The epistle of Second Timothy is considered to be one of Paul’s most personal letters. He is writing during his second and final imprisonment to his trusted and beloved son in the faith. Paul knows his execution is imminent. His concern is not for himself, but for Timothy, who must continue in the spiritual battle. His theme, “the good soldier of Jesus Christ” follows that of first Timothy, “Fight the good fight” (1Ti 1:18; 1Ti 6:12).
Gene Cunningham - September 11, 2000
Elijah #7
Jesus found the time an place to pray; He taught by example; "teach us to pray" not "how to pray" (Luk 11:1-4). It's more important we pray than how we. Jesus puts God's concerns first; He prays corporately. We need to awake as believers - revival of "sleeping" (Eph 5:14). Revival evidence: (1) restoration of obedience to God; (2) God's power is vindicated; 3) repentance among God's people (1Ki 18:39). A nation in crisis needs praying people (1Ki 18:41-46). Elijah is a standard of powerful prayer. "Prayer is not preparation for ministry, but the ministry itself "(Oswald Chambers). We should pray because of helpless dependence (2Ch 20:12). We need to pray because God urges us to pray (Psa 91:15) There's a time for effective prayer (Isa 55:6, Isa 30:18, Mat 7:7, Jam 4:3) . God has promised He'll answer prayer (Mat 7:11, Joh 15:16, Joh 16:23). The attitudes and actions of Elijah are instructive (1Ki 18:41-46): (1) Elijah sends Ahab to go eat while he goes to the mountain to pray. Elijah isolated himself to pray; Jesus also did (Mat 14:23, Mar 6:46, Mat 6:6). Prayer gets it power from the word of God (1Ki 18:41-42, Jam 5:18). Elijah prayed claiming God's promises 1(Ki 18:1). God controls the weather (Zec 12:1). We need to pray in obedience to His word(Joh 15:7, Joh 15:6). Before you pray get into God's word, and ask for guidance, then pray according to His word and will (1Jo 5:14-15). Prayer expresses humble dependence on God (1Pe 5:6, Jam 4:10, Pro 4:34).
Scripture References: Matthew 14:23, John 15:6, Isaiah 55:6, John 16:23, John 15:7, Psalms 91:15, John 15:16, Zechariah 12:1, Ephesians 5:14, Matthew 7:11, James 5:18, Luke 11:1-4, Proverbs 4:3, James 4:3, Matthew 6:6, James 4:10, Matthew 7:7, Mark 6:46, John 5:14-15, Isaiah 30:18
From Series: "Elijah"
Elijah's life shows us the keys to spiritual power: the power of God's Word faith prayer revival and failure.