Note: References used from Preachers Sermon and Outline Bible on Acts & Utley's Guide to the Bible on Acts 4
Title: Pray Church Pray
Theme: What happens when the church prays?
Text: Acts 4:31 – 37
Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (32) Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. (33) And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. (34) Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, (35) and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. (36) And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, (37) having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Introduction
Read from Acts 4:13 – 29
Notice their testimony. The miracle working power of God. They didn't know what to do with what God had done in the lame man’s life. All they knew was that they could not keep it in.
The pressing – review what the religious leaders told them to do.
This is what Melanie talked about last week. I appreciate her sharing the study she has been doing on the Olive tree. It was very informative. The process is so important. This church had been through the very thing that Melanie was talking about last week.
“When they had prayed” – Their answer to the persecution (pressing)
This was the catalyst to what we see happening. Don’t miss this. This is was kicked it off. It is what started it all.
Prayer is our communication with God. As you have heard me say many times, prayer is two way communication. It is not only talking to God but listening to God.
If we could see the importance of prayer. Prayer is where we get in tuned with God
John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
We could avoid a lot of trouble if we would pray. We could see a lot more accomplished if we would pray.
Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Ephesians 6:13-18 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
“the place where they assembled together (unity) was shaken”
G4531 - Original: σαλεύω - Transliteration: Saleuo - Phonetic: sal-yoo'-o
- Definition:
1. a motion produced by winds, storms, waves, etc
a. to agitate or shake b. to cause to totter c. to shake thoroughly, of a measure filled by shaking its contents together
2. to shake down, overthrow
a. to cast down from one's (secure and happy) state b. to move, agitate the mind, to disturb one
Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord* in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Two shakings –
Outside – shaking things up
Inside - stiring
“stir up the gifts”
2 Timothy 1:1-8 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ [1] by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, (2) To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (3) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, (4) greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, (5) when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. (6) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (8) Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
Shaking Causes: Acts 16:26
Doors to Open
Chains to Fall Off
“they were all filled with the Holy Spirit”
Acts 4:31 "the place where they had gathered together was shaken" God encouraged these witnesses by another physical demonstration of His power and presence, just as He did at Pentecost. The word is used of wind blowing upon a sailing vessel.
The words filled, received, poured, baptized, and fell upon are all used interchangeably to describe the Spirit's presence coming into a believer's life. (If believers would heed this, it would eliminate many of the arguments that arise over terminology.)
Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Acts.
Ephesians 4: 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
Acts 2 Filling – Josh Childers
In Genesis 2 he breathed life into man, in Acts 2 God breathed life into the church. Notice the change. Genesis 1 there was an incomplete creation until man and Gods breath, rauch - Hebrew. Acts 1 was the elements for church, Jesus death. The church gathered, but Acts 2 brought the Holy Spirit. Now we are ready.
Fire was also there. Divided tongues. Every person had their own.
Heard the wind, saw the fire, and spoke in tongues.
Wind _ Jesus breathed, God breathed into Adam
Fire _ Here in Acts other in Genesis and Moses and the burning bush,
Language, tongues _ Genesis 11 tower of Babel , Here God uses language to speed up the process.
Acts 1:8 power to witness
Acts 1 church hiding from the big bad world, one time had the door locked so Jesus had to pass through the walls
“they spoke the word of God with boldness”
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
This was the purpose of their filling. Instead of being filled with fear because of what the religious leaders had done they were filled with boldness because of the Holy Spirit.
They had received their orders from the Lord through prayer. They had received their power from the Holy Spirit through prayer. They got bold. When the church gets bold the world better watch out.
When the church gets its eyes off the world and the persecution and looks to Christ the world better watch out. When they see that “all things work together for good for those who are called to His purpose” the world better watch out.
It is almost as if they saw their purpose.
A New Revelation of Unity – They looked inward
Acts 4:32-37 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. (33) And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. (34) Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, (35) and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. (36) And Joses, [21] who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, (37) having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Conclusion
What about you? How is your prayer life? Is prayer a burden or an exciting journey?
When we pray we see God’s purpose in persecution. When we pray we get God’s marching orders.
Do you need God to shake some things in your life? Old habits? Storms?
Do you need God to stir up revival?
