Faith, Prayer, and the Righteous Path
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Online Church! Today, we celebrate Father's Day and the privilege of being a dad. As we gather, whether in person or online, let's prepare our hearts to worship and focus on God's word. This summer, we are embarking on a journey of prayer, inspired by the Psalms. We will examine our hearts and the company we keep, making necessary changes to align ourselves more closely with God's will.
We are reminded of the power of prayer through the story of Tony, who, despite obstacles, was able to minister to those in need because of our collective prayers. This is a testament to God's attentiveness to our prayers, as echoed in scriptures like Psalm 17:6 and 1 Peter 3:12. Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, promising that God will respond to our faith and persistence.
We reflect on the parable of the persistent widow from Luke 18, emphasizing the importance of faith and perseverance in prayer. Jesus questions whether He will find faith on earth when He returns, challenging us to live out our faith actively. This summer, we will delve into the Psalms, using them as a guide for our prayers, and on September 8th, we will share testimonies of how God has answered our prayers.
Psalm 1 serves as our starting point, contrasting the righteous and the wicked. The righteous delight in God's law and meditate on it day and night, becoming like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season. In contrast, the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind. We are called to avoid the counsel of the wicked, not to stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers. Instead, we should seek wise counsel and surround ourselves with those who build us up spiritually.
As we journey through the Psalms, let's commit to daily prayer and reflection, seeking God's guidance and delighting in His word. Let's be a church known for our faith and prayer, trusting God for big things and witnessing His mighty works in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Collective Prayer: The story of Tony's ministry highlights the power of collective prayer. When we pray together, God listens and acts, opening doors that seemed impossible to open. This encourages us to pray with faith and persistence, knowing that God is attentive to our needs and will respond in His perfect timing. [33:17]
2. Faith and Persistence in Prayer: The parable of the persistent widow teaches us the importance of faith and persistence in prayer. Jesus challenges us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking, promising that God will respond. This persistence is a demonstration of our faith, and it is crucial for us to remain steadfast in our prayers, trusting that God will bring justice and answers in due time. [35:52]
3. The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked: Psalm 1 contrasts the righteous, who delight in God's law, with the wicked, who are like chaff blown away by the wind. The righteous are like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season. This imagery reminds us to root ourselves in God's word and avoid the influence of the wicked, ensuring that our lives are aligned with God's will. [44:44]
4. The Importance of Wise Counsel: The righteous do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers. Instead, they seek wise counsel from those who have a track record of godly decisions. This teaches us to be mindful of the company we keep and to seek relationships that build us up spiritually, rather than those that lead us astray. [48:25]
5. A Summer of Prayer and Reflection: This summer, we are challenged to immerse ourselves in the Psalms, using them as a guide for our prayers. By reading and reflecting on a Psalm each day, we can deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith. This practice will culminate in a celebration of answered prayers, demonstrating God's active presence in our lives and encouraging us to continue seeking Him with all our hearts. [39:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:04] - Importance of Focused Worship
[12:23] - Preparing for a Summer of Prayer
[32:31] - Father's Day Greetings
[33:17] - Power of Collective Prayer
[34:04] - God Hears Our Prayers
[35:24] - Ask, Seek, Knock
[35:52] - Parable of the Persistent Widow
[38:01] - Will Jesus Find Faith?
[38:55] - Challenge to Pray with the Psalms
[40:04] - Testimonies of Answered Prayers
[44:44] - Psalm 1: The Righteous vs. The Wicked
[48:25] - Importance of Wise Counsel
[51:01] - Avoiding the Path of Sinners
[56:56] - Not Sitting with Scoffers
[59:14] - The Way of the Wicked Leads to Destruction
[01:00:06] - Delighting in God's Law
[01:01:03] - Meditating on God's Word
[01:03:07] - The Righteous Will Stand in Judgment
[01:03:56] - Jeremiah's Echo of Psalm 1
[01:05:23] - Challenge to Be a Prayer-Filled Church
[01:07:16] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 1:1-6: "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction."
2. Luke 18:1-8: "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: 'In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, "Grant me justice against my adversary." For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, "Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!"' And the Lord said, 'Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?'"
3. 1 Peter 3:12: "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the characteristics of the righteous person described in Psalm 1? How are they compared to a tree? ([44:44])
2. In the parable of the persistent widow, what was the judge's initial reaction to the widow's pleas, and what eventually caused him to act? ([35:52])
3. According to 1 Peter 3:12, how does God respond to the prayers of the righteous? ([34:41])
4. What specific example from the sermon illustrates the power of collective prayer? ([33:17])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of a tree planted by streams of water in Psalm 1 help us understand the benefits of delighting in God's law? ([44:44])
2. What does the parable of the persistent widow teach us about the nature of faith and persistence in prayer? How does this relate to our daily prayer life? ([35:52])
3. How can the story of Tony's ministry and the answered prayers serve as an encouragement for us to pray collectively and persistently? ([33:17])
4. What does it mean for the righteous to avoid the counsel of the wicked, and how can this be applied in our modern context? ([48:25])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current prayer habits. How can you incorporate more persistence and faith into your prayers, similar to the persistent widow? ([35:52])
2. Think about the people you spend the most time with. Are they providing wise counsel and building you up spiritually, or are they leading you astray? What changes might you need to make? ([48:25])
3. How can you actively seek to delight in God's law and meditate on it day and night, as described in Psalm 1? What practical steps can you take this week? ([44:44])
4. Consider a specific situation in your life where you need God's intervention. How can you apply the principles of asking, seeking, and knocking in your prayers for this situation? ([35:24])
5. How can you encourage and participate in collective prayer within your small group or church community? What are some specific ways you can support each other in prayer? ([33:17])
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced an answered prayer. How did this impact your faith, and how can you share this testimony to encourage others? ([40:30])
7. What steps can you take to ensure that your life is aligned with God's will, avoiding the path of the wicked and seeking wise counsel? ([48:25])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Collective Prayer
When we come together in prayer, we tap into a profound spiritual power that can move mountains. The story of Tony's ministry is a testament to this truth. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Tony was able to minister to those in need because of the collective prayers of the community. This demonstrates that God listens and acts when His people unite in prayer. Scriptures like Psalm 17:6 and 1 Peter 3:12 remind us that God is attentive to our prayers. Jesus Himself encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, promising that God will respond to our faith and persistence. This should inspire us to pray with confidence, knowing that our collective prayers can bring about significant change.
[33:17]
Psalm 17:6 (ESV): "I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life or community that seems insurmountable. How can you join with others in prayer to seek God's intervention?
Day 2: Faith and Persistence in Prayer
The parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18 teaches us the importance of faith and perseverance in prayer. Jesus challenges us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking, with the assurance that God will respond. This persistence is a demonstration of our faith, showing that we trust God to bring justice and answers in His perfect timing. Jesus questions whether He will find faith on earth when He returns, urging us to live out our faith actively. This means not giving up in our prayers, even when answers seem delayed. Our steadfastness in prayer is a testament to our trust in God's faithfulness.
[35:52]
Luke 18:7-8 (ESV): "And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Reflection: Is there a prayer you have given up on because the answer seems delayed? How can you renew your commitment to pray persistently for this need?
Day 3: The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked
Psalm 1 provides a vivid contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous delight in God's law and meditate on it day and night, becoming like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season. In contrast, the wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind. This imagery reminds us to root ourselves in God's word and avoid the influence of the wicked. By doing so, we ensure that our lives are aligned with God's will, and we bear fruit that glorifies Him. This calls us to examine the influences in our lives and choose to immerse ourselves in God's word.
[44:44]
Psalm 1:3-4 (ESV): "He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away."
Reflection: What influences in your life might be leading you away from God's will? How can you root yourself more deeply in God's word?
Day 4: The Importance of Wise Counsel
The righteous do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers. Instead, they seek wise counsel from those who have a track record of godly decisions. This teaches us to be mindful of the company we keep and to seek relationships that build us up spiritually. Surrounding ourselves with wise and godly counsel helps us make decisions that align with God's will and avoid the pitfalls that come from ungodly influences. This is a call to evaluate our relationships and seek out those who will encourage us in our walk with God.
[48:25]
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV): "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that influence your decisions? Are they leading you closer to God or away from Him? How can you seek out wise counsel?
Day 5: A Summer of Prayer and Reflection
This summer, we are challenged to immerse ourselves in the Psalms, using them as a guide for our prayers. By reading and reflecting on a Psalm each day, we can deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith. This practice will culminate in a celebration of answered prayers, demonstrating God's active presence in our lives. As we journey through the Psalms, let's commit to daily prayer and reflection, seeking God's guidance and delighting in His word. Let's be a church known for our faith and prayer, trusting God for big things and witnessing His mighty works in our lives.
[39:38]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the reading and reflection of a Psalm into your daily routine this summer? What do you hope to see God do in your life through this practice?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I do wish that you would tell somebody personally and invite them to the church or invite them to watch you have a little watch party while you get together on a Sunday morning. You know, one of the things I always recommend to you who are watching online, having watched many sermons online, is that you put yourself in a place where you can focus and you can concentrate. Put yourself in a place where you can stop to take notes, where you can, you know, begin to really listen to God." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Will not God bring about justice for his chosen one? To cry out to him day and night. Will he continually put them off? Will he continually put them off? Part of that verse. A couple of weeks ago, three weeks ago, we were in the book of Luke, walking through the book of Luke, and we came across this story. This story was where there was a widow. A widow, a person who has no rights, no authority, no influence. Talked to a judge. A judge who did not care at all what anybody thought about him or their feelings." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The righteous person is like a tree planted by streams of living water. Like a tree. Planted by streams of water. In other words, when a tree is by the water. It does not have to worry about whether it is on 95 degrees. Every day. It does not have to worry. Because it just knows it has enough nurturing. It knows it has enough water. It knows it can withstand the seasons. And so it yields its fruit. Because it has enough water. They do not wither in the heat. They are blessed in their duty." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The righteous will stand before the judgment. The unrighteous won't even get there. The unrighteous will be judged. You don't get this judgment. The unrighteous. The righteous will stand forgiven. You are going to stand in front of Jesus Christ. You are going to stand there. In front of him one day. He is going to pick you up. And he is going to say. You are forgiven. You are loved. Enter into my presence. Isn't that great church?" (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So this summer church. Want to give us a challenge. I want you to really take seriously this idea of being a church. A community. A prayer filled people. I want us to be a people of prayer. I want us to be a people that when somebody has a prayer request. I don't know what to do. But I'm going to go to that church in Colton. Because God is working in a tremendous way. Amen to that. Yes. I want people to pray. And I want. I'm looking so forward to hearing what's going to happen in your lives." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The righteous person does not walk in the council of the wicked. I looked up some of these words and the idea of walking is moving. It is flowing. It's actually not a bad word that they've used for a river. The first time this word is ever used is in Genesis 2 when it describes the motion of a river walking second time. It's used is when God walks. In the forest looking for Adam calling him out walking. In other words, you're in flow with somebody. It's not that you just don't encounter somebody and you happen to be walking down the street and there's an unbeliever. It's you are in the flow of the person you're with you're walking together going somewhere together." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The righteous person does not stand in the path of sinners. First Corinthians chapter 15 says do not be deceived. Bad company corrupts good morals. Do not be deceived. Bad company corrupts good morals. Non-Christian men, Christian women, there is a reason why you should not date unbelievers. People who are not committed to Jesus and you are, you'll never win that battle. It's tough at least. The righteous person does not stand in the path of sinners." (4 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The righteous person has never, will never become comfortable and abide with somebody who is a scoffer. Somebody who makes fun of them. Somebody who mocks other people. Somebody who's disrespectful of other people. James. The book of James. James says you don't call other people names because they are image bearers of God. And yet we watch on the news non-Christians call each other names. And we applaud that. There are Christian churches where Christian churches are calling other Christian believers and they're scoffing at them. Church. We're okay with that. We abide with that. We're comfortable with that. The righteous does not sit in the seat of scoff." (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The righteous, they delight in the law and the teachings of the Lord. It should be your delight. It should be your absolute joy. You delight. You delight in the teachings of God. And so you come to church and you worship and you hear God's word. And then during the week, what do you do? You open up the text and you read it. You say, I delight in God's word. Oh, it is like honey coming down and filling me. It is as sweet as honey. As fruit on the vine. Oh, you delight it. And then you meditate it. Day and night. And so this summer, what are we doing? Psalm 3, Psalm 4. In the morning, just read it. In the evening, just read it. And think simply about these questions." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I am convinced. When I heard from God what to do this summer. That God is going to work in your life. Through your prayer. Thing is. He can only work. If you knock. He can only work if you seek. He can only work if you ask. Ask. Seek. Knock. And then. September. We're going to celebrate. The great thing. That the Lord has done. In your life. And the life of this church. You ready?" (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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