What is Prayer?

Prayer is communication with God.  It’s talking with and hearing from Him.  We can learn a lot about prayer from Jesus.  Just look at Jesus’ prayer life.  In Luke 5:16, “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”  He prayed often prayed and in solitude.  He thought it was important.  If Jesus felt the need to pray then how much more should we? 

Jesus had a special place to pray.  In Matt. 26 He went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.  We need to find time and a place to pray.  Do you have a special place where you go to pray?  Go to your bedroom or outside on your porch or under a tree.  Go any place where you can be alone and away from the phone and any interruptions.  That doesn’t mean we can’t pray while we’re in our car or at the grocery.  The idea is to pray wherever you are.

Jesus was effective in prayer, because He prayed.  When Jesus prayed in the Garden, He could have asked God to send angels to come and save Him from the horrible death He knew He was about to experience, but He didn’t.  Jesus always prayed in God’s will.  Maybe there’s something you are praying for that is not in God’s will.  If so, maybe you shouldn’t be praying for that.  The more you pray according to His will the more blessings He will give you. Also God heard Jesus’ prayers because of His reverent submission. (Heb. 5:7b).

Are you in referent submission to God?

How willing are you to live with His answer to your prayer?

Principle:  Jesus was successful in prayer, because He prayed and because of His reference submission. 

Why is prayer so hard?

I will be the first to admit that prayer is hard.  It’s hard because it takes focus, time, discipline and obedience.  It requires waiting on an answer from God.  It’s hard because we think we can get more done and done quicker by ourselves.  Prayer is misunderstood.  We’re not sure just how to pray.  We think our requests are too small for God.  We’re not sure they will even make a difference.  We think we have to pray long prayers or pray like we hear others pray.

The purpose of prayer if to align our hearts with God’s not for Him to give us what we want.  We should not pray only when things aren’t going the way we want.  Jesus prayed when things were going well and when they weren’t.  You don’t have to have years in the church or in Bible study to pray successful.  Jesus prayed in the good times, the bad times and in average times.  You can know a lot about prayer, but if you don’t practice prayer it does you no good.  

Principle: Pray in the good times, the bad times and in the average times.

Are you practicing prayer on all occasions?

How often should we pray?

1 Thess. 5:17 says “pray continually”.  We should all pray more.  That’s simply enough.  We can’t be successful in prayer if we don’t pray.  As I said before, Jesus was successful in prayer because He prayed. 

Pray throughout the day and remember God is always with you.  It’s like being with a friend.  If your friend is with you, you have conversations with your friend don’t you?  You share what you’re thinking and you listen to what your friend says.  It’s like that with God.  He is always with you so just pray through your day whatever the situation.  Just talk with Him.  Then take time a listen so He can speak to you.

There is private prayer and there is public prayer.  In private we are to be persistent, thankful and can pray anywhere and at any time.  In public we are to be wise in our conduct and in our words so we can be effective witnesses of Christ as others hear our prayers.  Don’t worry about what others think, just open your heart to God.

Principle:  Pray continually.

Do you worry what others think when you pray?

How should we pray?

Col. 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.”  We are to pray persistently, watchfully, and thankfully. 

Pray persistently.  “Pray without ceasing”. – 1 Thess. 5:17.   Without ceasing doesn’t mean nonstop prayer every minute of the day.  That would be impossible.  It means coming back to prayer again and again and over and over.

Pray watchfully.  This is how we stay alert against the unseen enemy.  Prayer is the energy and power in which we wage war.  We must live in prayer at all times so we can win the spiritual battle.  It’s how we are strengthened in the power of God.  It’s how we put on the full armor of God.  It’s also expecting Him to answer.

Pray thankfully.  That is to pray in faith in all circumstances.  Don’t forget to thank God in advance for what He’s going to do.

Principle:  Pray persistently, watchfully, and thankfully.

Do you thank God in advance for how He will answer your prayer?

Has your prayer life become routine and boring?

Jesus said to His disciples in Matt. 26:41 when they fell asleep instead of praying, “the spirit is willing, but the body is weak”.  We are like the disciples and easily distracted and tempted.  It’s all too common to start to pray and then we start thinking of all we have to do and let our focus wonder from prayer or even fall asleep.  We want to pray, but our flesh is weak.  We need to stick to it and not give up and eventually it will become something we look forward to doing.

To get out of your routine prayers, pray for your inter-self.  Don’t just pray for material things.  Pray for strength and power through His Spirit to be within you.  Pray that Christ would dwell in your heart through faith and that you will be rooted and grounder in love.  Pray that you will be able to extent the love of Christ to others.  Pray that you will be filled up to all the fullness of God.  Pray for God to do far more that what you ask. 

When Paul was in prison, he didn’t pray for God to set him free or give him more food to eat.  He didn’t pray for his physical or material needs.  He prayed for more spiritual growth.  Pray with the right attitude and with reverence and in submission to God’s sovereign authority.  Don’t pray small safe prayers.  Pray BIG prayers.  God can handle them.  There are no prayer too big for God.

Sometimes God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we had hoped.  There is a mystery about prayer and we can’t always understand God’s ways, but know that He wants the best for us.

Principle:  Pray in reverence and submission to God’s sovereign authority.

Has your prayer life become dry or lazy?

Are you discouraged and don’t know what to say?

Do you doubt that God is listening to you? 

Ways to help your prayer life.

Choose a specific place to pray away from distractions.

Pray at the same time every day making it part of your routine so it will become a habit.

Pray out loud - even though you pray often under your breath.

Keep a note pad to jot down things that come to mind.

Make a list keeping track of your prayer needs and leave space for when God’s answers.

Include praise, thanksgiving and even singing.

Spend some of your time reflecting on Scripture.

Have a prayer partner for accountability.

Pray one sentence prayers praying short sincere prayers.

Use ACTS when praying –

   A - Adoration, praising God for who He is.

   C - Confession, telling Him what you’ve done wrong and asking Him for forgiveness.

   T - Thanksgiving, thank Him for what He’s doing in your life or prayers He’s answered.

   S - Supplication, asking God for daily needs for yourself and others.

Don’t over think your prayers.

In closing, don’t over think your prayers.  Prayer is merely directing your mind and heart in the direction of God and just talking with Him.  Talk to God about everything that matters to you.  Pray until something happens.  Don’t give up.  Keep on praying.  God cares and listens to you.  He wants us to come to Him.  He is waiting for us to fellowship with Him.

Principle:  Prayer is simply talking with God.

Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site.  Hope to see you here again.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus and pray often.

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Romans 16 - Paul's Farewells

Romans 16:1-16; 21-24 – Greetings From Paul and Friends

Paul along with other believers from Rome and Corinth send greetings to the church in Rome.  There are 33 names mentioned in all, but I will mention only a few.  Priscilla and Aquila who risked their lives for him; Epenetus who was first to convert to Christ; Mary, Typhena, Tryphosa, Typehena, Tryphosa Persis who worked hard; Rusus who was like a mother to him; Timothy who was a fellow worker; Andronicus and Junias who are his relatives and also who had been in prison with him; Herodion, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater who are his relatives; Tertius who wrote down this letter for Paul; Gaius who had provided hospitality to Paul while he was in Corinth.  (Rom. 16:1-16, 21-24)

There are other places in the Bible where there are lists of genealogies and names.  They are there for a reason.  These who Paul greeted can motivate and encourage us to be all God wants us to be.  It shows us the church is made up of ordinary people who know the Lord Jesus.  Some were Jews, some Gentiles, some were men, some women, some were slaves, some rich and some poor.  They all were obedient and growing in their faith.  They served Him.  They loved one another.  All these people were united in Christ Jesus.

Why is Paul including so many verses of greetings in his writings?  God had a purpose as He does with everything and the Holy Spirit inspired him to write these greetings.  We have to remember all the Bible is God inspired.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

Paul seemed to have a relationship with each of them.  He is a good example for us to take interest in fellow Christians and have a relationship with them.  Paul mentions Priscilla and Aquila who risked their lives for him and for the church.  There were those who held church services in their homes.  He greeted those who worked hard for the Lord.  All these people were ordinary people growing in the Lord through sound doctrine that Paul teaches throughout the book of Romans.

Principle:  The church is made up of ordinary people who love and appreciate each other and share the same goal of glorifying God.

None of these people were famous or powerful in the eyes of the world.  Like most of us they would never be recognized by the world, but God knows their names as He does yours.  We are important to Him enough that He sent His Son, Jesus to die for our sins.

How do you think Paul would have described you?

How would you liked to be described?

Romans 16:17-20 – Paul’s Final Warning

Paul told them to watch out for those who cause division and put obstacles in their way that are against his teachings.  These people are not serving the Lord, but their own appetites.  They have smooth talk and use flattery to deceive.  He said everyone has heard about the obedience of the Christians in Rome and he wanted them to be wise about what is good and evil.  Paul reminded them that God will soon crush Satan.  (Rom. 16:17-20)

Paul’s words are totally in line with our culture.  Our churches are putting aside true doctrine.  There are false teachers who deceive others for their own gain.  There are those who live to stir up trouble.  They gossip and are always complaining about something.  We all know people like that.  Believers are to stand firm, be on guard, and keep away from those kinds of people and away from false teachings.  If we know God’s Word, we will be able to recognize these people quickly. 

How can we recognize false teachers?  They promote the way to salvation is through works and not Jesus’ work on the cross as do cults.  False teachers are usually nice and likeable.  They flatter you and tell you what you want to hear.  They don’t talk about sin or the judgment that is coming.  They preach only positive messages of God’s love and acceptance.  They tell stories that tug at your heart and prey on your feelings.  There are many cults today.  Some examples are Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses.  They talk about believing in Jesus, but their Jesus is not in the Jesus of the Bible.  Remember they always have a little truth in their teaching.  That’s what gets followers.  False teachers preach salvation is by grace plus works.  Paul preached that salvation is by grace through faith alone.

Those involved in cults do a better job training their people that Christians do.  When these people come and knock on your door, be careful.  They can take you to any verse that supports their beliefs.  So if you choose to entertain them in a discussion, be ready to discuss your beliefs.  If you aren’t knowledgeable of the Bible, they can confuse you and draw you in.  I usually don’t open the door or I just say that I’m a Christian and thank them and tell them to have a good day and then close the door.  Then after they’ve left, I pray for them.

So to be wise about false teachers, you need to focus on the Scriptures.  By knowing the truth you will be equipped to stand up to any false teaching.

Paul said “the God of peace will soon crush Satan”.  Satan was defeated at the cross, but until Christ returns the battle continues.  Satan continues to deceive and devour everyone he can.  He is especially out to get Christians.  That’s his job and he will never give up.  He’s even working harder now, because he knows his time is almost up.  He knows God will win in the end.  So put on the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-20), stay in His Word and in prayer, and run from temptation.  Then you can resist Satan’s evil schemes.  His final defeat will be the Christ throws him into the Lake of Fire.                                                                                                                             

Principle:  Believers are to be on guard against false teachers.

Romans 16:25-27 – Paul’s Benediction

How do you end a letter like Romans which has been called the greatest letter ever written and one of the greatest books of the Bible? 

As usual Paul ends his letters with a benediction.  “Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him – to the only wise God by glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” – Rom. 16:25-27.

He praised God who has provided the glorious gospel.  He wrote so all nations might believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.  God has the power to make a Christian’s faith firm.  He protects believers from wrong beliefs.  The good news of Jesus comes to everyone.  For centuries people didn’t know God’s plan.  It was a secret, but now it’s public.  God has always planned to come for not only the Jews but the Gentiles.  God rescues all people who believe through His Son, Jesus.  The Old Testament prophesied of His coming.  Christians must show their faith is real by obeying God and by their love for everyone.

Principle: The power of the gospel transforms believers and gives eternal hope.

It’s not about us.  It’s not about being happy.  It’s about God’s glory.  This message to the Romans and to all of us reveals the wisdom of God.  The goal of the gospel is that we would glorify God through all things, the good times and the bad times.  We are to live obedient lives of faith and proclaim Him to all people.

What truth in Romans has most impacted your life?

SUMMARY OF THE BOOK OF ROMANS

The book of Romans is a letter written by Paul to the Christian church in Rome.  The book gives answers to questions like:  What is the gospel?  Who needs it?  Why is it needed?  What is salvation?  How is it achieved?  What difference does it make in a person’s life?  What difference does it make to society?  Why should you live in obedience?  How can you live obedient to God?  The theme of Romans is righteousness.  Paul taught that one can only receive the Righteousness of God by faith in the atoning death of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1-8 is full of doctrine.  It explains the fundamentals and foundations of the Christian faith – the gospel.  Paul teaches about the sinful nature of man, justification by faith in Jesus, freedom from sin, and victory in Christ.  He teaches that man is justified by faith in Christ alone and not by the works of the law. 

Romans 9-11 Paul explains God’s sovereignty and how an individual may come into the right relationship with God.  He reveals that the Jews failed to recognize Christ as the fulfillment of the Law and rejected their own Messiah.  God therefore rejected them, but that this rejection is not final.  God will show mercy of those Jews who acknowledge Jesus as Lord.

Romans 12-16 Paul gives instructions to the Christians in Rome and for all believers about how to live holy lives because of their new life in Christ.  Paul was called by God to bring Christianity to the Gentile world.

Before Paul met Christ, he glorified himself.  He was proud, stubborn, and a self-righteous murderer who God turned into the greatest missionary the world has ever seen.  This shows that God can use anyone for His service. 

Paul was a wonderful example of how we all can live.  Paul was always content and always sought the will of God and not his own desires.  He was an encourager to fellow Christians and a prayer warrior.  He taught the doctrine of justification by faith.  He taught salvation is needed by everyone, Jew and Gentile.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” –Rom. 3:23.  If all have sinned then how can you be saved?  “That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Rom. 10:9.

This concludes the study of Romans.  I hope you have learned many life lessons through this study and will apply them in your life.  Join me next time for more studies.  Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site.  Hope to see you here again.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Romans 15:14-33 – Paul Ministers to Gentiles

Romans 15:14-16 – Paul’s Reason for Writing

Paul is convinced that the Christians in Rome are full of goodness, knowledge, and are competent to minister to one another.  He has written boldly to them because God has appointed him to be a priest to the Gentiles so they might become an offering acceptable to God sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:14-16)

Paul writes to them to encourage them.  He has always been an encourager.  He is writing to them because they are morally good people and have basic biblical understanding.  When Paul says they are full of goodness and knowledge, he doesn’t mean they are sinless or qualified as seminary graduates.  He means they have good will toward God and others.  He means that they are ready to be used effectively by God.  He wrote to them to remind them of God’s truths. 

Sometimes we become comfortable and get busy with our lives that we need to be reminded from time to time to what Jesus has done for us on the cross.  We need to be reminded of the fundamentals of our faith.  We need to be reminded what our responsibilities are as Christians. 

How will you encourage someone today?

Paul was aware of his purpose – to take the gospel to all the Gentiles.  Paul calls himself a priest.  All believers are members of a kingdom of priests and have the duty and privilege to share the gospel with everyone. 

Are you aware of your calling?

It’s the believer’s responsibility to care for one another by meeting needs one might have.  It might be providing food, shelter, and even spiritual help.  Usually it’s the pastor or elders who get involved when someone is drifting away, but it’s every believer’s responsibility to try to restore him.  You are your brother’s keeper.  If you’re a believer, you’re in the ministry.  However, to minister effectively you must apply biblical truth in your own walk with Jesus.

Principle:  If you are a believer, you are in the ministry.

What is keeping you from viewing yourself as a minister of Christ?

Romans 15:17-22 – Paul’s Reasons for His Absence

Paul goes on to say that he considers it a great honor to be used by God in bringing the Gentiles into God’s kingdom.  The Holy Spirit gave Paul the power to do signs and miracles showing he was a genuine apostle.  (Rom. 15:17-19) 

The Bible tells us that Paul did signs and miracles.  Examples of some of Paul’s miracles are found in Acts 14:8-10 and Acts 19:11-12.  Should we expect sign and wonders today?  God is the Almighty Creator and He can do miracles anytime He wants.  He has no limits so we shouldn’t limit Him.  We should believe that He is able.  We may not see the big miracles as we do in the Bible, but we can see miracles daily.  They may not be as obvious as we would like, but they are happening all around us.

Paul wanted to preach the gospel where the gospel was unknown so he wouldn’t be building on someone else’s foundation.  He didn’t want to continue work others had started.  He based his philosophy on Isaiah 52:15.  He saw his ministry as part of fulfilling the Old Testament prediction about the Gentiles coming to understand the good news of Christ.  (Rom. 15:20-21) 

In Rom. 1:13 Paul said he wanted to visit Rome many times, but wasn’t able and at that time he didn’t explain the reasons.  Now he explains it.  Paul didn’t want to interrupt anyone else’s work.  He wanted to lay a good foundation like a builder who lays a foundation for a building.  He wanted to preach to those who had never heard the gospel. 

What is keeping you from telling someone about the gospel?

Where is God asking you to serve?

As Christians we should always affirm the ministries of others while using our gifts as we serve.  We should also give God the glory offering our ministry as an act of worship.  We should be more like Paul and not hesitate to be bold in challenging others reminding them what they already know.

Principle:  Christians should affirm the ministries of others while using their gifts to serve.

Romans 23-29 – Paul’s Plan

Again Paul in hindered from visiting Rome because of his calling.  He must go somewhere the gospel has not yet been proclaimed.  His sights are on Spain and his plans are to stop by Rome on his way, but first he has to go to Jerusalem.  Macedonia and Achaia took up a contribution for the poor believers there in Jerusalem.  They were happy to do it and it was also their duty.  The Gentiles shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, so they owed it to them to share their material blessings.  (Rom. 23-29)

Paul was convinced it was not God’s will to visit Rome until he had completed his mission of dropping off the collected contributions to those in Jerusalem.  He didn’t let his desire to go to Rome keep him from his calling.

Are you convinced of your calling?

Do you let your desires interfere with your calling?

Principle:  Submit to God’s will and not your own desires.

I see two lessons here.  One of obeying God’s calling instead of our own desires.  The other is sharing with those who are in need.  The poor may need food, clothing, money, housing or they may need you time to show they are important and not forgotten.  We are to share our blessings with others to relieve their poverty.

How are you sharing with the poor?

Romans 30-33 – Paul’s Request

Paul urges the Christians in Rome to pray for him.  He wants prayer that he be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that his service in Jerusalem be acceptable.  Then by God’s will he can come to Rome with joy and be refreshed with them. (Rom. 30-33)

Paul may have already been warned about the dangers ahead in Jerusalem, but that didn’t stop him from doing God’s will.  Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome and now he is asking them to return the favor.  By praying they are actually participating with him in his ministry.  We may not be able to be missionaries and go to a far off country, but we can still join in the ministry of others by praying and supporting them financially.

Paul knew that prayer was warfare and powerful.  We need to remember this.  Prayers are not just words, but words of power.  Pray for our churches, our pastors, out teachers, and our missionaries.  Pray that your lost family members will accept Jesus.  When you pray, pray with the right motivation and pray for God’s will to be realized.

Who or what will you pray for today?

Principle:  Prayer is powerful.

Next time we will study Romans 16.  Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site.  Hope to see you here again.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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