sf1035 - Lessons In Prayer (Romans 15 30-33)
Romans 15:30-33
Introduction
Paul often prayed for others and he often requested prayer for himself.
In the text before us we see an example of both. Paul requests prayer for himself and he offers a prayer for the Romans. I doing he provides for us some important lessons in praying.
1A. Prayer is Energized by the Lord (15:30a)
Our mutual relationship with Christ and love for the Holy Spirit is the basis of our praying for one another!
2A. Prayer is Difficult (15:30b)
Strive – to struggle or fight, originally used in athletic events (wrestling).
Prayer is a spiritual battleground
Our flesh – old programming
Romans 7:23 (NASB) 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
Sin and evil (Ephesians 6:11-18)
We often simply do not know how to pray
Our knowledge of God is lacking.
Romans 8:26-27 (NASB) 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.
3A. Prayer is Effective (15:31-32)
James 5:16 (NASB) 16 …The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Paul ask them to pray for three things…
His safety (15:31a)
Paul was going to face the unbelieving (disobedient) Jews in Jerusalem, who he knew wanted him dead.
He had already suffered many things.
2 Corinthians 11:23-25 (NASB) 23 Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.
His success (15:31b)
Paul wanted the gift for the saints in Jerusalem to be accepted.
His satisfaction (15:32)
Paul’s overwhelming desire was to fulfill God’s will, no matter the personal cost!
4A. Prayer is Necessary
If God is sovereign is it really necessary or advisable for us to pray?
“Prayer is like preaching in that it is a human act also. It is a human act that God has ordained and which he delights in because it reflects the dependence of his creatures upon Him. He has promised to respond to prayer, and his response is just as contingent upon our prayer as our prayer is in accordance with his will. "And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us" (I John 5:14). When we don't know how to pray according to God's will but desire it earnestly, "the Spirit of God intercedes for us according to the will of God" (Romans 8:27).
In other words, just as God will see to it that His Word is proclaimed as a means to saving the elect, so He will see to it that all those prayers are prayed which He has promised to respond to. …Even our prayers are a gift from the one who "works in us that which is pleasing in his sight" (Hebrews 13:21). Oh, how grateful we should be that He has chosen us to be employed in this high service! How eager we should be to spend much time in prayer!”
John Piper
5A. Prayer is to be Mutual (15:33)
Peace with God
Colossians 1:19-20 (NASB) 19 For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
Romans 8:15-17 (NASB) 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Peace of God
Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB) 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace with one another
Ephesians 2:14-15 (NASB) 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace