Prayer is Intentional

 

“Intentionally Communicating With God”

DAN. 9:1-23 

THEME: Regularly Engage in Two-Way Communication With the Lord in order to Build an Ever Deepening Fellowship With Him.

RELEVANCE:

Many good communication books are on the market today. The Bible, however, is God’s foremost book about God’s communication with us. The Scriptures are the supreme source of insight on prayer and talking with God. It is the source from which we receive new insights and eternal wisdom regarding our prayer ministry.  

The Christian life is NOT a set of religious rituals, nor merely a list of beliefs.  God is a Divine Person and we must never forget he offers us a personal relationship to enjoy and maintain.  Intimate associations grow, prosper, and are strengthened through wholesome self-disclosing communication—prayer.  Victory or defeat is decided in your Christian life on the battleground of your daily walk with the Lord.

INTRODUCTION:

1.  Each of Us Has a Need to Communicate with God. That need has been built into us by our Creator. It is part of God’s design—part of His imprint on our lives. We desire to be in touch with our Maker.

2.  Prayer Is Communication with God. In its broadest definition, prayer includes both verbal and nonverbal communication—it covers our thoughts and actions toward God, as well as our words toward Him.

Daniel’s prayers illustrate and model two-way communication with God.   

MESSAGE: 

I.   PRAYER IS TO BE INTENTIONAL; DO IT ON PURPOSE (Dan. 9:3-6)

1. PRAYER DOES NOT HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT.

Daniel 9:3-4, And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: [4] And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

1.      We must Engage in the Process Regularly.

A.    We must turn our minds, hearts and voices toward God. Vs. 3-4, “I set my face,” “I prayed.”

1.      Daniel demonstrated a purposeful persistence in prayer. Even Jacob in his prayer cried, “… I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Gen. 32:26).

2.      Daniel was concerned about his people. Perhaps he was shaken by that little horn in chapter 8, Antiochus Epiphanes, the Syrian king of the Seleucid dynasty. He would abuse Daniel’s people, and he would desecrate the temple. All of this caused Daniel great concern.

3.      We must make a conscious decision to pray daily. Certainly Daniel did!

 

B.     We must designate specific times of prayer and devotion with our Heavenly Father.

1.   Daniel disciplined himself to pray three times a day (Dan. 6:10).

2.   Nehemiah was a godly leader of constant prayer (Neh. 1:14; 2:4; 4:9; 6:9).

3.   The Lord Jesus made a major priority of prayer each day (Mk.1:35).

a.       Jesus rose a long while before daylight and went out to a place where He would be free from distraction and spend time in prayer. The Servant of Jehovah opened His ear each morning to receive instructions for the day from God the Father (Isa. 50:4, 5).

b.      If the Lord Jesus felt the need of this early morning quiet time, how much more should we! Notice too that He prayed when it cost Him something; He rose and went out a long while before daylight. Prayer should not be a matter of personal convenience but of self-discipline and sacrifice. Does this explain why so much of our service is ineffective? –Believer's Bible Commentary

c.       Despite a full day of ministry (vv. 21-34), Jesus got up the next morning very early, before daybreak (about 4 a.m.) and went out to a solitary place (cf. v. 4) where He spent time praying. 

d.      Mark selectively portrayed Jesus at prayer on three crucial occasions, each in a setting of darkness and aloneness: near the beginning of his account (v. 35), near the middle (6:46), and near the end (14:32-42). All three were occasions when He was faced with the possibility of achieving His messianic mission in a more attractive, less costly way. But in each case He gained strength through prayer.—The Bible Knowledge Commentary 

C.     We must include these various aspects of this passage in our own prayers.  True prayer is:

1.      In response to the Word (v. 2). 

a.       The determining factor which brought Daniel to this prayer was his study of the Word of God. The Word reveals the will of God. A study of God’s Word, followed by prayer, is the formula for determining God’s will.

b.      The promises Daniel read are (Jer. 25:11; 29:10).

2.      Characterized by fervency (v. 3).

a.       James 5:16,…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

3.      Characterized by self-denial (v. 3).

4.      Identifies unselfishly with God’s people (v. 5).

5.      Strengthened by confession (vv. 5–15).

a.       He Confesses His Own Sins and the Sins of His People. He reviews Bible history and confesses that the nation has been wicked and God has been righteous to judge them.

b.      He Knew the Warnings Moses Had Given (v. 13, see Lev. 26).  He knew that he and his people deserved far greater disaster than God had sent to them. It is wonderful to see Daniel identifying himself with his sinning nation, though he himself had not been guilty of these sins.

6.      Dependent on God’s character (vv. 4, 7, 9, 15).

7.      It has as its goal, God’s glory (vv. 16–19).

D.    This is proper expression of intentional prayer to the Lord.  While we may express our prayers through feelings and thoughts, prayer must be intentional for it truly to be a form of communication.

2.      We Must Engage in Prayer Instead of Complaining. 

A.    I am NOT discouraging confiding in a friend regarding a burden or struggle, but if you ask for prayer, be sure to pray for yourself also.   

B.     Prayer is far better than merely complaining to each other.

1.      Ex 17:3, And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? Again the people of Israel complained about their problem instead of praying. They had followed God’s leading into the desert, but now were doubting his ability to take care of them.

2.      Some problems can be solved by careful thought or by rearranging our priorities. Some can be solved by discussion and good counsel. But some problems can be solved only by prayer.

3.      We should make a determined effort to pray when we feel like complaining, because complaining only raises our level of stress. Prayer quiets our thoughts and emotions and prepares us to listen to the Lord.

C.     Silently wishing something might be so is not prayer.

D.    Confessing a fault to another person is not prayer.

E.     Feeling a spring in our step as we rejoice in the warmth and beauty of an April day is not prayer. No, we must intentionally engage in prayer.

2. PRAYER WILL HAPPEN WITH PERSONAL INITIATIVE.

Daniel 9:3-4, And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: [4] And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession….   

1.      Take the Matter Straight to God. Daniel took the initiative and took the matter to the Lord in prayer.  He by-passed everybody else and went straight to the Lord his God.

 

2.      Don’t Miss out Because You Fail to Pray.  Many times our problems and challenges persist because we failed to pray over the matter.

A.    James 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

B.     To be engaged in prayer, we must voice our problem to God … with an expectation that He not only will hear us, but will respond to us.

C.     To be engaged in prayer, we must yield our desires to God … and expect Him to answer or change our desires as part of the process.

D.    To be in genuine prayer, we must make our confessions to God … and actively receive His cleansing and forgiveness.

E.     To be people of prayer, we not only must feel positive, good, or thankful, but must give voice to our thanksgivings and praise … and open ourselves fully to experience the presence of God at work both in and around us.

3.      Initiate Prayer By Speaking With Your God.

A.    Psalm 4:3, But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.  The godly are those who are faithful and devoted to God. David knew that God would hear him when he called and would answer him.

B.     We too can be confident that God listens to our prayers and answers when we call on Him. Sometimes we think that God will not hear us because we have fallen short of his high standards for holy living. But if we have trusted Christ for salvation, God has forgiven us, we have fellowship, and he will listen to us.

C.     When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer, you have been set apart by God -- and he loves you. He hears and answers, although his answers may not be what you expect.

D.    Look at your problems in the light of God’s power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems.  Make prayer intentional.

 

The Great Whore's Betrayal

“The Great Whore's Betrayal” 

REVELATION 17:7-13

THEME: In highly metaphorical language the filthy religious prostitute and her judgment by the Lord Jesus are described. We are assured that God hears our prayers as his persecuted, justice is indeed a divine priority, and our Lord's martyrs will eventually be vindicated. 

INTRODUCTION: 

One reason John used symbolism was so that his message would encourage believers in any period of Christian history.  The true churches are like pure virgins (Rev 19:7-8; see also 2 Cor 11:2), but the false religious system is a "whore" who has abandoned the truth and prostituted herself for personal gain. In every age, there has been a "whore" who has used, abused, and persecuted God’s people; and this will culminate in the last days in a worldwide apostate religious system.

MESSAGE:

II. The Great Whore Explained (Rev. 17:7-13)

What follows is an angelic explanation of the judgment of ‘Mystery Babylon the Great,’ showing an anti-Christian political and religious system that is finally crushed by King Jesus. (Bible Gateway) 

A.  EXPLAINING THE BEAST (Rev. 17:7-9)

An angel explains to John “the mystery of the woman” (whore, prostitute, idolater) and the beast, as a power that is historical, presently absent, but is indeed future coming out of the Abyss before its final destruction. It points to a deceptive, blasphemous power that astonishes earth-bound unbelievers. 

   1. Notice What is Perceived (Rev. 17:7)

1. A Description.

1.     He sees a “woman” (Worldwide Religious System of Idolatry) riding a “beast” (the Empire of Antichrist) with “seven heads” (Seven historical political kingdoms) and “ten horns.” (Future Ten Kingdom Confederation in Europe).

2.     The woman represents a corrupt religious system depicted by the city of Babylon (Rev. 17:7).  This “one world” religion in the Western Europe will accompany political unification under the Antichrist and will support his drive toward power.

2. A Downfall. But when the Antichrist has achieved power, he will overthrow the religious organizational federation and insist that the entire world adore and worship him (Rev. 17:16).

   2. Notice What is Professed (Rev. 17:8-9)

       A.  Regarding the Beast. (Rev. 17:8)

The beast represents the Antichrist and his empire.  “The beast” both a king and kingdom are referred to in this term.

             1. Beast Considered as an Individual.   (Rev. 17:8)

                  A.  He Was— was alive

                  B.  He Is Not—dead, was killed

“Was, and is not, and shall ascend.” A reference to the Antichrist’s false resurrection (Rev. 13:3,4,12–14; see Rev. 13:3).

                  C.  He Shall Ascend—raised up from the Abyss

“Out of the bottomless pit.” After his “resurrection,” the Antichrist will become possessed by a great demon, most likely Satan himself, from the abyss (see Rev. 13:1,3).  This indicates that the power behind the ruler is satanic (cf. 13:4) and that Satan and the man he controls are closely identified. Their power is one.

                  D.  He Shall Go In— go into eternal punishment

“Perdition.” Eternal destruction (Rev. 17:11; Matt. 7:13; John 17:12; Phil. 1:28; 3:19; 2 Thess. 2:3; Heb. 10:39; 2 Pet. 2:3; 3:7,16). This is the lake of fire, the place of Antichrist’s destruction (Rev. 19:20).

                  E.  He Will Inspire Wonder (Rev. 17:8)

                        1. Among the Lost of the Earth

                             a. “Book of Life.” The roll of the Redeemed, written in eternity past by God (see Rev. 3:5).                  

                             b. Only the Tribulation Saints will escape the Antichrist’s deception (Matt. 24:24).

                             c. “From the foundation of the world.” See 1 Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2 (“before time began”). A frequent phrase (Matt. 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; John 17:24; Eph. 1:4; Heb. 4:3; 9:26; 1 Pet. 1:20) referring to God’s pre-creation plan.

                        2. About His Resurrection

The fact that the beast “was, and is not, and shall ascend” in the future is another indication of what was introduced in Rev. 13:3. 

             2. The Beast Considered as an Empire.    (Rev. 17:8)

                 A.  It Was— The Empire Existed Before

                 B.  It is Not —The Empire Ended

                 C.  It Shall Ascend— The Empire was Revived through Satanic Power

                 D.  It Shall Go— The Empire Will be Condemned

                 E.  The Empire Will Cause Wonder

                       1.  Among its Loyalists

                       2.  About Its Revival

The supernatural survival and revival of both the world ruler and his empire will impress the world as being supernatural and will lead to the worship of the beast and Satan.      

       B.  Regarding the Whore. (Rev. 17:9)          

             1. The Wisdom (Rev. 17:9)

                  A.  QUOTE: “The truth that is being presented here symbolically requires spiritual insight to be understood, and the difficulty of correct interpretation is illustrated by the various ways it has been interpreted in the history of the church.”  — Walvoord, J. F.

             2. Remember What the Whore Is (Rev. 17:9)

                  A.  The Seven Mountains Stated.

                         1. Seven Heads Equal Seven Mountains.

                         2. The Seven Mountains Equal Seven Kings and Kingdoms. (Rev. 12:3; 13:1,3)

The 7 mountains in context likely symbolize the 7 kingdoms and their kings of Rev. 17:10.

Daniel 2:35, Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

                  B.  The Seven Mountains Explained.

                       1.  They Likely Are Not Literal Mountains–City of Rome

QUOTE:  “While Rome is often referred to as having seven hills or mountains, different writers do not necessarily name the same seven mountains.”  — Walvoord, J. F.

                       2. They Most Likely Represent Seven Kings & Kingdoms (Rev. 17:9-11)

QUOTE: “A close study of the passage does not support the conclusion that this refers to the city of Rome. Seiss, for instance, offers extensive evidence that the reference is to rulers rather than to physical mountains (The Apocalypse, pp. 391-94). This is supported by the text which explains, They are also seven kings (lit., “the seven heads are seven kings”). If the mountains represent kings, then obviously they are not literal mountains and refer not to a literal Rome but to persons.”  — Walvoord, J. F.

             3.  Remember Where the Whore Resides (Rev. 17:9) “On which the woman sitteth”

                  A.  The Religious System is Headquartered in Rome (Geographically) (Rev. 17:18).

                  B.  The Religious System Influences the Empire of Rome (Spiritually) (Rev. 17:2, 3).

                        1. It Influenced the Seven Kings and their Seven Kingdoms (Historically) (Rev. 17:9, 10).

                        2. It will Influence the Ten Kings and Their Kingdoms (Futuristically) (Rev. 17:15, 18).

While this religious system is headquartered in the city of Rome, it will grow to worldwide influence after it flourishes in Europe.

B.  EXPLAINING THE KINGS (Rev. 17:10-13)

   1. The Seven Kings Explained.  (Rev. 17:10-11)

These “seven kings” are representatives of the 7 great world empires (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and that of the Antichrist). See Daniel’s image in Dan. 2:37–45.

      A.  Considered as Kingdoms

I favor this view because it fits the total picture of the text better than the view which regards these as Roman kings.

           1.  Five are Past–World Empires—"Five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come”.

a.      When John wrote, the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian and Greek empires had gone out of existence.

b.     According to Rev 17:10, five of these kings (or kingdoms) had passed off the scene, one was present in John's day, and one was yet to come. If so, then the five past kingdoms would be Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Greece.  All these world empires where influenced by this religious system of idolatry and false worship. While the religious systems may have had a different name and outward appearance during the time of each empire, its essential elements, nature, character, motives, and beliefs were the same.

c.      Remember this is “THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”  The system of the future will not be anything new!                

           2.  One was Present–Roman Empire

The present kingdom would be Rome, and the future kingdom would be that of "the beast." To understand Rev 17:10-11, we must consider Rev 17:12. Rome still existed; and the Antichrist’s empire had not yet come.

           3.  One Was Future—Revived Roman Empire of Antichrist

               A.  The Roman Empire is the Seventh Kingdom

               B.  The Roman Empire is the Eighth Kingdom (consisting of a 10 kings confederation)

                     1. When it comes, it will be brief (Rev. 12:12; 13:5) and

                     2. He will end in perdition (Also Rev. 17:11; Rev. 17:8).

      B.  Considered as Kings (Rev. 17:10-11)

This is a popular view also, but probably unlikely the meaning of the text. 

   2. The Ten Kings Explained. (Rev. 17:12-13)

Verse 12 informs us that the 10 horns of the beast represent 10 kings.

      A.  Ten Kings Are Yet to Rule (Rev. 17:12). See Rev. 12:3; 13:1

Daniel 2:41-42, And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. [42] And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

These are not 10 successive kings of the past, they are contemporaneous kings who are leaders of the kingdoms which will form the original alliance in the Middle East that will unite their power to support the beast (v. 13).

           1.  These kings are sub-rulers under the Antichrist, whose empire will apparently be divided into 10 administrative districts. The ten kings unanimously yield their power and authority to the beast. In other words, ten countries (or governments) surrender their national sovereignty to him.

           2.  They possessed “no kingdom as yet.” Thus, the kings cannot be identified with any historical figures.

           3.  They are Empowered after “one hour with the beast.” Symbolic of the brief 3½ year period of time (Rev. 11:2,3; 12:6,12,14; 13:5; 18:10,17,19).

Again the 10 horns are contemporaneous with each other, and as the text indicates they will receive political power for a brief time.

      B.  One King Will Be the Most Powerful (Rev. 17:13).

          1. The ten horns in Revelation 17:12, 13 are said to represent the ten-nation federation which will give its power and strength to the beast (compare Dan. 7:23, 24 with Rev. 13:1).

Daniel 7:23-24, Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. [24] And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

          2. “The beast" not only has seven heads, but also ten horns, which represent ten kings.

The Middle East ruler who will emerge in the end time and will make a covenant with Israel seven years before the second coming of Christ. This ten-kingdom empire goes to war against the Lord Jesus when He returns to earth at the end of the Tribulation.

QUOTE: “But these are very special kings: they enable "the beast" to rise to power and are even willing to yield their authority to him. Recall that at the opening of the first seal (Rev 6:1-2), Antichrist began his "peaceful" conquest of the nations. He organized a "United States of Europe," brought peace to the Middle East, and appeared to be the great leader the troubled world was seeking.”   —W. W. Wiersbe

          3.  But during the seven-year period, this ruler broke his covenant with Israel (Dan 9:27) and began to persecute the people of God as well as the nation Israel. Energized by Satan and assisted by the false prophet, "the beast" became the world’s dictator and its god. In this way, "the beast" was both "one of the seven [kings, kingdoms]" but also "the eighth." His kingdom was nothing but a revival of the Roman Empire ("one of the seven"), but it was a new kingdom ("the eighth').

           4.  The Babylonian system in is a seductive religious power that minimizes doctrinal truth, rejects the authority of the Word, and tries to unite the world’s political powers based on faith in the Antichrist.

APPLICATION: As we ponder the identity of the seven kings and the emergence of the ten kings, we must see John's theme of worldly power and its ultimate ineffectiveness against God and his people. Their authority only lasts for "one hour," symbolizing its brevity and ultimate destruction. As Christians, have we become infatuated with the worldly power of movie stars and sports celebrities, political coalitions, and world economic forces? Are you craving the power and prestige that position, wealth, and connections offer? If so, you are an easy target for Satan’s great deception. Worldly power is Satan’s trap; the desire for it can turn us away from God. Worship only God and make it your strongest desire to serve him. (W. W. Wiersbe)

 

Refill Your Cup

 

Refill Your Cup

Luke 5:16, And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Mark 1:35, And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

The Lord Jesus practice something we often miss in our hustle and bustle, he frequently prayed alone in solitary places to connect deeply with God, secure daily guidance, and find strength for the challenges ahead. Such solitude allowed him to focus and engage in undistracted communion with his heavenly Father. Again, such activities were vital for receiving instructions, spiritual power, and wisdom for his very complex ministries and God’s designs. These ‘get aways’ provided rest, reflection, refreshment, and a way to process emotions and challenges. Our Lord’s habit of withdrawing demonstrates the importance of personal solitude in the presence of God, spiritual growth, and recharging our serving capacity. 

Sometimes we are called upon to do the extraordinary! We typically don't even hesitate to meet the expectations and requirements. It is a part of what we do—forsake ourselves for the benefit of others! Doing so can be demanding, exhausting, depleting, and grueling at times, but we still come through in brilliant color and reliable force. Afterwards, it is important to reset in the wake of these episodes...to take a breather...a well-deserved break. I am talking about intentionally stepping back from daily demands to recharge spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

This may involve short resets like walking in God’s creation, praying, or meditating on a verse or phrase. You may try longer getaways like a trip on a long weekend to a location that permits you to unwind. What is critical is that we focus on non-work activities, clear our calendars, unplug from the various forms of tech, and prioritize time with God, rest and good food. There are multiple benefits to doing this like hearing from the Lord afresh, seeing things in Scripture you forgot were there, realizing there are matters we left unresolved, and even relationships we should pursue as well as those we need to eliminate. We can experience a boost in our health, inspiration for our interests, and a renewed eagerness to be more productive, and certainly preventing the various forms of burnout before returning to the fight. It is okay to reduce some of the stress.

Anybody with eyes can see we have been working at a fever pitch to make a lot of great things happen for many others. We have been there making events special, cherish-able, memorable, and picture-worthy-epics. We have treated others with dignity, respect, courtesy and service. But please remember you need a break too…a period of rejuvenation. Start planning now for enjoyable, restorative activities, rather than just passive screen time, these are your keys for true renewal. So, go ahead and steal way to sit prayerfully in God’s presence, plan a trip or even take a short drive, visit a museum you have been wanting to explore, journal your reflections and thoughts, disconnect from work/social media, read the Word slowly and thoughtfully, engage in other restorative activities like walking, hiking, gardening, an unscheduled nap, a long bubble bath, or just taking it down a few notches at home. 

The requirements will still be there when you return, and the demand will be also.... But please take that ‘needed break’ in the coming weeks. You don't have to feel guilty as you do so. We all need these types of respites several times a year. Afterward you may continue to pour from a cup that has been properly refilled.

Jesus's solitary prayer life and his ability to unplug from society was not a matter of avoiding people or merely being alone. Jesus intentionally prioritized a profound and personal interaction with his heavenly Father. Clearly his actions provide us with a model for finding peace, clarity, and strength in our own lives. It informs us to refill our cup often as a matter of priority.  

 

Pray Right

 

 

Philippians 4:6-7 

SUBJECT: Prayer

THEME: One Way of Victory Over Worry and Anxiety is Right Praying. We are assured the “God of peace” will guide us and the “Peace of God” will safe-guard or protect our hearts and minds against worry.                               

RELEVANCE: Sometimes we forfeit the joy of the Lord when we worry; this plagues our minds and hearts, effectively stealing our joy. Fears, concerns, apprehensions, worries, uncertainties, and people problems can literally rob us of joy leaving us in a ball of nerves.  But the Lord wants us to have a joy that is untouched and uninfluenced by the problems and uncertainties of life. We can have strong joy when we Pray, Think, and Live right.  We must rely on the “God of Peace” to give us the “peace of God” as we meet his conditions for peace.

INTRODUCTION:

1. What is Worry?

   A.  The word “worry” basically means “careful” and "anxious" or “full of cares.”

   B.  In Phil 4:6 the word “careful” means "to be pulled in different directions." Our hopes pull us in one direction; our fears pull us the opposite direction; and we are pulled apart!

   C.  Basically "worry" means "to strangle." If we have ever really worried, we know how it does strangle a person! In fact, worry has definite physical consequences: headaches, neck pains, ulcers, even back pains.  Worry affects our thinking, our digestion, and even our coordination.

We have here a prohibition which forbids the continuance of an action already habitually going on. The Philippian saints were habitually worrying. Paul exhorts them to stop it. The word “nothing” is literally “not even one thing.”^[a]

Is it really possible for a Christian to be anxious for nothing? It is possible as long as we have the resource of believing prayer. The rest of the verse goes on to explain how our lives can be free from sinful fretting. Everything should be taken to the Lord in prayer. Everything means everything. There is nothing too great or small for His loving care!^[b]

2.  We can conquer worry and experience God’s peace, as we meet the conditions he laid down. There are three:

     A.  Right Praying (Phil 4:6-7)

     B.  Right Thinking (Phil 4:8)

     C.  Right Living (Phil 4:9) (Dr. W. W. Wiersbe)

MESSAGE:

RIGHT PRAYING; PEACE THROUGH PRAYER. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Sometimes we’ll say, "I’ll pray about it!" But the apostle was too wise to say that using three different words to describe "right praying": “prayer,” “supplication,” and “thanksgiving.” "Right praying" involves all three.

Joy and gentleness (vv. 4–5), accompanied with an awareness of Christ’s imminent return, should dispel anxiety. Paul’s appeal to the Philippians is do not be anxious about anything. But this was not a call to a carefree life. To care and be genuinely concerned is one thing. To worry is another. Paul and Timothy cared for the people they ministered to (2 Cor. 11:28; Phil. 2:20), yet they retained trust in God. Jesus warned against worry which obviously eliminates trust in God (Matt. 6:25–33).^[c]

A.  PRAYER. (Phil. 4:6)

Describes a believer’s approach to God. ^[d] This is the general word for making requests known to the Lord. It carries the idea of:

    1. Adoration

    2. Devotion

    3. Worship

APPLICATION: Whenever we find ourselves worrying, our first action ought to be to get alone with God and worship Him. Adoration is what is needed. We must see the greatness and majesty of God! We must realize that He is big enough to solve our problems. Too often we rush into His presence and hastily tell Him our needs, when we ought to approach His throne calmly and in deepest reverence. The first step in "right praying" is adoration.

B.  SUPPLICATION. (Phil. 4:6)

Emphasizes requesting an answer to a specific need.^[e]

   1. Supplication is an Earnest Sharing of Our Needs and Problems.

There is no place for halfhearted, insincere prayer!

   2. While We Realize God does not Hear for Our "Much Speaking" (Matt 6:7-8),

Matthew 6:7-8, But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. [8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

   3. Still, We Realize That Our Father Wants Us to Be Earnest in Our Asking (Matt 7:1-11).

Matthew 7:7-11, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [8] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. [9] Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? [10] Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? [11] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

   4.  This Is the Way Jesus Prayed in the Garden (Heb 5:7), and while His closest disciples were sleeping, Jesus was sweating great drops of blood!

Hebrews 5:7,  Who 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;

    5.  Supplication Is Not a Matter of Carnal Energy but of Spiritual Intensity (Rom 15:30; Col 4:12).

Romans 15:30, Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

Col. 4:12, Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

C.  THANKSGIVING. (Phil. 4:6)

After adoration and supplication comes appreciation, giving thanks to God. An attitude of heart which should always accompany one’s prayers.^[f]

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

Col. 3:15-17, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [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.

APPLICATION: Certainly the Father enjoys hearing His children say, "Thank You!"

ILLUSTRATION: When Jesus healed ten lepers, only one of the ten returned to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19), and we wonder if the percentage is any higher today. We are eager to ask but slow to appreciate.

D. REQUESTS. (Phil. 4:6)

Speak of definite and specific things asked for.^[g]

Someone has summarized the verse as saying that we should be “anxious in nothing, prayerful in everything, thankful for anything.”^[h]

“Requests” … emphasizes the objects asked for, namely, the things requested. The preposition “unto” … suggests…, “in the presence of God,” and is a delicate and suggestive way of hinting that God’s presence is always there, that it is the atmosphere surrounding the Christian.^[i]

 E.  RESULTS. (Phil. 4:7)

  1. The Peace Filled Attitude.

      A.  You Will Note That "Right Praying" Is Not Something Every Christian Can Do Immediately.

      B.  Because "Right Praying" Depends on the Correct Attitude.

      C.  This Is Why Paul's Formula for Peace Is Found at the End of Philippians and Not at the Beginning.

             1. With the single attitude of Phil 1, we can give adoration.

(How can a double-minded person ever praise God?)

             2. With the submissive attitude of Phil 2, we can come with supplication.

(Would a person with a proud heart ask God for something?)

             3. With the spiritual attitude of Phil 3, we can show our appreciation.

(A worldly-minded person would not know that God had given him anything to appreciate!)

              4. Summarily, we must practice Phil 1, 2, and 3 if we are going to experience the secure attitude of Phil 4. (Dr. W. W. Wiersbe)

   2. Everything is Covered.  Phil. 4:6

Philip. 4:6, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

       A.  Paul Counsels Us to Take "Everything to God in Prayer."

"Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything!" is his admonition.

       B.  We Are Prone to Pray about “Big Things" in Life.

             1. Usually, we forget to pray about the so-called "little things."

             2. Until they grow and become big things!

APPLICATION: Talking to God about everything that concerns us and Him is the first step toward victory over worry.

   3. Peace of God. (Phil. 4:7)

The result is that the "peace of God" guards the heart and the mind.

          A.  Remember Paul was chained to a Roman soldier, guarded day and night.

          B.  In like manner, "the peace of God" stands guard over the two areas that create worry - the “heart” (wrong feeling) and “the mind” (wrong thinking).

          C.  When we give our hearts to Christ in salvation, we experience "peace with God" (Rom 5:1)

          D. But the "peace of God" takes us a step farther into His blessings.

                  1. This does not mean the absence of trials on the outside.

                  2. But it does mean a quiet confidence within, regardless of circumstances, people, or things.

ILLUSTRATION: Daniel gives us a wonderful illustration of peace through prayer. When the king announced that none of his subjects was to pray to anyone except the king, Daniel went to his room, opened his windows, and prayed as before (Dan 6:1-10). Note how Daniel prayed.

     1.  He "prayed, and gave thanks before his God" (Dan 6:10)

     2.  He made “supplication” (Dan 6:11).                                                   

     3.  Prayer - supplication - thanksgiving! And the result was perfect peace in the midst of difficulty! Daniel was able to spend the night with the lions in perfect peace, while the king in his palace could not sleep (Dan 6:18).

APPLICATION: The first condition for God’s peace and victory over worry is right praying.

CONCLUSION:

From the spiritual point of view, worry is wrong thinking (the mind) and wrong feeling (the heart) about circumstances, people, and things.

     A.  Worry is the greatest thief of joy. It is not enough for us, however, to tell ourselves to "quit worrying" because that will never capture the thief. Worry is an "inside job," and it takes more than good intentions to get the victory. (Dr. W. W. Wiersbe)

    B.  The antidote to worry is God’s peace! "And the peace of God ... shall keep [garrison, guard like a soldier] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7).

    C.  When you have God’s peace foremost in your thoughts:

          1. The “peace of God” guards you (Phil 4:7)

          2. The “God of peace” guides you (Phil 4:9).

          3. With that kind of protection - why worry?

Prayer is both an act and an atmosphere. We come to the Lord at specific times and bring specific requests before Him. But it is also possible to live in an atmosphere of prayer. It is possible that the mood of our life should be a prayerful mood. Perhaps the word prayer in this verse signifies the overall attitude of our life, whereas supplication signifies the specific requests which we bring to the Lord.^[j]

Right praying is one condition for having a sense of God’s peace and victory over worry. There is no middle ground. Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry. There is no need to worry! Besides, worry is sinful! Read Matt 6:24-34. With the peace of God to guard us and the God of peace to guide us - why worry?

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^[a] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 5 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 109.

^[b] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1978.

^[c] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 663.

^[d] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

^[e] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

^[f] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

^[g] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

^[h] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1979.

^[i] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 5 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 110.

^[j] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1978–1979.