Bible Pathway - Nov. 25, 2011

Highlights:

Refrain from spiritual pride and open sin (I Cor. chap. 5 — 6). Power in the blood (5:7)! Marriage “101” according to the Lord (chap. 7). Our behavior weakens or strengthens others (8:8-13). Do not deprive the Lord's anointed ones of their reasonable support (9:9-14). Strive to go the distance for the Lord (9:24).

Throughout the Book of I Corinthians, the Spirit of God urges believers to go beyond being just ordinary Christians. He speaks of refraining from acceptable physical satisfactions for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer (I Cor. 7:5).

Prayer is one way of bringing about the highest purposes of God — of giving ourselves more fully to Him as the Christians in Jerusalem did. After Peter and John were threatened, the Christians lifted up their voice to God with one accord. . . . that with all boldness they may speak Thy (His) Word (Acts 4:24-29).

Throughout the Bible — from Moses in the Old Testament to the Apostles and others in the New Testament — men and women who were greatly used by God were people who prayed. Often they would unite with others in prayer and be enabled to accomplish the purposes of God. Our Lord taught us the power of united prayer when He said: If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven (Matt. 18:19).

In addition to united prayer, each of us individually must spend time in prayer every day if we are to become the person God wants us to be.

Some Christians desire to attain greater spiritual victories and power in prayer but are not willing to deny self and dedicate themselves to prayer — especially if the need is for others. But those who have received great answers to prayer have experienced times when their hearts were deeply burdened for someone, they faced some intense trial, or they were so desirous of having a closer walk with the Lord that food and other physical enjoyments lost their appeal. During those times, they experienced great victory through prayer and fasting.

In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, He said that when thou fastest . . . thy Father . . . shall reward thee openly (6:17-18). Prayer and fasting will bring results that are not attainable any other way (Matt. 17:21; Mark 9:29).

If we come to the Lord in prayer, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His Commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (I John 3:21-22).

Thought for Today:

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (I John 2:15).

Cross References:

For I Cor. 6:16: See Gen. 2:24. I Cor. 9:9: See Deut. 25:4.

Word Studies:

5:11 a railer, one who is verbally abusive, a reviler; 6:9 effeminate, male homosexual who takes the feminine role; abusers of themselves with mankind, sodomites; 7:1 not to touch a woman, not to marry; 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, Do not deprive each other of marital rights; 7:12 let him not put her away, let him not leave her or divorce her; 7:32 without carefulness, free from anxieties.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Micheal Moore • Government Official: Gov. John Lynch (NH) • Country: Greece (10.5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Greek and English • Government restrictions on witnessing to others about Christ • 87% Orthodox; 8% Old Calendar Orthodox; 2% Catholic; 1.2% Muslim; .5% Jehovah's Witness; .3% Protestant; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that God hears and answers our prayers (Is. 65:24).

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:14