First Baptist Church of Niles
Bible Study
A Study of Prayer
Conditioning Your Prayer Life - Alligning Your Life
Repentance vs. Pride
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14
Attitudes
Humility
• We need God for guidance, grace and forgiveness
• We admit our sin
• Cry out to God in repentance
Pride
• Assumes self-sufficiency, self-righteousness.
• I am a good person, haven't done anything wrong, and have no need for repentance
• This is my life, I am in control, and should get credit for all I do.
A heart full of pride is proclaiming “Mine is the power, the glory and honor”.
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Gal 6:3
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Prov 11:2
Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. Prov 29:23
We often overlook that:
• Our lives are a gift from God
• We are undeserving of mercy, grace and blessings
Examples of Those Who Humbled Themselves
David
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said:
“Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 1 Chron 17:16
Paul
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 1 Tim 1:15
We Must Strive for Humility
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:8-10
Unity vs. Division
If non-believers are able to accomplish much in unity, how much more should believers united with Christ be able to accomplish.
Jesus prayed for unity of believers.
that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:21
The church expanded after the Resurrection,
Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. Acts 2:43
We must be unified. It is critical for all Christians to deal with each other with love.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Eph 4:1-3
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:20-21
The spirit of forgiveness must be extended to other believers. How can we expect forgiveness from the Father, if we are unwilling to forgive other believers?
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:24-25
We should strive to assemble with other believers in prayer
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For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matt 18:20
The power of God as an answer to prayer, is beyond comprehension.
'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.' Jer 33:3