Empowered Prayer for a Transformative New Year
Summary
In the sermon titled "Prayer for the New Year - Ephesians 6:18-20," delivered on December 31, 2023, the pastor underscores the transformative power of Christ and the Holy Spirit in believers' lives. Accepting Christ and being shaped in His image may cause friction with our former way of life, but the pastor reassures us that we are on the winning side with God. The pastor stresses the importance of focusing on God's plans for us in the new year and serving others according to His will, with prayer being the energy that sustains us in life's battles.
The pastor draws on the apostle Paul's example, who, despite his significant role, sought prayer from the churches. This illustrates the necessity for believers to pray for one another to overcome Satan's schemes and to be effective in ministry. The pastor invites the congregation to pray together for the Lord's guidance, emphasizing that prayer should extend beyond personal comfort to the bold proclamation of the gospel.
The congregation is encouraged to be a beacon of light, sharing the gospel and inviting others to church. The pastor highlights the life-altering impact of the Holy Spirit, which changes our conversations, thoughts, and actions. The story of Peter's denial of Jesus and Nehemiah's reliance on God while rebuilding Jerusalem's walls serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer in detecting Satan's influence and persevering in God's work.
The pastor likens prayer to Moses' intercession during Israel's battle against Amalek, providing energy and success. Believers are urged to pray continuously, engaging in constant communion with God throughout the day. The pastor also discusses the importance of praying for various needs and people, using models like "acts" and "pray" to guide our prayers, and aligning our will with God's.
The congregation is invited to pray for God's blessings and miracles in the upcoming year, seeking spiritual growth and committing to God's mission. The pastor expresses excitement for the new year and the great things God will do, urging the congregation to submit prayer requests and participate in church activities.
The importance of intercession is highlighted, with a call to pray for missionaries and be alert to spiritual attacks. The pastor dismisses the need for intermediaries in prayer, emphasizing direct access to God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit's role in aligning our desires with God's will.
The sermon concludes with an emphasis on the constancy of God's presence, the need for continuous prayer, and the importance of praising God in all circumstances. The pastor encourages the congregation to view prayer as a continuous offering to God, pleasing to Him, and to anticipate the miraculous as they pray in the Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
- The transformative power of Christ and the Holy Spirit in a believer's life is not just a personal experience but a call to action. As we are molded in Christ's image, we are to focus on God's plans, serve others, and engage in spiritual battles with prayer as our sustaining energy. This approach to life requires a shift from worldly concerns to divine purpose, with prayer as the catalyst for change and effectiveness in ministry. [35:15]
- Prayer is not a solitary activity but a communal one, where believers are called to intercede for one another. The apostle Paul's example teaches us that even the most devout need the support of prayer from the body of Christ. This collective spiritual support system is crucial for overcoming adversities and advancing the gospel with boldness and effectiveness. [01:07:51]
- The Holy Spirit's indwelling prompts a radical transformation in every aspect of a believer's life. This change is not limited to internal feelings but extends to outward expressions such as speech, relationships, and daily choices. The Spirit's presence is a guiding force that reshapes our lives to reflect God's glory and purpose. [31:30]
- Continuous prayer is essential for spiritual warfare and success in God's mission. The story of Moses interceding for Joshua's battle is a powerful illustration of how prayer provides the necessary energy and victory in spiritual conflicts. Believers are encouraged to engage in unceasing prayer, maintaining an active communication line with God throughout their daily lives. [37:46]
- The act of prayer is a form of offering to God, akin to the incense in the Old Testament. It is a practice that should encompass various forms, including adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. By praying in the Spirit, believers align their will with God's, setting the stage for miraculous works and the fulfillment of the church's mission. [46:32]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 6:18-20
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- Romans 8:26-27
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 6:18, how often are believers encouraged to pray, and in what manner should they pray?
2. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instruct believers to do regarding prayer?
3. In Romans 8:26-27, how does the Holy Spirit assist believers in their prayer life?
4. What example did the pastor give to illustrate the importance of prayer in spiritual battles? ([35:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need for continuous prayer in Ephesians 6:18-20? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
2. How does the pastor describe the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life? ([31:15])
3. What is the significance of praying in the Spirit, as mentioned in Romans 8:26-27, and how does it align our will with God's?
4. How does the pastor's reference to Moses' intercession during Israel's battle against Amalek illustrate the power of prayer? ([35:15])
#### Application Questions
1. The pastor mentioned that prayer should be a continuous part of our lives, not just at specific times. How can you incorporate continuous prayer into your daily routine? ([37:56])
2. Reflect on a time when you felt the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in your life. How did it change your actions, thoughts, or relationships? ([31:15])
3. The pastor encouraged the congregation to pray for one another and for boldness in proclaiming the gospel. Who in your life can you commit to praying for regularly, and how can you support them in their spiritual journey? ([37:15])
4. The pastor highlighted the importance of interceding for others, including missionaries. How can you actively support missionaries through prayer and other means? ([55:57])
5. The pastor mentioned using prayer models like "acts" and "pray" to guide our prayers. Which model resonates with you, and how can you use it to enhance your prayer life? ([49:17])
6. The pastor spoke about the need for spiritual energy to face life's battles. What specific steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually energized and prepared for the challenges ahead? ([35:15])
7. The pastor invited the congregation to submit prayer requests and participate in church activities. What prayer request or church activity can you commit to this year to grow spiritually and support your church community? ([07:05])
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Christ's Image
Embracing Christ leads to a profound transformation that aligns one's life with divine purpose. This change is not merely internal but also calls for active service and engagement in spiritual battles, with prayer as the sustaining force. As believers are molded in Christ's image, they are to focus on God's plans and serve others, shifting from worldly concerns to a life of prayer and ministry. [35:15]
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: How is the transformative power of Christ prompting you to serve others in the new year?
Day 2: The Communal Power of Prayer
Prayer is a shared journey where the support of fellow believers is essential. Like the apostle Paul, who sought the prayers of the churches, every believer needs the strength that comes from the collective prayers of the body of Christ. This spiritual support system is vital for overcoming challenges and boldly advancing the gospel. [01:07:51]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Reflection: Who can you commit to praying for regularly, and how can you encourage others to join you in this commitment?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit's Transformative Presence
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings about a radical transformation that affects speech, relationships, and daily choices. This guiding force reshapes lives to reflect God's glory and purpose, leading to a life that is visibly changed and dedicated to God's mission. [31:30]
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Reflection: In what ways has the Holy Spirit changed your conversations, thoughts, and actions to better reflect God's purpose?
Day 4: Unceasing Prayer in Spiritual Warfare
Continuous prayer is the lifeline that sustains believers in spiritual warfare and is essential for success in God's mission. The story of Moses' intercession for Israel's battle is a testament to the power of prayer in achieving victory over spiritual conflicts. Believers are called to maintain an active communication with God throughout their daily lives. [37:46]
Exodus 17:11-12 - "As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset."
Reflection: How can you incorporate continuous prayer into your daily routine to stay connected with God and His mission?
Day 5: Prayer as an Offering to God
Prayer is a sacred offering to God, encompassing adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. By praying in the Spirit, believers align their will with God's, opening the door for miraculous works and the fulfillment of the church's mission. This act of devotion is pleasing to God and sets the stage for His power to manifest in the lives of His people. [46:32]
Revelation 5:8 - "And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people."
Reflection: What are the different aspects of prayer (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication) that you can offer to God today?
Quotes
"And in Christ, when Christ becomes a part of us, when he puts a seal on us, in Christ, everything is different about us. Everything is different about us. And the world takes notice, our friends take notice, our coworkers take notice, our classmates take notice. We are different." [32:45] (Download)
"We get worried about what's going on around us, about wars, rumors of wars, and stuff going on, and grades, and school, and family, boyfriend, girlfriend, all this stuff that's going on. We worry about it in this world, because this is where we live, this is all we know, and ultimately, if you read the end of the story, God wins." [34:00] (Download)
"Prayer is the energy that enables the Christian soldier to wear that armor of God that we talked about a few weeks ago. We talked about putting on the armor of God, the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, having the shield of faith, the belt of truth." [35:15] (Download)
"We as believers, as God's children, are to walk our lives and to live our lives in such a way that the Holy Spirit is evident in every way that we live." [31:30] (Download)
"Prayer is that thing that gives us the energy to go out and face the battle. That is where we spend time with God, we get re-energized, that's where we are fed and he speaks to us." [36:30] (Download)
"Pray always. Prayer ought to be an active, ongoing part of our everyday life. It doesn't mean that we walk around all day long, Lord bless me, Lord, and you're walking around like this." [37:46] (Download)
"We've all got him on speed dial and he answers each and every one of us every single time. Pray without ceasing. It's not just saying the prayers, it's being in communion with him on a regular basis." [39:01] (Download)
"We pray to the Father through the Son and in the Spirit. That's how we pray. It is only because of the death of Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the grave that we can pray through Him to the Father." [41:31] (Download)
"Pray for one another. And Paul doesn't ask for comfort or safety when he prays. He asks them to pray for him. He doesn't ask for comfort and safety. That's a lot of times we pray for that selfishly." [01:07:51] (Download)
"As we align our will with God's will, as we align the mission of our church with the mission of God, and we come together as the body of Christ on our knees praying for his will, praying for his mission, asking God to do great and miraculous and wonderful things in the next year." [47:47] (Download)
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