Reaching the Lost: Prayer

Reaching the Lost: Prayer

Introduction: In my opinion, the major issue Christians have had when considering the work of reaching the lost would be that most do not understand that everyone has a part to play (Ephesians 4:16). Most have thought that only Christians who know the scriptures well and can teach it, are responsible for doing this work.

That understanding is far from true. In fact, a church will have very limited success if the work is left to the few who are considered qualified to teach. Therefore, we want to explore the importance of how every member has a part.

1. Prayer
   1. We have already talked partially concerning the important of prayer. Let’s note a few more passages that we did not get to in our last lesson.
   2. John 15:7-8 
      1. Key goal of the text? Bearing fruit. What is “fruit” in this context? See verse 16, “…and that your fruit should abide…” [that’s us!]—therefore we also bear fruit—“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
      2. Can you think of things you would pray for as you seek the lost?
   3. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 “Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you…” 
   4. Colossians 4:2-4 [NET: “Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.”]
      1. Vs. 2: “Continue (be devoted to, attached to, persevere in) in prayer.” A once in a while prayer is not sufficient! We need to be disciplined and committed to prayer.
      2. Being “alert” or “watchful” in prayer literally means to stay awake in prayer. Have an awareness of spiritual needs (“your kingdom come”) so that your prayers are effective.
      3. “With thanksgiving”: All prayer must include thanksgiving lest our prayers simply turn into personal demands— “Lord give us this; Lord give us that; Lord, I need this…” Thanksgiving presupposes humility. 
      4. Vs. 3: The request is to open a door for the word. We should be praying for opportunities. In Ephesians 6:19, Paul adds, “…making supplication also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.”
         [an open door does not necessarily mean an absence of opposition (1 Cor. 16:8-9, “But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”)]
      5. Vs. 4: “…that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” 
      6. Consider how important our prayers are!
   5. Ephesians 6:19, “…making supplication also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.” 
   6. Ezekiel 36:37-38 What is striking to you about this text? God telling us to ask him to do something that he already wants done. 
      1. Why would God tell us to ask? Why wouldn’t he just do it? We know how important it is to him. So just do it! 
      2. We are his servants. Are we going to serve him in all the ways that he asks of us?
      3. God wants us to work together with him (2 Cor. 6:1-2).

Conclusion: All members should participate in prayer for lost souls. Let me encourage all prayer leaders to ask God for help in having and utilizing our opportunities. 

Berry Kercheville

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