On Their Behalf

On Their Behalf

Praying for God’s People

The New Testament gives a charge to those who are led of the Lord, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28) The Book of Ephesians teaches of the gifts apportioned by Jesus Christ for the Body of Christ so they may become mature. (Ephesians 4:11-12) The Apostle Paul said he had three of those apportioned gifts (1 Timothy 2:7) and he sets the example on how those claiming to be leaders of the church can equip the Body of Christ for service to the Lord.

There is a Biblical charge which has authority over the modern day conjecture of mankind (the modern church) of which church leaders will give an accounting… In Acts 20:28 the “overseers” (?p?s??p?? epískopos) are charged with exercising watchful care over God’s people. (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.)

The Apostle Paul prayed for the children of God, truths which are a guide for all who take on the charge of church leadership.

First: Paul thanked God for the people of God. Romans 1:8 says, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you…” 2 Thessalonians 1:3 says, “We ought always to thank God for you…” In Ephesians 1:16 we read, “I have not stopped giving thanks for you…”

Ten of Paul’s letters open with thanksgiving to God (Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:3; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessaloniana 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3) or “Praise be to God” (2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3) Human nature reveals by priorities what is genuinely important in their lives. If church leadership wants to be used of God to comfort, equip and empower the people of God, it begins with expressions of thanksgiving. (Mounce, R. H. (1995). Romans (Vol. 27, p. 65). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) By the way we idolize ministries these days, it is apparent pew warmers are unaware no one comes to Christ unless God draws them (John 6:44) – we are only servants – it is God who brings fruit from our labors with Him (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Second: Paul prayed for knowledge and wisdom for the people of God. In Colossians 1:9 Paul writes, “…from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” In Ephesians 1:17 Paul prayed, “…the Father of glory, may give you wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

This prayer is a necessity for all Christians, because the lack of Biblical revelation many have been and are being led astray by false teachings. Pew warmers are being influenced by religious sounding slogans proclaimed by elegant speakers and hirelings. It is not uncommon to hear people who claim to believe in God say, I cannot understand the Bible when I try to read it.

After Jesus rose from the dead, He had to open the minds of His disciples, so they could understand the Scriptures. (Luke 24:25) Without the Holy Spirits illumination of the Bible, no one can understand the Word of God.

Third: Paul prayed the people of God will be full of hope. In Ephesians 1:18 we read, “having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints…” Paul prayed, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13) “Hope” (??p?? elpís) in the Greek here “is a desire of something good with expectation of obtaining it.” (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.) Spiritual hearts can only be enlightened by Holy Spirit illumination of the truths and promises of God’s Word. This hope enables us to trust in God. In our trials He will comfort us, in our temptations He will delivers us as we surrender to His will. In our callings He will guide us, enables us, and He gives open doors of opportunity. Our labors in the Lord are not in vain, (1 Corinthians 15:8) Christians will be rewarded in full at the judgement seat of Christ.

Fourthly, Paul prayed God’s people would know peace and unity. In Romans 15:5-6, we read, “May the God of endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Paul writes, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you.