Being the Church: Prayer, Community, and Action
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the aftermath of the recent election and our role as the church in this new season. The central theme was the call to be the church, emphasizing that our responsibilities extend beyond the political realm and into the spiritual and communal aspects of life. We are reminded that our primary duty is to be a people of prayer, interceding for all people, including those in authority, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-4. This passage urges us to pray for everyone, including leaders, so that we may lead peaceful and godly lives. Prayer is not just a ritual; it is a powerful tool that can change hearts and circumstances.
We explored the different forms of prayer—supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving—and how each plays a role in our spiritual lives. Supplication involves urgent requests for God to meet needs, while intercession is about standing in the gap for others, much like Abraham did for Sodom and Gomorrah. Thanksgiving, even for those who oppose us, is crucial because God loves them too. We are called to pray for our leaders, regardless of their actions or beliefs, as Paul did during the reign of Emperor Nero, a notorious persecutor of Christians.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of community and fellowship within the church. Drawing from Acts 2:42, we are reminded of the early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This model serves as a guide for us today, emphasizing the need for genuine relationships and spiritual gifts to be in operation within the church. Fellowship is not just a social activity; it is a spiritual practice that strengthens our faith and community.
As we move forward, we are encouraged to be active participants in the harvest that God is bringing. This involves not only prayer but also being the church—loving God, loving one another, and being a light in our communities. The upcoming block party is an opportunity to extend this love and fellowship to those who may not yet know Christ, serving as a bridge for them to experience the love of God.
Key Takeaways:
- Prayer as a Priority: We are called to be a people of prayer, interceding for all people, including those in authority. Prayer is not just a ritual; it is a powerful tool that can change hearts and circumstances. It is through prayer that we align ourselves with God's will and participate in His work on earth. [40:24]
- Intercession and Compassion: Intercession involves standing in the gap for others, much like Abraham did for Sodom and Gomorrah. When we pray for those we disagree with, we develop compassion for them. It's hard to harbor resentment when you're earnestly praying for someone's well-being. [43:47]
- Community and Fellowship: The early church's model of devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer serves as a guide for us today. Fellowship is a spiritual practice that strengthens our faith and community, reminding us that we are not alone in our journey. [01:00:29]
- Spiritual Gifts in Operation: The church should be a place where spiritual gifts are actively used, creating an atmosphere of awe and wonder. When these gifts are in operation, they testify to God's presence and power among us, encouraging and building up the body of Christ. [01:08:20]
- Being the Church in Action: Beyond prayer, we are called to be the church—loving God, loving one another, and being a light in our communities. This involves actively participating in the harvest that God is bringing, being ready to disciple and care for those He draws to Himself. [01:15:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [28:06] - Greeting and Introduction
- [38:45] - Post-Election Reflections
- [40:24] - The Call to Prayer
- [41:47] - Praying for All People
- [42:44] - Humility and Compassion
- [43:47] - Intercession and Standing in the Gap
- [45:10] - Thanksgiving and Unity
- [46:22] - Praying for Leaders
- [47:29] - Living Peacefully
- [48:20] - Compassion Through Prayer
- [49:18] - God's Will and Salvation
- [55:15] - Being the Church
- [57:43] - The Importance of Scripture
- [01:00:29] - Fellowship as a Spiritual Practice
- [01:08:20] - Spiritual Gifts and Awe
- [01:15:18] - Preparing for the Harvest
- [01:16:39] - Block Party Invitation
- [01:21:20] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Timothy 2:1-4
- Acts 2:42
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the four types of prayer mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, and how do they differ from each other? [40:24]
2. According to the sermon, what was the early church devoted to, as described in Acts 2:42? [55:15]
3. How did the pastor describe the role of prayer in changing hearts and circumstances? [42:44]
4. What historical context was given about the leadership during Paul's time, and how does it relate to the call to pray for leaders? [46:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the call to pray for all people, including those in authority, challenge our natural inclinations or biases? [41:47]
2. In what ways does the early church's model of fellowship and community in Acts 2:42 serve as a guide for us today? [01:00:29]
3. How can interceding for others, especially those we disagree with, cultivate compassion within us? [48:20]
4. What does it mean to be the church in action, beyond just attending services or events? [01:15:18]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you incorporate the different forms of prayer—supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving—into your daily routine? [40:24]
2. Think of a leader or authority figure you disagree with. How can you begin to pray for them earnestly, and what specific prayers might you offer? [46:22]
3. How can you actively participate in your church community to foster genuine relationships and spiritual growth, as modeled by the early church? [01:00:29]
4. Identify a person or group you find challenging to love. What steps can you take to intercede for them and develop compassion in your heart? [43:47]
5. Consider the upcoming block party or a similar community event. How can you use this opportunity to be a light in your community and extend the love of Christ to others? [01:16:39]
6. What spiritual gifts do you feel called to develop and use within your church community? How can you take steps to cultivate these gifts? [01:08:20]
7. Reflect on your view of church. Do you see it as a transactional experience or as a family? How can you shift your perspective to foster a sense of belonging and community? [01:01:52]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a dynamic force that aligns us with God's will and transforms our circumstances. It is not merely a ritualistic practice but a profound means of communication with the divine. Through prayer, believers are invited to intercede for all people, including those in positions of authority, as instructed in 1 Timothy 2:1-4. This act of intercession is a call to participate in God's work on earth, seeking peace and godliness in our lives and communities. By prioritizing prayer, we open ourselves to the possibility of changed hearts and situations, trusting in God's sovereignty and love. [40:24]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison." (Colossians 4:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one leader or authority figure you can commit to praying for this week, and how might your prayers impact their leadership and your perspective on them?
Day 2: Compassion Through Intercession
Intercession is a powerful expression of love and compassion, where believers stand in the gap for others, much like Abraham did for Sodom and Gomorrah. This form of prayer fosters empathy and understanding, even for those with whom we disagree. By earnestly praying for the well-being of others, we cultivate a heart of compassion and diminish resentment. Intercession is a transformative practice that not only impacts those we pray for but also changes us, aligning our hearts with God's love for all people. [43:47]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love. How can you begin to intercede for them today, asking God to bless and guide them?
Day 3: Fellowship as a Spiritual Practice
The early church's devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer serves as a model for believers today. Fellowship is more than a social activity; it is a spiritual practice that strengthens faith and community. Genuine relationships within the church provide support and encouragement, reminding us that we are not alone in our spiritual journey. By engaging in fellowship, we create an environment where spiritual gifts can flourish, and the presence of God is evident among us. This communal aspect of faith is vital for spiritual growth and unity. [01:00:29]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally engage in fellowship this week, and what steps can you take to build deeper, spiritually enriching relationships within your church community?
Day 4: The Role of Spiritual Gifts
The church is called to be a place where spiritual gifts are actively used, creating an atmosphere of awe and wonder. These gifts testify to God's presence and power, encouraging and building up the body of Christ. When believers operate in their spiritual gifts, they contribute to the church's mission and demonstrate God's love and grace to the world. It is essential for each member to recognize and utilize their unique gifts, fostering a vibrant and dynamic community that reflects God's kingdom on earth. [01:08:20]
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: What spiritual gift do you believe God has given you, and how can you use it to serve and edify your church community this week?
Day 5: Being the Church in Action
Beyond prayer, believers are called to be the church—loving God, loving one another, and being a light in their communities. This involves actively participating in the harvest that God is bringing, being ready to disciple and care for those He draws to Himself. As the church, we are to embody Christ's love and grace, serving as a bridge for others to experience the transformative power of the gospel. By living out our faith in tangible ways, we fulfill our calling to be a beacon of hope and truth in the world. [01:15:18]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can be a light in your community this week, demonstrating God's love and truth to those around you?
Quotes
We need to be reminded we've got to be the church. We're not expecting government to go do all the things the church does. It's supposed to do, are we? No, we'd be the church. And so that's what we want to talk about today. [00:38:36] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And we prayed, Lord, your kingdom come. Your will be done. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And I believe he gave us mercy over our nation. [00:39:06] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
So today, I'm not really going to get into that. I want us to talk about, okay, the election's over, so what do we do next? What is our role? You know, we're supposed to be salt and light. That's not the government's job. It's our job. [00:39:42] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We don't want anybody to be lost. We don't want anybody not to know Jesus. Exactly. Yes. Then it says, Thanksgiving, bring Thanksgiving Thanksgiving to God for people, people we don't even agree with who might even persecute us and say wrong things about us. God loves them. [00:45:09] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And you know what happens when we pray for people we disagree with? Here's what happens. We actually get compassion for them. It's hard to hate somebody when you're praying for them. [00:48:27] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Let me just say something. I don't know if you're watching, but God is up to something in our nation. [00:49:39] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We can be something, and I think we actually are, but I think we can even be even more something where people on the outside go, I don't know, sometimes I don't totally agree with it, but I look at that and I go, I want to be a part of that. They love each other. [01:15:05] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The election is over. What do we do next? We be the church. We be the church. We be the church. Let me tell you, the harvest is coming. We got to get prepared. [01:15:50] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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