Pray for Others - John 17:9-26; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; 14:1-19 - February 22, 2009

Sunday School Lesson – Pray for Others – February 22, 2009

This is our final lesson in our series entitled “How to Pray with Power.”

Our scripture is John 17:9-26, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 14:1-19.

This lesson concludes our study on prayer but my prayer for each of us is that it will be the beginning of a more effective and powerful prayer life. Ground zero is each believer. When we began our study, we saw that David knew GOD and trusted GOD completely. His knowing and trusting GOD did not happen overnight but it was built over time, through various circumstances. It was through a dynamic, intimate, loving relationship. Confidence and trust is built by interacting with GOD and building a dynamic relationship with HIM.

In our next lesson, we discussed persistence and the work that a persistent prayer life can have upon each believer as he or she waits upon and trusts the LORD to answer prayer. The LORD may be working out a situation or HE may use that time for the believer to work through some things before the answer can come. It may be a test of a believer’s trust and faith in GOD. We have to consider that the answer may be “no” and the period of persistent prayer is the time needed for a believer to accept “no” as the answer.

In last week’s study, we discussed praying in the name of JESUS. Yes, there is power in the name of JESUS. When a believer encounters evil, he or she can claim protection in the name of JESUS and by claiming the blood of JESUS. When we pray in the name of JESUS, we are representing JESUS just as HE would have when HE represented the FATHER here upon earth. GOD’S goal is for every believer to be made into the image of CHRIST. When a believer is transformed into the image of CHRIST and prays in the name of JESUS, it will be done because his/her request will be according to the will of the FATHER. This can come about only through an intimate relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

Let’s read John 17:9-12:

9 I pray[3] Lit ask (throughout this passage) for them. I am not praying for the world but for those You have given Me, because they are Yours. 10 All My things are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I have been glorified in them. 11 I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect[4] Lit keep (throughout this passage) them by Your name[5] Pr 18:10 that You have given Me, so that they may be one as We are one. 12 While I was with them, I was protecting them by Your name that You have given Me. I guarded them and not one of them is lost, except the son of destruction,[6] The one destined for destruction, loss, or perdition so that the Scripture may be fulfilled.[7] Ps 41:9; Jn 13:18; 15:25; 19:24,36

JESUS is praying for HIS disciples and the disciples are listening to HIS prayer. The time for HIS crucifixion is at hand. JESUS is praying to HIS FATHER and asking for protection for HIS disciples. This is intercessory prayer for others. JESUS continues to teach HIS disciples the importance of prayer and praying for others. This prayer could have been an anchor for them during troubling times. There are times we all need an anchor.

Believers should pray for others, particularly when you know they are or will be facing troubling times. Pray as you are lead to pray at all times for all situations.
JESUS acknowledged that the disciples were entrusted to HIM and HE had taught them as instructed by the FATHER. Now it was time for the transition from HIS care and protection to the care and protection of the FATHER. A new dynamic would take place over the course of the coming days.

CHRIST would soon complete HIS mission and HE was passing the responsibility of the redemptive gospel, which is the Good News to HIS disciples. JESUS willingly came to earth as the human representation of GOD, 100% human and 100% divine. HE was born, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of mankind and GOD raised HIM from the dead as proof that HE conquered death. All a person has to do is as CHRIST to forgive him/her of his or her sin and believe that CHRIST died and rose again for him/her.

This is astounding “Good News”, it is simple. All believers have this “Good News” to share. Share this “Good News” as the LORD gives you the opportunity with your family, friends and others as you journey through life.

Let’s read John 17:13-16:

13 Now I am coming to You, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have My joy completed in them. 14 I have given them Your word. The world hated them because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world. 15 I am not praying that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, as I am not of the world.

JESUS’ prayer to HIS FATHER continues and HE speaks of the world. The world is earth itself and all the people in the world. The world is ruled by Satan and CHRIST is leaving HIS disciples behind in a world ruled by Satan. HE knows the difficulties they will be encountering. HIS prayer is not that they will be taken out of the world but that the FATHER will protect them. Just as CHRIST came from heaven to earth, HE is returning to heaven. HIS disciples, through the miracle of rebirth, are now citizens of heaven. JESUS makes it clear that the disciples are to remain among those who do not know the truth and spread the message of truth to them.

We need to keep in mind that there will be a period of time between the death, resurrection and ascension of JESUS before the disciples, as well as other believers, will be filled and permanently indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRIT is a believer’s protection, power, enlightener and teacher as he or she journeys through life. CHRIST’S ascension into heaven allowed the FATHER to send the HOLY SPIRIT to indwell every believer. JESUS’ sinless life and passion on the cross, through HIS shed blood, made ready the body of each believer to be the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT.

JESUS wanted them and all believers to know the JOY of knowing the FATHER. It is an unspeakable joy to know that you belong to the FATHER through CHRIST. It is the joy of knowing that GOD is real and actively involved in all aspects of your life. As a believer, you are GOD’S son or daughter.

In essence, JESUS considered Himself already in heaven with HIS FATHER. Joy comes by obediently serving. Joy comes from the relationship with GOD through CHRIST. Sanctification is the process of getting to really know GOD, understand HIM, trust HIM and build confidence in HIM. Sanctification is part of building the right relationship with GOD.

Let’s read John 17:17-19:

17 Sanctify[8] Set apart for special use them by the truth; Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 I sanctify Myself for them, so they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Sanctification is being set aside to serve GOD. Sanctification is the process of being made more like CHRIST. Sanctification is forming, building and maintaining the relationship with GOD through CHRIST as empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT. JESUS prayed that HIS disciples would be set aside, not by obligation or out of loyalty to HIM, but because they see and understand the truth. JESUS commissioned the disciples to go into the world and share this truth.

To me, verse 19 is a tender and loving statement, “I sanctify Myself, so they also ---.” JESUS knew HIS mission was not over. HE had to give HIS life to pay the price of sin. In essence, JESUS was saying to the FATHER, I am committed to MY mission unto death. It was a recommitment.

JESUS’ death was necessary for the disciples to have a message of redemption to share with the world, for their salvation, as well as, the salvation of all believers. HIS death and resurrection is the “Good News.”

Did you know that JESUS prayed for all believers as well?

Let’s read John 17:20-26:

Jesus Prays for All Believers and for unity.

20 I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message. 21 May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one[9] Other mss omit one in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me. 22 I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be one as We are one. 23 I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24 Father, I desire those You have given Me to be with Me where I am. Then they will see My glory, which You have given Me because You loved Me before the world’s foundation. 25 Righteous Father! The world has not known You. However, I have known You, and these have known that You sent Me. 26 I made Your name known to them and will make it known, so the love You have loved Me with may be in them and I may be in them.

JESUS prayed for all believers. This is intercessory prayer. Do you pray for others?

I pray for our children, their mates, grandchildren, their future mates, great grandchildren, their future mates, etc. to the end of time. The LORD brings to mind people who have died and I pray for their living family, friends, acquaintances or whoever has been touched by their life or death. You see crosses along the side of the road where a person or persons have died. I pray for those still living that may need salvation or a special touch from the LORD. I am not saying you are to do this but this is something the LORD has led me to do at times. When I hear a siren, I know it is an emergency vehicle or police car in an emergency situation and often I am led to pray for those responding, as well as, for those already at the place they are going. If it is an ambulance going to the hospital then I pray for those who will need wisdom to know what to do once the ambulance arrives.

We can pray for people we see as we journey through life such as in the grocery, walking down the street, a mother distressed over a crying child, those walking in pain, those in need, those in a passing car, or those flying over our heads, our men and women in uniform, our government representatives, our teachers, church leaders and the list goes on and on. Oh, the power of prayer. What a joy it is to come into the presence of GOD, our FATHER and let our requests be known to HIM.

Pray for others, it is a joy.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11: The focus is on praying in tongues.

4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God is active in everyone and everything.[2] Lit God acts all things in all 7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial: 8 to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9 to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of languages, to another, interpretation of languages. 11 But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each one as He wills.

There are known tongues and unknown tongues. Unknown tongues are languages only known by GOD and the person speaking. Believers speaking in tongues may not know the word for word translation but it is a knowing and understanding by the HOLY SPIRIT. It is like I know what I feel in my heart but I cannot put it into words.
We have to be careful that the gift of tongues is from GOD and not something we generate because of our desire to speak in tongues or that Satan has slipped in a counterfeit. I can hear screams going up from some saying if you seek the gift from GOD it cannot come from any other source. According to verse 11, wait upon GOD to give it to you as HE wills. We can desire any of the gifts of the Spirit but it is up to GOD to allow a gift to be manifested through our lives. Keep in mind a gift is GOD’S power being manifested through a believer.

Let’s continue with tongues for another moment. The Apostle Paul spoke on this subject because some in the church in Corinth had made the gift of tongues a major issue. It was a badge of Spirituality.

1 Corinthians 14:1-19:

Prophecy: A Superior Gift

1 Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy. 2 For the person who speaks in [another]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. language is not speaking to men but to God, since no one understands him; however, he speaks • mysteries in the Spirit.[1] Or in spirit, or in his spirit 3 But the person who prophesies speaks to people for edification, encouragement, and consolation. 4 The person who speaks in [another]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. language builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the church. 5 I wish all of you spoke in other languages, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in languages, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up. 6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in [other]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. languages, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you with a revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 Even inanimate things producing sounds—whether flute or harp—if they don’t make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized? 8 In fact, if the trumpet makes an unclear sound, who will prepare for battle? 9 In the same way, unless you use your tongue for intelligible speech, how will what is spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are doubtless many different kinds of languages in the world, and all have meaning.[2] Lit and none is without a sound 11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner[3] Gk barbaros = in Eng a barbarian. To a Gk, a barbaros was anyone who did not speak Gk. to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. 12 So also you—since you are zealous in matters of the spirit,[4] Lit zealous of spirits; spirits = human spirits, spiritual gifts or powers, or the Holy Spirit seek to excel in building up the church. 13 Therefore the person who speaks in [another]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. language should pray that he can interpret. 14 For if I pray in [another]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with my understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with my understanding. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will the uninformed person[5] Lit the one filling the place of the uninformed say “• Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you may very well be giving thanks, but the other person is not being built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in [other]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. languages more than all of you; 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than 10,000 words in [another]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. language.

The Apostle Paul spoke in tongues, but read what he said in verses 18 and 19. Speaking or praying in tongues is a gift of the HOLY SPIRIT. Some church denominations believe that speaking in tongues is a confirmation that a believer has been filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. I know believers that speak in tongues. They are Godly people. I wanted the gift of tongues in my journey with our LORD and tried to receive it. But the LORD told me clearly that English was all I needed and if I ever got in a situation that I needed another language, HE would give it to me.

This is not a putdown of my brothers and sisters in the LORD who have the gift of tongues. It is a gift; however, believers who have the gift need to be careful not to think every believer must have the gift to confirm that a fellow believer has been filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. When a believer first accepts CHRIST he or she is filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. From that moment there will be plateaus of Spiritual experiences that are experiences of the presence of GOD in a believer’s life through the HOLY SPIRIT. I know when I committed my life to CHRIST in 1971 it was a very special encounter with my LORD. My life changed and I knew from that moment that I was GOD’S child.

I wanted to experience the fullness of CHRIST in my life and if speaking in tongues was what I needed, then I wanted to speak in tongues. But like I said earlier, the LORD told me English was a perfectly good language for me.

If the LORD chooses to give you the gift of tongues, then I rejoice with you.

Tongues are generally a private time with the LORD and ministers to the individual. But there are times tongues can be public. When tongues are spoken publicly there must be an interpreter, otherwise no one will understand what has been spoken. The interpretation of tongues is also a gift. Thus when the term “Full Gospel” is used by a group or denomination that generally means they are open to all the gifts of the SPIRIT being manifested by their group. Often there is an emphasis on speaking in tongues as confirmation of being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.

As we conclude our series on “How to Pray with Power” the power comes from our relationship with GOD through CHRIST. When we pray in the name of JESUS we are representing JESUS. When we represent JESUS, we ask just as JESUS would ask. This can only come from having a right relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

Focus on being honest with GOD and ask HIM to reveal to you any barriers that prevent you from having the most intimate, loving, dynamic relationship with HIM because your desire is to know HIM and to obediently serve HIM.