What unlikely people did Jesus say we should pray for?
(Luke 18:1-8; John 5:46-47; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; Jam. 5:13-18; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; 1 John 5:14-17) Blog July 19-25, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: All believers in Jesus are to be his witnesses. They are to tell others about God’s saving love which motivates their testimony. When sinners are converted joy comes to them, to those who witnessed to them, to God, and to the angels in heaven, a multitude of sins are covered by the blood of Christ, and the believer grows more like his Savior. We must view everyone as a purchase of Jesus and as someone who God desires to save.
Cosmic Conflict (Dan. 12:10-14; Psa. 58:3; Isa. 14:12-15; 53:6; 2 Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:12; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; Rev. 12:7-12; )
1. Why is it that all humans are not saved and bound for eternity with God? Because we have all turned our own way & gone astray from the God who created us.
2. When did we go astray? As soon as we were born.
3. Why is it true that every human being goes astray as soon as they are born? Because Adam chose to turn over this world to Satan when he ate the forbidden fruit & so we are all born the lawful prey of the enemy with depraved natures bent towards sin & rebellion.
4. Why is it that Satan is in rebellion against God? Because before this world was created he allowed pride to convince him that he should have God’s throne & be Sovereign oven the universe.
5. When Lucifer began his rebellion in heaven what did God do? God’s army of loyal angels under the leadership of Michael the Archangel (Jesus) fought against Lucifer & his angels (1/3 of the heavenly host) & cast them out of heaven down to this earth where Lucifer tempted Adam & Eve to sin.
6. When Satan gained lordship over this earth did that end the conflict between him and God? No, for Jesus stepped in between the wrath of God & guilty humanity & became one of us to defeat Satan thus recovering Lordship of this earth, making Satan very angry & determined to damn as many human beings as possible.
7. What evidence does Daniel 10 give that the cosmic conflict was continuing in Daniel’s day? The fact that the mighty angel Gabriel was sent to reveal how God’s people were to be delivered but he was detained by Satan for three weeks until Jesus came to his rescue.
8. What part are Christians to play in this cosmic conflict? We are to overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb & by being witnesses of the goodness of God.
9. How does Paul describe our battle and weapons? We fight against fallen angels but not with physical weapons.
10. This quarter we have considered why we are to witness, the effectiveness of giving one’s personal testimony, and how we are to view every human being. What added part of witnessing does Paul recommend in First Timothy? To pray for the salvation of others.
The Example of Jesus (Matt. 5:44; 6:6; Mark 6:46; Luke 6:28; 10:2; 21:36; 22:31-32; John 17:20; Acts 7:?;;)
11.What counsel and example did Jesus give as to where we should pray? In in private – closet or mountains.
12. What was Jesus’ prayer for Peter? Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail.
13. Who else besides his disciples did Jesus pray for in John 17? For us who would later believe in him.
14. What was Jesus’ instruction as to when we should pray? Always (which Paul also echoes in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
15. What unlikely people did Jesus say we should pray for? For those who persecute & despitefully use us.
16. Besides praying for the salvation of others what else did Jesus tell us to pray for in Luke 10:2? For God to send more laborers into his vineyard.
Prayers of Believers (Psalm 5:1-3; Luke 11:13; Acts 4:31; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; James 1:5; 4:2; 5:16; 1 John 5:15-17?; )
17. What should we learn from Acts 4:31 and Luke 11:13? That God gives his Holy Spirit in answer to prayer & the Spirit gives us boldness to witness for Jesus.
18. If we lack wisdom on how best to witness what does James tell us to do? As God for wisdom.
19. How did Stephen pray for his persecutors? He asked God to forgive them.
20. For whom does Paul tell Timothy and us to pray? For all men; for kings & for all that are in authority.
21. What reason does Paul give that we should pray for all men? That they might come to the knowledge of the truth & be saved.
22. According to James 4 what is one major reason we are unsuccessful in witnessing? Because we don’t ask for God’s help.