Prayer
Citizens, 26 Ocotober 2025
26 10 25
Citizens
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 26, 2025
Philippians 3:17-4:9
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Our citizenship is in heaven and we need to live like it.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:8-9
There’s a lot of talk these days about citizenship. We’ve heard words like immigration, refugee, green card, and asylum as people flee danger and seek to establish a new life. Many spend years trying to gain the citizen status others experience since birth, and that citizenship carries with it a certain identity.
What is your citizenship? Has it ever changed? Would you like it to change? Do you know the rights and benefits of your citizenship? Are you a good citizen?
PRAY
Today we’re continuing our series on the book of Philippians, a short letter written by Paul from a Roman prison to a church he started in modern day Greece. Last week we read Paul’s words about the supremacy of knowing Jesus. Our text today begins,
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. (Philippians 3:17)
One of the fascinating aspects of parenting is watching your kids mimic you. This can be hilarious…or frightening. The old song Cats in the Cradle reflects this. Much of what we learn in life is caught, not taught. Paul is saying watch me, follow me. That’s bold! This is one of the sobering things about leadership at any level…followers are watching…and often imitating. I actually prefer what Paul wrote to those in Corinth:
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
And as I don’t follow Christ, don’t follow my example! Years ago, someone eased my mind a bit when they said, “I’m not a perfect example, but I’m a living example.” I can embrace that. Of course, Paul’s purpose in saying follow my example is the threat of others who could harm the church in Philippi.
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19)
It’s so easy to live for temporary things like money, power, and pleasure, the things of this world.
But our citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3:20a)
Philippians were Roman citizens, which was prestigious, but Paul is saying being a citizen of heaven is infinitely better. This world is not our home.
The biggest sporting event in the world, the World Cup, will be held next year, hosted for the second time by the United States. Fans will not only cheer, but they will also wear the flags, colors, and uniforms of their country. In a sense, they are representing their nation. I’m always fascinated to know who a first-generation citizen roots for, their birth country or their present home. Citizenship matters.
I love this country and I’m grateful for our freedoms, but my greatest allegiance is not to a flag but a kingdom…the Kingdom of God. We must never let our earthly citizenship take priority over our citizenship in heaven.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20-21)
Are you ready for this? What hope! Every day my body becomes lowlier! I’m looking forward to an upgrade. Jesus’ resurrected body offers a preview of what ours will become. The best is yet to come!
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1)
He loves this church (as I love you, College First!). They are more precious to him than diamonds and jewels and he wants them to remain faithful to the LORD. Stand firm!
Now he mentions two women by name who don’t always agree with one another.
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:2-3)
Disagreements are nothing new, even among godly men and women. The world would say cancel, but we are called to reconcile, love one another, These people are saved. Their names are in the book of life and they are citizens of heaven. Instead of arguing, Paul offers a series of instructions to his readers. First,
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Rejoice…in your circumstances? No. Paul’s writing from prison! Rejoice in the Lord. In case you missed it the first time, he repeats it. Rejoice! When? Always! Next,
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5)
Gentleness is part of the fruit of the Holy Sprit. Some have translated it fairmindedness or graciousness. He says the Lord is near. His return is near. His presence is near. Even today, church, the Lord is near. That brings me peace. Thirdly,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Heather put a sign in our bathroom which said, “Worry about nothing. Pray about everything.” It used to bug me because I like to worry! The original Greek word for anxious here is to be pulled in different directions. Can you relate? Hope here, fear there. It’s been said that worry is the greatest threat thief of joy, the theme of this letter. One researcher discovered 8 percent of the things we worry about are matters of legitimate concern! Also, worry is a sin (Matthew 6:24-34). The alternative is so much better, casting our burdens, fears, anxiety, and worry to the LORD.
Paul uses three different words: prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. Here, prayer may mean adoration, worship, devotion. When you talk with the LORD, it’s always good to start with praise. It reminds us of the power and faithfulness of our conversation partner. Then we can pour out our hearts with requests before expressing appreciation.
Another tool I often use is ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication or requests and petitions. If prayer is just a wish lists, you’ll both get bored!
What’s the result of rejoicing, gentleness, and prayer?
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
The peace of God beats the stress and chaos of the world any day! It’s the antidote to worry. The language Paul uses is from the military. The Philippians were very familiar with Roman guards keeping watch.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Count your blessings not your complaints! God’s character is filled with the good things—the virtues in this list.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)
These are his spiritual children. He loves them and wants them to grow and mature. True belief doesn’t remain in our heads. It must be demonstrated through actions…daily. Obedience is God’s love language. We will experience His peace as we have right praying and right thinking which leads to right living.
So What?
Citizens behave differently than tourists. They learn the language and the culture. They wear the uniform, so to speak, and pledge their allegiance to both the flag and the territory.
What is your citizenship? Are you an American Christian or a Christian American? I realize some of you are neither—and we’re so glad you’re here! Welcome! But do we live primarily as citizens of heaven or earth?
Are you trying to keep up with the Joneses, running from place to place, consuming the finest goods and services you can afford (or some you can’t afford)? Is your life filled with the pursuits of power, pleasure, and control?
Or are you living for an audience of One, seeking to love God and love others as yourself, trusting in God’s provisions and having an attitude of gratitude?
It all begins in our head…and moves to our heart and hands. Let’s read this again:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny!
We all know this intellectually, but what fills your mind? What entertains you? What informs you? The media is filled with violence, gossip, lies, perversion, rebellion, and temptations of every kind, including comparison. How is it influencing us?
I challenge you—and myself—to think on good things, true things, noble things, right things, pure things lovely things, admirable things, excellent things, praiseworthy things…heavenly things—because that’s where our citizenship is found. Let's live like it!
Kirk Schneemann
Joy: Book of Philippians
College First Church of God
October 26, 2025
Philippians 3:17-4:9
Series Big Idea: Philippians reminds us we can experience joy no matter the circumstances.
Big Idea: Our citizenship is in heaven and we need to live like it.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:8-9
There’s a lot of talk these days about citizenship. We’ve heard words like immigration, refugee, green card, and asylum as people flee danger and seek to establish a new life. Many spend years trying to gain the citizen status others experience since birth, and that citizenship carries with it a certain identity.
What is your citizenship? Has it ever changed? Would you like it to change? Do you know the rights and benefits of your citizenship? Are you a good citizen?
PRAY
Today we’re continuing our series on the book of Philippians, a short letter written by Paul from a Roman prison to a church he started in modern day Greece. Last week we read Paul’s words about the supremacy of knowing Jesus. Our text today begins,
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. (Philippians 3:17)
One of the fascinating aspects of parenting is watching your kids mimic you. This can be hilarious…or frightening. The old song Cats in the Cradle reflects this. Much of what we learn in life is caught, not taught. Paul is saying watch me, follow me. That’s bold! This is one of the sobering things about leadership at any level…followers are watching…and often imitating. I actually prefer what Paul wrote to those in Corinth:
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)
And as I don’t follow Christ, don’t follow my example! Years ago, someone eased my mind a bit when they said, “I’m not a perfect example, but I’m a living example.” I can embrace that. Of course, Paul’s purpose in saying follow my example is the threat of others who could harm the church in Philippi.
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19)
It’s so easy to live for temporary things like money, power, and pleasure, the things of this world.
But our citizenship is in heaven. (Philippians 3:20a)
Philippians were Roman citizens, which was prestigious, but Paul is saying being a citizen of heaven is infinitely better. This world is not our home.
The biggest sporting event in the world, the World Cup, will be held next year, hosted for the second time by the United States. Fans will not only cheer, but they will also wear the flags, colors, and uniforms of their country. In a sense, they are representing their nation. I’m always fascinated to know who a first-generation citizen roots for, their birth country or their present home. Citizenship matters.
I love this country and I’m grateful for our freedoms, but my greatest allegiance is not to a flag but a kingdom…the Kingdom of God. We must never let our earthly citizenship take priority over our citizenship in heaven.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. (Philippians 3:20-21)
Are you ready for this? What hope! Every day my body becomes lowlier! I’m looking forward to an upgrade. Jesus’ resurrected body offers a preview of what ours will become. The best is yet to come!
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1)
He loves this church (as I love you, College First!). They are more precious to him than diamonds and jewels and he wants them to remain faithful to the LORD. Stand firm!
Now he mentions two women by name who don’t always agree with one another.
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:2-3)
Disagreements are nothing new, even among godly men and women. The world would say cancel, but we are called to reconcile, love one another, These people are saved. Their names are in the book of life and they are citizens of heaven. Instead of arguing, Paul offers a series of instructions to his readers. First,
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Rejoice…in your circumstances? No. Paul’s writing from prison! Rejoice in the Lord. In case you missed it the first time, he repeats it. Rejoice! When? Always! Next,
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5)
Gentleness is part of the fruit of the Holy Sprit. Some have translated it fairmindedness or graciousness. He says the Lord is near. His return is near. His presence is near. Even today, church, the Lord is near. That brings me peace. Thirdly,
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Heather put a sign in our bathroom which said, “Worry about nothing. Pray about everything.” It used to bug me because I like to worry! The original Greek word for anxious here is to be pulled in different directions. Can you relate? Hope here, fear there. It’s been said that worry is the greatest threat thief of joy, the theme of this letter. One researcher discovered 8 percent of the things we worry about are matters of legitimate concern! Also, worry is a sin (Matthew 6:24-34). The alternative is so much better, casting our burdens, fears, anxiety, and worry to the LORD.
Paul uses three different words: prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. Here, prayer may mean adoration, worship, devotion. When you talk with the LORD, it’s always good to start with praise. It reminds us of the power and faithfulness of our conversation partner. Then we can pour out our hearts with requests before expressing appreciation.
Another tool I often use is ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication or requests and petitions. If prayer is just a wish lists, you’ll both get bored!
What’s the result of rejoicing, gentleness, and prayer?
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
The peace of God beats the stress and chaos of the world any day! It’s the antidote to worry. The language Paul uses is from the military. The Philippians were very familiar with Roman guards keeping watch.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Count your blessings not your complaints! God’s character is filled with the good things—the virtues in this list.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9)
These are his spiritual children. He loves them and wants them to grow and mature. True belief doesn’t remain in our heads. It must be demonstrated through actions…daily. Obedience is God’s love language. We will experience His peace as we have right praying and right thinking which leads to right living.
So What?
Citizens behave differently than tourists. They learn the language and the culture. They wear the uniform, so to speak, and pledge their allegiance to both the flag and the territory.
What is your citizenship? Are you an American Christian or a Christian American? I realize some of you are neither—and we’re so glad you’re here! Welcome! But do we live primarily as citizens of heaven or earth?
Are you trying to keep up with the Joneses, running from place to place, consuming the finest goods and services you can afford (or some you can’t afford)? Is your life filled with the pursuits of power, pleasure, and control?
Or are you living for an audience of One, seeking to love God and love others as yourself, trusting in God’s provisions and having an attitude of gratitude?
It all begins in our head…and moves to our heart and hands. Let’s read this again:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Sow a thought, reap an action.
Sow an action, reap a habit.
Sow a habit, reap a character.
Sow a character, reap a destiny!
We all know this intellectually, but what fills your mind? What entertains you? What informs you? The media is filled with violence, gossip, lies, perversion, rebellion, and temptations of every kind, including comparison. How is it influencing us?
I challenge you—and myself—to think on good things, true things, noble things, right things, pure things lovely things, admirable things, excellent things, praiseworthy things…heavenly things—because that’s where our citizenship is found. Let's live like it!
Prayer, 27 November 2011
06 12 11
Big Idea: prayer is powerful in many ways.
We’ve been going through the book of James, written by Jesus’ half-brother. The entire book of James is about practical, real faith, faith that works in real life.
Today we’re talking about the power of prayer. We pray because we can’t help it. The very word prayer comes from the Latin root precarius—a linguistic cousin to precarious.
Does prayer excite you or feel more like a task? Why?
Most people that I know—including myself—are frustrated by prayer for one reason or another.
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. (James 5:13)
Are you in trouble? Pray! Now!
The Greek word means “enduring hardship, experiencing misfortune, experiencing calamity.” Have you ever been there?
Are you happy? Thankful? We’ve just sung songs of praise.
Prayer and praise.
Prayer is talking with God. It is more than just asking God for stuff.
Sometimes we treat God like Santa Claus, always asking for things, often in desperation. We pray ONLY in times of trouble.
As a dad, it would drive me crazy if the only time my kids called my name was when they wanted something from me. I love it when they say thanks, share ideas, reveal their feelings, ask me questions, and offer kind words. When I have a relationship with them, I WANT to give them good things when they ask.
Many are frustrated with prayer because they don’t get immediate answers to their prayers, but petitions or requests are just one type of prayer. I fear that for some of us, if it weren’t for trouble, we would never talk with God.
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14)
I think this verse is pretty clear. The word for “sick” means literally “to be without strength.” It’s not having the sniffles, but being truly sick.
This phrase “call the elders” is a command to the sick person.
Too often we call the doctor or grab head to the medicine cabinet. There’s nothing wrong with doctors or medicine, but the local church is the God-designed community where we are to love and serve one another. It is a joy to worship together, to bear one another’s burdens, to pray for each other.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. (James 5:15)
What makes prayer effective? Is it long prayers? Deep, intellectual words? Oil? No, it is faith-filled prayer.
Where does faith come from? It is a gift of God.
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)
Do you have faith to believe God will answer your prayer?
One of the many Hebrew names for God is Yahweh Raphah, the LORD who heals.
The phrase “prayer offered in faith” literally means in the Greek “THE prayer of THE faith.”
What is the prayer of faith? John tells us...
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14-15)
Philip Yancey said, “Prayer is the act of seeing reality from God’s point of view.”
Does God always heal as we desire, instantly and completely? No. Why not? Great question! He does not always answer the way we desire...or in our timing.
In some cases, we may be the reason we are sick. If he has sinned—sometimes sin causes sickness. Jesus often forgave sins during healing encounters.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
Prayer matters. Prayer is powerful.
We looked at this verse several months ago when we talked about praying for one another. There’s something powerful about confession. The verb tense means “keep on confessing your sins to one another” and “keep on praying for one another so that you may be healed.”
Again, there is often—not always, but often—a relationship between sin and sickness.
Proverbs 15:29 says...
The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)
John 9:31 tells us...
We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. (John 9:31)
James continues with an example.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:17-18)
Elijah was a role model for James. James’ nickname was “camel knees” because he spent so much time praying that calluses developed on his knees.
1 Kings 18 tells the story of Elijah’s powerful prayers.
Notice it says he was a man “just like us.” He did some great things, but he was also a coward.
God wants to see faith, real faith, faith that leads to prayer. When we pray according to God’s will, He will respond. Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ and the more we hear the Word and spend time in prayer, the more we will know and understand God’s will and pray accordingly.
Matthew Henry said...
“It is not enough to say a prayer, but we must pray in prayer. Thoughts must be fixed, desires must be firm and ardent, and graces exercised. This instance of the power of prayer, encourages every Christian to be earnest in prayer.”
I love this...
"Everything in God’s store is on the bottom shelf–you have to get on your knees to get it.” - Robert Collier
After all of these verses on prayer, James concludes his book by saying...
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)
Sheep wander. That’s why they need a shepherd.
It’s so easy to lose our way, especially when our world is so dark. None of us is perfect which is why we need one another. We have a strong enemy that will do anything to get us off the path, either sending us backward or just leading us to a picnic at the side of the road that prevents growth.
We were made for community and it is required if you truly want to follow Jesus. You can’t do it alone. Our culture says to reject authority and be your own person, but that’s not the message of the Bible. We were created to live interdependently. Brothers look out for brothers. Sisters care about sisters.
These two verses paint a beautiful picture of restoration, wisdom, and initiative. This is not, of course, speaking of harsh criticism and judgment, but rather speaking the truth in love.
Prodigals are always welcome here in the Scio family. Always.
Of course the greatest demonstration of this is introducing an unbeliever to Jesus. There is no greater joy!
We have noted previously that ...
Prayer Is The Primary Work Of God’s People (Phil. 4:6-7)
It is not a program or an event. It is what we do. It is not only the way in which we communicate with and know God, it is a way to bless others.
“Prayer Is The Soul’s Sincere Desire”
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
unuttered or expressed,
the motion of a hidden fire
that trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
the falling of a tear,
the upward glancing of an eye,
when none but God is near.
Prayer is the simplest form of speech
that infant lips can try;
prayer the sublimest strains that reach
the Majesty on high.
Prayer is the contrite sinners' voice,
returning from their way,
while angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, "Behold, they pray!"
Prayer is the Christians' vital breath,
the Christians' native air;
their watchword at the gates of death;
they enter heaven with prayer.
O Thou, by whom we come to God,
the Life, the Truth, the Way:
the path of prayer thyself hast trod;
Lord, teach us how to pray!
- James Montgomery, 1771-1854
You can listen to the podcast here.
We’ve been going through the book of James, written by Jesus’ half-brother. The entire book of James is about practical, real faith, faith that works in real life.
Today we’re talking about the power of prayer. We pray because we can’t help it. The very word prayer comes from the Latin root precarius—a linguistic cousin to precarious.
Does prayer excite you or feel more like a task? Why?
Most people that I know—including myself—are frustrated by prayer for one reason or another.
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. (James 5:13)
Are you in trouble? Pray! Now!
The Greek word means “enduring hardship, experiencing misfortune, experiencing calamity.” Have you ever been there?
Are you happy? Thankful? We’ve just sung songs of praise.
Prayer and praise.
Prayer is talking with God. It is more than just asking God for stuff.
Sometimes we treat God like Santa Claus, always asking for things, often in desperation. We pray ONLY in times of trouble.
As a dad, it would drive me crazy if the only time my kids called my name was when they wanted something from me. I love it when they say thanks, share ideas, reveal their feelings, ask me questions, and offer kind words. When I have a relationship with them, I WANT to give them good things when they ask.
Many are frustrated with prayer because they don’t get immediate answers to their prayers, but petitions or requests are just one type of prayer. I fear that for some of us, if it weren’t for trouble, we would never talk with God.
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14)
I think this verse is pretty clear. The word for “sick” means literally “to be without strength.” It’s not having the sniffles, but being truly sick.
This phrase “call the elders” is a command to the sick person.
Too often we call the doctor or grab head to the medicine cabinet. There’s nothing wrong with doctors or medicine, but the local church is the God-designed community where we are to love and serve one another. It is a joy to worship together, to bear one another’s burdens, to pray for each other.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. (James 5:15)
What makes prayer effective? Is it long prayers? Deep, intellectual words? Oil? No, it is faith-filled prayer.
Where does faith come from? It is a gift of God.
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)
Do you have faith to believe God will answer your prayer?
One of the many Hebrew names for God is Yahweh Raphah, the LORD who heals.
The phrase “prayer offered in faith” literally means in the Greek “THE prayer of THE faith.”
What is the prayer of faith? John tells us...
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14-15)
Philip Yancey said, “Prayer is the act of seeing reality from God’s point of view.”
Does God always heal as we desire, instantly and completely? No. Why not? Great question! He does not always answer the way we desire...or in our timing.
In some cases, we may be the reason we are sick. If he has sinned—sometimes sin causes sickness. Jesus often forgave sins during healing encounters.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
Prayer matters. Prayer is powerful.
We looked at this verse several months ago when we talked about praying for one another. There’s something powerful about confession. The verb tense means “keep on confessing your sins to one another” and “keep on praying for one another so that you may be healed.”
Again, there is often—not always, but often—a relationship between sin and sickness.
Proverbs 15:29 says...
The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)
John 9:31 tells us...
We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. (John 9:31)
James continues with an example.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:17-18)
Elijah was a role model for James. James’ nickname was “camel knees” because he spent so much time praying that calluses developed on his knees.
1 Kings 18 tells the story of Elijah’s powerful prayers.
Notice it says he was a man “just like us.” He did some great things, but he was also a coward.
God wants to see faith, real faith, faith that leads to prayer. When we pray according to God’s will, He will respond. Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ and the more we hear the Word and spend time in prayer, the more we will know and understand God’s will and pray accordingly.
Matthew Henry said...
“It is not enough to say a prayer, but we must pray in prayer. Thoughts must be fixed, desires must be firm and ardent, and graces exercised. This instance of the power of prayer, encourages every Christian to be earnest in prayer.”
I love this...
"Everything in God’s store is on the bottom shelf–you have to get on your knees to get it.” - Robert Collier
After all of these verses on prayer, James concludes his book by saying...
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)
Sheep wander. That’s why they need a shepherd.
It’s so easy to lose our way, especially when our world is so dark. None of us is perfect which is why we need one another. We have a strong enemy that will do anything to get us off the path, either sending us backward or just leading us to a picnic at the side of the road that prevents growth.
We were made for community and it is required if you truly want to follow Jesus. You can’t do it alone. Our culture says to reject authority and be your own person, but that’s not the message of the Bible. We were created to live interdependently. Brothers look out for brothers. Sisters care about sisters.
These two verses paint a beautiful picture of restoration, wisdom, and initiative. This is not, of course, speaking of harsh criticism and judgment, but rather speaking the truth in love.
Prodigals are always welcome here in the Scio family. Always.
Of course the greatest demonstration of this is introducing an unbeliever to Jesus. There is no greater joy!
We have noted previously that ...
Prayer Is The Primary Work Of God’s People (Phil. 4:6-7)
It is not a program or an event. It is what we do. It is not only the way in which we communicate with and know God, it is a way to bless others.
“Prayer Is The Soul’s Sincere Desire”
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
unuttered or expressed,
the motion of a hidden fire
that trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
the falling of a tear,
the upward glancing of an eye,
when none but God is near.
Prayer is the simplest form of speech
that infant lips can try;
prayer the sublimest strains that reach
the Majesty on high.
Prayer is the contrite sinners' voice,
returning from their way,
while angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, "Behold, they pray!"
Prayer is the Christians' vital breath,
the Christians' native air;
their watchword at the gates of death;
they enter heaven with prayer.
O Thou, by whom we come to God,
the Life, the Truth, the Way:
the path of prayer thyself hast trod;
Lord, teach us how to pray!
- James Montgomery, 1771-1854
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