Riches of: Powerful Persistent Prayer
Sufficency of Christ: Book of Ephesians • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 35:10
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Check your gear!
Check your gear!
From basic training (learning to become a Christian) to advanced infantry training (learning to mature in Christ) to putting everything in place so you may be a good solider in the Lord’s army. So first we need to check our gear.
Relationships in order (marriage, child, father, slave, master) Eph5:21-6:9
Unity in place Eph4:1-6
The unity of the One’s; One body, Spirit, Hope, Lord, Faith, Baptism, God who is over all and is in all and is all.
Unity of the Spirit which unites us and we we unite to protect as the Lord’s army
Have your orders and understanding Eph5:2-2, 8, 15-21
You have your orders to walk as imitators of Christ, walking in love, walking in light, walking carefully and deliberately.
Tools, equipment, gear provided Eph6:13-17
Our belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, our helmet of salvation, our feet shod in gospel, our trusty sword- the Word of God.
(insert picture of armor of God already saved on computer)
This brings us to a final tool needed for our armor, prayer, and we know there is power in fervent prayer and prayer needs to be persistent and consistent.
Battles take warriors, both on the front line and the supply line. The front line the missionaries and the prayer warriors on the supply line supplying the prayer cover those in the trenches need.
(insert picture battle with Amalakites already saved on computer)
In Exodus 17:8-16 is the story of Moses, Joshua and the battle with the Amalakites with some good friends named Aaron and Hurt to help along the way
While Joshua was on the front line, Moses was on the prayer line. Prayer was the power that brought victory in that case. Prayer is the power we need to have victory over the spiritual battles we face.
Power of Prayer
Power of Prayer
Paul tells us not just about the power of prayer but the manner of prayer so as to have victory that defeats Satan.
18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
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Prayer is not about the number of words, but the consistence of prayer (Mt6:7; 1The5:17; Mt26:41)
Prayer is about praying with all prayers (Php4:6; 1Tim2:1)
Prayer we can have assisted power in prayer, the Spirit (Rom8:26-27)
Prayer, always be on the alert in prayer (Neh4:9; Mk13:33; Mk14:38)
Prayer takes perseverance (Act1:4; Act6:4; Rom12:12)
Prayer takes devotion (Act12:2-3, 5-12)
Prayer, don’t forget to pray for others (1Sam12:23; Eph6:19-20; Col4:3)
Prayer proof it is effective (Act28:30-31; Php1:12; Php4:22)
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Prayer is not about the number of words, but the consistence of prayer (Mt6:7; 1The5:17; Mt26:41)
7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.
Not repetitiously or without meaning (heart)
Another way is how Paul told it to the Thessalonians
17 pray without ceasing;
Not about praying every second, but being in constant communication with God throughout the day, it is keeping the prayer line open.
Remember is we are always open to temptation, our spirit is willing, our flesh is weak as it says in Mt26:41
We don’t want to get hit with a surprise attack by Satan because you are not prayed up! Pray without ceasing, keep the communication line, prayer line open!
Prayer is about praying with all prayers (Php4:6; 1Tim2:1)
There are different kinds of prayers let me show you a few of the named types
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
You have prayer, supplication, thanksgiving
Then add to that
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,
You have entreaties, petitions and thanksgiving for others
Having said that, let me elaborate more on these types of prayers
Prayers: This is praying, asking for things; The Lord’s prayer is an example in singular fashion asking God for his provision and protection over you.
Supplication: This is the spiritual requests, it is seeking the power of God to accomplish the will of God in and through you.
Thanksgiving: This is just as it sounds, says, it is giving thanks to God for His provision and His protection. Thanking Him for all the blessings you have in your life. Yes, this has to include the suffering you go through too.
Entreaties: This is making a humble and earnest request of God
Petitions and thanksgiving for others: Don’t miss out, we are to pray for others, to petition for one another.
This is how we cover each other in prayer and don’t we all need prayer cover? This is how we join with the missionaries, with those on our prayer list and those who serve God here and other places, where we are united in petitions for one another with thanksgiving.
Prayer we can have assisted power in prayer, the Spirit (Rom8:26-27)
The Spirit knows the heart of God and the will of God even when we don’t or can’t put our prayers into words. The Spirit will intercede for us.
26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Prayers are to be in line with the will of God. And in reality we don’t always know God’s will, so the Spirit will intercede for us for He knows the heart of God and the heart of man.
So pray always, pray with all prayers, pray in the spirit, now that brings us to our next sub point here about types of prayer.
Prayer, always be on the alert in prayer (Neh4:9; Mk13:33; Mk14:38)
Nehemiah set up a watch
9 But we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night.
They were on the alert day and night as the rebuilt the wall. How about when Jesus told Peter, James and John to be on the alert?
33 “Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.
We know we need to pray to have victory over the world, and the flesh.
38 “Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Don’t forget be on the alert for we are battling Satan and his fiery darts (Eph6:16). We need the power, we need the Spirits power to take our prayers to the Lord in accordance with God’s will.
So prayer takes perseverance, keep on keeping on.
Prayer takes perseverance (Act1:4; Act6:4; Rom12:12)
Like the apostles, we need to be continually devoted
4 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me;
Rejoicing, persevering and devoted
12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
Devoted is to persevere is it not. It is praying without ceasing, it is persistent like the widow and the unjust judge that Jesus mentioned in Lk18:1-8.
Persistence in prayer is not praying for our will to be done in heaven, it is praying for God’s will to be done on earth.
It is being devoted, even when being delivered up or arrested
Prayer takes devotion (Act12:2-3, 5-12)
2 And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword. 3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread.
James would be executed
Peter was arrested too and kept in prison (v.5) but that was not the end of the story.
5 So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God. 6 On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison.
7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”
9 And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” 12 And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
So on the night when Peter was going to be killed, the prayer warriors were at work and God delivered him. They were praying for Peter and God heard the prayers and sent an angel to deliver Peter.
So we cannot forget to pray for others.
Prayer, don’t forget to pray for others (1Sam12:23; Eph6:19-20; Col4:3)
May we continue as we do to lift up our prayers for others consistently and persistently and unceasingly
23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way.
and I have not forgotten we are working in Ephesians; look what Paul asked for prayer for!
19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Not for release from prison; but release from spiritual chains
Prayers for boldness to share, speak the gospel
Prayers about what to speak
3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;
Prayer for open door; and in case you are looking for some proof of the results of fervent prayer
Prayer proof it is effective (Act28:30-31; Php1:12; Php4:22)
30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.
He had asked for prayer for boldness. open door and what to say, looks like that happened.
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
Paul knew even in prison it furthered the gospel; and in unlikely places too
22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
So yes, there is great riches in powerful persistent prayer.
We have not reached the end of Ephesians yet there is the final exhortation from Paul and let’s cover that before we go.
Final Exhortation
Final Exhortation
Peace, peace, God’s peace. Paul finish’s off this cyclical letter in imparting grace and peace to the church. He had reminded them, encouraged them, instructed them, challenged them, now one final exhortation before signing off.
21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.
23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.
So, Paul, the ambassador in chains (v.20) wants the church to know just a little more.
Paul sends Tychicus with the message from Paul (v.21)
Tychicus also brought the message to the Colossi (Col4:7)
Tychicus was a comfort to Paul, a companion to Paul, was trusted by Paul and now sent to them with the letter
Tychicus was sent with more than the letter, but with the heart of Paul too.
Paul sent Tychicus with a purpose (v.22)
Sent with Paul’s heart to bring comfort to them.
Paul was in prison but wanted to bring them comfort. Paul was in chains, but wanted them to be free from worry about him.
Paul’s closing and final encouragement (vv.23-24)
And in usual fashion Paul wanted them to have peace, love and faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Reminding them of the grace that those who are the Lord’s have and that it is incorruptible!
I don’t want you to think I forgot that we have been talking about the last piece of armament for the battle ready warrior in the Lord’s army. First before putting on that battle gear we need to put on Jesus.
(insert invitation slide: Put on Jesus; already saved on computer)
May we always remember to put on Jesus:
For Jesus is our belt of Truth (Jn14:6)
He is our breastplate of righteousness (Rom13:14)
He is our shield of faith (Heb12:20)
And the captain of our salvation (Heb2:10)
He is the Word that became flesh (Jn1:14)
Satan the accuser is there, everyday. Some of his accusations can be true, we can be judgmental, we can be hypocritical, we can have sinful thoughts, and even behaviors at time. But we need to remember our victory is found in Jeus Christ who died on the cross for us.
It is not taking a stand in anything we have done, but taking a stand in what Christ has done for us.
God’s answer to our guilty conscience is Jesus, sending Him to the cross for us
Our confessing, repenting, praying, serving are good, but what Christ did is what saves us. It’s not by our works we are saved, but His.
Jesus said “it is finished” and He meant it.
When you feel overwhelmed, if you feel overwhelmed, if you feel guilty, broken, worthless, discouraged or dismayed, those are tools of Satan the deceiver, remember Jesus is the answer to Satan's deception.
Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might (Eph6:10) for when we do, we can withstand the the schemes of the devil!
Invitation: (Invitation slide 2) song (exit slide) prayer