Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

Are We Praying for These Things? Pastor Daniel Batarseh (Ephesians Series)

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Monday, October 23, 2017

Scripture References

Ephesians 1:15-231 Corinthians 11:1Acts 193 John 1:41 Timothy 2:1Romans 10:1Colossians 1:3Romans 1:92 Timothy 1:3Isaiah 59:16James 1:5Romans 8:11

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1, highlighting the vital roles of persistent prayer and intercession. He challenges believers to seek the spirit of wisdom and revelation to grasp the resurrection power available to them in Christ.

Key Takeaways

1Public spiritual influence is a direct result of a diligent and private prayer life.
2Thanksgiving in prayer shifts our focus from self-pity to the goodness of God and the growth of others.
3Intercession is the act of grabbing hold of God's will and asking Him to manifest it in someone else's life.
4Wisdom is the appropriate application of knowledge; we must pray for the ability to live out the truths we learn.
5The same resurrection power that raised Jesus is currently available to help every believer walk in victory.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Pastor Batarseh stated that public influence comes from 'diligence in the closet.' How does this change your perspective on spiritual success?
2Why do you think thanksgiving is effective at removing 'self-pity and complaining' from our hearts?
3What is the practical difference between knowing a lot of Bible facts (knowledge) and having the 'spirit of wisdom'?
4How does the concept of 'wrestling in prayer' apply to your current intercession for friends or family members?
5If you truly believed the same power that raised Jesus was active in you today, what is one thing you would approach differently this week?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Dedicate a specific portion of your prayer time to giving thanks for the faith and love you see in other believers.
Create a 'prayer list' of specific individuals—both saved and unsaved—to intercede for on a consistent basis.
Before reading Scripture, explicitly ask God for the 'spirit of wisdom and revelation' to understand and apply the text.
Identify a specific area of struggle or sin and invite Christ's resurrection power to bring life and victory to that area.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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