Notes
People won’t listen to your words if your life doesn’t match what you say. The church Paul was writing to above was growing, and as they grew they also experienced heresy. In this time, there were four areas of their lives that Paul prayed for:
Paul prayed for their minds.
Our thinking leads to our acting. Our beliefs lead to our lifestyle. What is in our minds will be reflected in our actions. The way we keep our minds pure and growing is by spending time with God. It takes energy and effort to set aside specific times to be with Him, but it is well worth it.
Paul prayed for their motion.
God has prepared a work for each of us to do, wherever we go and whatever we do. We have to give our movement, our actions, over to Him and let Him work through us.
Paul prayed for their might.
Paul wanted the power in which they operated to be strong and steady. Being steadfast means being as faithful as you can be. The way we grow towards this is prayer. Prayer builds up our faith and our patience as we wait on the Lord to answer in His timing.
Paul prayed for their mission.
When we move from being in the kingdom of darkness to being citizens of the kingdom of God, we receive a new mission. And in working toward this mission, we experience the greatest level of peace. God has called the Church - His people - to live on mission by communicating who Jesus is to anyone who will look or listen.
Group Questions
- When during your day can you dedicate time to be alone with God?
- How can we let God work through us?
- What does it mean to be steadfast?
- How can you do your part of the church’s mission in the communities you are a part of?
Prayer
We praise you for who you are. Give us work to do in your name, and help us to remain active and strong.