Prioritizing Jesus: A Call to Prayer and Action
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Jesus Church Prayer Night! Tonight, we gather to lift up the name of Jesus and seek His face through prayer. The Bible assures us that when two or three are gathered in His name, He is in our midst, and when we call upon Him, He hears us. We are reminded of the promise that as we draw closer to God, He will draw closer to us, filling us with His Spirit and doing great and mighty things.
We begin by praying John 3:30, asking that Jesus increases in our lives while we decrease. This prayer is a call for Jesus to take precedence in every aspect of our lives—financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally. Next, we focus on Matthew 22:37-39, praying to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is the greatest commandment and a fundamental aspect of our faith.
We also pray Luke 10:2, asking the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest. This prayer emphasizes the urgency of spreading the Gospel and being active participants in God's mission. We are encouraged to be laborers ourselves, ready to go wherever God sends us.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all other needs will be met. This prayer is a call to prioritize our spiritual lives over material concerns. Similarly, Matthew 4:4 teaches us that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. This emphasizes the importance of spiritual nourishment through God's Word.
Proverbs 11:30 tells us that he who wins souls is wise, urging us to focus on evangelism and bringing people into the Kingdom of God. Romans 12:1 calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as our true and proper worship. Finally, 1 Peter 1:15 reminds us to be holy in all we do, just as God is holy.
We conclude with Jude 1:20, encouraging us to build ourselves up in our most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit. This practice strengthens us and keeps us aligned with God's will. Throughout the night, we are reminded to pray continually, as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs, making prayer a constant part of our daily lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. John 3:30 - Jesus Must Increase: This prayer calls for Jesus to take precedence in every aspect of our lives. By asking for Jesus to increase and ourselves to decrease, we invite Him to take control of our finances, health, relationships, and more. This is a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from prioritizing Jesus above all else. [03:37]
2. Matthew 22:37-39 - Love God and Neighbor: Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is the greatest commandment. Equally important is loving our neighbors as ourselves. This dual commandment forms the foundation of our faith and calls us to live out our love for God through our actions towards others. [05:56]
3. Luke 10:2 - The Harvest is Plentiful: The urgency of spreading the Gospel is highlighted in this prayer. We are called to be laborers in God's harvest, actively participating in His mission. This involves not only praying for more laborers but also being willing to go wherever God sends us. [14:05]
4. Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom: Prioritizing the Kingdom of God and His righteousness ensures that all our needs will be met. This prayer encourages us to focus on our spiritual lives over material concerns, trusting that God will provide for us as we seek Him first. [18:54]
5. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Continually: Making prayer a constant part of our daily lives is crucial for spiritual growth. This involves praying in various situations—before meals, during travel, before meetings, and more. Continuous prayer keeps us connected to God and opens the door for His blessings and guidance. [49:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:12] - Drawing Closer to God
[02:32] - John 3:30 - Jesus Must Increase
[04:58] - Matthew 22:37-39 - Love God and Neighbor
[09:02] - Praying for Our Neighbors
[14:05] - Luke 10:2 - The Harvest is Plentiful
[18:54] - Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom
[20:33] - Matthew 4:4 - Spiritual Nourishment
[25:24] - Proverbs 11:30 - Winning Souls
[29:25] - Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice
[32:01] - 1 Peter 1:15 - Be Holy
[36:07] - Jude 1:20 - Praying in the Holy Spirit
[41:51] - Encouragement from the Lord
[43:55] - John 4:35 - Open Your Eyes to the Harvest
[47:40] - Matthew 6:21 - Where Your Treasure Is
[49:36] - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Continually
[51:20] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 3:30 - "He must increase, but I must decrease."
2. Matthew 22:37-39 - "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray continually."
### Observation Questions
1. What does John 3:30 mean when it says, "He must increase, but I must decrease"? How did Pastor Jorge explain this concept in the sermon? ([03:37])
2. According to Matthew 22:37-39, what are the two greatest commandments? How did Pastor Jorge suggest we can practically live these out? ([05:56])
3. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instruct us to do? How did Pastor Jorge suggest incorporating this into our daily lives? ([49:36])
4. How did Pastor Jorge describe the urgency of spreading the Gospel in relation to Luke 10:2? ([14:05])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for Jesus to increase in our lives while we decrease, as stated in John 3:30? How might this look in different areas of our lives such as finances, health, and relationships? ([03:37])
2. How can loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves, transform our daily interactions and relationships? ([05:56])
3. What does it mean to "pray continually" as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:17? How can this practice impact our spiritual growth and daily life? ([49:36])
4. How does the concept of being laborers in God's harvest, as mentioned in Luke 10:2, challenge our current involvement in evangelism and mission work? ([14:05])
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on John 3:30, what specific area of your life do you need to surrender more to Jesus? How can you practically make Jesus increase in that area this week? ([03:37])
2. In what ways can you show love to God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength this week? Identify one specific action you can take to love your neighbor as yourself. ([05:56])
3. How can you incorporate the practice of praying continually into your daily routine? What are some specific times or activities during which you can remind yourself to pray? ([49:36])
4. Considering the urgency of spreading the Gospel, what steps can you take to be more active in evangelism? Is there someone specific you feel called to share the Gospel with this week? ([14:05])
5. How can you prioritize seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in your daily decisions and activities? What might you need to change or adjust in your current routine? ([18:54])
6. Think of a person or group of people who are your "neighbors" in your daily life. What practical steps can you take to show them love and care this week? ([05:56])
7. How can you build yourself up in your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit? What specific time each day can you set aside for this practice? ([36:07])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Must Increase
In John 3:30, we are called to let Jesus increase in our lives while we decrease. This means allowing Jesus to take precedence in every aspect of our lives—financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally. By prioritizing Jesus above all else, we invite Him to take control and guide us in every decision and action. This is a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from putting Jesus at the center of our lives and trusting Him to lead us.
As we pray for Jesus to increase, we are also acknowledging our need to surrender our own desires and ambitions. This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of our faith and trust in Jesus. When we allow Him to take control, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of His Spirit, which can bring about great and mighty things in our lives. [03:37]
John 3:30 (ESV): "He must increase, but I must decrease."
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to Jesus today? How can you actively invite Him to take control in that area?
Day 2: Love God and Neighbor
Matthew 22:37-39 emphasizes the greatest commandment: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This dual commandment forms the foundation of our faith and calls us to live out our love for God through our actions towards others. Loving God fully means dedicating every part of our being to Him, and loving our neighbors means showing compassion, kindness, and understanding to those around us.
This commandment challenges us to examine our relationships and interactions with others. Are we truly loving our neighbors as ourselves? Are we reflecting God's love in our daily actions and decisions? By focusing on these questions, we can better align our lives with God's will and become more effective witnesses of His love. [05:56]
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show love to a neighbor or someone in your community today. How can you demonstrate God's love through your actions?
Day 3: The Harvest is Plentiful
Luke 10:2 highlights the urgency of spreading the Gospel and being active participants in God's mission. We are called to be laborers in God's harvest, actively participating in His mission. This involves not only praying for more laborers but also being willing to go wherever God sends us. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, and it is our responsibility to step up and be part of the solution.
This call to action requires us to be attentive to God's leading and ready to respond to His call. It may mean stepping out of our comfort zones, engaging with people we might not normally interact with, or taking on new challenges. By being open and willing to serve, we can make a significant impact in spreading the Gospel and bringing people into the Kingdom of God. [14:05]
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"
Reflection: Are you willing to be a laborer in God's harvest? What is one specific step you can take today to share the Gospel with someone in your life?
Day 4: Seek First the Kingdom
Matthew 6:33 encourages us to prioritize the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all our needs will be met. This prayer calls us to focus on our spiritual lives over material concerns, trusting that God will provide for us as we seek Him first. By putting God's Kingdom first, we align our priorities with His and open ourselves up to His provision and blessings.
This principle challenges us to examine our priorities and ensure that our spiritual growth and relationship with God take precedence over worldly pursuits. It is a call to trust in God's faithfulness and provision, knowing that He will take care of our needs as we focus on His Kingdom. [18:54]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What is one material concern that has been distracting you from seeking God's Kingdom first? How can you refocus your priorities to align with God's will today?
Day 5: Pray Continually
1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs us to pray continually, making prayer a constant part of our daily lives. This involves praying in various situations—before meals, during travel, before meetings, and more. Continuous prayer keeps us connected to God and opens the door for His blessings and guidance. By making prayer a regular habit, we can strengthen our relationship with God and remain aligned with His will.
This practice of continual prayer is not about reciting long prayers or following a strict routine but about maintaining an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day. It is about being mindful of His presence and seeking His guidance in every situation. By doing so, we can experience a deeper sense of peace, purpose, and direction in our lives. [49:36]
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV): "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 more moments of prayer into your daily routine? What specific times or activities can you use as reminders to pray continually throughout the day?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I believe what the Word of God says, that as we draw closer to God, He will draw closer to us. That as we pray, He will listen to our prayers. And then He will fill us with His Spirit, and He will do great and mighty things that we know not. So be expectant for God to move, and be ready for when you pray, things happen. Much prayer, much power." [01:12] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Father God, in the name of Jesus, I pray that you will become greater, and I will become less. Holy Spirit, we ask for an increase of you in our lives. That you will become greater in every area. In every area of our lives, we pray for a Jesus increase in every area of our lives. I pray for a Jesus increase financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, in every area of your life." [03:37] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Father God, in the name of Jesus. And right there where you are, with your own words. Just pray with your own words. That you will fall in love with Jesus in greater ways. Just begin to pray. Open your mouth and tell God. God, I want to fall in love with you more. I want to love you more. I want to love you with all of my heart. With all of my heart. With all of my soul. With all of my mind. And with all of my strength. I want to love you more." [05:56] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Father God, in the name of Jesus. Help me to be that laborer that goes and gets the harvest. I sign up. Just raise your hand and say, I sign up, Lord. Send me. I will go. I am a laborer. Send me, Lord. I sign up as a laborer. I am part of your army. Send me. I will go. Whatever you tell me to go. I will do. Whatever. You tell me to do. I will say whatever you tell me to say. I am a laborer and I'm ready to go to work." [15:38] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Father God, I pray that my treasure will be in the things of God. That the money that I make will be in the things of God. That the talents that I have, that the time that I have, I will invest it in the kingdom of God, in the things of God, in the people of God. So that as I do that, Lord, you will multiply my talents and abilities and my time, Lord, and use it for your glory. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray." [47:40] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Father God, teach me how to love people around me and my neighbors. And not only at my home or wherever I live, but I pray that you would teach us how to love our neighbor. And let's also pray, you know, that second commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. So let's pray and let's ask God to teach us how to love our neighbor. How to love ourselves. You know, many times we don't show love to ourselves." [11:53] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Father God, in the name of Jesus. Help us to be soul winners. That we focus on bringing. People into the house of God. That we focus on sharing the gospel with people. So they'll come to know you. The only true God. And Jesus Christ. Whom you have sent. Help us to go and share the good news. The gospel of Jesus Christ. So that people will come to know you. And have a personal relationship with you." [27:13] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Father God. I pray. And I offer my body. As a living sacrifice. Holy and pleasing to you God. And this is my worship. To you. I offer myself. I offer my body. I offer my life. As a living sacrifice. Use my life for your glory. Use everything that I have for your glory. Use everything that I am for your glory. I want to be used by you God." [30:23] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Father God. You are holy. You are righteous. And you call me. To be holy. You separated me. From the things of this world. So that I don't do things like. People do things in this world. I live in this world. But I am not of this world. So I want to be holy. In all that I do. And that's what 1 Peter 1.15pm says. Just as he. The one. Who called you. Is holy. Be ye. Be holy. In all you do." [33:11] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Father God, in the name of Jesus. I pray according to Matthew 4.4. I don't want to live by bread alone God. I want to live by the word that comes from your mouth Lord. From your word. I want to live by your word. I want to eat your word. I want to meditate on your word. I want to memorize your word. Help me to read it. To memorize it. To meditate it. To live by it. To live it out. Help me to live. Not by bread alone. But by every word that comes out of the mouth of God." [23:35] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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