Final Admonitions

Temple Baptist Church - 1-15-2014

Colossians 4:2-6

 

Introduction:

A. As Paul concludes his epistle to the Colossian Church, he leaves them with three essentials for Christian unity within the local church. As the number one enemy of the church is division, the number one priority of the church should be unity!

1. One might ask, “Isn’t worship, teaching, tithing, etc. the most important things?” I believe the answer to that question is that none of these things will be possible without unity within the local church. Worship will be worthless if our relationship with each other is not right. Teaching will become only head knowledge if our hearts are not right with each other. Tithing will certainly be affected because of the constant incoming and outgoing of families in the church.

2. Therefore, unity is the principle thing. When writing to the Corinthian Church with all of their carnality and problems, Paul address the problem or disunity first!

1 Corinthians 1:10-13 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (11) For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. (12) Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. (13) Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Psalms 133:1-3 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (2) It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; (3) As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

B. Paul leaves the Colossian believers with these three things that are the basis for true fellowship and the unity of the local church.

1. Continue in prayer. Communion with God brings about communion with God’s people.

a. Faithful – Paul wrote virtually the same thing to the Romans (12:12) and the Thessalonians (5:17). One of the most important aspects of the Christian life is the “life line” of prayer.

b. Watchful – to be vigilant: in the realm of sinfulness and deception. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty! We must be continually on guard against encroachment upon our purity of life.

c. Thankful – ingratitude is a sign of our times. We have so much to be thankful for. Once again, let me say that we need keep our eyes on what we have and not what we do not have.

d. Purposeful – too often, our prayers are made in generalities instead of being concise and pointed.

2. Walk in wisdom. Compassion for the lost brings about compassion for God’s people.

a. Testimony - concerned with our conduct before God and man but especially the unsaved as we are God’s epistle seen and read of men.

b. Priority – redeeming the time (to ransom or to rescue from loss) Time is a precious commodity that the Lord has given to all of us: 24 golden hours with a clean slate.)

3. Season your speech. Courtesy for mankind brings about courtesy for the brethren.

a. Seasoned with grace – grace in the aspects of realization of how we would be hurt if someone spoke to us in the same way and graciousness in that God has been better to all of us than we deserve and we should be just as gracious to others.

b. Sweetness to the taste – gentle words instead of caustic ones. I have heard for most of my life the saying, “Keep your words short and sweet for you never know which ones you will have to eat.”

Nevertheless The Foundation Of God Standeth Sure

Temple Baptist Church - 1-12-2014

2 Timothy 2:19

 

Introduction:

A. In verse 15, we found the importance of rightly dividing the Word of Truth. Notice the phrase “word of truth.” Once again, this Bible that I hold in my hand is not just a good book or a man-made one; it is the very Word of God and, therefore, the Word of Truth!

1. You can believe it or not believe it but the truth of this Bible has not changed.

2. You can obey it or not obey it but the truth of this Bible has not changed.

3. You can choose to ignore it but the truth of this Bible has not changed.

4. You can choose to change it but the truth of this Bible has not changed.

5. It is always RIGHT! The Authorized King James Bible is the Word of God in the English language.

B. In verses 16-18, we found the “shifting sands of human theology.” By this, I mean the continually evolving “theology” of man. Using the word “theology” in this light is actually an oxymoron. “Theology” comes from two root words meaning “God” and “the study of.” Therefore, “theology” is a rational, systematic study of God and can only finds its truth rooted in the Word of God.

1. In these verses, we find the words “profane” and “vain babblings.” “Profane” means irreverent or blasphemous. “Vain babblings” means jabbering to no avail. Empty words that come from an empty soul, spoken to an empty people.

2. In these verses, we find two men: Hymenaeus and Philetus. “Hymenaeus” means “the god of weddings:” an opponent of Christianity. “Philetus” means “to be a friend to” and comes from the root word “phileo.” Not a friend of God but a friend to men!

3. In these verses, we find anti-doctrinal teachings that are completely foreign to the Word of Truth, as men change God’s Word to fit their doctrinal teaching instead of changing their doctrinal teaching to line up with the Word of God: the final authority for faith and practice.

C. In light of the constant attacks upon the Word of God through discrediting or changing, we have the promise that “nevertheless the foundation of God standeth SURE.” We can be assured that the Bible that we hold in our hand, which is the foundation of all that we believe, standeth sure!

D. The most important part of any structure is the foundation upon which it stands. It matters not how well built or how beautifully constructed, if the foundation is flawed, the structure will not stand the test of time. Our foundations are the same. If they are not built right, that which we build will not stand.

Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

E. The seal of God’s foundation is the work of grace in the hearts and lives of His children. Salvation is an operation of God as He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. The Seal of God is that salvation works effectually in those who believe.

1. The Seal of His Great Love – “The Lord knoweth them that are his” 1 Corinthians 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

a. God’s Great Love is a Special Love – Yes, God does love the world and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for ALL! But those who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ become HIS children and that makes them special.

b. God’s Great Love is an Unchanging Love – God does not condone sinfulness but, as we with our children, continues to love in spite of sin. Many who believe in falling from grace never get it. I am His and He is mine!

c. God’s Great Love is an Eternal Love – As with Israel as a nation, the Lord loves us with an everlasting love. There will never be a time when His love diminishes or changes in any way. Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

2. The Seal of His Change of Life – “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

a. He changes our Loving - Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

b. He changes our Longing - Romans 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

c. Therefore, He changes our Living - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Conclusion: The seal of God’s foundation rests in faith and salvation of His children. Salvation is a firm and immovable foundation upon which the believer securely stands. The natural man may try to change or discredit God’s Word but the truth of God’s Word is found in those who are saved!

The Importance of Church Attendance

Temple Baptist Church - 1-12-2014

Psalm 92

 

Introduction:

A. Last week, I preached on how to be planted in the house of the Lord. Most of you are planted. If you are not planted, then you need to get planted. Do not be a Special Occasion Plant, an Artificial Plant, or a Potted plant; be a Planted Plant! This week, I want to look at the importance of God’s house or the local church.

B. There has been a serious decline in church attendance in the past few decades and this decline is simply a fulfillment of Scripture. It has been prophesied that in the last days, there would be a falling away and we are certainly in the middle of it.

C. The “form of godliness” has permeated the ranks of the professing believers with little or no conviction or desire for holiness of life.

D. Most churches are fairly full on Sunday morning, but the Sunday night and Wednesday night crowds have dwindled to the point of calling off services. “As the manner of some is” has become the rule instead of the exception with more and more of the once faithful now either slack in their faithfulness or completely out of church. My Bible still says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. “ (Matthew 18:20)

E. The Importance of God’s House. The phrase “The house of the Lord” is used 213 X in the Bible. The phrase “house of God” is used 87X in the Bible. That is a total of 300 references. This does not include other references such as “temple” and “tabernacle.” God’s house is a place of great importance. Our Lord called it “My house!”

Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

1. The Emphasis of God’s House - Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Why the emphasis?

a) It is a place of rallying when you are down.

b) It is a place of relying when you are devastated.

c) It is a place of renewing when you are defiled.

d) It is a place of revival when you are defeated.

2. The Excitement of God’s House - Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

3. The Encouragement of God’s House - Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

Psalms 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

4. The Enrichment of God’s House - Matthew 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

F. Here are just a few thoughts on why we need to be planted in a local church.

1. The local church is a divine requirement which must not be forsaken: Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

2. The local church is the divine institution of truth: 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

3. The local church is the primary place to fellowship with God’s people: Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

4. The local church is the place where believers are to meet corporately with the Lord and worship Him in the ordinances: 1 Corinthians 11:20, 26 When ye come together therefore into one place…For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come”

5. The local church is the only institution that God gave the gifts of Evangelists and Pastor-Teachers: Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.

6. The local church is the place where saints can receive divinely authorized feeding and spiritual care: Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

7. The local church is the only means by which one can biblically exercise financial stewardship: Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Some Consequences Of Not Studying

Temple Baptist Church - 1-5-2014

2 Timothy 2:16-18

 

Introduction:

A. Before Christmas, I spent several nights on the subject of studying God’s Word. Failing to “rightly divide the word of truth” has consequences.

B. Bro. Bob Harrington used the title “Consequences” not long ago when filling the pulpit for me. Things have consequences, either good or bad, and so does either studying or not studying the Bible. Good consequences when we study and, therefore, rightly divide the Word of Truth and bad ones when we do not.

C. The Results of failure to obey vs 15 are great! So many once good churches are not either in shambles or so worldly that our spiritual forefathers have probably “rolled over in their graves.” Few churches are both doctrinally pure and stand firm in the Old Paths wherein is the good way.

D. Our text shows a consequence of such failure: doctrinal impurity. Two men are named in verse 17 that caused doctrinal division. I would hate to have my name immortalized in such fashion! Along with Nehemiah, I want to be remembered for good.

1. There Needs To Be Recognition Of Doctrinal Impurity - vs 15

a. Recognition Comes Through The Word of The Scripture - 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

b. Recognition Comes Through The Witness of The Spirit - John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

2. There Needs To Be Realization Of Doctrinal Impurity - vs 16

a. Doctrinal Impurity Brings Sinfulness - vs 16

1) The Sin of Division - 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

2) The Sin of Doubt - Galatians 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

3) The Sin of Defilement

a) Profane Babblings

b) Vain Babblings

b. Doctrinal Impurity Brings Confusion

1) Doctrinal Impurity Confuses Our Congregation - 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

2) Doctrinal Impurity Confuses Our Converts - Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

3) Doctrinal Impurity Confuses Our Children - Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

c. Doctrinal Impurity Brings Destruction

2 Peter 2:1-2 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

3. There Needs To Be Removal Of Doctrinal Impurity - vs 15-16

a. Rightly Dividing Of Scriptures - vs 15

(which leads to)

b. Rightly Discerning Of False Doctrine- vs 16

Continue In Prayer

Temple Baptist Church - 1-1-2014

Colossians 4:2-4

 

Introduction:

A. We are commanded to pray corporately. One of the foremost essentials of the both the believer and the local church is that of prayer.

Matthew 21:13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

B. We, here at Temple Baptist Church, pray often. We have prayer meeting each Saturday night at 6:00 PM. We take prayer requests before Sunday School begins and we pray. We take requests and we pray in men and ladies’ prayer rooms before the service. We pray to begin each service. We pray several times in the process of the service and dismiss each service in prayer.

C. Do we pray for the power of God and His blessings upon us or do we pray out of ritual? That is where we find the Jews at the Temple in the days of Christ. Pray should never be a formality but communion with our heavenly Father!

1. I find in our verse for tonight a perilous possibility: ceasing to pray. We work things out in our own strength and wisdom. One of the problems that we face today is that we are good at “religion.” We know “how” to do things; we are organized and our worship services have become liturgical instead of spiritual: form without “fire!”

2. I fear that prayer in the churches in general has also become liturgical.

Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

3. I am not saying that we should not continue to ask for things when we pray.

Luke 18:2-8 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: (3) And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. (4) And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; (5) Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. (6) And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. (7) And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? (8) I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

4. We often hear people reciting the Model Prayer in unison and I am not totally opposed to it but it was given simply given to the disciples as a model of how to pray. Is is erroneously called “The Lord’s Prayer” by most but the Lord’s Prayer is found in John 17 when our Lord Jesus Christ prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.

D. We are to pray individually. Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

E. It is important that we spend time in pray both in our “prayer closet” and “without ceasing!”

Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

F. Paul said to “continue in prayer.” This expresses the possibility of God’s people ceasing to pray. Prayer is a privilege and answered pray is a blessing!

1. People do not get their prayers answered because they simply do not ask! James 4:2b … ye have not, because ye ask not.

2. People do not get their prayers answered because they ask them selfishly! James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

3. People do not get their prayers answered because they do not believe God! Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

4. People do not get their prayers answered because they give up! Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

5. People so not get their prayers answered because they are not seeking God’s will! 1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

6. People do not get their prayers answered because of sinfulness! Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: (2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Psalms 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

7. People do not get their prayers answered because of a wrong marital relationship! 1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

8. People do not get their prayers answered because of they are lost! Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

G. Some aspects of our prayer life:

1. Prayer is to be personal. Everyone needs to spend time in prayer. I cannot over emphasize this! Prayer is our channel to God and what a privilege it is. It is prayer that keeps us in tune with God and also the channel through which God’s blessings flow. Sinful man in a personal relationship with a thrice holy God! As the high priest of the Old Testament entered into the Holy of Holies once a year with the blood of atonement and the burning incense, we now have moment by moment access into the Holy of Holies through the shed and applied blood of Christ which remains eternally on the Mercy Seat in heaven. We have audience with God the Father through eternal Priesthood of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!

Matthew 14:23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Genesis 32:24, 29 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day ... (29) And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

2. Prayer is to be honest. Too often, our praying is either asking or thanking. Both of these things are important but, as often as not, we do not get what we want in the time frame that we want it. Life is hard because problems are a way of life. When we fail to honestly tell God what is in our hearts, we become as the Pharisee in Luke 18 who “prayed thus with himself!” God knows our thoughts afar off and we pray without expressing these feelings, disappointments, discouragements, failures, and cares. We are to be reverent with God and at the same time straightforward in our honesty.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

3. Prayer is to be focused. We are to pray specifically. There needs to be more than just words in our prayers. Praying is to be specific! Prayer needs the aspects of confession, worship, thanksgiving, supplications, asking for needs, and guidance. God desires our confession and worship; God is interested in our smallest as well as our greatest needs. He wants us to cast all our cares upon Him for He careth for us!

Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

4. Prayer is to be regular. There should be specific times of Closet Prayer. I will deal with continual prayer in a minute or so but Closet Prayer is different. We are to worship God throughout the day but God, in His ultimate wisdom, set aside times of special worship in His House! These times of special worship are to be enjoyed by the saint, not endured. The Psalmist said, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.”

Psalms 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

5. Prayer is to be continual. Our prayer life is to be one of moment by moment, not just at certain times of the day. I used the object lesson of church worship a few minutes ago because it drives home both the point of Closet Praying and also praying without ceasing. We are to love God, talk to God, and worship God throughout our day. The Psalmist spoke of “sweet counsel together” and that is what continual praying is all about. If we pray constantly, then we walk holy before God, with God, and for God.

Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

6. Prayer is to be expectant. We are to pray believing. Every one of us knows that God is loving to His children and also able to perform any task for us. One of the greatest problems with our believing is that of God’s will and timing. We ask and expect instant receiving and many times this is not the case. Just look at the “how long” praying of men and women after God’s own heart such as David and Hannah, the widow before the unjust judge. Acceptance of both God’s will and God’s timing is an important part of our praying.

Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Luke 11:11-13 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? (12) Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (13) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

7. Prayer is to be communal. A man once said that the most important 15 minutes of our prayer life is when we become silent before God and allow Him to speak to our hearts. Communion is a two-way street of both speaking and listening. Too many times, we “carry” the conversation and fail to allow others to speak. Have you ever talked to someone who would not allow you to “get a word in edgewise?” Even when you are speaking to someone like that, they are not listening because they are thinking of what they are going to say next. Communal praying is seeking a personal communion with God.

Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

2 Samuel 12:16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.

8. Prayer is to be spiritual. Jude 20 says, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” The Spirit of God lives within us and directs us in our prayer life which “builds” us in several ways. He matures us; He directs us; He assures us; and He leads us into a proper relationship with our heavenly Father. He teaches us to pray properly and throughly.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

1 Corinthians 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

H. Now to the askance of the continued prayer: Paul was asking this church to pray for him! Here, we once again find the importance of praying for God’s man. Though these people had never met Paul, he was desiring their prayers. I believe that we need to pray for God’s men everywhere. They may not be our pastor or missionary but they are someone’s. Satan is busy attacking God’s men for a reason:

Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

It is important not only to pray for God’s men but to also know how to pray for them. Here are a few things to pray for.

1. Pray for the pastor’s Person or Purity. Philippians 1:18-21 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. (19) For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (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. (21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

2. Pray for the pastor’s Protection - Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

3. Pray for the pastor’s Boldness - Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (19) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

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

5. Pray for the pastor’s Deliverance – 2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

Romans 15:30-32 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; (31) That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; (32) That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

6. Pray for the pastor’s Fruitfulness - 2 Corinthians 1:9-11 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: (10) Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; (11) Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

7. Pray for the pastor’s Opportunity - Colossians 4:3-4 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (4) That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

8. Pray for the pastor’s Needs - Philemon 22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren, pray for us.