PRAYING FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH Lesson 1 GOALS FOR THE CLASS
Who would want to sign up becomes evident when you for a class on prayer? (Well, go outside the family or obviously, you would!) But church to listen to others why? What do you hope gain pray. You’ll hear distinct and from this class? peculiar phrases or idioms that may sound strange and Learning to Pray unusual. Prayer. On the surface, While the choice of specific nothing could seem more words and phrases is largely natural or simple. Prayer is inconsequential, the content simply our way of talking to of prayer is not. In other God, right? Why spend words, while it doesn’t thirteen lessons to learn how matter if we pray using the to do that? Old English words and As simple as prayer may phrases (“thee” and “thy” seem, it is something we instead of “you” and “your”), must learn. Consider a it does matter if we pray passage from Luke: biblically sound prayers. What I mean by biblically Now it came to pass, sound prayers are prayers as He was praying in that reflect the values and a certain place, when ideals of the Bible? Sadly, He ceased, that one many of our prayers are not of His disciples said sound. They reflect our to Him, “Lord, teach values more than they do us to pray, as John God’s. also taught his disciples.” (11:1) Perhaps we need better tutors. Instead of just Jesus then gave them what listening to each other to many refer to as the “Lord’s learn how to pray, we should Prayer” (more accurately His turn to biblical prayers and model for prayer). The point use them as models. There is when Jesus was asked are many to choose from. about how to pray He didn’t The Psalms are invaluable, as turn to His disciples and say, are other recorded prayers in “I don’t have to teach you the Old Testament. Of how to pray. Just do it. course, you can’t do any You’re just talking to God.” better than the “Lord’s No, He taught them how to Prayer” as a template. But pray. some of the greatest treasures We learn to pray by hearing we have among the recorded others pray. Children learn prayers of the Bible are those by listening to their parents. Paul penned when writing in New converts learn from his letters. Next to Jesus, listening to those more Paul may be the most experienced. This truth spiritually minded man in the
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Bible. His prayers reflect his … but, speaking the values. We’ll study the truth in love, may prayers of Paul in this class grow up in all things and see how we can use them into Him who is the as patterns for our own head—Christ… prayers. (Eph. 4:15) Spiritual Growth We’re never going to come even close to the “measure of Of course, prayer is not an the stature of the fullness of end in itself. It is a means to Christ” if we don’t seek to an end. God doesn’t tell us to pray as Jesus did. And if the do something with no goal is to grow up “in all purpose in mind. There are things” into Christ, then great benefits to prayer, and prayer is a part of that. the greatest is spiritual growth. In this lesson we’re going to examine what true …till we all come to spirituality is and how it is the unity of the faith exercised. We’re going to see and of the knowledge how prayer is an absolutely of the Son of God, to vital discipline in helping us a perfect man, to the to recreate ourselves in the measure of the image of Christ. stature of the fullness of Christ… (Eph. 4:13) Learning to Pray 1) In what ways could you say prayer is a natural and intuitive action?
2) In what ways is prayer not natural or intuitive? Why must prayer be taught?
3) Is it true that we learn to pray by listening to each other? Have you noticed differences among different groups in the particular phrases that are used? Is there anything wrong with having peculiar “Embry Hills” phrases? What is the danger of this kind of imitation?
4) Where are the best models for prayer found? Give at least one example.
5) Read the following prayers from Paul. Jot down a brief note or two next to each commenting on how each prayer might serve as a pattern. (Don’t worry about
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going too deep now – we’re going to pick these prayers apart for 13 lessons!) a) Romans 15:30-33 b) Ephesians 1:15-23 c) Ephesians 3:14-21 d) Philippians 1:3-11 e) Colossians 1:9-14 f) 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 g) 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12
Spiritual Growth 6) How do you define true spirituality? Is there such a thing as false spirituality? Is spirituality so much defined by what you do or is more an attitude that affects what you do? (In other words, is a good person necessarily a spiritual person?)
7) Who is the standard for true spirituality (Eph. 4:13- 15)?
8) What are some ways (other than prayer) that we can exercise true spirituality? How does prayer make us more spiritual?
Special Assignment I would like for everyone to make out a prayer list (if you don’t already have one) and schedule time every day to pray for those people on your list.
Segment 5, 2005 Page 3 Maxson PRAYING FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH Lesson 2 CARNAL MOTIVES
Prayer leads to spiritual Pride likes to disguise itself. growth. It helps to strengthen Since pride is rooted in our faith, intensify our hope, selfishness, it does not want and deepen our love. In short, to be detected. Pride is ugly, prayer makes us more like and a selfish heart is very Jesus, which is the supreme concerned about goal of our lives (Eph. 1:3-4; appearances. The heart tells 4:13, 15; Rom. 8:29). itself, “If they know my true motives I’ll look bad… Try But is this automatic? Does to sound humble.” prayer necessarily lead to these things? If it were, But pride does this not only everyone who prays would for others, but for self as be growing spiritually, but well. We feel bad when we we all know many who pray are prideful, so we also seek that are not becoming more to disguise pride to ourselves. like Christ; in fact, they are (Our selfishness does not becoming less like Christ. want us to feel bad about Not all prayer leads to ourselves). spiritual growth. If we pray The desire for recognition is for carnal reasons the result common to all of us. We all will be carnality, not struggle with pride and spirituality. We will become selfishness. Our prayers can more like the world, not become a subtle way of Christ. So, our goal should showing off our spirituality. not just be to pray more, but If we’re not careful it can go to pray better. Let’s consider undetected because our pride some carnal approaches to feeds of the selfish high we prayer: get when we pray. Desire for Recognition Vain Repetition Woe to you, scribes Two men went up to and Pharisees, the temple to pray, hypocrites! For you one a Pharisee and devour widows’ the other a tax houses, and for a collector. The pretense make long Pharisee stood and prayers. (Mt. 23:14) prayed thus with This kind of prayer is hard to himself, “God, I detect. You can’t tell what a thank You that I am man’s motives are when he not like other men— prays. You don’t know if extortioners, unjust, he’s praying for show or not. adulterers, or even as And not only is it hard for this tax collector. I you to detect this, it’s hard fast twice a week; I for the one praying. give tithes of all that I possess.” And the
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tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast saying, “God be merciful to me a sinner!” I tell you, this man when down to his house justified rather than the other. (Lk. 18:9-14) What I want you to notice is that the tax collector’s prayer was effective even though it was short and simple. Effective prayer is not a matter of stringing the right words together. It’s not some magical incantation. Prayer is not a formulaic thing where we just put together all the right phrases to get what we want from God (see Mt 6:7- 13). Materialism You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. (Jas. 4:2- 3) God is not our genie in a bottle. He is not a vending machine. If we see prayer as our way to fulfill all our selfish desires, it will not lead us to greater faith, hope, and love. It will not make us more like Christ. This type of prayer only makes us more worldly (1 Jn. 2:15-17).
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Desire for Recognition 1) What does it mean to make “long prayers” for a “pretense” (Mt. 23:14)?
2) What does Jesus say the hypocrites love to do (Mt. 6:5)? Why do they love this? Is it possible to have this problem if you never lead public prayer? List some ways that we can do the same thing with our private prayer life.
3) What does Jesus say is the solution to this problem (Mt. 6:6)? How does this solve the problem of pride? Does this mean you cannot lead a public prayer or pray where others will see you praying? List practical ways to apply this admonition to us.
Vain Repetition 4) Why was the tax collector’s prayer more effective than the Pharisees’ (Lk. 18:9-14)? Was it because his prayer was eloquent?
5) Read Mt. 6:7-13. In what way were the heathen using vain repetition when they prayed (Mt. 6:7)? Why was this unnecessary (Mt. 6:8)? How does the model prayer Jesus gave contrast with the types of prayers the heathen prayed (Mt. 6:9-13)?
Materialism 6) Why do some not receive from God when they ask for things from Him (Jas. 4:3)? Give some examples of this kind of prayer.
7) How does the model prayer Jesus gave contrast with this kind of prayer (Mt. 6:9-13)?
8) How can materialism creep into our prayers without our being aware of it? How do we justify materialistic prayers in our minds?
Special Assignment This is just a reminder to keep praying for the people on the prayer list you’ve made. Keep your commitment to pray for these people every day. Make your prayer time each day a sacred time. Consider this God’s time.
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We are concerned about Enter into His gates achieving balance in many with areas of our lives. We want a thanksgiving, balanced diet, a balanced And into His courts exercise routine, a balance with praise. between work and family and Be thankful to Him, church and school and on and and bless His on the list goes. But what name. about prayer? Is balance For the LORD is important in our prayers? Is it good; possible for our prayers to be His mercy is out of balance? everlasting, And His truth In Luke 17:11-19 we read endures to all about ten men who were generations. lepers whom Jesus healed of (Psalm 100:4-5) their leprosy. And of those ten who were cleansed, do Confession you remember how many of them returned to thank Jesus? Confession of sin flows One. Only one of those who naturally from our thoughts had dramatically experienced about our Holy Father. When the wonderful grace of God we think of how righteous returned to “give glory to and pure and holy God is, it God” (v. 18). Many of us almost compels us to confess have the same problem. We how wicked and impure and ask a lot from God and unholy we are. After seeing receive much more than we God in a vision seated on His ask, but we give Him very throne in glory, being little glory for it in terms of heralded by the seraphim as thanks and praise in our the holy, holy, holy God, prayers. Isaiah said: To help you pray more Woe is me, for I am balanced prayers, here is a undone! pattern you can follow. It’s Because I am a man easy. Just remember ACTS of unclean lips, (Adoration, Confession, And I dwell in the Thanksgiving, Supplication). midst of a people of unclean lips; Adoration For my eyes of seen the King, Jesus’ model prayer began, The LORD of hosts. “Our Father in heaven, (Isaiah 6:5) hallowed be (or holy is) Your name.” It’s always good to Our heartfelt expressions of begin prayer with an praise and worship help us to expression of praise. see God more clearly and this produces godly sorrow in our
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hearts. We see how pitiful we Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. really are and we confess our 5:20). sins asking Him to forgive us. Supplication Thanksgiving Last of all, we make our requests known to our Father. Just as confession naturally So I say to you, ask, follows praise, thanksgiving and it will be given follows confession because to you; seek, and you we know our sins have been will find; knock, and forgiven. it will be opened to Oh, give thanks to you. For everyone the LORD, for He who asks receives, is good! and he who seeks For His mercy finds, and to him endures forever. who knocks it will be (Psalm 118:1) opened (Luke 11:9- 10). After we thank God for our forgiveness and all of our We are more likely to make spiritual blessings, we also spiritually minded thank God for our material supplications to God when blessings, “giving thanks we save this part of our always for all things to God prayer for last. By the time the Father in the name of our we come to this part we are in the right frame of mind. 1) What was the problem with nine of the ten lepers whom Jesus cleansed (Lk. 17:11-19)? Do we have that problem today? Why?
2) Of the four parts of prayer listed in the lesson (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication), which do you believe is the most neglected? Why?
3) Can following the form for prayer given in the lesson help us to be more balanced in prayer? Why? What problems could develop from becoming a slave to a certain pattern for prayer?
Adoration 4) What are some advantages to beginning with an expression of praise in prayer?
5) Make a list of God’s characteristics for which we should praise Him.
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Confession 6) Why would confession of sin naturally follow praise?
7) Make a list of some of the most common sins we commit.
8) What are some advantages of making specific confession verses generic confession? (Generic confession would be “Forgive me of my many sins” and specific confession would be “Forgive me for lying to my boss.”)
Thanksgiving 9) Why would thanksgiving naturally follow confession of sin?
10) Make a list of some of the things for which we should thank God.
11) What are the advantages of being specific in thanksgiving?
Supplication 12) What are the advantages of saving our requests for last?
Segment 4, 2008 Page 9 Maxson PRAYING FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH Lesson 4 THE FRAMEWORK OF PRAYER (2 Thess. 1:1-12)
Before we can understand the - Perseverance (4). specific prayers of Paul, we B. God’s vindication and need to examine the retribution (5-10). foundation for his prayers. Paul begins his prayer in 2 - Righteous judgment of Thess. 1:11 saying, God (5). “Therefore we also pray - Vindication of believers always for you…” Why did (6-7). he say, “Therefore?” One translation says, “With this in - Retribution on others (8- mind.” With what in mind? 10). He must be referring to Paul’s Prayer everything he has just said. He gave thanks (3-10) before A. Paul’s petitions (11). he made his petition (11-12). - God would count them It was what he said in his worthy of their calling thanksgiving which (11a). motivated him to make his supplication. In other words, - God might fulfill their verses 3-10 provide for us a good, faith-prompted framework of thought Paul purposes (11b). keeps in mind as he prays, a B. The goal Paul’s prayer framework that controls what (12). Paul prays for, and why. - The glory of Christ Below is a brief outline of (12a). the framework for Paul’s prayer and the prayer itself. - Their glory (12b). Paul’s Framework C. The ground of Paul’s prayer (12c – Grace). A. Paul’s thanksgiving for them (3-4). - Growing faith (3). - Abounding love (3).
Paul’s Framework A. Paul’s thanksgiving for them (3-4). 1) For what three things did Paul gave thanks (3-4)? Why?
2) Would you describe these things for which Paul gave thanks material or spiritual blessings? What does this say about Paul’s heart? If our expressions of thanksgiving
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seem to center only on things of a material nature, what does that say about our heart (Mt. 6:19-21; Col. 3:1-2)?
3) Application: Go over the church directory and thank God for individuals at Embry Hills. Be specific and thank God for what you’ve seen in different individuals, their faith, growth, patience, love, gifts, spirit, knowledge, unique talents, etc. Then expand the prayer to include Christians outside of the body here who have been a special blessing to you.
B. God’s vindication and retribution (5-10). 4) How did the tribulations they were enduring demonstrate God’s righteous judgment? (5, see also Mt. 5:11-12; Acts 5:41; Jas. 1:4-5, 12; 1 Pet. 4:12)?
5) When would these suffering saints be vindicated? (6-7, see also 1 Cor. 1:7; 16:22; Rev. 22:20; 2 Pet. 3:12; Rev. 6:9- 11)
6) What will come at the same time when the saints are vindicated? (8-10)
7) How do you think this knowledge of God’s vindication and retribution help shape Paul’s prayer? If these thoughts formed his mental framework, do you believe his supplications would be more physically based or spiritually based?
Paul’s Prayer A. Paul’s petitions (11). 8) What was Paul’s first petition for them? (11a) What is this “calling”? (Rom. 8:29-30; 1 Cor. 1:18, 22-24) Is this an appeal or is it a prayer? Is he urging them to try harder or is he praying for God’s help?
9) The NIV translates the second petition in this way: “by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by faith.” J. B. Phillips translated it this
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way: “by His power may fulfill all your good intentions and every effort of faith.” What are these good purposes and acts of faith? What specifically might Paul have in mind?
B. The goal Paul’s prayer (12). 10) What was the end of all of this? When Paul prayed that God would help them to walk worthy of their calling and that God would bless their works of faith, what did he hope would be achieved? (12 – two things)
C. The ground of Paul’s prayer (12). 11) How could Paul hope for all of this being accomplished? (According to what?)
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You cannot read through the without ceasing… 1 prayers of Paul very long and Thess. 2:13 not be impressed by the time For what thanks can Paul spent in intercession for we render to God for others. you, for all the joy For God is my with which we witness… that rejoice for your sake without ceasing I before our God, make mention of you night and day always in my praying exceedingly prayers… Rom. 1:9 that we may see your face and perfect what Therefore I also… is lacking in your do not cease to give faith? 1 Thess. 3:9- thanks for you, 10 making mention of you in my prayers… We are bound to Eph. 1:15-16 thank God always for you, brethren, as it is I thank my God upon fitting… 2 Thess. 1:3 every remembrance of you, always in Therefore we also every prayer of mine pray always for making request for you… 2 Thess. 1:11 you all with joy… I thank God… as Phil. 1:3-4 without ceasing I We give thanks to remember you in my the God and Father prayers night and of our Lord Jesus day… 2 Tim. 1:3 Christ, praying I thank my God, always for you… making mention of Col. 1:3 you always in my For this reason we prayers… Philemon also… do not cease 4 to pray for you… If we are to pray like Paul, Col. 1:9 we must pray for others. We give thanks to Prayer must not just be about God always for you ourselves. While we gain all, making mention many benefits personally of you in our from God in prayer, we must prayers… 1 Thess. never forget the place 1:2 intercession should have in our prayers. For this reason we also thank God
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1) What do you suppose are some reasons why we don’t spend as much time in intercession as we should in our prayers?
2) We don’t want this class to be merely academic. If this class doesn’t change the way we pray, it has been a failure. Read through the following prayers of Paul listed on the back of this page and do three things: a) Summarize what that prayer is in a single word or a very simple phrase (e.g. “salvation”, “spiritual growth”, “spiritual discernment”, etc.) b) Tie that request to someone (or more than one person) for whom you have a similar concern c) Pray for that person(s)
o Rom. 1:8-10 (key verse is 10)
o Rom. 10:1
o Rom. 15:5-6
o Rom. 15:13
o 1 Cor. 16:23; Gal. 6:18; Phil. 4:23; 1 Thess. 5:28; 2 Tim. 4:22; Tit. 3:15; Philemon 25
o 2 Cor. 13:7-9
o 1 Thess. 5:23-24
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o 2 Thess. 2:16-17
o 2 Thess. 3:2-5
o 2 Thess. 3:16
o 1 Tim. 2:1-4
o 2 Tim. 1:16-18
o Philemon 4-7 Lesson 6 A PASSION FOR PEOPLE (1 Thess. 3:9- 13) If you’re looking for a model He had almost no time to for how to pray for others, ground them firmly in the look no further than the one faith, and he had good reason recorded here in 1 to be very concerned about Thessalonians 3. Paul’s them under the difficult heartfelt, sincere emotions circumstances in which he are laid bare for us as we left them. examine not only his prayer For this reason, for these brethren but the when I could no reasons for the prayer. longer endure it, I Reasons for Paul’s sent to know your Prayer (2:17-3:8) faith, lest by some means the tempter A. An intense longing to be had tempted you, with them. and our labor might Paul remembers how he was be in vain. 3:5 taken away from them (2:17). Paul just couldn’t wait any He was with them just a few longer! He just had to know short weeks and was forced how they were doing. He was to leave because of burning up inside because of persecution from the Jews. his concern for these
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brethren. Is it any wonder he iniquity but in the truth (1 prayed for them? Are we Cor. 13:6). He prayed surprised to read that he fervently for people because prayed “night and day” for an his passion was for people. opportunity to see them His greatest joys were (3:10)? produced when he witnessed evidence of spiritual growth B. Joy over the report of their and maturity in others. faith, love, and perseverance. But now that Paul’s Prayer (3:9-13) Timothy has come to A. Thankfulness for them. us from you, and brought us good This was a regular practice of news of your faith Paul’s. He constantly gave and love, and that thanks for his brethren. The you always have examples of this in his letters good remembrance are numerous: Rom. 1:8-10; of us, greatly 1 Cor. 1:4-9; 2 Cor. 1:3-7; desiring to see us, as 9:12-15; Eph. 1:15-23; Phil. we also to see you— 1:3-6; Col. 1:3-14; 1 Thess. therefore, brethren, 1:2-3; 2:13-16; 3:9; 2 Thess. in all our affliction 1:3-4; 2 Tim. 1:3-7; and distress we were Philemon 4-7. comforted But notice that he not only concerning you by thanked God for his brethren, your faith. For now he told his brethren he we live, if you stand thanked God for them. This fast in the Lord. 3:6- was done to encourage them 8 and give glory to God. By Some brethren only rejoice telling them he was thankful over news that is bad. If a to God for them that served church splits, if a preacher is to encourage them because caught in some scandal, if they were being recognized brethren become embroiled for the growth in the love and in controversy… those are faith. But this was done in a the kinds of reports some way that the ultimate glory brethren love to hear. They would go, not to them, nor to get excited when they hear Paul, but to God alone. He such things and thoroughly was the One who was enjoy denouncing such thanked for all they had things. But if something good done. happens, they aren’t quite as B. Opportunity to strengthen interested. If a church is them. growing, if brethren make great sacrifices for the Lord’s night and day cause, if someone repents of praying exceedingly a great wrong… that just that we may see your isn’t as exciting as the bad face and perfect news. what is lacking in your faith… 3:10 What a contrast with Paul. Paul did not rejoice in Three things about this verse:
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First, Paul prayed night and to their faith. He prayed that day for them. We noticed in God might “direct our way to the last lesson similar you” (3:11). statements from Paul: he was C. Brotherly love. “always” thanking God (1 Cor. 1:4; Phil. 1:4); he And may the Lord “constantly” gave God make you increase thanks (1 Thess. 1:2; 2:13). and abound in love When we read such to one another and statements we should not to all, just as we do think Paul is exaggerating for to you… 3:12 effect, nor should we think of D. Holiness with a view to him merely being in a “spirit the end. of prayer” with very little concrete praying. He means So that He may here that he had regular times establish your hearts of prayer in which he blameless in holiness specifically mentioned these before our God and brethren to the Father either Father at the coming in thanks or in supplication. of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His Second, we see Paul mixing saints. 3:13 intercession and his own service to others. When Paul Paul prays for them to love asks God to bless these each other more and that they brethren with spiritual perfect holiness with a view growth, he sees himself as of the Lord Jesus coming the answer to that prayer. He again. When is the last time wants God to provide him you prayed something like with the opportunity to do this? Is our heart focused on that. the end? Are we thinking more about this life or the And this brings us to the life to come when we pray? third point, Paul’s request is Is our chief aim and passion that God might open up the in prayer focused on a way. He had previously been concern for the soul? What hindered by Satan from and how we pray says a lot coming to be with them about where our heart is (2:18). What that meant we directed. do not know, but we do know this—Paul believed God was able to remove the barrier so that he might go and minister
Reasons for Paul’s Prayer (2:17-3:8) 1) What was one of the reasons for Paul’s prayer? (2:17) How passionate was Paul about the people he taught? (2 Cor. 11:28-29)
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2) What brought Paul great joy? (3:6-8; compare with 2 Jn. 4; 3 Jn. 3-4)
Paul’s Prayer (3:9-13) 3) According to the lesson, why did Paul give thanks for these brethren?
4) How often did Paul pray for them? (3:10) Is this exaggeration (hyperbole)? How is this to be understood?
5) When Paul prayed for their spiritual growth did he see himself as a part of God’s answer to that prayer? (3:10)
6) For what two things did Paul pray in 3:12-13?
Lesson 7 A CHALLENGING PRAYER (Colossians 1:9-12)
In his book, “A Call to to be farsighted and Spiritual Reformation”, D. A. expansive with Carson argues there are two Solomon at the reasons to use the Bible to dedication of the shape your prayers. The first temple. Think is broad and theological: the through what it study of God, Himself. Our means to pray the understanding about God will prayer taught us by shape the way we pray. If we the Lord Jesus learn more about God and Himself. Learn to His perspective, then our pray with Paul. Such prayers will reflect that study will help knowledge. identify what to pray for, how to approach The second reason is more God, the proper narrow and specific: the grounds for our study of the prayers of petitions. To restrict Scripture. He writes, ourselves for a Learn to argue in moment to the prayer with Moses, petitions in the to sing with David, prayers of Paul, we
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must ask ourselves (Col. 1:7-8; 4:12-13). Paul how far the petitions writes to these brethren, “I we commonly want you to know what a present to God are in great conflict I have for you line with what Paul and those in Laodicea, and prays for. Suppose, for as many as have not seen for example, that 80 my face in the flesh…” (Col. or 90 percent of our 2:1, emphasis added) petitions ask God for B. Paul prays without good health, ceasing (1:9). recovery from illness, safety on the We’ve already observed how road, a good job, it was Paul’s custom to success in exams, the regularly pray for brethren. emotional needs of C. Paul links his prayers of our children, success thanksgiving to prayers in our mortgage of petition. application, and much more of the “ For this reason” Paul same. How much of writes, “since the day we Paul’s praying heard it, do not cease to pray revolves around for you” (1:9). The reason for equivalent items? If the petition (vs. 9-14) is the the center of our thanksgiving for the evidence praying is far of grace he saw in them (vs. removed from the 3-9). Paul prayed not only for center of Paul’s brethren who were having praying, then even problems, he prayed for our very praying may brethren who were growing serve as a wretched and maturing spiritually as testimony to the they should. remarkable success Lessons from the of the process of paganization in our Prayer life and thought. (pg. A. Paul asks God to fill 95-96) them with the knowledge This is why we need to study of His will (1:9). the prayers of Paul. This Paul’s concern in the letter is prayer in Colossians provides that these Christians, who us lessons in two areas. have come out of a pagan Lessons from the background, will trust in Christ as the only source of Setting wisdom and knowledge and A. Paul prays for Christians reject all religions and he has never met philosophies of men (2:8-10). personally. So he prays that they might know God’s will: which is Paul had learned about these based on the truth of His brethren from Epaphras, who Word (Psa. 143:10; Rom. had apparently founded the 12:2; Eph. 5:15-17; 1 Thess. church in Colosse, as well as 4:3; 5:16-18) Laodicea and Hierapolis
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B. Paul’s purpose in this a deeper knowledge of God. petition is that they might We come to know from be pleasing to the Lord experience His will, and thus (1:10). to know Him better (Rom. 12:2). This knowledge of Paul prayed they might God only motivates us to “walk worthy of the Lord, know His will better and fully pleasing Him.” Paul’s even greater obedience. It is desire was that they please an endless cycle that spirals the Lord in every way. He upward toward God. The wanted them to be fully Lord is pleased when He sees devoted to the Lord’s will in this kind of growth. every area of their life (3:18- 4:1). - Christians are strengthened to display great endurance Paul then spells out exactly and patience (11). He prays what he desires in his prayer. that they might fully know C. Paul sketches, in four the power of the resurrection characteristics, what a (2:12) and thus be motivated life pleasing to the Lord to joyfully accept whatever looks like (1:10b-14). trials they have in this life. - Christians bear fruit in This steadfastness is well every good work (10b). Paul pleasing to the Lord. has prayed that they know - Christians joyfully give God’s will (9), but this must thanks to the Father (12-14). not be merely academic. It This thanksgiving reveals must produce fruit (Mt. 7:21- what we value. The Lord is 23) There is no way that we pleased when He sees that can be pleasing to the Lord if our greatest joy is not in our we don’t bear fruit (Jn. 15:1- health or wealth, but in our 8). spiritual condition, having - Christians grow in the been delivered from “the knowledge of God (10b). To power of darkness” and know God’s will (9), and to translated into the “kingdom do His will (10), will lead to of the Son of His love” (13). Lessons from the Setting 1. Had Paul met these Christians before (2:1)? How did he know them (1:7; 4:12-13)? Why do you think he prayed for them? What does that reveal about His heart?
2. How often did Paul pray for them (1:9)?
3. According to the lesson, what was the “reason” (1:9) Paul prayed for them?
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Lessons from the Prayer 4. Why did Paul want them to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will (1:9)?
5. What was the purpose for his prayer (1:10)?
6. What were the four characteristics of a life that is pleasing to the Lord (as given in the lesson)? Why are each one of those characteristics necessary to please the Lord? a.
b.
c.
d. Lesson 8 EXCUSES FOR NOT PRAYING
Though the focus of our class started) or in the evening has been improving the (once our busy day is quality of our prayers instead through). The problem is of the quantity, we need to exhaustion takes over. We spend a lesson on some of stay up too late and can’t get the excuses we often make up early enough the next for the small amount of time morning or we wear we spend in prayer. ourselves to a frazzle during the day and can’t stay up Too Busy long enough to get even half We’re all in such a rush. way through our prayer. From the time we wake till We promise the Lord (and the time we settle down in ourselves) that once things the evening our days are a slow down we’ll devote more flurry of activity. We rush, time to prayer, but that day we accomplish, we strive, we never comes. We just stay to do. At the end of our day we busy to slow down and pray. want to unwind and relax, and for most of us, that Too Dry Spiritually means television. Sometimes we go through Where does prayer belong in periods of spiritual dryness. our day? Most of us try to We come to the throne of pray either in the morning God in prayer, having set (before our busy day gets aside the time and devoted
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the energy to this endeavor, gossip spread about us, it but we just don’t feel like hurts, and especially so when praying. This may be due to it comes from those with discouragement, to stress, to whom we are close. Revenge depression, to periods of is sweet. Malice fills our weak faith, or to just a hearts. We feed on it. It general feeling of emptiness. makes us feel better (at least in the short term). This We’ve all gone through such bitterness we store up against periods in our spiritual life, our enemies is almost and there are numerous intoxicating, but it has many triggers which can cause serious side affects spiritual dryness. But spiritually, not the least of whatever the cause it these is prayerlessness. severely limits our desire to pray. How do you approach God when your heart is filled with Feel No Need such anger? It’s hard to do (if This excuse is a little trickier it is done at all). Our prayers to detect than the first two. become formulaic at best. At Few of us would truly admit worst, we actually justify our to this feeling. Who among hatred in prayer and petition us would say that we don’t God to curse our enemies. need prayer because we are (The very opposite of what so strong, so mature, or so Jesus said we should do independent? Though we, when praying for our like Peter, would boldly enemies!) But usually, we confess, “Not I, Lord,” this just don’t pray. We know perspective is more prevalent God does not approve of our in our life than we may think. thoughts, but in our state of Let’s face facts: When are we self-pity and resentment, we the most prayerful? When are just can’t bring ourselves to the most consistent in our pray for the very ones we prayer-life? When things are enjoy hating so much! going well for us? When the Too Ashamed bills are all paid? When our health is good? When family After Adam and Eve sinned life is great? When we are by eating the forbidden fruit having few problems with they heard God walking temptation? No, we often nearby, and we’re told they treat God like a spare tire. “hid themselves from the We pull Him out when we presence of the LORD God need Him. When things are among the trees of the going well again, we toss garden” (Gen. 3:8). Shame Him back in the trunk and makes us want to hide from forget He’s even there! the presence of God. Just like a child who hides from his Too Bitter parent when he knows he’s Injustice is a fact of life. We been caught red-handed with all get treated unfairly. his hand in the cookie jar, we Whether it be hateful words, like to hide from God when false judgments, or malicious we sin.
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Content with with ourselves spiritually. Mediocrity This confidence is not based on grace either. It is in our The most dangerous reason foolish assumption that of all is this one. Sometimes we’ve arrived. We feel we we just become content. We are “rich, have become cling to the “truth” and feel wealthy, and have need of quite proud of our superior nothing” and do not realize morality. We’re there in the that we are actually pew three times a week, we “wretched, miserable, poor, “tithe of all we possess”, etc., blind and naked” (Rev. 3:18). etc. We’re quite satisfied
1) Rate the six excuses listed in the lesson relative to yourself. Think about which one of these is giving you the most problems right now. Can you think of a time when another one of these was your biggest hindrance?
Too Busy 2) Read Lk. 10:38-42. What was the difference between Mary and Martha? How does this narrative relate to prayer?
3) Read 1 Cor. 7:4-5. What does this passage say about the importance of prayer?
Too Dry Spiritually 4) Read Lk. 11:5-10 & 18:1-8. What would Jesus say to someone who used “spiritual dryness” as an excuse for prayerlessness?
Feel No Need 5) Read Josh. 9:14-15. What was the critical error the leaders of Israel made with reference to the Gibeonites? Is it possible they were suffering from too much self- confidence?
Too Bitter 6) Read Mt. 6:14-15. What is the consequence of allowing bitterness to reign in our hearts?
Too Ashamed
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7) Read Psa. 32:3-5. What caused David so much distress? What was the solution?
Content with Mediocrity 8) Read Jas. 4:1-10. Were these Christians? Did they pray? What was at the core of all their problems (v. 6)? What was the solution? Lesson 9 PRAYING FOR EXCELLENCE (Philippians 1:9-11)
In his book, “A Call to grounds for our Spiritual Reformation”, D. A. petitions. To restrict Carson argues there are two ourselves for a reasons to use the Bible to moment to the shape your prayers. The first petitions in the is broad and theological: the prayers of Paul, we study of God, Himself. Our must ask ourselves understanding about God will how far the petitions shape the way we pray. If we we commonly learn more about God and present to God are in His perspective, then our line with what Paul prayers will reflect that prays for. Suppose, knowledge. for example, that 80 or 90 percent of our The second reason is more petitions ask God for narrow and specific: the good health, study of the prayers of recovery from Scripture. He writes, illness, safety on the Learn to argue in road, a good job, prayer with Moses, success in exams, the to sing with David, emotional needs of to be farsighted and our children, success expansive with in our mortgage Solomon at the application, and dedication of the much more of the temple. Think same. How much of through what it Paul’s praying means to pray the revolves around prayer taught us by equivalent items? If the Lord Jesus the center of our Himself. Learn to praying is far pray with Paul. Such removed from the study will help center of Paul’s identify what to pray praying, then even for, how to approach our very praying may God, the proper serve as a wretched
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testimony to the and maturing spiritually as remarkable success they should. of the process of paganization in our Lessons from the life and thought. (pg. Prayer 95-96) A. Paul asks God to fill This is why we need to study them with the knowledge the prayers of Paul. This of His will (1:9). prayer in Colossians provides Paul’s concern in the letter is us lessons in two areas. that these Christians, who Lessons from the have come out of a pagan Setting background, will trust in Christ as the only source of A. Paul prays for Christians wisdom and knowledge and he has never met reject all religions and personally. philosophies of men (2:8-10). So he prays that they might Paul had learned about these know God’s will: which is brethren from Epaphras, who based on the truth of His had apparently founded the Word (Psa. 143:10; Rom. church in Colosse, as well as 12:2; Eph. 5:15-17; 1 Thess. Laodicea and Hierapolis 4:3; 5:16-18) (Col. 1:7-8; 4:12-13). Paul writes to these brethren, “I B. Paul’s purpose in this want you to know what a petition is that they might great conflict I have for you be pleasing to the Lord and those in Laodicea, and (1:10). for as many as have not seen Paul prayed they might my face in the flesh…” (Col. “walk worthy of the Lord, 2:1, emphasis added) fully pleasing Him.” Paul’s B. Paul prays without desire was that they please ceasing (1:9). the Lord in every way. He wanted them to be fully We’ve already observed how devoted to the Lord’s will in it was Paul’s custom to every area of their life (3:18- regularly pray for brethren. 4:1). C. Paul links his prayers of Paul then spells out exactly thanksgiving to prayers what he desires in his prayer. of petition. C. Paul sketches, in four “ For this reason” Paul characteristics, what a writes, “since the day we life pleasing to the Lord heard it, do not cease to pray looks like (1:10b-14). for you” (1:9). The reason for the petition (vs. 9-14) is the - Christians bear fruit in thanksgiving for the evidence every good work (10b). Paul of grace he saw in them (vs. has prayed that they know 3-9). Paul prayed not only for God’s will (9), but this must brethren who were having not be merely academic. It problems, he prayed for must produce fruit (Mt. 7:21- brethren who were growing 23) There is no way that we can be pleasing to the Lord if
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we don’t bear fruit (Jn. 15:1- and patience (11). He prays 8). that they might fully know the power of the resurrection - Christians grow in the (2:12) and thus be motivated knowledge of God (10b). To to joyfully accept whatever know God’s will (9), and to trials they have in this life. do His will (10), will lead to This steadfastness is well a deeper knowledge of God. pleasing to the Lord. We come to know from experience His will, and thus - Christians joyfully give to know Him better (Rom. thanks to the Father (12-14). 12:2). This knowledge of This thanksgiving reveals God only motivates us to what we value. The Lord is know His will better and pleased when He sees that even greater obedience. It is our greatest joy is not in our an endless cycle that spirals health or wealth, but in our upward toward God. The spiritual condition, having Lord is pleased when He sees been delivered from “the this kind of growth. power of darkness” and translated into the “kingdom - Christians are strengthened of the Son of His love” (13). to display great endurance
Lessons from the Setting 1. Had Paul met these Christians before (2:1)? How did he know them (1:7; 4:12-13)? Why do you think he prayed for them? What does that reveal about His heart?
2. How often did Paul pray for them (1:9)?
3. According to the lesson, what was the “reason” (1:9) Paul prayed for them?
Lessons from the Prayer 4. Why did Paul want them to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will (1:9)?
5. What was the purpose for his prayer (1:10)?
6. What were the four characteristics of a life that is pleasing to the Lord (as given in the lesson)? Why are each one of those characteristics necessary to please the Lord? a.
b.
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c.
d. Lesson 10 PRAYING FOR OPPORTUNITIES (Romans 15:30-33)
Why do we pray? After all, if The thinking here is that God is sovereign and all that prayer is a mind game and happens is directed by His nothing more. Some would will, what difference does it say that the only thing Paul make whether we ask for accomplished in his prayers something or not? If it is for opportunities is he made God’s will, it will happen. If himself more aware of the it’s not God’s will, it won’t opportunities God had happen. already determined to give him. The opportunity would On the surface of it, that have been there whether Paul sounds correct. It almost prayed for it or not. His sounds biblical. But it makes prayer made no difference in prayer irrelevant and flies in that sense. At best, his prayer the face of numerous just focused his mind in the passages that present God as direction God wanted. a personal God. God is not only sovereign (in control of B. “Prayer insures the glory all things), He is also goes to God.” personal (He listens and Again, prayer is not affecting responds to our prayers). any kind of change, all it is What did Paul think of God? doing is making us aware of Did he see God as sovereign, God’s hand in making things as able to accomplish things happen. What happens is and affect circumstances? going to happen whether we Did he also see God as pray for it or not, prayer just personal, listening and makes us more aware of the receptive to his petitions for fact that God is making good help? things to occur. Before we examine Paul’s Weak Incentives for prayer in Romans 15, let’s Prayer first consider how some people view God and prayer. But what incentive is this to pray? When prayer is Reasons Some Give for reduced to a mind game it Prayer has no power. Why would you pray? It would only be A. “Prayer does not change out of sense of duty. God; it changes the one who prays.”
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God wants us to see Him as a as well. Paul saw the personal God, a loving Father intercession of others as a who mercifully and lovingly powerful thing (Phil 1:19-20; responds to our prayers. Philem 22). Ask, and it will be B. He views prayer as a part given to you; seek, of our struggle (15:30 and you will find; “strive together with me knock, and it will be in prayers…”). opened to you. For The phrase here represents everyone who asks one verb in the Greek, used receives, and he who only here in the New seeks finds, and to Testament. Other forms of him who knocks it the same word-group appear will be opened. Or in the New Testament, what man is there sometimes in connection among you who, if with prayer (Col 4:12; 2:1). his son asks for bread, will give him The word-group is often a stone? Or if he associated with the strenuous asks for a fish, will discipline of the athlete who he give him a struggles to prevail. It was serpent? If you then, used of wrestlers in the being evil, know how Greek games. It has the idea to give good gifts to of agony in it. The same root your children, how word is used of Jesus in the much more will your garden: “being in agony, He Father who is in prayed more earnestly” (Lk heaven give good 22:44). hings to those who Something that does not ask Him! Matthew appear in our English 5:7-11 translations is that this word- The apostle Paul prayed to group is repeated twice by God because He believed Paul: sunagonizomai, God was listening to Him sunagonizomai. and that He would respond to This picture of prayer is his petitions. consistent with the picture of Paul’s Prayer spiritual conflict we see in Ephesians 6 where Paul A. He pleaded for prayers describes the “Christian on his behalf (15:30 armor” and the place prayer “Now I beg you, plays in our struggle against brethren…”). “principalities and powers in We find Paul making request the heavenly places” (v 12, for prayers in many places (1 18-20). Thess 5:23-25; Eph 6:18-20; C. His prayer focused on Col 4:2-4; 2 Thess 3:1). specific outcomes (15:31 Prayer was more than just a “that I may be delivered mind game to Paul. He not from those in Judea who only prayed himself, he do not believe…”). urged others to do so for him
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This would seem strange if Jerusalem, he cannot think of Paul didn’t believe God that trip without thinking of would respond to his specific the ministry that stretches requests. beyond there. D. His prayer for This is a large, visionary opportunities envisions view of prayer. It keeps in further ministry (15:32 mind the details of “that I may come to you immediate concern, but also with joy by the will of the broader picture, looking God…”). forward to long-term goals. Paul dreamed great dreams, Paul has prayed that might and all of those dreams were come to Rome to work in line with God’s purpose among them and then go on for his life. And all of those past them into Spain to dreams depended on God’s places the gospel has not yet grace and help. That’s why been (Rom 1:9-13; 15:20, 24, he prayed. 28). When Paul asks for prayer in connection with his trip to
Reasons Some Give for Prayer 1. What were two reasons given in the lesson for prayer?
Weak Incentives for Prayer 2. Why are these incentives for prayer weak?
3. How did Jesus want us to view God (Mt 7:7-11)?
Paul’s Prayer 4. If Paul pleaded for his brethren to pray for him (Rom 15:30), what does that reveal about his attitude toward God and prayer?
5. What is the significance of Paul asking them to “strive together” with him in prayer?
6. What was the specific outcome Paul prayed for (Rom 15:31)? What does that reveal about his attitude toward God and prayer?
7. Does the petition end with his service in Jerusalem (Rom 15:32)?
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Lesson 11 PRAYING TO THE SOVEREIGN GOD (Ephesians 1:15-23)
Paul begins his letter to the thanks for you, making Ephesians by presenting all mention of you in my of the glorious blessings they prayers” (v. 15-16) In the had received in Christ Jesus NIV it reads, “For this (1:3-14). All of these reason.” For what reason? In blessings were the result of part, their faith in Jesus and God’s sovereign grace. He love for the saints (v. 15b), begins by praising the “God but it’s more than just that. and Father of our Lord Jesus The thoughts of God’s great Christ, who has blessed plan for them, which were us…” (v. 3). He praises God executed to perfection by for having chosen them (v. God’s sovereign power and 4), predestinating them to grace, are what motivated adoption according to His Paul to pray what he prayed good pleasure (v. 5). And all for them. The prayer itself is of this was done, not because filled with further they deserved it, but it was to expressions of confidence the “praise of the glory of and trust in God’s continued His grace” (v. 6). He comes work in their spiritual lives. back to the sovereign grace He prayed because He of God in verse 11: “In Him believed that God, “who has also we have obtained an begun a good work in you inheritance, being will complete it until the day predestined according to the of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6). purpose of Him who works Paul did this because he had all things according to the a proper view of God’s counsel of His will.” And sovereignty and human why was this done? “that we responsibility. Instead of who first trusted in Christ being a discouragement for should be to the praise of His prayer, his view of these glory” (v. 12). Their truths about God and man salvation was planned before encouraged intense creation (v. 4), accomplished intercession for them. God’s by Jesus on the cross (vs. 7- sovereignty did not serve as a 10), and revealed by the disincentive to prayer: “God Spirit (v. 13-14). And all of is going to save whomever this was done “according to who He’s going to save, it the riches of His grace” (v. matters not whether we pray 7). for them or not.” Neither did This is why Paul prayed for man’s free will prevent Paul them. He begins his prayer from praying for them: “It’s by saying, “Therefore I all up to them. God can’t do also… do not cease to give anything. They’re going to
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have to sink or swim on their Paul’s prayer serves as a own.” Though he may not model for us of how to pray have understood how God’s to the sovereign God, sovereignty and man’s free especially with regard to will did not cancel each other redemption. out, he believed in both, and both served to give his prayer the proper perspective.
Paul Offers Thanksgiving for God’s Sovereign Grace in Their Lives (1:15-16) 1) What were the two things that Paul heard about these brethren for which he gave thanks?
2) How does this prayer serve both as a complement to them and, ultimately, as praise to the sovereign God who had redeemed them?
3) How do we follow this model in our own prayers? What is the proper way of encouraging someone who has been converted or those who have shown spiritual progress in their lives, while not cheating God of the glory which is due His name?
Paul Offers Intercession That God’s Sovereign Purposes For Them Might Be Accomplished (1:17-19a) 4) How is God described in verse 17?
5) What is the specific prayer in verse 17?
6) Paul’s prayer is that “the eyes of [their] understanding be enlightened” (v. 18). What are the three specific things he has in mind in verses 18-19a? Explain what you think each of these requests mean? a.
b.
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c.
7) In specific ways, how does the sovereign God “enlighten” the eyes of our understanding?
Paul Offers a Review of the Dramatic Displays of God’s Sovereign Power and Might (1:19b-23) 8) When we think of the sovereign God, what are the things we think of?
9) What were the things Paul thought of when he thought of the sovereign God? (We found three things; you might find more in the text.) How do each of these realities serve to give us spiritual confidence? a.
b.
c.
Lesson 12 PRAYING FOR POWER (Ephesians 3:14- 21)
The theme of power runs who believe” (1:19) This throughout the Ephesian power was demonstrated in letter. Power is presented in raising up Christ from the the opening lines of the letter dead and seating Him in the as Paul describes what God’s heavenly places and then in sovereign power and grace raising us up from our dead had accomplished in their spiritual condition and salvation (1:3-14). He then seating us together with prays that they might know Christ (1:20; 2:1, 5-6). Paul’s the “exceeding greatness of ministry to the Gentiles was a [God’s] power toward us gift of God’s grace to him
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“by the effective working of - Already know Christ’s His power” (3:7). He love (17b). concludes the letter exhorting - Measuring the them to be “strong in the immeasurable (18- Lord and in the power of His 19a). might” as they must daily confront the enemy in - Purpose: Spiritual spiritual warfare (6:10). It is maturity (19b). not surprising then, that here in our text Paul should pray Grounds for Petitions for them to have God’s A. Paul’s petitions are in power in them. line with God’s purposes Paul’s Petitions (14a). B. Paul’s petitions are A. Power (16-17a). addressed to the - Source of power: heavenly Father (14b). Riches of God’s glory (16a) & Christ’s Spirit Final Word of Praise (16b). A. God is able to do more - Object of power: Inner than we can ask or man (16b). imagine (20).
- Purpose of power: B. The glory of God is Christ might dwell in Paul’s ultimate purpose heart (17a). in his prayer (21). B. Comprehension of Christ’s love (17b-19).
Paul’s Petitions A. Power (16-17a). 1) From where does this power come? (16 – two sources)
2) Paul prays that God’s power might strengthen our “inner man”? (16b) What is this inner man? (2 Cor. 4:16-18)
3) What is the ultimate purpose behind Paul’s petition? (17a) Why would he pray this? Weren’t these people already Christians? Was this not already a present reality for them? (see 2:6, 19-22)
B. Comprehension of Christ’s love (17b-19).
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4) The second petition is that they might comprehend Christ’s love. Did they not already know the love of Christ? (17b)
5) In what ways do we come to know Christ’s love? Is it by revelation alone or is experience involved as well? (see Psa. 73:25-26; Rom. 14:17; 15:13; 1 Pet. 1:8-9; 2:3)
6) The purpose behind this second petition is that we might be “filled with all the fullness of God” (19b). What does that mean? (see 4:11-13)
Grounds for Petitions A. Paul’s petitions are in line with God’s purposes (14a). 7) Paul begins in verse 14, “For this reason I bow my knees…” We must explore what Paul has just written to find clues as to why this prayer was offered. Read 3:8-13 and list some possible motivations for this prayer.
8) Paul said in verse 14, “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” How does the thought of God being our Father serve as an incentive for this prayer? (Lk. 11:9-13)
Final Word of Praise A. God is able to do more than we can ask or imagine (20). 9) Why do you think it was important for Paul to add at the end of this prayer that God is able to do beyond what we can ask or think? What is it about this prayer that made that necessary?
B. The glory of God is Paul’s ultimate purpose in his prayer (21). 10) Why was it necessary to end this prayer with this stated purpose: God’s glory?
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