MATURER

In This Lesson

1. A Life of Prayer

2. The Word of Life

3. Paradoxes of Truth

Section 1 – A Life of Prayer

QUESTION: What is a life of prayer? Is there a right way to pray?

Teach Us to Pray

Luke 11:1 “1 It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.””

Jesus replied, “After this manner, therefore pray ye…” What an honor to learn how to pray from Jesus Himself!

1. “Our Father which art in heaven.” We give glory to God our Father. We can place strong confidence in God’s love to us, just as a father has for his children. Jesus will hear our prayer!

2. “Hallowed be thy name.” The word hallowed in Scripture means “set apart”. We hallow the name of Jesus in conversation, in our families, and in prayer. His name is set apart as a name that is higher than any other (Acts 4:12).

3. “Thy kingdom come.” We pray that the gospel of Christ may spread until the whole world is filled with His glory.

4. “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” All power belongs to God. He can do as He wills, but He offers us a choice. We can exercise that freedom by allowing His will to be accomplished in our lives.

5. “Give us this day our daily bread.” We are dependent on God for the supply of our needs and wants. This is our opportunity to make our requests known to God.

6. “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” God extends mercy when we are willing to show mercy. A life of daily repentance is crucial to the believer (Ps. 139:23).

7. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” God delights in helping us overcome difficulties. With each temptation, He promises a way of escape (I Cor. 10:13).

8. “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.” We end by expressing praise once again. God has the power to accomplish every need! All glory belongs to Him.

9. “Amen.” The word amen expresses consent. It literally means “so be it”!

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Necessity of Prayer

1. Pray for Each Other. James 5:16 “16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” Pray for healing, strength and restoration for your brothers and sisters in Christ.

2. Pray for Leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1–2 “1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” Pray for those in authority, that they may be inclined to do that which is right.

3. Pray for Enemies. Matthew 5:44 “44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Pray for those who mistreat you. We disapprove of wicked conduct, yet we return good for evil.

4. Pray for Soul‐Winners. Matthew 9:38 “38 “Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”” We should earnestly pray for God to send forth ministers who will feed people with knowledge and spread the truth across the globe.

5. Pray for Yourself. Matthew 26:41 “41 “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”” Our best intentions are crushed under the weight of sin when the spirit is starved. Daily, focused prayer allows us to withstand temptation and overcome sin.

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Power of Prayer

QUESTION: Will God hear me? Do my prayers make a difference?

Let’s look at what prayer can achieve. Through prayer, God is able to:

1. Heal the sick (James 5:13-16)

2. Sanctify and cleanse our food (I Timothy 4:4-5)

3. Unlock prisons (Acts 12:1-9, Acts 16:25-26)

4. Cast out demons (Matthew 17:14-21)

5. Lead us to salvation (Acts 10:1-22, Acts 10:44-48)

6. Give children to those previously barren (I Samuel 1:10-28)

7. Turn back the judgment of God (Genesis 18:22-23, 19:29)

8. Help in time of trouble (I Samuel 8:1-9)

9. Extend life (Isaiah 38:1-8)

God can provide anything you need through the power of prayer. It is the strongest weapon in our arsenal.

James 5:16 “16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

Is there an amount of time we must put on our prayer? No. God never declares a specific length of prayer required for approval.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “17 pray without ceasing;”

We should not neglect our duties to stay at the altar 24/7, but we can meditate on the Lord throughout our day and consistently remain in the spirit of prayer. Consistent prayer – combined with a dedicated period of focused prayer – will allow our relationship with God to thrive, and we will experience wonderful moments of fellowship with our Creator!

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Section 2 – The Word of Life

QUESTION: How powerful is the Word of God? How can I develop a love for the Word of God?

In Philippians 2:15-16, the saints of God “shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life.” In John 6:63, Jesus proclaimed that the words He spoke, “they are spirit, and they are life.”

The Word of God expresses the will of God for humanity and reveals the history of God’s relationship with mankind. This knowledge is a great treasure to the Christian (Jer. 9:23-24).

1. The Word of God is the only source of divine truth. We should thoroughly examine this book in which we place so much trust.

2. The Word of God is a spiritual book. It can only be understood through the Spirit (Matt. 16:17).

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Power of God’s Word

In the midst of changing times, God’s Word forever remains the same. When we lean upon the Word of God, the power of the Word accomplishes the following:

• Exposes the heart. Hebrews 4:12 “12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

• Assures salvation. 1 John 5:13 “13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

• Proves that Jesus is Christ. John 20:31 “31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

• Offers direction. Matthew 4:4 “4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ ””

• Warns of the destructive power of sin. 1 Corinthians 10:11 “11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”

• Provides answers. 1 Peter 3:15 “15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;”

• Qualifies to teach. 2 Timothy 2:2 “2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

• Arms with power. Ephesians 6:17 “17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

• Promises blessings. James 1:25 “25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”

1. The Word of God is the source of the believer’s spiritual sustenance. Matthew 4:4 “4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ ” It has power to nourish our spirit.

2. The Word of God transforms a believer from the inside out. Over time, the Word will gradually “rewire” the believer’s “circuits” if he remains faithful and spends daily time in the Word (James 1:21-25)

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How to Approach Scripture

1. Listen. Revelation 1:3 “3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Discuss the Bible with others, listen to recordings of sermons, and take notes during midweek Bible study sessions.

2. Read. Deuteronomy 17:19 “19 “It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes,” Read the Bible through in one year or less. A Bible reading program is often helpful.

3. Study. 2 Timothy 2:15 “15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” Verse by verse, chapter by chapter, and book by book. Use different translations, study key phrases, and read what commentators and apostolic authors have to say.

a. Cross Reference Study. Compare Scripture with Scripture. The Bible is its own commentary. God establishes truth by two or three witnesses (Matt. 18:16).

b. Topical Study. Choose a subject of interest and exhaust every resource until you know and understand the subject well.

4. Meditate. Psalm 1:2 “2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.” Take sections of Scripture and carefully mull over each phrase. Read each section repeatedly, asking the Holy Spirit to bring the Word alive to you. God will reveal precious nuggets of truth.

5. Memorize. Psalm 119:11 “11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” Memorize key verses on doctrine, faith and holiness. This will allow you to “pray the Word” and use Scripture to overcome temptation.

Study is essential to Christian growth and development. Never become neglectful or discouraged because you do not learn everything overnight. Keep working; the rewards are innumerable! Develop good study habits and stick with it.

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Section 3 – Paradoxes of Truth

QUESTION: What is a paradox? How do paradoxes help us understand mysteries?

Paradox: a true statement that either is contrary to conventional wisdom, or seemingly absurd.

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Love Your Enemies

Matthew 5:44 “44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

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Give and It Will Come Back to You

Luke 6:38 “38 “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.””

Expanding upon this topic, Scripture offers numerous additional reasons for giving.

1. Giving is an investment. “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:20). Let us not forget that we are merely caretakers of God’s gifts. Everything we have belongs to Him.

2. Giving is Scriptural. “You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year” (Deut. 14:22). A Biblical ‘tithe’ is ten percent of one’s income. God’s chosen method for supporting the ministry is through the tithe of the people whom the minister serves.

3. Giving supports the ministry. “Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn” (I Cor. 9:9). The ox who cultivates the earth should also be permitted to enjoy the fruit of his labors. The same is true for those who labor in the service of God. They should receive a portion of that fruit.

4. God loves a cheerful giver. “God loves a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7). Just as Jesus willingly offered Himself for our sins, how much more should we pour our love on Him through giving?

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To Live, We Must Die

Luke 9:23–24 “23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. 24 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.”

Romans 6:3‐6 “We are buried with him by baptism into death… that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”

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In the World, but Not of the World

Jesus let us know that His followers would be hated by the world.

John 17:14 “14 “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

We should not love the world, or the things in it (I John 2:15-17). We must not pattern our lives after the ways of the world and allow its influences to lure us away from Christ (Rom. 12:2).

Mark 16:15 “15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

Jesus sent us into the world to preach the gospel and be a shining beacon of truth (Matt. 28:18-20). God does not isolate us from sin, but He promises to control our exposure so we will not be overwhelmed (I Cor. 10:13). In this paradox, we must follow the example of Jesus:

• He spent time learning Scripture (Luke 2:46-52)

• He was in the world, working with sinners (I Timothy 1:15)

• He took time to separate Himself for prayer (John 6:15)

• He faced temptation, but did not give in to sin (Hebrews 4:15)

How does a Christian grow and mature? By constantly reaching toward Jesus, trying to always be like Him!

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For Deeper Study

A Life of Prayer

1. Praise – exalt Him by talking about His attributes, creation and works (Ps. 99:1-9)

2. Waiting – silently focus on God’s love and your love for Him (Ps. 46:10)

3. Confession – ask God to reveal specific sins; repent and ask for forgiveness (I Jn. 1:8- 9)

4. Scripture Prayer – pray the prayers of Scripture (Eph. 3:14-21)

5. Watching – ask God for instruction concerning your ministry (Acts 20:28)

6. Outreach – pray for local, national and worldwide outreach of the gospel (Matt. 9:37- 38)

7. Intercession – lift up family, saints and friends as God inspires (II Thess. 1:11)

8. Petition – as God for spiritual, emotional, physical and financial help (Matt. 7:7-11)

9. Thanksgiving – thank God for what He has done and what He is doing (Col. 3:17)

10. Meditation – focus on a verse or attribute of God for a period of time (Josh. 1:8)

11. Listening – mentally absorb divine instructions from God; listen for His voice (Ps. 81:13)

12. Singing – sing songs of praise, thanksgiving and petition (Eph. 5:19)

Paradoxes of Truth

1. We see unseen things (2 Cor. 4:18).

2. We conquer by yielding (Rom. 6:16-18).

3. We find rest under a yoke (Matt. 11:28-30).

4. We reign by serving (Mark 10:42-44).

5. We are made great by being the least (Luke 9:48).

6. We are exalted by being humble (Matt. 23:12).

7. We become wise by being fools (1 Cor. 1:20-21).

8. We are made free be becoming bondservants (Rom. 6:18).

9. We wax strong by being weak (2 Cor. 12:10).

Short Answer

I Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray without “ceasing.” What does this mean?

In what ways have you studied the Bible in the past? List an additional way of studying the Bible mentioned in this lesson that you can apply.

What does it mean to be “in the world” but not be “of the world”?

Memorization

Memorize James 5:16

James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Memorize Psalm 119:11.

Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

Bible Reading

Read Matthew 5. This passage is the most well-known sermon of Jesus and one of the strongest Biblical lessons on Christian living.

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