The Leadership of the Spirit

Acts 16:6-10; Rom. 8:14 

To whom do you turn for daily guidance in how to live your life, what to do, where to go, whom to see, how to make decisions and choices? The Scriptures tell us of the most effective Guide. He is the only One who knows our past completely from the moment we were conceived to this present day, knows our future completely, from this day extending into eternity, and knows God’s plan and purpose for us today and each day of our lives. The Holy Spirit offers us excellent leadership for living.

Why Do We Need the Spirit’s Guidance when making decisions?  

Jeremiah 10:23, O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.

Jeremiah 17:9, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?  

God is committed to guiding His people into His will.

Psalm 32:8, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Proverbs 16:1, The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.

The Holy Spirit guides Christians by putting it in our hearts and minds to do His will and by providentially governing our circumstances. Discovering God’s will is not meant to be mysterious and elusive, a “guessing game,” nor does it require hearing an audible voice. The Spirit is able to lead us by different means (Pr. 20:24).

After the Lord Jesus went back to Heaven, He communicated His will to believers in several ways, through Scripture, visions, prophets, counselors, and circumstances. Since the Bible is complete, God will not use all of these various means today, but He still leads His people into all His will. God will also show you if you should marry Jane or George, go to this college or that university, take that job or this position, relocate to this state or another country, buy that kind of car, move to this home in that neighborhood, and so on.

The Spirit leads submissive believers through the use of the Bible, fasting and prayer, godly counsel, and our circumstances.

Message:

I. Look to the Primary Methods the Spirit Uses to Help Us Make Decisions.

A. Consult the Wisdom of God’s Word (Acts 16:9-10).

1.  GOD SPEAKS THROUGH HIS WORD.

The easiest way He leads is through Scripture. The Holy Spirit may make a passage of the Bible known to us, and that may lead us or guide us.

            A. Expect God to lead you to the Word and through the Word.

John 16:13-14, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

B. Trust the Spirit to teach the Word and make much of Christ.  A Spirit-taught believer will make much of Jesus Christ as a normal course of life; they will hold Him high in their estimations, trust Him implicitly, preach Him enthusiastically, and adore Him absolutely.

C. Ask Him for a Scriptural Basis or a Specific Passage For Your Needs. Look for New Testament commands especially (1Thess. 5:12-22; Eph. 4:20-32; Rom. 12:9-21). Work on sensing God’s commands.

2. GOD’S WORD OFTEN PRESENTS PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY.

A principle is a general guideline that helps us live God’s will.  There may not be a direct commandment nor and explicit statement on the matter of consideration. But there is always a principle we can apply to make right decisions. Consider the following verses as they apply to decision-making regarding (Tattoos, nose rings, marriage, weekend trips, the purchase of a boat, a vacation to Hawaii, home remodeling project, ect).

           A.  Does It Bring Glory to God?  

1 Cor. 10:31, Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

           B. Can We Thank God For it in Jesus Name? 

Ephes. 5:20, Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

           C.  Can We Do It in Jesus Name With His Blessings?   

Col. 3:17, And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

           D.  Does It Engender Anxiety or Do I Have God’s Special Peace?

Philip. 4:6-7, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1. Feelings should be considered last. They are important, but they also can be deceptive. Negative emotions may represent purely psychological struggles. Any difficult decision creates anxious, if not painful, feelings. Imagine what would have happened if Jesus had paid attention to His feelings when He was praying in the Garden? Crucifixion is deadly painful! But in spite of His strong negative emotions, He did the will of God.

           2. On the other hand, positive emotions may simply mean this is something we want to do! This is why feelings must always be tested and evaluated by what God says in His Word.

           3. If you can answer yes to these questions about a decision or choice you are about to make, you are making your decision within the principles of God’s Word: Will God be glorified in this? Can I give thanks to God for this? Can I do this in the name of Jesus, fully expecting His blessing, His provision, and His stamp of approval? When I pray about this, do I sense God's peace in my heart?

We must not simply expect life to just happen. No, live responsibly executing the will of God. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we should not even hint at living independent of God.  He has a way of reminding us that He is essential to life. It is far better to submissively yield, and pursue His plan for us.

B.  Allow the Spirit to Work in Your Heart, Desires, and Motives (Acts 16:6-7).

We don’t know how the Holy Spirit told Paul that he and his companions should not go into Asia (Acts 16:6). It may have been through a prophet, a vision, an inner conviction, or some other circumstance. But, we can be sure the Spirit of God led him and did indeed work in their hearts (Prov. 16:1).

1. GOD’S SPIRIT IS AT WORK IN YOU.

Philip. 2:13, For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

   A.  God Helps Us to Know His Will.   Phil.2:13 (Col. 1:9-12)

1.      How to know the will of God can be one of the great challenges of the Christian life, and often one of the

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1.      great frustrations of the young Christian.

a.       God does want us to seek Him even about the details of our lives and even the smaller decisions we make.  

b.      But, God may not give specific and pinpoint guidance from His Word in every little nit picky consideration especially when He has addressed it indirectly by general Bible guidelines.  

2.      We can, however, frequently, prayerfully, and sincerely ask the Lord for a wise and understanding heart regarding specific decisions and responsibilities (1Kg. 3:7-12).

3.      1 Kings 3:8-10, And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. [9] Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? [10] And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

   B.  God's Will Is Always Transformation (Rom. 12:1-2).

He wants us to “be” the right kind of people. If we are the right kind of people, God will find it easy to lead us to do whatever He wants us to do. Typically, however, we are preoccupied with what God wants us to do, uncomfortable just being the kind of person God wants us to be, and resting in His sovereignty to determine what we should do.

   C.  God Provides Guidance By His Spirit!

Nevertheless, the Bible does indicate that God will lead us and guide us, even though we may not feel led or guided. Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Galatians 5:16, 18 reads, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  Then we read, But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” So we see that we are led by the Spirit, or can be, but how? What does that mean?

2. GOD’S SPIRIT WANTS TO MAKE DEEP IMPRESSIONS IN US.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

A.     Frequently, Trust God to Plant Inclinations, Thoughts, and Desires In Our Mind To Guide Us.

a.       This is the most subjective and the most dangerous, because it is often difficult to know whether something in our head is our own personal desire, or perhaps even a deception by the evil one. (You will know them by their fruit, Matt 7:16, 20; 12:33; Jn 10:10; 1Jn 4:1)

b.      In such a case, it is helpful simply to retrace the above principles. Also remember by the integrity and righteousness of the upright we will secure God’s guidance (Prov. 11:3, 5).  Sometimes we make decisions based on the godly character God has developed in us.

B.     Frequently Appeal to the Spirit for Guidance Throughout the Day.

1.      As we walk in the Spirit daily, surrendered to His power, we have the right and privilege to expect anything we need to hear from God. The Holy Spirit living within us and speaking to us ought to be the natural lifestyle of believers. We claim His presence, direction, and guidance by faith.

2.      One of the lines of the Lord's Prayer points toward our daily reliance on the Holy Spirit: “And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” (Lk. 11:4).  I believe that is how the Holy Spirit guides us in an ongoing way each day. He speaks in our hearts a no to everything that would bring us harm, and thus, He delivers us from evil and away from temptation. He also speaks in our hearts a yes to everything that will bring us blessing.

C.  Devote Yourself To Prayer And Fasting for Direction.

Psalm 5:8, Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.   

Psalm 25:4, Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.  (See also Daniel 2:22; Acts 13:1-3) 

  

            1. The Purpose and the Benefits of Fasting is Spiritual Guidance and Power. Matt. 6:16-18

Jesus fasted and prayed for forty days in the wilderness, and the end result was that He was perfected for ministry (Matt. 4:1–2, 11). Queen Esther fasted and prayed for three days, and the end result was that she was stripped of the fear that kept her from telling the king about the evil plot against her life and the lives of her people (See Est. 4:15–16).

           2.   The Proper Use of Prayer and Fasting.  Matt. 6:16-18

a.       Fasting enables us to bring the body and soul into subjection so that in prayer, a person is focused solely on God and His plans and purposes for that person’s life.

b.      There are times, when God asks us to set aside our natural desires and appetites and concentrate solely on the spiritual dimension of our being. True fasting goes beyond skipping a meal or denying ourselves food for a period of time. It is a turning away from and a willful denying of all natural human desires and appetites so we might concentrate solely on the Lord and what He wants to say to us or accomplish in our lives.

c.       When we are in this spiritual state—completely yielded and submitted, totally humble before Him and reliant upon Him—God can guide us like arrows to accomplish His will. He then can do the real transforming work in our inner spirit that causes us to speak and act more like Jesus Christ.

II. Trust the Spirit to Use Counselors and Work in Your Circumstances.

A.  He Gives Guidance Through Spiritual Counselors.

Proverbs teaches that there is safety in the multitude of counselors. It takes a brave or foolish person to go counter to an abundance of solid, wise counsel.

Proverbs 11:14, Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.   

Proverbs 24:6, For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

     1.  Does the Potential Counselor Qualify to Give Spiritual Guidance?  

The option to turn to other Believers for Advice is one more advantage we have in decision-making!  

Psalm 1:1, Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

A. Note Some Preparations: Identify your counselors before you need their advice.  Like the president, select your cabinet members in advance and ensure they are fit counselors.  You don’t need 20, perhaps five capable individuals will be enough. 

B. Note Some Considerations: We have Christians around us who love us and desire the best for us.  Christians who have a fear of God and respect for the Scriptures, people of conviction and not convenience.  Folks who obviously love God, and have an outstanding testimony are your primary considerations. People of prayer, who sacrifice for the Lord and His church, who love the Lord, other Christians, the Bible, Preaching, and sound teaching are good options.  (Col. 3:16; Heb. 10:24; 3:13)

C. Note Some Cautions: Moms and Dads may not fit this description; your best friends may not fit this description, and people you are fascinated with may not fit this description. A Psychiatrist or Counselor may not fit this description. If they do not fit this description of a spiritually healthy believer, then the advice you receive could be spiritually unhealthy for you.

     

     2.  Beware of Christians Who Care More about How You Feel Toward Them Then They Do the Truth.  When we turn to people for advice, we must be aware that in many cases, they will tell us only what they think we want to hear. They likely desire to make us feel good so we will like them more, which in turn makes them feel good. If you seek advice from another person, get advice that is honest, true to God's Word, and without ulterior motive.

                              

     3.  Consider Christians Who Are Successful In the Areas You Require Insight.  Certainly Godly Christians will be honest and able to share pros and cons with you. 

        A.  Finances.  Consult with people who manage their financial life well, whom God is obviously number one in their lives (Matt. 6:24, 33; 1Tim. 6:6-11). 

        B.  Parenting. Turn to good parents who understand their responsibility to God (Eph. 6:1-4; Ps. 127).  Consult with parents who recognize the importance of Instruction, Training, Correction, and Discipline (Deut. 6:4-7; Prov. 20:7; 22:6; Eph. 6:1-4; 2Tim 3:16-17).

        C.  Marriage. Consult with Christian Couples who understand that marriages must be based on Gen. 2:18-25; Eph. 5:21-33 and good Christian Character (Col. 3:18-19).

        D.  Separation. For Christian Living matters consult with Believers who understand the difference between moral and amoral issues (1Cor. 6:9-20; 2Cor. 6:14-18).

        E.  Devotion. For insight on your devotional life, talk with Believers who enjoy the Bible consistently and love the Word of God.  Avoid those who only bring their Bibles to church, but never read it any other time (Hab. 2:1; Matt. 7:24-27; 2Tim. 2:15).  Be sure to avoid those who have great knowledge, but no discipline to live the truth— false teachers (2 Pet. 2:12-19).

B. He Gives Guidance In Our Circumstances.

Of course, another way God leads is by providentially governed circumstances. If circumstances prohibit you from doing something, you know it is not the will of God. He is not leading you into someplace where He makes it impossible to go. Consideration of circumstances is not primary, but it is still a means God uses to show us His way in a given decision.

      1. A Biblical Illustration.

Acts 16:6, Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

Romans 1:13, Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. (See also Rom. 1:10; 15:20-29; 1 Thes. 2:15-18; 1 Cor. 4:17-21)

      2.  A Biblical Declaration.

The leaders of the early church relied on the Holy Spirit to give them this kind of specific, personal guidance, and we are wise to do likewise. Both Romans 8:14 and Galatians 5:18 refer to our being “led by the Spirit.” This is considered to be the norm of the Christian life.

      3.  A Practical Examination.

We must ask ourselves the following Questions: “Does it make good sense?” “Is it logical and rational?”  “How will this decision affect my family?”  How will it affect us spiritually?  Will we continue to Mature in the Lord?”  “What are the advantages and disadvantages?”

Circumstances should not be the sole basis for your decision, but they are important in determining God’s will. Circumstances can sometimes offer the information we need to better understand God’s will.  Sometimes God wants us to maneuver around our circumstances, and yet other times he wants us to stand still and see what He will do for us. He always wants us to consult with Him. God can even lead us on issues where the scriptures are silent.

Be very careful when looking at the circumstances when making decisions. We still walk by faith and not by sight. This is what the Lord requires and it is pleasing to Him (Heb. 11:6). Just because it seems bigger, better, faster, more prestigious, more beneficial financially, or even illogical does not necessarily or automatically mean that it is God’s will.

When we knew that God wanted us to go back to Germany as missionaries we sought out counsel from missionaries and pastors in Germany to better understand the need for Military churches. Germany had experienced a great draw down and we knew that the need was not as great as before. It didn’t make complete sense to us to pursue a ministry to Germany. We needed counsel.  We talk to former missionaries to Germany, and we even planned a survey trip and talked to the preachers there in country, and God basically confirmed his calling upon our lives through good sound counselors in spite of apparent conflicting circumstances.

Conclusion:

God does guide—sometimes through an inner conviction, sometimes through circumstances, sometimes through Scripture or godly counsel. But sometimes we don't have any sense of being led or guided. That does not mean we aren't. It means we are free to make a choice in the Lord. 

When seeking God's will, (1) make sure your plan is in harmony with God’s Word; (2) ask mature Christians for their advice; (3) check your own motives -- are you seeking to do what you want, or what you think God wants? -- and (4) pray for God to open and close the doors as He desires.

My Special Prayer Partner

ROM. 8:26-27

SUBJECT: PRAYER

THEME: Depend on the Word of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit to enhance the effectiveness of your prayer life. Continue to look to the Lord for help even when you feel your prayers are useless.

INTRODUCTION:

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. ²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:26-29)

Do you struggle in prayer? If you do, you are not alone. There are things that not even my sweet wife can help me with in prayer. Every Christian I know struggles at times in prayer, wondering…

• How should I pray about this situation or for this person?
• What is the Father's will in this instance?
• How should I express myself to God to convey what I really mean?

At times, our emotions run too deep for words, and we are therefore at a loss for clear expressions in prayer.

• At other times, we are confused by what we see as conflicting possibilities or problems.
• At still other times, we feel under such heavy assault from the devil that we seem to be fighting for our very lives, and all we can voice is a desperate cry for help!

Often we feel alone with nothing but the weakness of our prayers and the intimidation of our concerns. But, remember the secret of your power is your weakness—your infirmity. What is the secret of power to you?

• If you’re Popeye, I guess the secret of power is a can of spinach.
• If you’re Superman, the secret of power is kryptonite.
• If you’re a Christian, the secret of your power is weakness.
  The Word of God says, “Likewise [that is, by faith], the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities [weakness.]”
  It is not in our perceived strengths that the Spirit helps us.
  It is not in our egotism.
  It is not in our pride.
  It is when we recognize our lack of power that we plug into His strength. When we understand how much we need Him, then that is how much we will have Him.
• God works in our weaknesses. God likes to hit big licks with little sticks. God likes to honor Himself with things that look weak and helpless.

Remember, you are not wicked or even wrong because you need help in prayer!

MESSAGE:

I.                  Understand the Lord Jesus Seriously Struggled in Prayer.

Have you ever stopped to recognize that Jesus, in His humanity, struggled in prayer?

1. JESUS UNDERSTOOD HIS MISSION….

Jesus knew that He had come to the earth to be the substitutionary, sacrificial, all-sufficient payment for all sin. He said to His disciples during the final week of His life,

John 12:23-24, … The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. [24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

John 12:27-28, Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. [28] Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

2. EVEN WITH THIS KNOWLEDGE AND RESOLVE, JESUS STRUGGLED….

Matthew tells us that in the final hours before His betrayal by Judas, Jesus agonized in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

• He admitted to His disciples, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.” (Matt. 26:38)
• “This was doubtless the unspeakable revulsion of His holy soul as He anticipated becoming a sin-offering for us. We who are sinful cannot conceive what it meant to Him, the Sinless One, to be made sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21).”—MacDonald, William

• Jesus prayed that if at all possible, He might be spared His crucifixion—the wrath of God, becoming sin, and separation from the Father’s fellowship (Matt. 27:46). In His agony in the garden, His soul was afflicted—a man of sorrow, overwhelmed with grief, as He prepared for trial and for death.  His soul wrung with pain.

• Yet His ultimate prayer was, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (See Matt. 26:36–42.)
• The “cup” represented the undiluted wrath of Jehovah against sin.
• Luke adds that Jesus was in such agony as He prayed that “his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:44).  
• Hebrews tells us how angst-ridden His soul was as He wept profusely, and cried out to God,

“Who [Jesus] in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; ⁸ Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:7-8)

• It was not merely death that Jesus was struggling with in prayer, but the fact that he would be made the Sin-Bearer of the world for all mankind and all ages.
• The punishment that had to be borne for our sins brought Jesus, a mammoth of a man, to His knees in anguishing prayer.  As the Sin-Bearer, He would be severed from fellowship with the Father for the first time. Christ would soon be inundated with the blame for all wickedness; He deemed sin as profoundly repulsive!
• Yes, the Son of God struggled in prayer, but He was effective still. You and I can have effective prayer lives in spite of our infirmities as we depend on the Holy Spirit.

3. YES, WE WILL ALSO STRUGGLE WITH PRAYER.

That is if prayer means anything at all to us and if we feel a burden to intercede for others. And yet, in those times of struggle, the apostle Paul taught, we can take heart because “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Rom. 8:26). The Holy Spirit dwells within us to help us in our prayer lives! We can count on Him to make our prayers effective.

                                                                       

II.              Understand How To Pray Within The Father's Will.

Romans 8:27, And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

A.     TRUST THE SCRIPTURES TO HELP US PRAY THE FATHER’S WILL.

Our Desire as Christians must Always Be to Pray Within the Will of the Father for Us.

• 1 John 5:14-15, And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: ¹⁵ And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

• The Father's will include all that is beneficial and good for us personally, and all that is beneficial and good for all His children—simultaneously and eternally. His plan is greater than our ability to understand it; His purposes for our lives are beyond our comprehension. How, then, do we pray within the Father's will? (Stanley, C.)

     1.  If We Are Praying for Unsaved People, Our Prayer Should Be That They Come to Accept Jesus Christ as Their Personal Savior and Then to Follow Him as Their Lord.

• Romans 10:1, Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
• Romans 9:1-4, I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, [2] That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. [3] For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: [4] Who are Israelites; . . . .   

• Paul even wished himself accursed or cut off from Christ if through the forfeiting of his own salvation his Jewish brothers might be saved. In this spiritually muscular declaration of self-renunciation, we sense the highest form of godly love—that which constrains a man to lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). (MacDonald)

• And we feel the enormous burden, which he carried for the conversion of his countrymen. It reminds us of Moses’ prayer for his people: “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written” (Ex. 32:32).  Obviously, Paul wept over his people, desiring supremely to see them saved. It is God’s will to pray for the conversion of sinners.

• While living in the village of Herriden, Germany, God gave me many opportunities to witness to the youth at the bus stops in our community. I made a point of giving out gospel tracks and encouraging them to think about their personal need for Christ. God helped me remember many of their names and I used them when I interacted with them. I also placed their names on a special prayer list, “Bus Stop Prayer List,” to remind me to pray for the salvation of their souls.

     2.  If We Are Praying for Fellow Believers in Christ Jesus, Certain Things Are Always Within the Will of the Father.

        A.  A Model Prayer for the Philippians.  We have a good model for this in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, in which he tells the Philippians what he prays for them:

Philip. 1:3-6, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, [4] Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, [5] For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; [6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Philip. 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; [10] That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; [11] Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

We can pray these things for all believers at all times and in all situations:

                1) That Christ Will Complete the Work in Them That He Has Started.  vs 6

                2) That Their Love May Abound and Overflow.  Vs 9,

·        Love is doing what’s best for another physically, emotionally, mentally, & spiritually.

                3) That They May Grow in Knowledge and Discernment   vs 9-10

·        Knowing right and wrong

·        Choosing the best, “excellent,” over the good and better

                4) That They May Live Sincere Lives as They Follow Christ, Avoiding Offenses to Him   Vs 10

                5) That They May Be Filled with the Fruits of Righteousness—persistent do-gooders   vs 11

                6) That Their Lives May Bring Glory and Praise to God     Vs 11

                7) That Christians Would Faithfully Contribute to the Advance of the Gospel–Missions Vs5           “For your fellowship in the gospel”

       B.  A Model Prayer for the Colossians.  Colossians provides another model prayer that we can always pray for our fellow believers and know it is God's will:         

Col. 1:9-12, For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; [10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; [12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

It is God's will always that our fellow believers:  

               1) Know God's Will for Their Lives Generally and Specifically.    Vs 9

               2) Have God's Wisdom as We Navigate through Daily Life.    Vs 9

               3) Grow in Spiritual Understanding—godly perspective & outlook.    Vs 9

·      (1 Cor. 2:12-13; compare 1 John 2:20; 5:20).

               4) Walk in Righteousness—Worthy of Our Lord, Pleasing to Him.   Vs 10  

               5) Bear Fruit in Many Types or areas of Christian Service.    Vs 10   

               6) Grow in Intimate Knowledge of God—experience Him daily.  Vs 10

               7) Become Stronger enabling us to be more Patient, more Longsuffering, and Joyful.  Vs 10

I encourage you to use these prayers as your basic pattern of intercession for other believers.

 B.  TRUST THE SPIRIT TO HELP US PRAY THE FATHER’S WILL.

When We Do not Always Know What to Pray or Cannot Seem to Pray What We Desire to Pray   Romans 8:26, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Our struggle with praying within the will of the Father occurs most often when we don’t know how to pray or what to request. It may also occur when we do know how to pray, but the way we feel led to pray is not the way others desire for us to pray.

I heard the story about a pastor who visited a woman in the hospital. She was very ill, and she asked him to pray for her healing. He tried to pray as she requested, but the more he prayed, the more he prayed for everything but healing. He indicated that in his spirit, he had a growing knowledge that healing was not God’s plan for her. God was about to call her home. Sure enough, she died the next day.

      1.  The Holy Spirit Helps Us Pray in Spite of Our Infirmities.

In the difficult times when we don’t know how to pray, or we find ourselves stopped from praying what we had intended to pray, Paul tells us the Holy Spirit  “helpeth our infirmities” (Rom. 8:26).

                   A.  The Infirmities of the Christian

The Holy Spirit actually strengthens the believer to overcome his infirmities (weaknesses). Infirmities may refer to the presence of sin abiding in the believer (Rom. 7:14).  It may also refer to our ignorance and our current ambiguous perception of our future glorious existence.  Still the Spirit helps us conquer our weaknesses in our prayers. This knowledge of God’s sympathy should not motivate us to excuse our infirmities, but quicken us to seek a higher, holier, and Christ-honoring life. There may be much against us, but God is still for us!

                   B.  The Help of the Spirit. Rom 8:26, Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: ....

“Helpeth” here signifies "to take hold with at the side for assistance"; hence, "to take a share in, help in bearing, to help in general."  

Thus the Holy Spirit shares our burdens and assists us in our infirmities or at the very moment of weakness!  In other words before we will ever experience being over burdened with the Trials and Troubles of life, the Holy Spirit will pick up the burden on the other end before it’s too late and help you bare it!

                                1. It Means That the Holy Spirit Shares the Load. He gets up under the burden that we feel—about our lives or others' lives—and He helps carry the prayer. Remember, we still must pray!

                                2.  This Word “Helpeth” Is Also Used, in Martha's Request to the Lord to Bid Her Sister Help Her.   Luke 10:40, But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

This same word “help” is used in Luke 10 where we read that Martha was distracted from sitting at Jesus' feet because she was concerned about getting a meal on the table. She asked Jesus to tell her sister, Mary, to help her in the serving preparations. (See Luke 10:40.)

The implication in both places is that the help being given or being sought is practical in nature. Martha is “cumbered about”—with serving her guests. This phrase implies that she was running in circles. That's the way we often feel in our prayers, isn't it? We run all around the problem, hoping to corral it. (Stanley, C.)

The idea behind the use of the word “Helpeth” is the down to earth, everyday kind of help that Martha needed in the kitchen!  That is help where you need it the most!  We can trust the Holy Spirit to help us in a practical way—to guide us very specifically into God's answers and solutions so that we truly are praying in the will of the Father. (Stanley, C.)

                              3. The Word “Helpeth” and the Holy Spirit’s Title “Comforter” Convey the Same Ideas As One Called Alongside to Help!   John 14:16, And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;     (Also: Jn. 14:26; 15:26 & 16:7)

“The kind of help He gives is the help a doctor gives when he is called along side the sick bed; the kind of help the fireman gives when he is called alongside a burning building; the kind of help a Lawyer gives when he is called along side to undertake a case.  What a Helper and Comforter!”—Dr. John Phillips

         2.  What Do We Have to Do to Receive the Help of the Holy Spirit?  We need to ask for it. Ask for His help before you pray. Ask for His help as you pray.  Then literally depend on Him to assist and guide, and aid you in your prayer life.

         3.  God is Concerned About the Trials and Sufferings of His People.  Sometimes we wonder if God really Cares in the midst of our pain; we even question the tangibility of His love! There is great help in simply knowing that God really cares when we hurt and experience suffering in this life. Not only does God care, but he actually helps us in such times!  He Strengthens, Assists, Feel Our Pain with Us, He even Heals the Hurts in our spirit and soul!  O, how we need to acknowledge His help and accept His comfort always but most of all in the midst of the longest Trials, deepest Pains, and darkest Hours!

   C.  DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO BECOME DISCOURAGED OR FRUSTRATED!

Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

         1.  At the Very Times You Are Most Discouraged about Prayer, Don't Give in to Discouragement. That's the very time when you need to pray! Jesus promised that our Comforter-Helper is always available and is instantly accessible. He is never out of the office when we need Him.

         2.  God Values Our Prayers. Furthermore, He Commands Us to Pray. Prayer is part of God's plan for accomplishing His purposes on this earth. We didn't design this plan for prayer. God did. And He intends for us to succeed in prayer. That's why He helps us in it.

“The Creature and the Creation must groan in pain until the Revelation of the Sons of God, but until that time there is help for the Saved through the Holy Spirit.  We are told that the Holy Spirit will help with our weaknesses.   Even when we are too weak to know what we should pray for, we get intercession from the Spirit with such groaning that we could not utter.  We have a Heavenly Helper who maintains our cause for us.  All of this intercession is made according to the will of God.”—Dr. A. V. Henderson, Pastor Temple Baptist Church

Certainly God delights to do His own will!  These prayers will no doubt be answered fully!

CONCLUSION:   

My purpose is not to answer all the questions we might have about prayer. Rather, my purpose is to make this point: The Lord God wants us to pray, encourages us to pray, guides us in prayer, and when we do not know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit takes up our cause and prays to the Father for us.

Therefore, we should never fear praying to God or be discouraged about prayer. Rather, we can go to God and admit that we do not know how to pray for some things as we ought, and have confidence the Holy Spirit will make the proper prayer on our behalf. What freedom that gives us! We can just pray, with a free heart, knowing that the Holy Spirit is praying for us at the same time, translating our mixed-up thoughts, our uncertainties, and ignorance, into valid meaningful prayers.

Be sure to respect God qualifying criteria for prayer! The Scriptures are abundantly clear that we are not to pray with selfish motives (James 4:3), or with sin in our heart (Psalm 66:18), or without faith (James 1:6). At the same time, God readily hears the prayer, “Lord, I have sinned. Forgive my sin, and restore me to fellowship with you. Empower me to change from within.” If we have taken care of those matters, we can pray. So pray…risk praying poorly if you must, but still pray—cry out to God shamelessly. Pray the best you know how. The Holy Spirit is there, assisting, translating, interpreting, and literally praying to the Father for you. That is correct; God prays to God for you!

But, what if we do not believe what the Bible declares about prayer? We will miss out on some of the ministry of the Lord Jesus, the Word of God, and Holy Spirit would like to have in our lives. We will have a less than biblical understanding of the blessing of the Living God’s direct involvement. We’ll miss out on the peace and joy of knowing that God is on a constant watch for our spiritual welfare. Then finally, we will have little to share with others regarding these weighty spiritual matters. (Anders)

So are your prayers needed? Yes! Is God listening? Yes! Does God expect us to pray when He prompts us to pray? Yes! Does God hear and answer our Bible-informed prayers? Yes! Do we always pray the right things when we ask the Holy Spirit and rely on Him to guide our prayers? YES!

There is great reward in cooperating with the Scriptures, Holy Spirit and our Lord Jesus in prayer. That reward is manifested not only in the lives of those for whom we pray but also in our life. You cannot lose if you ask the Holy Spirit, trust the Word, and follow the Lord Jesus in prayer!