Title: Are we praying in such a way to show real faith in God?
1Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- Jesus raised this possibility in a parable about
prayer. (Lk 181-8)
2Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- Luke 181-8 (NKJV) Then He spoke a parable to
them, that men always ought to pray and not lose
heart, 2 saying There was in a certain city a
judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now
there was a widow in that city and she came to
him, saying, Get justice for me from my
adversary.
3Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- 4 And he would not for a while but afterward he
said within himself, Though I do not fear God
nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles
me I will avenge her, lest by her continual
coming she weary me.
4Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- 6 Then the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge
said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect
who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears
long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge
them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man
comes, will He really find faith on the earth?
5Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- What if the answer to the question in verse 8 was
no. Does this mean there would be no one
confessing Christ?
6Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- We can allow the immediate demands of this life
to crowd out real prayer.
7Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- We can allow the immediate demands of this life
to crowd out real prayer. - What does this have to do with prayer?
8Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- We can allow the immediate demands of this life
to crowd out real prayer. - What does this have to do with prayer?
- If a man does not pray, he does not have faith.
(Jas 217-18)
9Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- We can allow the immediate demands of this life
to crowd out real prayer. - What does this have to do with prayer?
- If a man does not pray, he does not have faith.
(Jas 217-18)
10Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- (James 217-18 NKJV) Thus also faith by itself,
if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But
someone will say, You have faith, and I have
works. Show me your faith without your works,
and I will show you my faith by my works.
11Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- Will a man be lost for not praying?
12Are we praying in such a way to show real faith
in God?
- Will a man be lost for not praying?
- Years ago brother Homer Hailey made this comment
"If I had to come to one criticism of God's
people today, it would be our failure to pray as
we ought."
13We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- What does it mean to trust God? (Heb 116)
14We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- (Hebrews 116 NKJV) But without faith it is
impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God
must believe that He is, and that He is a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
15We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- We pray to a personal God and not just a force.
(1 Kgs 1914)
16We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- (1 Kings 1914 NKJV) And he said, I have been
very zealous for the LORD God of hosts because
the children of Israel have forsaken Your
covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your
prophets with the sword. I alone am left and
they seek to take my life.
17We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- What is prayer? In essence it is talking with God.
18We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- Do you rush to talk at length with a friend about
your problems but only say a few sentences to God?
19We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- Do you rush to talk at length with a friend about
your problems but only say a few sentences to
God? - We will have a hard time understanding the great
power in a prayer of faith. (Eph 320)
20We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- (Ephesians 320 NKJV) Now to Him who is able to
do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that works in
us,
21We pray to a God in whom we trust.
22We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- He is able to do
- above all that we ask or think
23We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- He is able to do
- above all that we ask or think
- abundantly above all that we ask or think
24We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- He is able to do
- above all that we ask or think
- abundantly above all that we ask or think
- exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or
think
25We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- He is able to do
- above all that we ask or think
- abundantly above all that we ask or think
- exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or
think - When we realize this is God speaking then this is
hard to grasp.
26We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- The Bible contrasts those who Christianity is
only the outward form verses the heart of genuine
faith.
27We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- The Bible contrasts those who Christianity is
only the outward form verses the heart of genuine
faith. - We can have the form without power. (2 Tim 35)
28We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- (2 Timothy 35 NKJV) having a form of godliness
but denying its power. And from such people turn
away!
29We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- Or we can allow God's power to be used through
us. (1 Thess 213)
30We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- (1 Thessalonians 213 NKJV) For this reason we
also thank God without ceasing, because when you
received the word of God which you heard from us,
you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it
is in truth, the word of God, which also
effectively works in you who believe.
31We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- Today people will pay thousands of dollars for
access to the president. What about access to
God! (1 Jn 514-15)
32We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- (1 John 514-15 NKJV) Now this is the
confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask
anything according to His will, He hears us. 15
And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we have
asked of Him.
33We pray to a God in whom we trust.
- Our prayers will make a difference.
34We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- It is possible to "faint", "lack courage"
concerning our effort in prayer.
35We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- It is possible to "faint", "lack courage"
concerning our effort in prayer. - What would a person think when they lose heart?
36We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- It is possible to "faint", "lack courage"
concerning our effort in prayer. - What would a person think when they lose heart?
- Some have never been taught to pray in a proper
manner.
37We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- It is possible to "faint", "lack courage"
concerning our effort in prayer. - What would a person think when they lose heart?
- Some have never been taught to pray in a proper
manner. - The example of Jesus stimulated his apostles to
ask to be taught about prayer. (Lk 111)
38We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (Luke 111 NKJV) Now it came to pass, as He was
praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that
one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us
to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
39We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- Jesus prayed at His baptism in the beginning of
His ministry. (Lk 321)
40We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (Luke 321 NKJV) When all the people were
baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was
baptized and while He prayed, the heaven was
opened.
41We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- Jesus at times prayed all night. (Lk 612)
42We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (Luke 612 NKJV) Now it came to pass in those
days that He went out to the mountain to pray,
and continued all night in prayer to God.
43We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- Jesus prayed three times in the course of one
hour. (Mt 2636-44)
44We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (Matthew 2636-44 NKJV) Then Jesus came with
them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to
the disciples, Sit here while I go and pray over
there. 37 And He took with Him Peter and the
two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful
and deeply distressed.
45We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- 38 Then He said to them, My soul is
exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here
and watch with Me. 39 He went a little farther
and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My
Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from
Me nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.
46We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- 40 Then He came to the disciples and found
them asleep, and said to Peter, What? Could you
not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray,
lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed
is willing, but the flesh is weak.
47We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- 42 Again, a second time, He went away and
prayed, saying, O My Father, if this cup cannot
pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be
done. 43 And He came and found them asleep
again, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So He left
them, went away again, and prayed the third time,
saying the same words.
48We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- For many this kind of praying in unknown, why?
49We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- Because they fail to distinguish between public
prayer and private prayer. What is the purpose of
a public prayer.
50We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- Because they fail to distinguish between public
prayer and private prayer. What is the purpose of
a public prayer. - There are several concerns about the motive and
manner of a public prayer. (Mt 65-7)
51We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (Matthew 65-7 NKJV) And when you pray, you
shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love
to pray standing in the synagogues and on the
corners of the streets, that they may be seen by
men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their
reward.
52We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room,
and when you have shut your door, pray to your
Father who is in the secret place and your
Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7 And when you pray, do not use vain
repetitions as the heathen do. For they think
that they will be heard for their many words.
53We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- Sadly many Christians repeat in their private
prayer the same kind of prayer they hear in
public. Why is this lacking?
54We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- Sadly many Christians repeat in their private
prayer the same kind of prayer they hear in
public. Why is this lacking? - What kind of things should we mention in private
prayer that would be inappropriate in public
prayer?
55We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- Sadly many Christians repeat in their private
prayer the same kind of prayer they hear in
public. Why is this lacking? - What kind of things should we mention in private
prayer that would be inappropriate in public
prayer? - How did the apostles view the importance of
prayer?
56We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- Sadly many Christians repeat in their private
prayer the same kind of prayer they hear in
public. Why is this lacking? - What kind of things should we mention in private
prayer that would be inappropriate in public
prayer? - How did the apostles view the importance of
prayer? - What did they say came first? (Acts 64)
57We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (Acts 64 NKJV) but we will give ourselves
continually to prayer and to the ministry of the
word.
58We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- Consider the churches Paul prayed for. (Rom 19
1 Cor 14 Phil 13-4 Col 13,9 1 Thess 12)
59We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (Romans 19 NKJV) For God is my witness, whom I
serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son,
that without ceasing I make mention of you always
in my prayers,
60We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (1 Corinthians 14 NKJV) I thank my God always
concerning you for the grace of God which was
given to you by Christ Jesus,
61We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (Philippians 13-4 NKJV) I thank my God upon
every remembrance of you, 4 always in every
prayer of mine making request for you all with
joy,
62We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (Colossians 13 NKJV) We give thanks to the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying
always for you,
63We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (Colossians 19 NKJV) For this reason we also,
since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray
for you, and to ask that you may be filled with
the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and
spiritual understanding
64We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (1 Thessalonians 12 NKJV) We give thanks to
God always for you all, making mention of you in
our prayers,
65We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- Consider some of the individuals Paul prayed for.
(2 Tim 13 Philemon 4)
66We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (2 Timothy 13 NKJV) I thank God, whom I serve
with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as
without ceasing I remember you in my prayers
night and day,
67We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- (Philemon 14 NKJV) I thank my God, making
mention of you always in my prayers,
68We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- These are just some of whom he wrote! How many
others did Paul pray for?
69We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- These are just some of whom he wrote! How many
others did Paul pray for? - This was not just a general statement "for all
whom is our duty to pray.
70We ought to always pray and not to lose heart.
- These are just some of whom he wrote! How many
others did Paul pray for? - This was not just a general statement "for all
whom is our duty to pray. - Paul did not pray like this in a public assembly!
71What if we apply this material?
- We will begin asking like never before. (Jas
41-3)
72What if we apply this material?
- (James 41-3 NKJV) Where do wars and fights
come from among you? Do they not come from your
desires for pleasure that war in your members?
2 You lust and do not have. You murder and
covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet
you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You
ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss,
that you may spend it on your pleasures.
73What if we apply this material?
- We may have to build our faith and our endurance!
74What if we apply this material?
- We may have to build our faith and our endurance!
- We will likely begin taking notes.
75What if we apply this material?
- We may have to build our faith and our endurance!
- We will likely begin taking notes.
- Consider some possible list.
76What if we apply this material?
- We may have to build our faith and our endurance!
- We will likely begin taking notes.
- Consider some possible list.
- Find out about home studies and pray for them.
77What if we apply this material?
- We may have to build our faith and our endurance!
- We will likely begin taking notes.
- Consider some possible list.
- Find out about home studies and pray for them.
- Pray for the preachers we support by name.
78What if we apply this material?
- We may have to build our faith and our endurance!
- We will likely begin taking notes.
- Consider some possible list.
- Find out about home studies and pray for them.
- Pray for the preachers we support by name.
- Pray for everyone in your class by name.
79What if we apply this material?
- Pray for everyone in the church by name.
80What if we apply this material?
- Pray for those who teach.
81What if we apply this material?
- Pray for those who teach.
- Is there a greater value in many praying? Yes!
(Eph 618-20 Col 43-4 2 Cor 111)
82What if we apply this material?
- (2 Corinthians 111 NKJV) you also helping
together in prayer for us, that thanks may be
given by many persons on our behalf for the gift
granted to us through many.
83What if we apply this material?
- (Ephesians 618-20 NKJV) praying always with
all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being
watchful to this end with all perseverance and
supplication for all the saints 19 and for me,
that utterance may be given to me, that I may
open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of
the gospel,
84What if we apply this material?
- 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains that
in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
85What if we apply this material?
- (Colossians 43-4 NKJV) meanwhile praying also
for us, that God would open to us a door for the
word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I
am also in chains, 4 that I may make it
manifest, as I ought to speak.
86What if we apply this material?
- What if we begin applying our faith? (Eph 320)
87What if we apply this material?
- (Ephesians 320 NKJV) Now to Him who is able to
do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that works in
us,
88What if we apply this material?
- Here is an interesting conversation between a
Swedish peasant woman and her persistent visitor.
89What if we apply this material?
- Does your son in America never send you any
money?" was asked of a poverty-stricken old
Swedish woman. "Never!" was the bitter answer "He
writes often and speaks of sending money, but
never a bit have I seen from him. I am getting
old and poor and soon I must die or go to the
poorhouse. Yet he is rich and prosperous. Such is
the ingratitude of children!
90What if we apply this material?
- "Is there never anything in the letters?" asked
the persistent visitor. Oh, yes, he always sends
pictures but I do not need pictures I need
money."Have you saved those pictures?"They
are all pasted on the wall in my bedroom. Would
you like to see them?
91What if we apply this material?
- "Certainly," answered the visitor. When she
looked into the bare little room she saw pasted
on the walls a small fortune in American paper
money.She had a room full of money but she
failed to see its value. The very presence of
this gift suggested that someone loved her and
cared for her though that one lived in another
land.