The Importance of Praying for God's Man

 

The Wake-Up Herald 

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Romans 13:11-14

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Robert McCurry, Editor & Publisher 

December 28, 2011

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The Importance of Praying For God's Man

“Pray that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak”(Ephesians 6:19-20). 

Introduction:

a.Ephesians 6 stresses the importance of being fully armed both defensively and offensively.We must both be on guard and constantly on the attack.God has given us all things pertaining to both life and godliness so that we can walk righteously in this present evil world, making a difference.We can finish our race; keep the faith; and get a well done at the end of our lives.

b.As we finish the armor of God, we find the necessity of continual prayer and supplication for each other as well as all men.The Apostle Paul now expresses the importance of praying for God’s man.I said in a previous message that if the pulpit stays right—the people will stay right—and the church will stay right.If we stand together in the Old Paths, trouble will come but we will be victorious.

c.As Paul is requesting to be prayed for, I see once again the importance of the pastor in the lives of God’s people.

Jeremiah 3:15And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Mark 14:27And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

d.You need a pastor, not just a preacher.I need a pastor!The child of God will never be complete without one.We live in days where many people will not allow God’s man to be their pastor: they only want a preacher.Many churches want only a preacher.Many preachers are not pastors.God gave churches pastors “according to mine heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

e.The reason for making supplicationfor God’s man are found in these two verses tonight:1) a prayer for bold preaching2)a prayer for straight preaching.

f.Preaching is much more than just climbing into the pulpit and “letting her fly.”The pastor must be both right and in the right frame of mind in order to preach as he should.Therefore, his physical and spiritual life need to be prayed for.I want to give you several things that you need to request for your pastor.

 

1.Pray For His Preaching - 2 Thessalonians 3:1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

a.Complete Preaching - Acts 20:26-27Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.(27)For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

b.Courageous Preaching - Acts 4:31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

c.Compassionate Preaching - 2 Timothy 2:24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

2.Pray For His Protection - 2 Thessalonians 3:2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.(A pastor’s life is characterized by adversity.I have often described the work of the ministry as bitter-sweet.Much more sweet than bitter but there are seasons of both good and hard times.)

Psalms 41:9Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

a.There Are Attacks Against His Person – 2 Timothy 4:14Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:(Attacks upon both his person and his family.When Satan cannot get to God’s man, he will attempt to get to God’s man through his family.)

b.There Are Attacks Against His Principles – 2 Timothy 4:15Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

c.There Are Attacks Against His Position - 3 John 9-10I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.(10)Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

3.Pray For His Purity – 1 Timothy 3:2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

a.Purity In Longings – Philippians 1:20According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

b.Purity In Life – Philippians 1:21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

cPurity In Love - Proverbs 5:18Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Pastor David Johnston, Temple Baptist Church, Laurens, SC http://tbclaurens.com

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The Wake-Up Herald is published by Robert McCurry. The publication is designed to exalt the true God of the Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ, and inform, inspire, and challenge its readers regarding biblical truth and real-life issues. The contents are the sole responsibility of Robert McCurry and do not represent or speak for or on behalf of any other person or group. There is no subscription charge. The publication is a ministry of faith and dependent on the contributions of its readers. Contributions are not tax-deductible. Send all correspondence to: Robert McCurry,605 Moore Rd, Newnan, GA 30263 or herbap@aol.com Remove? Send reply with “remove” in Subject