PRAYING FOR OTHER SAINTS

SERMON SERIES: IT'S TIME TO GROW UP 2

BOOK OF COLOSSIANS

MESSAGE 2: PRAYING FOR OTHER SAINTS

Colossians 1:9 - 14

Introduction: So much of our praying is taken up with the material. Paul lifts prayer to a spiritual dimension. The same is true, of course, with the Lord's prayer. Only one clause ("Give us this day our daily bread") is concerned with the material. John Phillips said, "When we reach up to God for material things we are invoking His mercies; when we pray for spiritual things we are asking for His blessings.

Illustration: God's strange Answers

He was a Christian, and he prayed. he asked for strength to do greater things, but he was given infirmity that he might do better things.

He asked for riches that he might be happy; he was given poverty that he might be wise.

He asked for power that he might have praise of men; he was given weakness that he might feel the need of God.

He had received nothing that he asked for; all that he hoped for. His prayer seems unanswered, but he is most blessed.

What kinds of things should we ask for when we intercede on behalf of other believers? For their success in business? That they might be healed from sickness? That Bill might pass his exam? That it might be a sunny day for Bessie's wedding next week? Maybe! But it would be hard to validate many of our prayer requests from Scripture. Paul's prison prayers are most instructive. Here is one of them in this passage of Scripture. Let's look at the kinds of things for which Paul prays on behalf of his Colossian friends.

I.

FOR SPIRITUAL VISION

v. 9

That they might-

A. Receive the truth - to be filled with the knowledge o God's will.

B. Realize the truth - in all spiritual understanding.

C. Relate the truth - has the ability to apply the knowledge by studying. "All

scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for

reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16).

II.

FOR SPIRITUAL VITALITY

v. 10

A. The walk of the Christian life - worthy, to conform to the conduct of

Christ.

B. The works of the Christian life - must be fruitful in every good work. "Let

your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and

glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Mt. 5:16).

C. The wonder (root of knowledge) of the Christian life - praying to be filled

with the knowledge of God - cannot be deceived - so many are deceived by

false teaching.

III.

FOR SPIRITUAL VICTORY

v. 11

A. To possess the power of God.

B. To make us steadfast - gives us a spirit of patience, endurance, constancy.

C. To make us long-suffering - patience, bearing & suffering a long time.

D. To make us joyful through all the trials and tribulations of life.