Shalom,
May we always long to seek His presence so that the power of the Holy Spirit is continually at work in every of us and the saving power of His Word guides us in navigating life in this world.
The theme of today’s sermon “Pray lest you fall into temptation” is in accordance with the teaching of the great Teacher, Jesus, to the twelve disciples whom He had educated for around 3½ years. Generally, a student graduates after 3½ – 4 years of study. The twelve disciples had been following their Master to towns and villages, temples, seasides, listening to His teachings and witnessing the mighty miracles He did. But this time their Master was on the lowest point of His entire life as He was facing the final battle over which victory or defeat was determined in the Garden of Gethsemane. But ironically, when Jesus was praying for victory there, the disciples fell asleep. They failed to do His request for them to also pray. In other words, they let their Master fight alone after Judas betrayed Him. Peter even denied Him when he saw Him suffering terrible afflictions. Why did they do that? Because they didn’t pray.
Introspection: How often do we pray? Any problem can be solved by prayer. The disciples (as well as us) were given the power to overcome demons and heal diseases (Luke 9:1). Unfortunately, Judas Iscariot devoted himself to Mammon that he was controlled by Satan who has an intention to dominate (Luke 22:3). As a shepherded congregation, we ought to respect our spiritual leaders who pray for us.
Why should we pray?
- To activate the full potential of God's power in extinguishing all the fiery darts of the evil one (Luke 9:1). Praying is not just to ask for We must understand the meaning and purpose of prayer.
The disciples weren’t eager to pray because they weren’t aware of the dark forces that could take their faith away. Although we have been church-going believers for quite a long time, without prayer we can also fall as experienced by Jesus’ disciples despite the fact that they had been given power by God.
It’s not wrong to ask for something in prayer, but more than that, prayer aims at building a fellowship between our spirit and the Spirit of God so that the power and energy given to us is effective in dealing with the struggles of life. Without struggle there will be no heroes. Even if we’re alone shunned by family and friends because of Christ, don’t repay it with hatred because God's Word reminds us not to repay evil for evil; instead we should bless them (1 Pet. 3:9).
In praying we should not impose our own will but the will of God. For that we need to be humble and sincere in coming to Him whatever our position. With humility, we will be able to keep our prayer time.
Notice, prayer is the believer's breath; without prayer we will die even though we have been given strength and power by Him. The power that God has given us (Phil. 4:13) will die if we are overcome by worry and anxiety.
Lesson: We shouldn’t force our own will even though it seems right because it can harm ourselves or others. Example: We should be grateful that the government has provided vaccines for all Indonesians to create herd immunity. Let's not be deceived by hoaxes and then refuse to be vaccinated because it’s us who lose out if we are exposed to the Corona virus, not to mention the harm we cause to others. Our actions should have a good impact on others. We shouldn’t imitate the disciples who fell asleep, leaving Jesus to pray alone.
- To be able to stand against all problems. The cooperation between our spirit and the Spirit of God gives us the courage to face huge problems just as little David faced giant Goliath. David took off his armor and went into battle against Goliath in the Name of the Lord (1 Sam. 17:45). Likewise, Enoch was taken up to Heaven because he lived in close association with God (Gen. 5:11); of course his prayer showed an intimate relationship with God. He didn’t pray to ask for a high position or wealth or health.
Application: We are now facing the last days which are full of uncertainty. So let’s pray in spirit and in truth and continue to have fellowship with God in our hearts wherever we are.
- To prioritize the divine nature.
Don't think that only old and sick people are the ones that are close to death! It’s evident that many young people who are still strong and look healthy get a sudden death. Therefore, we shouldn’t only be busy thinking about worldly matters. Rather, we should have a good relationship with God and keep praying in spirit and truth. Keep praying in your heart. If we pray properly in the right situation and at the right time, we will not violate anyone's rules.
- To stay vigilant.
Peter was not aware that the devil was winnowing him but his Master reminded him (Luke 22:31). Be alert, Satan doesn’t stay silent watching our faith begin to sprout. Just imagine if Jesus hadn’t cared for His disciples. They would have fallen! Peter had been given power and strength yet he failed and denied his Master.
Application: We should be grateful that people around us have prayed for us as well as our spiritual parents so that we can have firm faith in God. James 5:16 says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Be careful if we are blessed with wealth and success. Don't be arrogant because it will destroy yourself! Continue praying for our children and grandchildren so that they will not only grow physically but also in faith.
Don't worry if you feel alone in your following God! The disciples had left their jobs and homes to follow Jesus to be used as vessels of glory.
Praying raises alertness to resist temptations and trials of adversity, persecution, hunger, danger, and the sword (Rom. 8:35-37). They are like “spices” mixed together to process our lives. Prayer is absolutely necessary to give us a way out of our problems. So, when facing a problem, don’t get panicked then immediately look for the pastor’s prayer! We must learn to pray independently by activating the power that has been given by Him. God never fails in providing help. The proof is when the Israelites couldn’t go forward as they were facing the Red Sea while Egyptian soldiers in their chariots were after them, God told Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea, and using a staff (of a shepherd) He divided the fierce sea that the Israelites could go through the sea on dry ground (Ex. 14:15-28).
Application: Let’s stay vigilant through prayers because Satan doesn’t remain silent seeing us repent. He will be furious and try to draw us back into the mire of sin through hardships and worries about the future. Prayer makes us wise to be able to overcome a problem.
- It doesn't have to cost money.
We should uphold the truth and orderly obey the rules because God's eyes are on the righteous who sincerely and humbly carry out their obligations. Remember, our efforts are not in vain and this is a guarantee for our future.
If you lack wisdom, ask for it in prayer. If you are lazy, ask for diligence because God doesn’t like laziness. Also don't be a cheater in your work or ministry.
Pray humbly because a proud person is an abomination to God (Prov. 16:5). Pray first if you are sick, don't panic and rush to the doctor because God can heal you without a doctor's treatment if He wants to.
In fact, the arena of war or match is in our minds. Our wealth is not the savings in the bank, assets and wealth but it’s in surrendering the will of our flesh to be crucified. Always pray not to fall into temptation. If we are diligent in doing it, our journey of life will be filled with peace from Heaven. Amen.