Calvin's comparison of our faith with Abraham's

Pure gold!

Let us also remember, that the condition of us all is the same with that of Abraham. All things around us are in opposition to the promises of God: He promises immortality; we are surrounded with mortality and corruption: he declares that he counts us just; we are covered with sins: He testifies that he is propitious and kind to us; outward judgments threaten his wrath. What then is to be done? We must with closed eyes pass by ourselves and all things connected with us, that nothing may hinder or prevent us from believing that God is true.

Moo, D. J. (1996). The Epistle to the Romans. The New International Commentary on the New Testament (284). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

In Eph 6:18, what does it mean to "...pray...in the spirit" and to "...pray at all times"?

Continuing our series on prayer, we are now at Eph 6:16-20.

Eph 6:16-20

16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. 

The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

The text - specifically verse 18 - presents a couple of difficult questions:

1) What does it mean to "pray...in the spirit"?

2) What does "...at all times" mean?

Regarding praying in the spirit, both Dr. Rosscup and John Owen point us in good biblical direction:

Prayer all in the Spirit (“at all times in the Spirit”). Paul makes no provision for any prayer (any legitimate one) that is just of ourselves, not in the Spirit. So in the will of God all prayer is to be in the Spirit. This is to be in His will, power, guidance, conviction as to values, vision, and such things.

Rosscup, J. E. (2008). An Exposition on Prayer in the Bible: Igniting the Fuel to Flame Our Communication with God (2254). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

For a solid extended discussion, look in John Owen's Volume 4 of his works and look in "Part 3: A Discourse Of The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prayer" and then specifically, "Chapter 7:  The Nature of Prayer in General, with Respect Unto Forms of Prayer and Vocal Prayer".  

Regarding the fact that we are to pray at all times, Calvin puts us on solid ground:

But what is the meaning of always? Having already spoken of continued application, does he twice repeat the same thing? I think not. When everything flows on prosperously, — when we are easy and cheerful, we seldom feel any strong excitement to prayer, — or rather, we never flee to God, but when we are driven by some kind of distress. Paul therefore desires us to allow no opportunity to pass, on no occasion to neglect prayer; so that praying always is the same thing with praying both in prosperity and in adversity.

Calvin, J. (1998). Calvin's Commentaries: Ephesians (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; Calvin's Commentaries. Albany, OR: Ages Software.

Prayer Attitude: Our prayers must conform to the Spirit's will which means they must be biblical.

Prayer Attitude: Whether we think we should pray or not, we must not let any opportunity to pray pass us by.

Does the length of a prayer matter? Here is Christ's teaching on this important question (Matt 6:7)

Does the length of a prayer matter?  What does Christ teach about this important question?

Matt 6:7

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

 Prayer Attitude: Since God already knows our needs, wordy prayers do not force God to listen.

Christ's teaching on prayer (Matt 6:5-6)

Yesterday we consider Christ's teaching on prayer by looking at Luke 18:1-9, today, let's consider Matt 6:5-6.

Matt 6:5-6

5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 

Prayer Attitude: We should never pray for the purpose of making a display to others.

Christ's teaching on prayer (Luke 18) w/thoughts from Charles Simeon, Daniel Bock, and J.C. Ryle

As we end our series on prayers from the Apostles, let's stop to consider Christ's teaching on prayer.

Luke 18:1-8

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

18 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” 

The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Prayer Attitude: We should keep up the habit of prayer and never lose faith.

Charles Simeon made some good overall points for this passage:

1. Those who live without prayer—

[Such persons are as devoid of reason as they are of piety. What madness is it to neglect heaven when it may be obtained by such means! And how will such thoughtless sinners ere long bewail their folly! We cannot but address them as the mariners did the sleeping prophetp—.]

2. Those who pray only in a formal manner—

[Formal services are far from being pleasing and acceptable to God: they tend, for the most part, only to deceive our own souls. God requires us to worship him in spirit and in truthq. Let us then remember the awful declaration of our Lordr—.]

3. Those who, after praying for a season, become remiss again—

[See whether it be not the love of earthly things that hath hindered you. If so, repent and do your first works, and turn unto your Gods: but perhaps you faint merely through the discouragements you meet witht. Let the remembrance of the importunate widow revive your hopes. Justify God, as the Psalmist did in similar circumstancesu, and renew your application to him in dependence on his gracious promisex.]

4. Those that have received gracious answers to prayer—

[Let not the goodness of God to you become an occasion of pride. God was not first moved by any worthiness in your petitions; but he stirred you up to ask, because he had before determined to give. If this view of things be humiliating, it also affords much encouragement. Every believing prayer may be considered as a pledge of the blessings askedy. Adopt therefore the pious resolution of the Psalmistz—; so shall your prayers terminate in everlasting praises.]

Simeon, C. (1832-63). Horae Homileticae Vol. 13: Luke XVII to John XII (29–30). London.

Luke 18:8 is particularly challenging to understand and Daniel Bock provides a nice brief understanding in his commentary:

The context of Luke 18:8 makes clear that the ultimate request is for God’s justice and the Son of Man’s return (see similar prayers for the kingdom program in Luke 11:2; 22:42; Acts 4:25–30; 12:5 [for God’s justice in releasing Peter]). The disciples are not to grow weary in making this request. Since an activity is in view, “growing tired or weary” is a more natural translation of ἐγκακέω (enkakeō) than is “losing heart.” The point is that in the midst of persecution and possible delay, the disciple should not stop praying for justice and for the return that will bring justice.

Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke Volume 2: 9:51-24:53. Baker exegetical commentary on the New Testament (1447). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books.

Bishop Ryle's understanding on the overall emphasis should be stated.  In light of Matt 6:7 (the next study), the idea here is not "carpet bombing" God with words but keeping up the habit of prayer each time the heart aches:

1. Should always pray. This does not mean that a person should be constantly performing the act of prayer. It means that a person should constantly keep up the habit of prayer and endeavor to be always in a prayerful frame of mind.

Ryle, J. C. (1997). Luke. The Crossway classic commentaries. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books.

Learning to Pray from the Apostles Prayers (3 John 2) w/thoughts from Calvin

As mentioned in my initial post for this series, I intend to blog through a number of New Testament texts where the Apostles are either praying or reflecting on their prayers. In noting how the Apostles prayed, it will help us to conform our prayers so that they are more biblical.

Today's text is 3 John 2:

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

Prayer Focus: Petition that God would prosper us and our health in proportion to our soul's prospering.  

Calvin's thoughts and Akin's thoughts were helpful in gaining an understanding of the text:

Here also is his good wish for his friend, that his body may enjoy good health as well as his soul. Grace and health are two rich companions; grace will improve health, which will employ grace. It frequently falls out that a rich soul is lodged in a crazy body; grace must be exercised in submission to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls may have healthy bodies too; their grace will then shine in a larger sphere of activity.

Calvin, J., & Henry, M. (1998). 1, 2 & 3 John. The Crossway Classic Commentaries (123). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

John’s prayer-wish should give us pause. What if such a prayer was made to God for me and it was answered? What condition would I find myself in physically and spiritually? Compare your bodily health to your spiritual health. Dare we hope or pray for ourselves or others in this manner? The order is not insignificant. The spiritual is indeed “the standard of measurement for the physical.”

Akin, D. L. (2001). Vol. 38: 1, 2, 3 John (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (240). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Learning to Pray from the Apostles Prayers (1 Timothy 6:15b-16)

As mentioned in my initial post for this series, I intend to blog through a number of New Testament texts where the Apostles are either praying or reflecting on their prayers. In noting how the Apostles prayed, it will help us to conform our prayers so that they are more biblical.

Today's text is 1 Timothy 6:15b-16:

he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. 

Prayer Focus: Praise to Him who is the only Sovereign, immortal, and dwells in unapproachable light.

Learning to Pray from the Apostles Prayers (1 Timothy 1:17)

As mentioned in my initial post for this series, I intend to blog through a number of New Testament texts where the Apostles are either praying or reflecting on their prayers. In noting how the Apostles prayed, it will help us to conform our prayers so that they are more biblical.

Today's text is 1 Timothy 1:17:

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 

Prayer Focus: Praise, honor, and glory to God that who reigns forever, immortal, invisible.

Learning to Pray from the Apostles Prayers (Philemon 6)

As mentioned in my initial post for this series, I intend to blog through a number of New Testament texts where the Apostles are either praying or reflecting on their prayers. In noting how the Apostles prayed, it will help us to conform our prayers so that they are more biblical.

Today's text is Philemon 6:

and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.

Prayer Focus: Petition God that fellowship might be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.

I relied heavily on Douglas Moo's Pillar commentary for an understanding of this complex verse.

Learning to Pray from the Apostles Prayers (2 Thessalonians 3:5)

As mentioned in my initial post for this series, I intend to blog through a number of New Testament texts where the Apostles are either praying or reflecting on their prayers. In noting how the Apostles prayed, it will help us to conform our prayers so that they are more biblical.

Today's text is 2 Thessalonians 3:5:

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 

Prayer Focus: Petition God that He would cause us to better grasp His love and Christ's steadfastness.

Learning to Pray from the Apostles Prayers (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

As mentioned in my initial post for this series, I intend to blog through a number of New Testament texts where the Apostles are either praying or reflecting on their prayers. In noting how the Apostles prayed, it will help us to conform our prayers so that they are more biblical.

Today's text is 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17:

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

Prayer Focus: Petition that God comfort our hearts and that good works and thoughts would become a constant pattern.

Learning to Pray from the Apostles Prayers (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

As mentioned in my initial post for this series, I intend to blog through a number of New Testament texts where the Apostles are either praying or reflecting on their prayers. In noting how the Apostles prayed, it will help us to conform our prayers so that they are more biblical.

Today's text is 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12:

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Prayer Focus: Petition that God would make us worthy of his calling and enable us to fulfill our good intentions and activities because we believe.

MacArthur's thoughts on "...may fulfill every resolver for good" is helpful:

Paul also prayed that God would fulfill every noble, righteous desire of their hearts. Plēroō (fulfill) could also be translated “complete,” or “accomplish”; eudokia (desire) could be translated “purpose,” or “choice.” Paul asked that the Lord would bring about all their longings for goodness (cf. Rom. 7:14–25; 15:14; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 5:9). Since God alone is good (Mark 10:18), Paul knew such a prayer was consistent with God’s will. His definition of what is good and good for His people is the inevitable action He takes in answer to this prayer.

In Psalm 21:2–3 David wrote, “You have given him his heart’s desire, and You have not withheld the request of his lips. For You meet him with the blessings of good things; You set a crown of fine gold on his head.” God gave David what he asked for because He saw that it was good. Reinforcing that principle, David wrote in Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Because those who delight in God desire what He desires, He will grant their requests. Those who make God’s agenda their own can exclaim confidently with David, “The Lord will accomplish what concerns me” (Ps. 138:8). The Lord Jesus Christ promised, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7; cf. v. 16), while John wrote, “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him” (1 John 5:14–15). In contrast, James warns those with selfish agendas, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3). MacArthur, J. (2002). 1 & 2 Thessalonians (257–258). Chicago: Moody Press.

The UBS Handbook is helpful regarding the phrase "...every work of faith by his power":

The last part of Brc’s translation (“the life that faith demands”) corresponds to TEV’s more literal your work of faith. Your is only implied in the Greek, but many translations add it, and rightly so. Complete your work of faith may mean either (1) “make perfect the activity of your faith” (FrCL), or (2) “complete the things you do because you believe” (cf. JB “complete all that you have been doing through faith”). The difference in meaning is slight, since a purely inward activity of faith would be difficult to imagine, and it is certainly not intended in 1 Thess. 1:3, where a very similar phrase is used. The second alternative would produce a clearer translation.

Ellingworth, P., & Nida, E. A. (1994). A handbook on Paul's letters to the Thessalonians. UBS handbook series; Helps for translators (154). New York: United Bible Societies.