War: The Importance of Prayer

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Keith Hudson

Ephesians 6:18-24

“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, 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, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 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. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.” (Ephesians 6:18–24, NASB95)

CPT: Paul reminds the Ephesian believers of the importance of prayer.

CPS: As believers we need to remember the importance of prayer.

Question: With the pressures and temptations of this world how are to pray? Why should we pray

Introduction

Video- “Isn’t Enough”

Does having the best equipment in a sport make you the best? Is it enough?

Does having the best calculator make you the best mathematician?

Does having the best cookware make you Paula Deen?

What about having the best microphone does this make you Martina McBride?

If you have a Les Paul Gibson guitar make you Stevie Ray Vaughn?

What about in war. Does having the best equipment make you the best? Is equipment all it takes to win a war? Can you take average Joe of the street give him the best boots, the best camouflage, the best ammo, the best gun, and expect him to be G.I. Joe?

While the equipment by itself is important there is something more that undergirds all of that equipment. It is the training, the preparation, and most importantly the heart that makes the soldier. There is something deeper. Something intangible.

When it comes to you and I in this spiritual war it is the same. While the belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword are vitally important there is something deeper. There is something that makes all of good stuff and makes it great.

There is something that undergirds all of the weapons of this spiritual war that the apostle Paul tells us about.

Let’s see what the Bible tells us that this undergirding is.

Exposition

Read Ephesians 6:18-24

Paul begins Ephesians with the comprehensive declaration that “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (1:3). He then proceeds to tell us of our blessings.

You are chosen, predestined, and adopted as God’s children (1:4–5)

You are lavished with His grace (1:6, 8; 2:7)

You are redeemed and forgiven (1:7; 4:32)

You are given the mystery of His will (1:9; 3:4–6)

You are receivers of an inheritance (1:11)

You have been sealed with the Holy Spirit (1:13–14; 4:30)

You are greatly loved by God (2:4; 5:25)

You are made alive with new life (2:5–6)

You are the workmanship of Christ, created by Him for doing good works (2:10)

You are given God’s own peace (2:14)

You are made one with Christ and with every other believer as His own Body (2:13–19; 3:4–6)

You are made citizens of God’s kingdom and members of His family (2:19)

You are built into God’s own temple and the dwelling place of His Spirit (2:20–22)

You are given boldness and confident access to God (3:12)

You are made powerful beyond your imagination (3:20)

You are given the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (4:3)

You are individually and uniquely gifted by Christ (4:7)

You are blessed with specially gifted leaders to equip you in the work of ministry (4:11–12)

You are taught by Jesus Christ Himself (4:20–21)

You are given a new self in God’s holy likeness (4:24)

You are made light (5:8)

You are offered the fullness of the Holy Spirit (5:18)

You are given the instructions and resources to make all relationships with others what God intends them to be (5:21—6:9)

You are given God’s full armor to make us invincible against Satan and his demonic forces (6:10–17).

In light of our immeasurable and wondrous privileges and blessings, you and I can easily begin to think we are adequate in ourselves and thereby lose our essential sense of dependence on God.

Prayer is the closing theme in the letter to the church at Ephesus . Prayer is not merely another essential weapon in the offense and defense of the believer. It is the very spiritual air that the soldier of Christ breathes. The thing that MUST undergird everything is prayer. Let’s walk through this verse 18 noting the 4 all statements as we answer the question, with the pressures and temptations of this world how are to pray?

All Prayer and Petition

The word used here for prayer refers to general requests. The word used here for petition refers to those that are specific. The use of both words points leads us to the idea that we are to be involved in all kinds of prayer. We can pray publicly or privately; in loud cries, in soft whispers, or even silently; deliberately and planned or spontaneously; while sitting, standing, kneeling, or even lying down; at home or in church or in the car; while working or while traveling; with hands folded or raised; with eyes open or closed; with head bowed or erect; standing or sitting or kneeling or laying prostrate. We can pray wherever we are and in whatever situation we are in. We are to pray for all things and for all circumstances.

This means that we need to pray about physical needs, emotional needs, and most importantly we need to be praying for peoples spiritual needs.

Philippians 4:6-7- “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Maybe you see a wreck while you are traveling, you can pray right there in your car. Maybe you are talking to a friend on the phone and they are telling you about a struggle they are having, pray for them over the phone. Maybe you are at the hospital visiting a family member, pray for them then and there.

Wherever you are and what ever circumstances you are in pray.

All Times in the Spirit

To pray at all times is to live where everything we see and experience becomes a kind of prayer. This is not a 24 hr long prayer but constantly going to the Father throughout the day because of you know of your great need for Him. This may be a several minute prayer or a short two word prayer.

It is to go to the Father and ask for help when you are tempted. When you experience something good and beautiful, you give thanks to the Lord. When you see evil around you, you pray that God will make it right and be willing to be used of Him to that end. When you meet someone who does not know Christ, pray for God to draw that person to Himself and to use you to be a faithful witness. When you encounter a situation of trouble, you turn to God as your Deliverer. In other words, our life becomes a continual prayer, constantly communing with our heavenly Father. Friend, there is no time when you do not need to pray and no time when God will not hear your prayers.

Luke 21:36- “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

1 Thess. 5:16-17- “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;”

What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? This has nothing to do with speaking in tongues or anything of the sort. To pray in the Spirit is to pray in the name of Christ. To pray in the Spirit is to pray consistent with His nature and will.

To pray in the Spirit is to pray in concert with the Spirit, who as Romans 8:26-27 states, “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; 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.”

All Perseverance and Petition

To pray on the alert with all perseverance and petition is to pray in a certain manner. We are to pray intently, specifically, and persistently.

Luke 11: 1-13- “It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. ‘Give us each day our daily bread. ‘And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ” Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and from inside he answers and says, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ “I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. “For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. “Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? “Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?””

In this parable we have a person who has a problem so they go intently to their friend to meet that need. Also, they go asking specifically for three loaves of bread. Not only this but they asked persistently for the bread.

Luke 18:1-8- “Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. “There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ “For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’ ” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?””

If this ungodly and unjust judge will answer this persistent widow, how much more will a righteous, just and loving God answer our prayer.

I encourage you in your prayer life to pray intently, persistently, and specifically.

All the Saints

Our passage tells us to prayer for all the saints. In other places it tells us to pray for non-believers and for government leaders. Here he specifically states that we are to pray for all the saints. We are not in this spiritual war alone, there are other believers that are going through struggles and temptations. We need to be praying for them.

Men, do you pray for your wife on a regular basis? Do you pray for her spiritual well being? Do you pray her maturity in Christ? Do you pray that you will be the husband your wife needs? Do you pray for the worries and stresses that she faces on a daily basis? Women, do you pray for your husband on a regular basis? Do you pray that he would have wisdom as the spiritual leader of your home? Do you pray for his continual maturity in Christ? Do you pray for the worries and stresses he faces? Do you pray for your children? How about other family members? What about ministry leaders, do you pray for them?

Conclusion

In 1836 Charlotte Elliot wrote these words:

Christian, seek not yet repose,

Cast thy dreams of ease away;

Thou art in the midst of foes;

Watch and pray.

Principalities and power,

Mustering their unseen array,

Wait for thy unguarded hours;

Watch and pray.

Watch as if on that alone

Hung the issue of the day,

Pray that help may be sent down;

Watch and pray.

I want to encourage you as we each go through the trials and temptations this world can throw at us be a person of prayer. Be a prayer warrior. Be someone who understands their need for the Savior. Be a person of prayer.

Prayer

Invitation

Life or Choice? Part 2

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Keith Hudson

Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, so I figure it is a great time to continue our conversation on the question on Life or Choice. As is apparent with the replies on the last post this is a heated debate with lots of emotion. The emotion on both sides of the debate is understandable but we as a society must come to a point of resolution. So let’s address a couple of issues when it comes to this question of Life and Choice.

First, we as individuals and as a society must come to a point of realizing the precious gift of life. Life isn’t something to be tossed away or neglected. Life is a gift and something that must be held as precious. It doesn’t matter how old or how young that life is, it is precious and must be treated as such. Throughout history the critical mistake of devaluing a life or lives has been repeated more times than it should. This can be seen in the Holocaust with the attempted extermination of Jews. This can be seen in the countless cases of slavery that still plagues humanity. This can be seen in racism and sexism as one group is devalued. To devalue life in the case of abortion is no different. A life is precious no matter the age, the gender, or the ethnicity. Life is a precious gift.

Further, life is seen as precious throughout Scripture. For instance in Genesis mankind is made in the image of God (Imago Dei). Being made in the image of God isn’t something to be trivialized, but should give us a clear indicator of the preciousness of life. Scripture also teaches that it is God who has created us. In Psalm 139:13 it states, “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb” (NASB).

Second, we as society must protect those who have no voice and are the most defenseless. The Bible teaches us exactly this. In the Old Testament we see over and over the care for orphans and widows. Deuteronomy 27:19 states, “‘Cursed is he who distorts the justice due an alien, orphan, and widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’” Why were they to be cared for by society? Because they were the most defenseless of that day. Today an additional group is the unborn child. They have no say and no defense, therefore they must be protected.

Life or Choice?

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Keith Hudson

Pro-Life or Pro-Choice that is the question. Further this is a question that has resulted in much controversy, debate, and arguments. This is one of the most heated ethical, philosophical, and theological debates of the day. So how do we answer this question and how do we respond to this question? With this debate questions of euthanasia or assisted suicide have many of the same arguments.

One of the central questions that is argued and asked is when does life begin. Does it begin at conception or does it begin at birth or does it begin somewhere along the 9 months of pregnancy? Articles upon articles have been written about this question and judicial court battles have raged for decades about this question. Each ‘side’ parade their experts with their opinions, yet I argue that this isn’t the central question. The central question is Life or Choice.

To argue around and around about the question of when life begins is to simply justify one’s position and to make one feel better about their position. For instance, if that ‘embryo’ is not a life then we are justified to dispel of that ‘embryo’. We have justified our position by saying since it is not a life it does not matter if it is destroyed or not, besides it is just an embryo and not a living, breathing, rational person. We also make ourselves feel better by calling ‘it’ an embryo and not a life. If we were to destroy an innocent and helpless life that would make us a monster on the scale of cold-blooded killer or worse.

So the question is Life or the Choice of Life.

On Sunday I will continue this discussion.

What do you think? Is the question of when life begins a legitimate question or just a way to rationalize? If you think it is a legitimate question when do you think life begins?

Living with Joy and Happiness

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Keith Hudson

We all want joy and happiness. Yet how can we live with joy and happiness? We dream about it. We say to ourselves if only we could do _______ then I would be happy. If I could only attain this goal then I would be happy. Thoughts and dreams of joy and happiness consume us.

We spend good money in hopes of finding it. If only I had that car or that TV or that house or those clothes or those shoes or that ‘toy’ then I would be happy. Isn’t this what stress related shopping is all about? Isn’t the search for joy and happiness one of the main culprits to driving us to live beyond our means financially?

We act a certain way because we think this will bring us joy and happiness. We say to ourself if I was like______ then I would be happy. If I was like anyone else except myself then I would be happy.

Actors and Athletes get paid millions of dollars to entertain us to bring us joy and happiness.

If you are a parent you may put you happiness and joy in your children. If my child does______then I have accomplished something.

Yet does all of this stuff really bring us joy and happiness? Does it? Let’s be honest with ourselves. Does this stuff really bring you joy and happiness? Now please hear me. I am NOT say that any of this stuff is good or bad in and of itself, yet I am asking does this stuff really bring you joy and happiness beyond the momentary.

Let’s pause that thought for a moment and let’s define what is happiness and joy. Are the words happiness and joy synonymous or can we use them interchangeably? Many people do use these words interchangeably but I argue that while they are similar they are different. Happiness is temporary and is brought about by something that makes you smile, laugh, or feel good about yourself or someone close to you. Happiness is linked to your emotions and they way you feel. The key words here is temporary, emotions, and feeling. For instance when our favorite team wins makes us happy. You are happy when someone compliments you for the way you look or for something you have done. May that long awaited vacation makes you happy. Yet, how long will you be happy about your team winning or about that compliment or that vacation? Maybe a day or two, a week, or maybe even a few weeks. Ultimately Monday rolls around, a difficult decision, or the neighbor you don’t particularly like knocks on your door and that happiness recedes to recesses of your mind until it is forgotten completely.

What about joy? Joy is a deep down, unshakeable satisfaction and contentment. When someone said something cruel to you your happiness may be taken but your joy remains. When you are let go or fired from your job your happiness may be taken but your joy remains. When your world comes crashing down because of some tragic event your happiness may be taken but your joy remains. Many of you know my story with the loss of my beloved wife Anna to cervical cancer. As Anna became sicker and sicker and ultimately passed away I was not happy. Happiness was the furtherest thing from me. I was the most depressed I have ever been and probably will ever be. Yet through it all my joy remained. You ask, ‘Why did my joy remain?’

I’m glad you asked because this brings us to source of joy. Joy comes from a source greater than things, trips, or relationships. Note with me the source of joy:

Romans 15:13 (NIV)- “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
1 Peter 1:8-9- “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Joy that is unshakeable comes only through the Lord Jesus Christ. While we are not promised that everyday will be footloose and fancy free, we are promised joy that comes only through the Lord Jesus Christ.

So here is my question for you, have you found joy?

Tell me what you think. I would love to have a dialogue on this topic.