Your personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ cannot grow without having proper communication. The two basic elements of spiritual survival for a Christian are the word of God and prayer. God speaks to you as you read the bible, and you speak to God through prayer. Your relationship with God will only be as strong as your dependence upon prayer.
The key word of this lesson is: COMMUNICATION
The key question this lesson answers: How important is prayer in my life?
The key purpose of this lesson:
To teach you how to cultivate an effective and intimate prayer life.
The key point of this lesson:
Prayer is the communication from the heart of a believer to God.
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” – John 14:13-14
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer is the communication from the heart of a believer directed to God. We have bold access to God’s throne through our relationship with Jesus Christ.
“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” – Ephesians 3:12
“Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
A. Prayer can be spoken audibly and silently.
“I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.” – Psalm 17:6
“Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard:” – 1 Samuel 1:13
B. Prayer can be spoken publicly and privately.
“And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all.” – Acts 20:36
“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” – Matthew 6:6
The topic of prayer can be overwhelming. Many believers are missing out on the blessings that God promises because they do not spend time with God in prayer. God is interested in every intimate detail of your life, and he promises to hear your prayers no matter how large or small they may be.
A. God answers prayer.
You should be confident when you pray, knowing that God hears your prayers Psalm 86:6-7; Psalm 145:18-19 2.
You should be confident when you pray, knowing that God will answer your prayers according to his will. John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14-15 46
B. Prayer produces a change in you.
Prayer produces peace within your heart and mind. Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer conforms you to the will of God. It does not conform God to your will. Matthew 26:36-39; Colossians 1:9
Prayer changes your perspective in the midst of your circumstances. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
C. Prayer draws you close to God so that he alone can prove his sufficiency for your every need.
“And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;” – 2 Corinthians 3:4-5
God knows exactly what you need even before you ask. Matthew 6:8
God allows needs to come into your life so he can draw you closer to him. Psalm 50:15
You must recognize that you have needs in your life. It is dangerous to convince yourself that you do not need anything. Revelation 3:16-17
A. God desires that you continuously communicate with him in prayer. Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
B. God desires that you give thanks in every circumstance in your life. 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20
Learn from the many examples in scripture of individuals with a consistent lifestyle of prayer:
Nehemiah prayed instantly when he had an immediate need. Nehemiah 1:4; 2:4
Daniel continued to pray even when a law was passed forbidding it. Daniel 6:4-10
David maintained a lifestyle of prayer at all times. Psalm 5:3; 55:17
You do not need to go through any other person to talk to God. You have direct access to God personally. 1 Timothy 2:5; Ephesians 2:18
Talk to the Lord as a friend. John 15:13-15; Exodus 33:11
It is not necessary or biblical to use repetitious prayer. Matthew 6:7
Pray specific prayers. The prayers of many believers are wasted because they are too general and are not biblically based. Philippians 4:6
There is not a special “formula” to follow when you pray. However, the word of God does mention and demonstrate different types of prayer throughout the bible. You will not have an effective communion with God without spending careful and committed time with him in four major areas of prayer.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men;” – 1 Timothy 2:1
SUPPLICATIONS – These are earnest and fervent requests for God to move. Psalm 6:8-9; James 5:16
INTERCESSIONS – These are specific requests on the behalf of others. Romans 15:30-32
PRAYERS – These are communications with God that are based in his word. Psalm 145:18-19
THANKSGIVINGS – This express gratitude to God for his wonderful works. Psalm 100:4
IMPORTANT NOTE: God wants you to live in complete fellowship with him in prayer. Many believers choose not to pray because they do not believe that God is interested in working in their lives or their specific circumstances. When believers fail to pray, they will fail to see answers to prayer. God commands you to watch with expectation to see how he will answer your continuous prayers.
“Continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 4:2
“Our praying needs to be intense and fervent with an energy that never tires. It must have persistence that will not be denied and with courage that will never fail. The praying Christian is like a brave soldier who, as the conflict grows more severe, exhibits a more superior courage than in the earlier stages of the battle.” – E.M. Bounds
How often do you pray?
Can you share a recent example of how God answered your prayer?
Are you sometimes afraid to pray in front of others?
Do you ever doubt that God is really listening to your prayers?
Has your attitude ever changed after spending time with God in prayer?
What makes Christianity unique is its claim to an absolute written authority from God. The word of God is essential to your growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Bible sets a standard by which we are to conform our life. In its pages, we see how God governs the details of our lives in every way.
The key word of this lesson is: INFALLIBLE
The key questions this lesson answers: Do I have God’s word today? What is the significance of the Bible in my life?
The key purpose of this lesson: To acquaint you with the basics of the Bible, and to learn how it relates to your everyday life as the guide to your personal walk with Jesus Christ.
The key point of this lesson: Every experience in your life, physical or spiritual, should be judged by the infallible standard of God’s word. The Bible is the absolute final authority in your life as a believer.
SUPPORTING VERSES
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” – 2 Peter 1:21
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Bible has a unique construction.
The Bible is a collection of 66 books. There are 39 books in the Old Testament, and 27 books in the New Testament.
The Bible was written by more than 40 men in three languages over a time period of approximately 2,000 years.
The Bible is accurate in all matters of history, prophecy, and in every issue of life.
The Bible does not contradict itself.
The Bible fits together perfectly, as if one man wrote it, because the Holy Spirit is the author of all 66 books.
A. The Bible is the INSPIRED word of God. The Spirit of God moved men of God to write the word of God. God revealed his word, and men published it. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
B. The Bible is the INFALLIBLE word of God. God holds himself to the truth of his word. Every word of the Bible is perfect, and there is no error within it. Proverbs 22:20-21
C. The Bible is the COMPLETE word of God. We are warned not to add to or change the inspired, perfect, and preserved word of God. God’s Word is complete; there is no new revelation from God outside of the Bible. Proverbs 30:5-6
D. The Bible is the PRESERVED word of God. God’s word is eternal. He has promised to preserve his perfect word throughout history and for every generation. You can be sure that you have access to God’s perfect and inspired word today. Mathew 5:18
THE KEY POINT OF THIS LESSON!
God has preserved his word for the very purpose of giving you instruction for victorious living. The Bible is the absolute final authority in your life as a believer. The truths of God’s word are greater than any experience that you might have.
“Judge not according to the appearance but judge righteous judgment.” – John 7:24
Example: In 2 Peter 1:16-21, the Apostle Peter allowed God’s word to be his final authority when he compared it to his experience on the holy mount with Jesus in Matthew 17:1-9.
Peter was relating his experience of seeing the glorified Jesus and hearing the audible voice of God from heaven. Peter understood that believers have a “more sure” authority in the word of God than in the audible voice of God. His conclusion was that every experience, spiritual or physical, in our lives should be judged by the infallible standard of God’s word.
A. The word of God has the power to save you.
The Bible says that the word of God is able to save your souls. Without the word of God, mankind would have no opportunity to be saved. James 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:15
The only way we can know the gospel is because the Bible reveals it. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again according to the scriptures. You must hear and believe what the Bible says about your sin, your lost condition, and God’s plan for your salvation in order to be saved. Romans 10:17; Ephesians 1:13
God’s plan of salvation begins with him sending out his word so that man can be saved. Therefore, you have the responsibility to share the word of God with others so that they may also be saved. Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 10:13-15
B. The word of God has the power to guide you.
Our own natural intellect can never fully comprehend the things of God. God gave us the Spirit of God so that we can know and understand his word. All believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and can learn the Bible. John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9-14
As you begin to study and understand the Bible, you will become equipped to make biblical and spiritual decisions in your life. The word of God gives you clear direction and provides you with the mind of Christ for any situation in life. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16; Psalm 119:105
C. The word of God has the power to grow you.
The word of God transforms you as it cleanses you from the inside out. John 15:3; Psalm 119:9-11
The word of God helps you to overcome spiritual opposition as you apply scripture to your temptation. Luke 4:1-13
The word of God equips you to serve God and to live out its truths. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
DOCTRINE – The Bible teaches you what is true.
REPROOF – The Bible reveals areas in your life that are wrong.
CORRECTION – The Bible directs your attention to what is right.
INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS – The Bible teaches you to live what is right.
You should begin to invest your time in God’s word by focusing on some of the passages that deal with your relationship with your heavenly Father.
1. The gospel of John is written so that you might believe on Jesus Christ. John 20:31
2. The epistles that the Apostle Paul wrote are focused on how to serve God through the ministries of the local church. Romans - Philemon
3. The book of Proverbs will give you wisdom and insight into life. Proverbs 1:7 41
A. Is it really necessary to use the Bible when sharing your faith?
Yes. Individuals need to hear the word of God in order to be saved. 1 Peter 1:23; Romans 10:17
B. Can someone really understand the Bible without outside resources? Yes. The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself. It is filled with self-defining passages and cross-references within its own pages. Isaiah 28:9-10
C. Does reading the Bible really change a person? Yes. You are to read the Bible not to be informed, but rather to be transformed by the truth of God’s word. The truth of the Bible cleanses you from the inside out and gives you victory over sin in your life. John 17:17; John 8:32