Life – Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

c Purity In Love - Proverbs 5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.