A Fragrant Offering

Show Notes

Scripture: Acts 4:1-31

SHOW NOTES:

In Acts 3 and 4, Luke describes Peter’s bold testimony for Jesus after he heals a crippled man at the Beautiful Gate. That afternoon at the temple, thousands of people heard the message and believed in the name of Jesus. Peter and John were arrested and kept in prison overnight before being brought before the Sanhedrin early the next morning.

They were teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

– Acts 4:2-4

As Peter addressed the religious leaders, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke truth. Peter experiences a special moment of inspiration that clearly highlights the person of Jesus Christ and the work of God’s Spirit. The Sanhedrin warned Peter and John “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.”

But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

– Acts 4:19-20

The church’s response to the apostles’ release was an immediate outpouring of praise and prayer. Most importantly, these early Christians were not praying for relief from oppression but for the ability “to speak Your word with great boldness” amid persecution and for God to act with mighty power.

The focus of these new believers was on spreading God’s word and glorifying Christ’s name. Luke clearly made sure to include this prayer so that it can serve as a pattern for us to follow in our own prayers.

But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, all because of my name. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand about how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

– Luke 21:12-15

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Show Notes

Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23

SHOW NOTES:

Paul boldly shared the Gospel of Jesus and traveled extensively during his ministry. He now writes to the believers in Ephesus from a prison in Rome. He assures the Ephesians that he always remembers them in his prayers—both with gratitude and intercession.

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people,

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

– Ephesians 1:15-16

Paul received news that their faith and love continued to grow. He tells them he prays that God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, will give them spiritual wisdom and insight.

Paul wants them to understand the incredible power of God. Divine power was clearly shown in Jesus Christ’s resurrection and His exaltation to the position of authority—He sits at the right hand of His Heavenly Father. Because of Christ, the Church is made whole and complete.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe in Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

– Ephesians 1:18-19

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Show Notes

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11

SHOW NOTES:

In his letter to the believers in Philippi, Paul shares that he prays for them with joy and a grateful heart. He recognizes that they have been partners in the gospel ministry.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

– Philippians 1:3-4

Paul assures them that it is God’s purpose to do a good work in their lives, and His work is meant to shape believers into the image of Jesus Christ. This is God’s work of grace in every believer, and He will complete His work of grace!

Paul’s prayer is for their love to grow in knowledge and discernment. This will develop the righteous character of Jesus Christ in our lives and bring great glory and praise to God!

So that you may be … filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

– Philippians 1:11

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Show Notes

Scripture: Colossians 1:3-4, 9-14

SHOW NOTES:

In this lesson, we explore the book of Colossians and review another prayer written by Paul. Once again, he writes this letter from prison in Rome. One unique aspect of his prayer for the believers in Colossae is that he did not establish the church there.

Instead, a man named Epaphras likely visited Ephesus, where he heard the Gospel message of Jesus Christ and received the gift of salvation. Epaphras then returned to his hometown, Colossae, and started sharing the good news with his friends and fellow citizens.

Later, Epaphras visited Rome and reported to Paul about the believers’ growth in Colossae. This letter serves as an example for believers to pray for one another.

For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people … So, we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you.

– Colossians 1:4, 9

Two essential ingredients for knowledge are a divine measure of wisdom and understanding. How you live will honor the Lord’s name and please Him. God’s Word transforms lives.

Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

– Colossians 1:10

As believers, we can pray for one another to grow in the knowledge of God and to be filled with the strength of the Lord. It is divine power and strength that enable us to stand against the powers of the dark world (Eph. 6:12).

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Show Notes

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12

SHOW NOTES:

The Apostle Paul traveled across Asia Minor and into Europe on three main missionary journeys. During his second trip (Acts 16:23-20:38), he visited Thessalonica and Corinth. The first epistles Paul ever wrote were those to the church he had established in Thessalonica, Macedonia. These were written from Corinth (Acts 18:1-18), shortly after Paul had left Thessalonica.

Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.

– 1 Thessalonians 1:3-4

Paul had previously been concerned about their faith and love for each other. In this second letter, he praises them for their growing faith and the increasing love they share. Paul also told others about their faithful perseverance through hardship, suffering, and persecution.

When we examine early Church history, we gain a clearer understanding. What did believers in Jerusalem and Judea experience after Jesus Christ ascended to heaven? The Jewish religious leaders did not want “The Way” to spread and grow. A man named Saul persecuted them, having some arrested and thrown into prison. This man became Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus. He personally knew that the church grew during persecution, which makes it even more remarkable.

So, we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.

– 2 Thessalonians 1:11

Paul and his companions prayed that the Thessalonians would continue to be purified through their trials rather than stray from the truth. Suffering and persecution can be a great blessing from God and can bring much glory to our Lord Jesus Christ, both now and in the future.

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Show Notes

Scripture: James 5:13-18

SHOW NOTES:

The Lord encourages us to pray for others and to dedicate time to pray for those who are hurting, struggling, or feeling discouraged. We can thank the Lord for the victories, gifts, and spiritual blessings in each other’s lives. We are meant to support one another. Pray for each other. Celebrate and rejoice together.

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

– James 5:13

James shares this: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” What a wonderful privilege! Effective prayer is characterized by earnestness, fervor, and energy to bring about results, as shown in the following verses’ case study.

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

– James 5:17-18

Practice to become a powerful prayer person:

• Pray with others.
• Pray with fervency.
• Pray with faith.

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