Historical Posts
Philippians 01:14 – Speaking the Word of God Boldly – audio
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Text: Philippians 1:14
Introduction
It seems as if today’s culture is changing, and not for the better.
For example, Phil Robertson, star of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” rightly stood up for the Biblical view on homosexuality (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). As a result, he has been removed from appearing on the program. I pray that no matter what happens to him, he will stand for the truth.
Similarly, the apostle Paul said, “most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear (Philippians 1:14).”
Body
I. We have been commissioned to preach the Word!
A. Paul told Timothy to “preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).”
B. In no way should the word be corrupted (2 Corinthians 2:17); rather it should be sincerely, since it is God’s word!
C. We have no authority from God to add to or take away from His word (Revelation 22:18-19). If we do, we will be repaid.
D. All Scripture is complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God has said everything we need to know!
E. We must preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
II. We must fear God and not men when we preach.
A. If we truly love God, then we will boldly proclaim His word (1 John 4:17-18).
B. Jesus said not to fear him who can only destroy the body; rather fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:27-31; Luke 12:4-7).
C. The Psalmist said, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me (Psalm 118:6)?” Also, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1)?” Later, the Hebrew writer quotes these words (Hebrews 13:6).
D. Paul asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?”
III. Consider examples of those that preached boldly, fearing God and not men.
A. Peter and John boldly preached Jesus before the Sanhedrin after healing the lame man (Acts 4:13).
B. Paul and Silas boldly proclaimed Christ to the Philippian jailer, leading to his salvation (1 Thessalonians 2:2; Acts 16).
C. Barnabas proclaimed Paul’s bold preaching at Damascus (Acts 9:27-29), yet he also boldly proclaimed the word in…
1) …Iconium (Acts 14:3)
2) …Ephesus (Acts 19:8)
3) …Rome by letter (Romans 15:15)
Conclusion
Do we have that boldness to proclaim the Word of God as Paul and others did?
If not, we can receive boldness and confidence through our faith in Christ (Ephesians 3:11-12), and praying to God for it (Acts 4:29-31; Ephesians 6:19-20).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Prayer Power
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(The Power of Prayer)
Introduction
1. Jesus anticipated that people would become slack in their prayers…
a. Telling the parable of the persistent widow, that people might always pray – Luke 18:1-7
b. Wondering if He would find faith on earth (i.e., people praying) when He returned – Luke 18:8
2. Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers…
a. “praying always with all prayer and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18
b. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” – Colossians 4:2
c. “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalians 5:17
3. If we have become slack in our prayers, might that be an indication that we do not appreciate the power of prayer? Have we forgotten what a privilege it is to pray?
Body
I. EXAMPLES OF THE POWER OF PRAYER
A. THERE IS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD…
1. The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ – 1 John 1:7-10
2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray – Acts 8:22
3. Don’t you want the assurance of knowing that your sins are forgiven?
B. THERE IS PEACE FROM GOD…
1. The antidote to anxiety is to pray – Philippians 4:6
2. The Christian will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God – Philippians 4:7
3. Don’t you want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding?
C. THERE IS STRENGTH FROM GOD…
1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man – Ephesians 3:14-16, 20
2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves!
3. Don’t you want the power that is beyond our comprehension?
D. THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FROM GOD…
1. Paul realized that God provided him opportunity to teach others – 1 Corinthians 3:5 (NASB)
2. He knew that the Lord often opened doors for such opportunities – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12
3. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue – Colossians 4:3
4. Don’t you want the Lord to give you opportunity to lead others to Christ?
E. THERE IS BOLDNESS FROM GOD…
1. When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God delivered – Acts 4:23-31
2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf – Ephesians 6:19-20
3. Don’t you want boldness when you speak to others about Christ?
F. THERE IS WISDOM FROM GOD…
1. Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has
2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubt – James 1:5-8
3. Don’t you want the wisdom that comes from above?
G. THERE IS HEALING FROM GOD…
1. Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them – James 5:14-15
2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another – James 5:16
3. Don’t you want the aid of God whenever in need of physical or spiritual healing?
H. THERE IS TRANQUILITY FROM GOD…
1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations – Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1-7
2. Thus we are commanded to pray for our rulers, that we may lead a quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable life – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
3. Don’t you want to live in peace and tranquility and for others to as well?
Conclusion
1. The power of prayer can indeed be a blessing…
a. To the one who prays in faith
b. For those for whom prayers are offered
2. There is help in time of need from God…
a. We have a wonderful High Priest who understands our problems – Hebrews 4:14-15
b. Thus we can at anytime approach God boldly in prayer, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
3. Don’t you want mercy and grace whenever needed, for yourself and for others?
4. Indeed, the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (cf. James 5:16)…
a. “avails much” (NKJV)
b. “can accomplish much (NASB)
c. “has great power” (ESV)
d. “is powerful and effective” (NIV)
e. If such is true of one righteous man, how about the prayers of many righteous?
5. Do we believe in the power of prayer…?
a. Then let us pray always
b. Let us continue earnestly in prayer
c. Yes, let us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
6. But not all have the privilege of the power of prayer. In our next study, we will see why
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Luke 18:01-08 Power of Prayer
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Text: Luke 18:1-8
Introduction
1. Jesus anticipated that people would become slack in their prayers
a. Telling the parable of the persistent widow, that people might always pray-Luke 18:1-7
b. Wondering if He would find faith on earth (i.e., people praying) when He returned – Luke 18:8
2. Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers
a. “praying always with all prayer and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18
b. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” – Colossians 4:2
c. “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
3. If we have become slack in our prayers, might that be an indication that we do not appreciate the power of Prayer? Have we forgotten what a privilege it is to pray?
Body
I. EXAMPLES OF THE POWER IN PRAYER
A. THERE IS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD
1. The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ – 1 John 1:7-10
2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray – Acts 8:22
3. Don’t you want the assurance of knowing that your sins are forgiven?
B. THERE IS PEACE FROM GOD
1. The antidote to anxiety is to pray – Philippians 4:6
2. The Christian will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God – Philippians 4:7
3. Don’t you want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding?
C. THERE IS STRENGTH FROM GOD
1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man – Ephesians 3:14-16, 20
2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves!
3. Don’t you want the power that is beyond our comprehension?
D. THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FROM GOD
1. Paul realized that God provided him opportunity to teach others – 1 Corinthians 3:5
2. He knew that the Lord often opened doors for such opportunities – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12
3. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue – Colossians 4:3
4. Don’t you want the Lord to give you opportunity to lead others to Christ?
E. THERE IS BOLDNESS FROM GOD
1. When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God delivered – Acts 4:23-31
2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf – Ephesians 6:19-20
3. Don’t you want boldness when you speak to others about Christ?
F. THERE IS WISDOM FROM GOD
1. Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has
2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubt – James 1:5-8
3. Don’t you want the wisdom that comes from above?
G. THERE IS HEALING FROM GOD
1. Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them – James 5:14-15
2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another – James 5:16
3. Don’t you want the aid of God whenever in need of physical or spiritual healing?
H. THERE IS TRANQUILITY FROM GOD
1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations – Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1-7
2. Thus we are commanded to pray for our rulers, that we may lead a quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable life – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
3. Don’t you want to live in peace and tranquility and for others to as well?
Conclusion
1. The power of prayer can indeed be a blessing
a. To the one who prays in faith
b. For those for whom prayers are offered
2. There is help in time of need from God
a. We have a wonderful High Priest who understands our problems – Hebrews 4:14-15
b. Thus we can at anytime approach God boldly in prayer, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
c. Don’t you want mercy and grace whenever needed, for yourself and for others?
3. Indeed, the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (cf. James 5:16)
a. “avails much” (NKJV)
b. “can accomplish much (NASB)
c. “has great power” (ESV)
d. “is powerful and effective” (NIV)
e. If such is true of one righteous man, how about the prayers of many righteous?
4. Do we believe in the power of prayer?
a. Then let us pray always
b. Let us continue earnestly in prayer
5. Yes, let us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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