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.
This peace (e????? eir?ne) is peace of mind arising from reconciliation with God. (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.) It is a joining together of two opposing forces that had been separated now able to enjoy unity under God’s guidance. (Jeremiah, D. (1995). Fruit of the spirit: Study guide (p. 41). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.) The peace referred to here is knowing Jesus Christ as the Author of Peace, The Prince of Peace, The Spirit of Peace, The Word of Peace, and Rule of Peace in our lives.
Fifth: Paul prayed that God’s people would be strengthened with spiritual power. Paul’s prayers, “…that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” (Ephesians 3:16) “…You may know…what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might.” (Ephesians 1:18-19) “…you may be strengthened with all power…” (Colossians 1:11)
The characteristic of those who walk in step with the Lord will enjoy the Holy Spirit’s enabling to preserve, rule and take control. Christians are enabled to keep on when to going gets tough, proclaim God’s Word in the midst of a world view and take authority over temptations. (Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 204). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) Persecutors, seductions and false teachers will be no match to the child of God who stays focused. (A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 371). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) The Pauline Epistles were written under persecution, addressing false teachers and correcting a church which was being defeated by their own temptations. John Bunyan’s book Pilgrims Progress, a Christian allegory was started while he was in prison for holding a church service outside the England Church Walls. Having religious services outside the recognized English Church was against the law.
Joseph of the Bible faced bitter rivalry with his ten brothers, because of a honest report. Joseph was faithful to God in the midst of slavery, through the seduction of Potiphar’s wife and while being wrongly imprisoned. God sustained him, watched over him and rewarded him. Joseph found favor with the jailor and his new master. All Joseph was faithful in - was successful. More than once we find the Biblical text saying, “the Lord prospered Joseph.” Joseph’s concern while being tempted was that he would not sin against the Lord. (Genesis 39:9) The Bible says the Lord was with Joseph and even his Egyptian master saw that the Lord was with him.
Sixth: Paul Prayed the people of God would abide in Christ. Ephesians 3:17 says, “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Paul’s prayer continues with, “[you may] know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:18-19)
To “dwell” (?at????? katoikéo) meaning Jesus through the Holy Spirit takes up full residence in the spiritual hearts of born again Christians. (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.) This indwelling of the Holy Spirit of Christ, the same Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11), literally not figuratively, abides, indwells and guides the children of God. Just as a couple becomes one in spirit, and they live in the same house, Jesus indwells Christians.
Healthy Christian married couples support each other, encourage each other and protect each other. When the world view invades, Christian couples correct each other with the counsel of God’s Word. When affliction arises, they minister to each other. Holy Spirit empowered marriages keep each other from deliberate life controlling sins. They call each other to account and they freely are accountable to each other. They seek each other for accountability, correction and guidance.
Just as healthy married couple live together, Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit indwells Christians, moving us to be accountable, delivering us from life of controlling sins, enabling us to be faithful in afflictions and to daily guide us. Paul’s prayer, we come to know and live out the fullness of Christ.
Seventh: Paul prays for the people of God to grow in their love for each other. The Bible says Paul’s prayer was that Christians be, “rooted and grounded in their love for each other.” (Ephesians 3:17b) He prayed that our love, “…may abound more and more.” (Philippians 1:9) Love is the first fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit controlled life starts with the manifestation of love. (Ephesians 5:22) The guide in the exercising of our Holy Spirit gifts is through agape love for the Lord, the Body of Christ and all of mankind. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
No matter what happens to the child of God, wrong done or blessings, the ultimate prayer is God will bring everyone to genuine repentance, everyone under the blood of Christ, everyone into the Body of Christ. Our blessed concern is that all Christians will do what is best for one another. This is not a touchy, fluffy love. But a love that desires God’s best for the Body of Christ.
A Bible study by Pastor David Jeremiah gives twelve truths to seek: 1.) The Power and Purity of Love 2.) The Patience and Kindness of Love 3.) Love’s Power Over Envy 4.) Loves Power Over Pride 5.) Love’s Power Over Rudeness 6.) Love’s Power Over Selfishness 7.) Love’s Power Over Anger 8.) Love’s Power Over Resentment 9.) Love’s Power Over A Negative Attitude 10.) Love’s Power Over Discouragement 11.) Love’s Power Over Time and 12.) The Final Priority: Pursue Love.
Eight: Paul prayed for the people of God to love righteousness and seek purity. Paul prayed, “…that [we] approve what is excellent and be so pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:10-11) “…walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him…” (Colossians 1:10a) The first key word is “righteousness” (d??a??s??? dikaiosúne) meaning “conformity to God’s higher authority which stands in opposition to lawlessness.” (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers; Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship) The second key word is correctly translated as “discern” (d???µ??? - dokimazo) meaning to “determine what is worthwhile or judge what is good.” (Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)
Mature Christians discern what is harmful and avoid it, they discern what is good, spending their time and energy being conformed into the image of Christ, having the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), enjoying the benefits of living out God’s perfect will for them. The ultimate goal is to live in a manner worthy of the call set before us, notice the Bible says, fully pleasing Jesus.
Ninth: Paul prayed for the people of God to overflow with praise to God. In Ephesians 1:3-4 is a truth, “Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him.”
Make sure you understand the Biblical truth, we did not choose God, He chose us before the foundation of the world. According to Romans 12, our worship and praise is to live a holy life. Holy is the Greek word hagios, which gives us the idea of being different and separation.
A church building is different from other buildings. Those possessing the apportioned gifts of Christ are to be different than the average man holding worldly positions. The Lords Day is different because it is to be set aside for worship to Him, although every day is a gift from Him. Our praise in life is to be different from others who live in this world. There is to be a clear noticeable difference from people who have entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ, from church attendees, just like there was a difference from the religious leaders of Jesus’ time and the way He was.
Our spiritual blessings is to be called into His service, live a life for Him and reach the lost as He opens the doors of opportunity. The Christian’s call is, “Be holy as God is Holy” for without holiness we cannot see the kingdom of God. The Apostle Peter exhorts us with, “You shall be holy, for [God] is holy.” (1 Peter 1:15)
Lastly, Paul prayed for opportunities to minister. 1 Thessalonians 3:10 says, “…as we pray earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.” “We pray” (d??µa? déomai) is a verb meaning to ask with a genuine hope, with night and day not referring to a continued ongoing prayer service, but a constant intercession as it comes to your mind. Prayer is not a posture, but an attitude of heart, trusting and asking for God’s intercession. By wanting to supply “what is lacking” is being able to encourage a child of God to continue growing in their relationship with Christ, living as the Holy Spirit enables them in the daily trials, temptations as well as in their calling. To “supply” (katartizo) generally connotes completing or improving the condition of someone who is still maturing in their relationship with God and Jesus Christ. (Martin, D. M. (1995). 1, 2 Thessalonians (Vol. 33, pp. 109–110). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
In closing: Church leadership should be praying, asking for direction and opportunities to equip the Body of Christ for service to the Lord. The exhortation from the Bible is, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing…” (1 Peter 5:2)
Closing spiritual heart promptings: Are we praying for the spiritual maturing of the Body of Christ? Are our prayers in line with the Apostle Paul’s heart for the children of God?
