Calvary Chapel Flower Mound
Pastor Jon Bell
February 24, 2013


Intro-
There was a sign in a principal's office that stated, "In the event of nuclear attack, fire, or earthquake, the ban on prayer is temporarily lifted."


The Good Fight-Prayer
1. A Priority


2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that

Eph 6:12
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Eph 6:18
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

supplications, (passionately asking for something, James 5:16
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.)

prayers, (broad term referring to communication with the lord)

Prayer is the soul of man moving in the presence of God


Luke 21:36, "Watch ye therefore and pray always.
Acts 6:4, "We will give ourselves continually to prayer
Romans 12:12 Continue diligent in prayer.
Colossians 4:2, Continue in prayer
Philippians 4:6, "In everything by prayer
First Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing

Does Prayer really make a difference?
1 Pet 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers
Phil 1:19For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ

Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
James 5:16-18
The effective , fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
Psalm 107:28-30 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven
intercessions, (Requests made on behalf of others)

and giving of thanks

be made for all men,

1. Shows our dependence upon God

2. Assigns the work to God

3. Connects our hearts to God and to people

4. Frees us from bitterness and resentment


The Good Fight-Prayer
2. An improved quality of life


2 for kings and all who are in authority,

that we may lead a

quiet

and peaceable life

in all godliness and reverence.


Phil 4:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice !

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus
NKJV

Phil 4:8-9

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.


1. Breaks our burden of fixing-not our problem
2. Frees from our rebellion against authority

3. Allows us to love and respect others seeing them as God's instruments not our oppressors

3. Keeps us focused on God, trusting Him, enjoying and delighting in Him

The Good Fight-Prayer
4. A Blessing to God

3 For this is good

and acceptable

in the sight of God our Savior,

1. God likes it

2. We are privileged to do it

3. Maintains our connection





The Good Fight-Prayer
5. A Saved Soul

4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.


Romans road

1. Opens the heart/breaks down strongholds
2 Cor 10:3-5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds , 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,


2. Connects us with God's heart/priority of life

3. Brings out the truth/Spiritually discerned



The Good Fight-Prayer
6. A connection

5 For there is one God

and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,

6 who gave Himself a ransom for all,

to be testified in due time,

7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle — I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying — a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.