Empowered Prayer: Standing Firm Against Evil
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to worship at Heritage Bible Church! Today, we focus on the promises of God and the power of prayer in combating evil. We began by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and minds, preparing us for worship and reflection. We also shared some announcements, including upcoming events and birthdays, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
Our main theme today revolves around Psalm 36 and how to live a life that excels by resisting evil. We discussed the deceptive nature of sin and the importance of delighting in the Lord's love and justice. We emphasized that our hearts are like little Edens where we can commune with God and enjoy His abundant presence.
To illustrate our response to evil, we looked at the example of Caitlin Clark, a WNBA player who faced flagrant fouls but responded with exceptional performance rather than retaliation. This serves as a metaphor for how we should respond to evil—not with retaliation, but by turning to God and His promises.
We explored three ways to stand against evil through prayer, as outlined in Psalm 36:10-12. First, we pray for God's mercy and righteousness to be prolonged in the lives of other believers. Second, we pray for protection from pride and wickedness in our own lives. Third, we trust in God's ultimate plan for justice, knowing that He will deal with evildoers in His time.
Prayer is a powerful offensive weapon against the forces of darkness. By praying God's promises back to Him, we align ourselves with His will and draw strength from His presence. We concluded with a prayer for God's guidance and a reminder that with God, we are invincible and equipped to fulfill His plan for our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Prayer as an Offensive Weapon: Prayer is not just a defensive act but an offensive weapon against the forces of darkness. By praying God's promises back to Him, we align ourselves with His will and draw strength from His presence. This empowers us to stand firm against evil and trust in God's ultimate justice. [28:48]
2. Prolonging God's Mercy: When we pray for others, we should ask God to prolong His mercy and loving-kindness in their lives. This means asking God to continually draw out His grace and compassion, allowing others to experience His abundant love and righteousness. [31:24]
3. Protection from Pride and Wickedness: It's crucial to pray for protection from pride and the influence of wickedness in our own lives. Pride can lead us astray and separate us from God, while wicked influences can mislead us and disrupt our spiritual journey. [36:14]
4. Trusting in God's Justice: We must trust that God will ultimately deal with evildoers. Our focus should be on fulfilling God's plan for our lives rather than trying to correct every wrong ourselves. This trust allows us to focus on our mission and leave the judgment to God. [40:20]
5. Living Out God's Plan: Our mission at Heritage Bible Church is to develop a passion for God and compassion for people through the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. By exalting Jesus, equipping the saints, engaging the world, and expecting His return, we fulfill God's plan and stand against evil. [45:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:26] - Opening Prayer
[05:28] - Announcements
[07:57] - Worship Songs
[18:10] - Drawing Near to God
[19:57] - Prayers for the Nation and Leaders
[23:14] - The Lord's Prayer
[24:30] - Living a Life that Excels
[25:33] - Example of Caitlin Clark
[27:52] - Responding to Evil
[28:48] - Praying God's Promises
[30:42] - Prolonging God's Mercy
[36:14] - Protection from Pride and Wickedness
[40:20] - Trusting in God's Justice
[45:55] - Living Out God's Plan
[48:39] - Teresa of Avila's Prayer
[49:30] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 36:10-12: "Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. See how the evildoers lie fallen—thrown down, not able to rise!"
2. Ephesians 6:10-18: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three ways to stand against evil through prayer as outlined in Psalm 36:10-12? ([28:48])
2. How did Caitlin Clark respond to the flagrant fouls she faced, and what lesson does this teach us about responding to evil? ([25:33])
3. According to Ephesians 6:10-18, what are the components of the full armor of God, and how do they help us stand against the devil’s schemes?
4. What does the term "prolong" mean in the context of Psalm 36:10, and how does it relate to God's mercy? ([31:24])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does praying God's promises back to Him serve as an offensive weapon against evil? ([28:48])
2. Why is it important to pray for protection from pride and wickedness in our own lives, according to Psalm 36:11? ([36:14])
3. What does it mean to trust in God's ultimate plan for justice, and how can this trust impact our daily lives? ([40:20])
4. How does the example of Caitlin Clark illustrate the biblical principle of responding to evil with good? ([25:33])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently now by praying God's promises? ([28:48])
2. Identify someone in your life who could benefit from prolonged mercy and loving-kindness. How can you pray specifically for them this week? ([31:24])
3. Pride can be a subtle but powerful influence. What are some practical steps you can take to guard against pride in your daily life? ([36:14])
4. Think of a situation where you were tempted to retaliate against someone who wronged you. How can you apply the lesson from Caitlin Clark's response to handle such situations in a godly manner? ([25:33])
5. How can you incorporate the practice of praying for others into your daily routine? What specific prayers can you offer for your church community this week? ([30:42])
6. Reflect on the concept of trusting in God's justice. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to let go and trust God to handle the situation? ([40:20])
7. Our mission at Heritage Bible Church is to develop a passion for God and compassion for people. What is one tangible way you can live out this mission in your community this week? ([45:55])
Devotional
### Day 1: Prayer as an Offensive Weapon
Prayer is not just a defensive act but an offensive weapon against the forces of darkness. By praying God's promises back to Him, we align ourselves with His will and draw strength from His presence. This empowers us to stand firm against evil and trust in God's ultimate justice. [28:48]
Prayer is often seen as a way to seek protection and comfort, but it is also a powerful tool to combat evil actively. When we pray God's promises back to Him, we are not merely asking for help; we are declaring His truth and aligning ourselves with His divine will. This act of faith draws us closer to God and fortifies us against the forces of darkness. By doing so, we are not just defending ourselves but taking an offensive stance against evil, empowered by God's strength and promises.
In Psalm 36, we see the importance of relying on God's promises to stand against evil. The psalmist highlights the deceptive nature of sin and the necessity of delighting in God's love and justice. By praying and declaring God's promises, we remind ourselves of His ultimate justice and draw strength from His presence. This practice helps us to remain steadfast in our faith and trust that God will deal with evildoers in His time.
Ephesians 6:17-18 (ESV): "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Reflection: How can you incorporate praying God's promises into your daily routine to actively combat the forces of darkness in your life?
### Day 2: Prolonging God's Mercy
When we pray for others, we should ask God to prolong His mercy and loving-kindness in their lives. This means asking God to continually draw out His grace and compassion, allowing others to experience His abundant love and righteousness. [31:24]
Praying for others is a powerful way to extend God's mercy and loving-kindness. When we intercede on behalf of others, we are asking God to continually pour out His grace and compassion in their lives. This act of prayer not only benefits those we are praying for but also aligns our hearts with God's desire for all people to experience His abundant love and righteousness.
In Psalm 36:10, the psalmist prays for God's mercy and righteousness to be prolonged in the lives of other believers. This prayer reflects a deep understanding of God's character and a desire for others to experience His love and justice. By praying for God's mercy to be extended, we are participating in His work of drawing people closer to Him and allowing them to experience His transformative love.
2 Corinthians 1:11 (ESV): "You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to experience God's mercy and loving-kindness. How can you pray specifically for them today?
### Day 3: Protection from Pride and Wickedness
It's crucial to pray for protection from pride and the influence of wickedness in our own lives. Pride can lead us astray and separate us from God, while wicked influences can mislead us and disrupt our spiritual journey. [36:14]
Pride is a subtle yet powerful force that can lead us away from God. It can cause us to rely on our own strength and wisdom rather than seeking God's guidance. Similarly, the influence of wickedness can mislead us and disrupt our spiritual journey. Therefore, it is essential to pray for protection from these forces, asking God to guard our hearts and minds against pride and wickedness.
In Psalm 36:11, the psalmist prays for protection from the foot of pride and the hand of the wicked. This prayer acknowledges the dangers of pride and wickedness and seeks God's intervention to keep us on the right path. By regularly praying for protection from these influences, we can remain humble and focused on our relationship with God, allowing Him to guide us in all aspects of our lives.
Proverbs 16:18-19 (ESV): "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where pride or wicked influences may be present. How can you ask God to protect you and guide you in this area today?
### Day 4: Trusting in God's Justice
We must trust that God will ultimately deal with evildoers. Our focus should be on fulfilling God's plan for our lives rather than trying to correct every wrong ourselves. This trust allows us to focus on our mission and leave the judgment to God. [40:20]
Trusting in God's justice means believing that He will ultimately deal with evildoers in His time and way. It can be tempting to take matters into our own hands and try to correct every wrong we see. However, this can distract us from our primary mission of fulfilling God's plan for our lives. By trusting in God's justice, we can focus on our calling and leave the judgment to Him.
Psalm 36:12 reminds us that God will ultimately deal with evildoers, and we can trust in His perfect justice. This trust allows us to let go of the burden of trying to right every wrong and instead focus on living out God's plan for our lives. By doing so, we can be more effective in our mission and experience the peace that comes from knowing that God is in control.
Romans 12:19 (ESV): "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you are struggling to trust God's justice? How can you release this burden to Him and focus on fulfilling His plan for your life today?
### Day 5: Living Out God's Plan
Our mission at Heritage Bible Church is to develop a passion for God and compassion for people through the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. By exalting Jesus, equipping the saints, engaging the world, and expecting His return, we fulfill God's plan and stand against evil. [45:55]
Living out God's plan involves developing a deep passion for Him and compassion for others. At Heritage Bible Church, our mission is to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, exalting Him in all we do. By equipping the saints, engaging the world, and expecting His return, we actively participate in God's plan and stand against evil.
This mission requires us to be intentional in our daily lives, seeking opportunities to share God's love and truth with others. By focusing on exalting Jesus, we draw others to Him and equip fellow believers to grow in their faith. Engaging the world means being a light in the darkness, showing compassion and love to those around us. As we expect His return, we live with a sense of urgency and purpose, knowing that our time on earth is limited and that we have a significant role to play in God's plan.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in fulfilling God's plan today? What specific actions can you take to exalt Jesus, equip the saints, engage the world, and live with the expectation of His return?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "He doesn't condemn us when we come with the same requests. Or, Lord, I did it again. I blew it. He doesn't get mad at us. He longs for us to come and draw close to him. And it's at this time that we do that. Not only individually, but corporately as a church family." [18:10](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we stand up against evil, we can do it simply. By praying the promises of God. Back to Him. You say, well, what does that look like? Thanks, Len, for reading the scriptures that we're studying. Look at what the psalmist does here in Psalm 36, verses 10 through 12. He gives us three ways to respond. Offensively, if you will. And prayer is an offensive weapon." [28:48](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Prayer is a powerful weapon. Against the forces of darkness and the enemies that want to disrupt the force of God in the world. Paul says it is an offensive weapon in Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10 and following. So how do we stand up? We are going to stand up against evil. First of all, by what? We are going to stand up against evil by praying God's promises for other believers." [30:42](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Beloved, when you have God, you are invincible. You are bulletproof. You are stronger than any battleship our country could ever manufacture. Because you have God almighty at your side who is your shield will allow you to fulfill his plan until the day he calls us home." [49:30](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "In the past couple of weeks, we learned that a life that excels detours themselves or avoids the deception of sin. And David, the psalmist, outlines what that looks like when someone is possessed by sin. And they hear the whispers of temptations. And they stay up all night scheming plans to do evil. And then during the day, they fulfill them. Last week, we talked about sin. We learned how a life that excels delights in the Lord and his love. And how his love is shown in his character, his perfections of his justice, his righteousness. And his love is shown also in his pleasures. And how we learned that our hearts are little Edens where he wants us to come and commune with him." [24:30](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "David recognized that there was a battle going on against evil. And he's asking the Lord to protect him from those things. First he prays for others. Then he prays for himself. That's a good lesson, isn't it? Before we pray for ourselves, pray for others. And then pray for our needs. Nothing wrong with praying for our needs. But also let's consider others. And the struggle is, we don't always know what to pray for others, right? Well, David gives us a blueprint. Pray that they would experience love and kindness. Pray that we're protected from pride and the wicked." [39:29](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God will take care of the wicked. Our job is to focus on what God's plan is for us. Pray for others, we pray for ourselves, and we say, God, you will handle those individuals. I cannot waste my time that you have given me in my life chasing down and trying to correct every wrong that happens in my life. Help me to focus on what your plan is. That's your plan against the evil." [44:43](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It is our passion, it is our goal to develop a passion for God and compassion for people through the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. We've got four pillars that support that vision. Let me say the vision again, the plan. To develop a passion for God and compassion for people through the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Those four pillars are simply this. Exalting Jesus Christ, that's why we worship Him every week. We also equip the saints, that's why we teach the Word of God. We engage His world, meaning we talk to other people about our faith. We challenge worldviews out there that are contrary to the Christian worldview." [45:55](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I came across a prayer this week that I thought was so appropriate because I know what I'm saying today is so juxtaposed to the American mindset. It rubs us the wrong way to have to tap the brakes and go, what, you want us to pray? Yeah. Because prayer is an offensive weapon and it takes a stand against the powers of darkness. And beloved, now more than ever, we need to pray." [48:39](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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