Month: June 2020

The Law is Useful

1 Timothy 1:8-16

In the State of Louisiana it is illegal to wrestle a bear. I would love to know the backstory for this law. 

I can just imagine a group of young men, standing around talking about who is stronger, quicker, smarter, etc. Then they start thinking of ways to prove it. “I’m strong enough to win a wrestling match with a bear.” One might have said, then another may have answered, “I bet you couldn’t!” And so begins the necessity of yet another seemingly random law. (Facepalm emoji)

The Use of God’s Law

We sometimes undervalue God’s Law. After all why would God give a set of Laws that He knew no-one could keep? And didn’t Jesus fulfill the Law anyway?

I understand. I get it. And I’m very thankful for the fact that Jesus did fulfill the Law, thus providing a way of salvation for all of us who couldn’t keep it.

But how do we use it correctly now?

“But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;” 
1 Timothy 1:8

Who is the Law for?

Not for Righteous People

Paul starts answering some of the ready questions with the statement; “the law is not made for a righteous man” (1 Tim 1:9). If you are innocent, or holy in yourself the law simply wasn’t made for you.

For Sinners

But Paul doesn’t stop there. He immediately starts to list some of the kinds of people who the law was made for.

“… for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,  
10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;” 
1 Timothy 1:9b–10

Usually when we read lists like this one, we skim through them thinking “this isn’t me” then close the page and we’re done. But before we move on let’s key in on one word in this list: “liars”. 

What is a liar? It’s someone who lies. The law is for liars. Let me be honest (if not obvious) this means me. It also includes 100% of people that I have ever met, and I’d assume that have every lived.

You, Me, and Paul

The law is not for righteous people, but it is for you and me. It’s for sinners.

It was for Paul. Look ahead at verses 12-13, where Paul lists some of the sins he was guilty of.

“12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;  
13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” 
1 Timothy 1:12–13

The knowledge of sin was a part of the “glorious gospel” that Paul was called to preach (1 Tim 1:11). This is the same good news we as believers share today. Paul’s salvation was an act of mercy because of who Paul had been in the past (1 Tim 1:16). We have received this same mercy. Causing us to say as Paul did: “…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Tim 1:15)

Jesus Christ did come to save sinners. And I am so thankful that He saved me!

Your Salvation is an Example to Others

Through the example of our salvation we can lead others to belief in Christ Jesus and Everlasting Life.

"Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." 
1 Timothy 1:16

If you are a Believer you have the wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with others through your testimony.

Your Turn

How have you used your testimony to help you share the gospel with others?

Share your testimony in the comments below. Believers can be encouraged when we share like this and unbelievers have the opportunity to see God at work in normal peoples lives.

Share your testimony with someone in the real world. Yes. In real life. Look for a way to share with someone else what God has done in your life.

Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will Provide

God told Abraham to Sacrifice his Son Isaac

One night God gave His servant Abraham a very usual instruction.

“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” 
Genesis 22:2

This was a test. God wanted to see Abrahams faith. He had trusted God for his son, would he trust God with his son?

Imagine Abrahams confusion. This was the son that God had promised to him so long ago. This was answer to his prayers. His pride and joy. Now God wanted Abraham to offer him as a sacrifice.

Abraham was ready to obey God

What do you think Abraham did? the Bible says he got up the next day and got to it. He didn’t hesitate, but immediately prepared for the trip and set out to the mountain that God would show him. He took with him everything he would need to make this sacrifice. 

After three days of travel they could see he mountain off in the distance. Abraham left the young men he had brought along with the animals and most of the stuff, then he and Isaac went on to the mountain carrying the wood for the fire, the fire and a knife.

As they climbed Isaac asked a question: “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Gen 22:7) Isaac could see that something was missing, he had surely seen many other offerings performed but this one lacked the key part: the lamb.

Abraham answered: “My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering” (Gen  22:8) Even this close to where God had told him to sacrifice his son, Abraham was sure that God would meet the need.

God Met Abrahams Need

They got the place where the offering was to be made, Abraham set up the altar, laid out the wood. Then he tied up his son, laid him on the wood, and took out the knife that had been brought for him to kill his son as a sacrifice to God.

Just as he was about to use the knife God stopped Abraham

“11 And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 
12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” 
Genesis 22:11–12 

Abraham then looked and behind him a ram was caught in the undergrowth. He used this ram as the substitute for his son. God had provided for the sacrifice. Abraham named the altar “Jehovah-Jireh” beginning the saying: “In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.” (Gen 22:14)

But note: God didn’t provide a “lamb” like the passage leads you to expect. Vereses 16-18 give us an indication of why this is.

God Made a Promise to Abraham that would Meet the needs of all Humanity

In verses 16-18 we see God’s promised blessing of Abraham and his decedents. God would bless his faith and obedience greatly through many generations. This blessing was so great that wouldn’t be just for Abraham’s decendents. 

“And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” 
Genesis 22:18 

Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this promise. Jesus is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Through Him all nations of the earth are blessed. He is the lamb that God provided. And He was sacrificed as a substitute for every human being. God has provided Himself a lamb.

The Lord will still provide for Us

But the gift of Jesus Christ holds one further lesson about how “The Lord will Provide.” 

Jesus IS the provision of our greatest need: redemption. But He is also an indication of how far God will go to meet each and every need.

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” 
Romans 8:32

If God was willing to give His Only Son as the cost of the provision of our need, what would He withhold.

We tend to spend a pretty good chunk of time in our prayers telling God about our needs and the needs of those we care about. These prayers and supplications don’t fall on deaf ears. God hears, cares, and has proven that He can and will meet our needs.

As we pray, let’s present our needs to the Lord who Provides with understanding that there isn’t a need that He can’t or won’t meet.

Studying and Application:

  1. What are some needs that you have or should present to God? (List them out)
  2. Are you willing to trust God with these needs in the same way Abraham trusted God with his son? Talk to God about the level of trust you currently have.
  3. What promises of God’s provision have given you boldness in prayer?

Timothy’s Mission

What kind of a shopper are you? Do you enjoy the process of looking at things, scanning through shelves and racks to see what’s there without any idea of what you’re after? Or, are you like me?

I don’t even like to park in a stores parking lot without knowing what I need to get, and being 100% sure I couldn’t get it easier online. When I shop I’m on a mission. I identify my objective and attack.

Timothy was on a mission in Ephesus. He had been set on a task and it would require focus and discipline. 

The Mission

“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” 
1 Timothy 1:3

Timothy was given the responsibility of teaching, and holding the teaching in this church to the standard of scripture. And there would be obstacles:

“Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” 
1 Timothy 1:4

There was a damage that could and would be done to this church if he failed his mission. These diverging teachings would cause great division and distract from the message of the gospel.

The Means of Success 

A mission can usually be accomplished a few different ways.

For instance, when I go into the store I could demand that everyone get out of my way. Ramming into carts and stands and bowling people over to get what I want. I could also take a fast approach, running through dodging people and things as I go hastily grabbing things off the shelfs even if they really aren’t what I need.

You see, It matters how we accomplish a mission.

Charity

“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:” 
1 Timothy 1:5

How Timothy accomplished his mission mattered.

What would he gain if his mission was accomplished at the cost of Christ-like love?

Would it be worth it if he kept the teaching pure, but his own heart and conscience were defiled in the process?

How would the faith of others be strengthened if his faith was a fake?

Paul had seen all of this before in other teachers and didn’t want this result for his “son in the faith.”

“6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;  
7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.” 
1 Timothy 1:6–7

These men are very good at talking (“vain jangling” means empty talk) but they don’t have any idea what they’re talking about.

Your Mission

Your mission, is to live out the teachings of Scripture in a way that oozes with with the love of God.

Your family, church, community, friends and coworkers need you to hold the line of scripture with strength. It’s not the time to back away from it. Or to let others do it who lack the christian character of charity.

We must be firm and bold in how we live and teach scripture. But this boldness MUST be accompanied by the Love of God.

Your Turn

Comment how someone has influenced your life for God by how they showed love.

What passages of scripture help you keep a focus of godly love in your ministry to others?

Adonai

If the president of the United States, or the Governor of your state walked in to the room right now how would you address him?  How do you address your boss when you want to show him/her proper respect?

I often use terms like “sir” or “ma’am.” If I want to show respect I won’t call them “dude”. I also don’t ignore the place of authority they have over me.

Respecting God

The name of God we are looking at today is a term of respect. Adoni is used 772 time in the Old Testament. But only 133 of those are in reference to God. It’s other uses are referring to people who hold a position of authority, whether that’s an office or temporary place of influence and power.

Examples of this are when Sarah calls Abraham her “lord”.

“Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” 
Genesis 18:12 

Sarah is pointing out the place of authority that Abraham has in her life as her husband.

Later in Genesis 32:18, Jacob calls Esau “my lord”. Esau held no formal place of authority over Jacob, but Jacob submitted to him in this way. 

The word formally means: “sovereign, i.e. controller (human or divine) [Strong]” This is someone who is in charge for good or ill. But when referring to God it indicates respect and an acknowledgment of the authority that God holds.

Adonai in Prayer

Genesis 18 gives an interesting account where this name of God is used in prayer. Abraham has the unique opportunity to intercede for the people of Sodom before the LORD, face to face.

In one of the most bold prayer times recorded in Scripture, Abraham pleads the case of a wicked people. He looks for God to spare them for the sake of the few righteous peoples that may be in these cities.

Genesis 18 – In Abrahams intercession for Sodom and Gommora he used this title to refer to God in verses 3, 27, 30-32

Abraham hears what God intends to do to the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah in verses 17-22. The cries of the sin and the oppressed have reached the ears of the Just God of the Universe, and justice will come. Then the “men” that were with the LORD went on toward Sodom. And Abraham began to speak to the LORD.

Abraham begins, “Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” Genesis 18:23b

As Abraham begins his appeal God agrees to spare the city if 50 righteous people are found in it. (Gen 18:26) 

Then Abraham appeals again. This time for mercy if 5 of the 50 are lacking, and God agrees to spare the city if 45 righteous people are found in it. (Gen 18:27-28)

In this second appeal though Abraham makes this statement: 

“… Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes” 
Gen 18:27

The word “Lord” is translating Adoni. Abraham is making an appeal based on the ultimate authority that God holds. He acknowledged that he, himself was nothing, just “dust and ashes.” 

Abrahams humility is seen further on as well. Through this passage he continues to make appeals to God for the sake of Sodom, each time lowering the number of “righteous” people for whom God would spare the city.

Verse 29 we see God will spare it for 40, in verse 30 God agrees to spare the city for 30, then 20 in verse 31 and finally 10 in verse 32. 

In the last three of these appeals Abraham uses the name Adoni in his appeal. Abraham knew God’s authority and he wanted that to be clear in how he prayed.

Application

This prayer session between God and His friend Abraham (James 2:23) illustrate how submission to God’s authority and boldness in prayer can go hand-in-hand.

Just as Abraham interceded with the goal of changing God’s chosen course, we can have boldness to pray on behalf of those that seem to be headed to certain destruction. We can acknowledge and respect God’s absolute authority and pray for God to answer our prayer.

Abraham wasn’t praying to prove a point or to teach a lesson on intercessory prayer, he was pleading with God for the sake of his nephew Lot and his family who had moved to Sodom and been caught up in the depraved lifestyle of that city. (See Genesis 13:1-13 for the story behind Lot’s move to Sodom.)

Pray with concern, real concern. Pray knowing that God holds absolute authority in the matter you are praying about. Pray boldly. Pray.

Studying and Application:

  1. Think back on some answered prayers, how has God shown in these that He has absolute authority? How have these effected your prayer life?
  2. Is there anything that you haven’t had the boldness to prayer for/about yet? In a humble spirit add those things to your prayer list this week.
  3. Review your prayer requests from last week. How has God worked in these areas you’ve been praying about? Take a minute to add any new requests to your list now.

Hope

What do you hope for? What do you place your hope in?

Paul begins a letter to Timothy, his “son in the faith” (Tim 1:2), with these words:

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;” 
1 Timothy 1:1 (emphasis mine)

Paul Identifies His hope as a person: Jesus Christ. What is Hope? Why did Paul need hope? Why do you and I need Hope?

What is Hope?

One dictionary I use often has this for the first entry under “Hope” n.

“A desire of some good, accompanied (with) at least a sight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.”

Noah Webster’s first edition of An American dictionary of the English language.

Generally Hope is a confidence that things will get better. Maybe like the feeling after a long day of yard work in the summer knowing that you will soon be able to shower, and cool off.

I think for many it’s far more meaningful than that: It’s a confidence that the world will be better. Or at least that your place in it will improve.

Why Do I Need Hope?

Paul in a different place (Eph 2), reminded a church where they had come from with these remarks:

“That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:”
Ephesians 2:12

You see this is where all humanity starts: without hope. 

Our sin makes a huge void between us and God. This gulf was bridged by God the Son, Jesus. This is why Paul calls Jesus his hope in 1 Tim 1:1. Jesus is the very source and essence of all permanent hope.

Preaching this hope was Paul’s calling:

“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” 
Colossians 1:27

Paul was commanded to preach the gospel to the gentiles. Timothy was a part of this group with a jewish mother and gentile father he was a misfit in either set. This gospel was for him.

The people of Ephesus (where Timothy was currently stationed for ministry) were probably mostly gentiles. This gospel was for them.

Wherever you are from and whoever your parents are, this gospel is for you.

Wherever you minister and whoever you minister to, this gospel is for them.

A Present and Future Hope

Jesus is this hope in our present, but there is a future element to this hope. In writing to another of his young colleges, Titus (Titus 2:11-15) Paul reminds him:

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” 
Titus 2:13

There is a “blessed hope” in knowing that Jesus will return. Not to just be here in this mess, but to correct the condition of the world order to harmony, justice, and peace. Before this Christ will call His own to Himself (the “rapture”) and justly punish the human race. (Read the prophets and Revelation for details, as much as we are able to know them.)

Where is Your Hope?

What are you hoping in? Are you without hope right now? Please contact me if you would like to know more about how Jesus can be your hope.

Believers: Are you looking for the blessed hope? Live this day and everyday in anticipation of the Kingdom of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Your Turn

What are some verses God has used in your life to give you hope?

How has God led you to live differently now that you have His hope?

Jehovah

Getting ahold of people

*Ring* *Ring*

I jumped up from my seat and ran across the house to the phone in the kitchen. When I got to the receiver I took a quick breath, because I didn’t want to sound rushed, then I picked up the phone.

“Hello, Spilgers. How can I help you?” I answered as professionally as I could.

“Hello, is Ken there?” Said the voice on the other end of the line. I asked them to hold and went to find my Dad, the person they had called to talk to.

This scene played out countless times between me and my 6 siblings. We would want to be the first person to the phone, but if we were being honest we knew that almost all the calls would be for Dad or Mom.

The first phone call ever was made on March 10, 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell to his assistant Thomas Watson. The entire call communicated these nine words:

“Mr. Watson–come here–I want to see you.”

Alexander Bell needed his assistant. He got ahold of him. He called him by his name. And Mr. Watson understood and came to the room Mr. Bell had spoken from.

Whether he knew it or not Mr. Bell was following the form for most of the phone calls I’ve received in my life. “Jonathan, come here, bring this, get that, go there.” Phones, and now cell phones and texting, have helped us get ahold of people in ways that were unimaginable before their invention.

Who we call is important. And knowing that we can get ahold of them is important.

Prayer is how we get ahold of God.

When we get ahold of God we call Him by His name, not just His title but His name. Let’s look again at the first mention of prayer in scripture:

“And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.”
Genesis 4:26 

Seth and his descendants were the first to pray to God by His name: Jehovah.

Jehovah is the most frequently used name of God, being used 5791 times in the Bible. This name is identified in the Bible in English by “LORD” or “GOD” in all caps (in some the publisher will use small capitals: “LORD” or “GOD”).

Jehovah means: “self-Existent or Eternal.” This is God’s proper name and the fact that it is specified is significant. It sets an example of calling on God, and that in that call we call on the name of the Lord: Jehovah.

“Jehovah” Explained to Moses

God explains the meaning of this name Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:13-14

“And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”

The term“I AM” in Hebrew means to exist.

God wanted Israel to know that Moses was coming under His authority. God is the only self-existent being. Everything and everyone else was created by Him.

Jehovah’s Invitation to Pray

Later during the time of the Exile from the promised land God again identified Himself by His name, Jehovah, and encouraged His people Israel to call on Him. Speaking to Jeremiah He said:

“2 Thus saith the LORD (Jehovah) the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name;
3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”
Jeremiah 33:2–3

Jehovah is the maker, former, and establisher and He is inviting them to call on His name and see answers that they can’t begin to fathom.

Jesus Invites us to Use His Name in Prayer

We aren’t without promises like this in the New Testament era. In John 16 Jesus invites us to pray and ask things in His name:

“23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. [Speaking of when they will see Jesus again] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” 
John 16:23-24

Jesus is saying that His name means something. When we pray in Jesus’ name we are calling on the name of the Lord. This isn’t a magic trick for getting what we want when we want it, but it is a promise from our savior of answered prayer.

Our prayer in Jesus name can’t be just a set of words “in Jesus name…” It must be sincere prayer, seeking God’s best, accompanied by a confidence in the fact that God will hear and answer prayer. 

Studying and Application:

  1. How did men communicate with God before the account in Gen 4:26 of the first prayer? (Look at Gen 1-4 for this information)
  2. Do you use the phrase “In Jesus Name” when you pray? If so, how has God used this in your life and prayer?
  3. Review your prayer requests from last week. How has God worked in these areas you’ve been praying about? Take a minute to add any new requests to your list now.

How to “Do Church”

An overview of 1 Timothy.

In ministry we often look to other examples as a starting place for the practical points of things. This has a good side and a bad side. 

  • Good: We don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There is no shame and LOTS of wisdom in learning from others.
  • Bad: We sometimes use what others are doing as a starting point when we should be going back to the Word of God to see how things are supposed to look.

Where should a Pastor Start?

What would it look like to start from scratch? A brand new church, with just the biblical approach of church and ministry. How would a pastor start?

Meet Timothy

Timothy and Titus are the guys who know what this is like. Before churches all used hymnals or had a similar order of service as everyone else, these men of God were pastoring churches that sprang up as a result of Paul’s missionary work. Paul wrote them three letters going over some of the most important points for New Testament Churches. 

Over the next few weeks we’re going to be looking at the first of these epistles, 1 Timothy. But before we get into the details let’s zoom out and get an overview of this letter to Timothy.

Overview of 1 Timothy

Author

Paul the Apostle states that he is the author in 1 Timothy 1:1. Paul was converted to being a follower of Christ after persecuting the Church (Acts 9). He was called at his conversion to be a minister for Christ to the Gentiles (anyone who is not a Jew) though it took a few years for him to really begin this ministry (Acts 13). Paul was probably the first to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the city of Ephesus (Acts 18:19-21) this visit was very brief, but Paul returned later and spent over 2 years with these new believers (Acts 19).

Recipient

Timothy (also called Timotheus) was the main recipient of the this letter (1 Timothy 1:2)

Timothy had been received into Paul’s church planting team for Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 16:1-3). He was the son of a Greek man (probably an unbeliever, though we don’t know for sure) and a believing mother. He had been given a heritage of faith in Christ by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. 

Timothy was probably not a super confident person. Paul encourages him a couple of times to not let anyone despise him (1 Tim 4:12) and not be driven by fear (2 Tim 1:6-7). Yet Timothy was someone Paul could rely on (Philippians 2:19-23). Paul viewed him as a son.

Key Thoughts and Structure

(Paul’s purposes in writing essentially create the outline of the Epistle)

I have had to summarize the themes in these points, but hope to unpack a lot of this in the coming weeks and months.

Right Teaching – 1 Timothy 1

Right Worship and Church Organization – 1 Timothy 2-3

Personal Instruction for Timothy – 1 Timothy 4

Right Relationships in Church – 1 Timothy 5-6:2

Right Priorities – 1 Timothy 6:3-21

Challenge:

Read this letter in one sitting. This will help you see it’s structure and overall message.

Share:

What are some of your favorite verses from the Firat Letter to Timothy?

What jumped out to you from what Paul was writing that we could apply as we “Do Church”?

Elohim

What do we call God? Well, most of the time we call Him “God”. But, what does it MEAN when we call Him “God”?

*Nerd Alert*

Of the 3,336 times the English word “God” is used in the Old Testament it is translating the Hebrew word “Elohim” 2,200 times. The term “Elohim” is used to refer to other beings aside from the One True God. But of the 2,600 times it is used in the Bible, it is used approximately 2,026 of those to refer to God.

In Genesis 1 we can see that the main way it will be used in the Bible is to refer to Jehovah God, the creator of the universe.

“In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heaven and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1

This is God’s office name. It shows to all that hear it that God is divine. This name is intended to show the power and might that God holds as a part of His character. This power is seen very clearly in Genesis 1. 

“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” 
Genesis 1:3 

God in His power and might spoke the universe into existence. And in His power He reigns over all things and peoples, and will reign for eternity.

“The LORD shall reign for ever, Even thy God (Elohim), O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD” 
Psalm 146:10
“Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God (Greek: Theos) Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.” 
Revelation 11:17 

Praying to God

Psalm 65 gives a beautiful example of praying to God. Please take a minute and read this Psalm now, a few of the verses will be quoted directly for context, with a few comments.

“1 Praise waiteth for thee, O God (Elohim), in Sion: And unto thee shall the vow be performed 
2 O thou that hearest prayer, Unto thee shall all flesh come.” 
Psalm 65:1–2 

God is THE God that hears our prayer. He is worthy of all praise. And we can be sure of an answer.

“5 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; Who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:  
6 Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; Being girded with power:  
7 Which stilleth the noise of the seas, The noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.” 
Psalm 65:5–7

God’s answers to prayer will come by the same strength with which He made the world. He set the mountains in place and He stills the waves. God alone stands in authority to still the “tumult of the people.”

God sustains the earth. He gives water to the land, provides the harvest, and makes livestock produce bountifully (See verses 9-13). Yet in all this care for the vastness of creation, God doesn’t lose sight of the individual.

“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, And causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, Even of thy holy temple.”
Psalm 65:4 

He cares for all of creation, yet He cares for each person that He has chosen. God gives them access to Himself. God satisfies each and everyone with the “goodness” of His house.

God is the God of might. He is also God who hears and answers prayer. He is God who sustains His creation and calms the peoples.

Verse 5 calls Him “God of our salvation”. God’s love for us made the way to salvation for all who will believe in Jesus, God the Son.

“For God (Greek: Theos) so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16

This gift meets the greatest need humanity has: Salvation from the penalty of Sin. And through this we have access to God like we see in Psalm 65.

This is a glimpse of what the Bible shows us of God with His name Elohim. What a comfort to pray to the creator and ruler of the universe!

Studying and Application:

  1. How can the consciousness of God’s power as creator influence how we pray?
  2. List 1-3 things that you are going to begin praying about. Decide on a time of the day to pray. This consistency will help you maintain a focus on the power of God throughout your day.
  3. Study the phrase “God of gods” in Psalm 136:2. What does the phrase indicate about the authority of the One True God?

The Most Important Thing

You walk in to church, this meeting is going to be different you’ve decided that you’re going to do the most important thing first, then the next most important thing, then the next…

So you walk right past all your friends, you bypass the coffee table, and you start. You’re not listening to announcements or reaching for a hymnal. You bow your head and with the rest of the congregation you start praying. This prayer is meaningful, not quick and formal. You pray for each other, then for lost people around you to be saved. Then you pray for your government officials by name, even the ones you don’t like.

You see, if we take the Biblical approach to church meetings the most important thing we do is pray.

1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1 Timothy 2:1–2

First of All

I like the focus of this statement, “first of all.” While there are lots of things we can (and should) do in church meetings, this one is first. First in priority if not in order of service. While I don’t think this post will prompt all church attendees to stop talking to each other before church, I hope I can remind you in the next few paragraphs of the great value of prayer.

Pray, pray, pray, pray

This passage points out four areas of prayer, or kinds of prayer. Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, and Giving Thanks. 

Think through these when you’re praying. I know personally I can get a bit self-focused in prayer (supplication), when I really need to be praying for others (intercession) or praising God for all that He has done for me (giving of thanks).

Even when praying as a church we can be in seasons of difficulty where we wouldn’t naturally consider thanksgiving, or when we are blessed and praising but don’t bear the burdens of others in Intercession.

How To Make it Important

Application comes down to personal choices. In personal prayer make the time to pray meaningfully. Make this time as early in the day as you can. This is never easy, but it’s worth it. (More could be said about this but I’ll hold off for a future post.)

In church, don’t let prayer become rote or obligatory. Prayer isn’t a transition between things in the order of service, prayer is talking to The Almighty, prayer answering God Who knows when you’re just going through the motions.

When you pray publicly, pray to God. Don’t pray for the approval of anyone else hearing. Their approval is fleeting. God is looking for faithful sincerity.

What about you?

Write in the comments below: How do you do your personal prayer time? How has your church applied this teaching that you think might be helpful to others?