WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.820 So, please turn to Romans chapter 15, and I'll read verses 14 through 33. 00:00:16.820 --> 00:00:30.140 Yeah, please stand. Romans 15, starting in verses 14 through 33. 00:00:31.140 --> 00:00:35.219 So, here Paul is explaining his ministry plans. 00:00:35.219 --> 00:00:47.100 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. 00:00:47.820 --> 00:00:55.820 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God, 00:00:55.820 --> 00:01:02.399 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, 00:01:02.399 --> 00:01:08.700 so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 00:01:09.299 --> 00:01:14.739 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 00:01:15.939 --> 00:01:22.060 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me 00:01:22.060 --> 00:01:31.980 to bring the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, 00:01:31.980 --> 00:01:46.840 so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum, I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ. 00:01:47.340 --> 00:01:54.820 And thus, I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ already has been named, 00:01:55.159 --> 00:01:57.740 lest I build on someone else's foundation. 00:01:57.739 --> 00:02:06.319 But as it is written, those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand. 00:02:07.579 --> 00:02:12.219 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 00:02:12.680 --> 00:02:17.319 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, 00:02:17.819 --> 00:02:21.099 and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 00:02:21.099 --> 00:02:24.960 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, 00:02:25.539 --> 00:02:28.240 and to be helped on my journey there by you, 00:02:28.759 --> 00:02:31.599 once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 00:02:32.379 --> 00:02:37.900 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem, bringing aid to the saints. 00:02:38.539 --> 00:02:47.180 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 00:02:47.180 --> 00:02:51.879 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed, they owe it to them. 00:02:52.360 --> 00:02:56.520 For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, 00:02:56.860 --> 00:03:01.080 they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 00:03:01.920 --> 00:03:07.960 When, therefore, I have completed this, and have delivered to them what has been collected, 00:03:08.420 --> 00:03:11.200 I will leave for Spain by way of you. 00:03:11.199 --> 00:03:17.319 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. 00:03:18.079 --> 00:03:21.739 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:03:22.079 --> 00:03:23.679 and by the love of the Spirit, 00:03:24.119 --> 00:03:28.379 to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 00:03:28.879 --> 00:03:33.199 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, 00:03:33.659 --> 00:03:37.399 and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 00:03:37.400 --> 00:03:44.000 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 00:03:44.659 --> 00:03:48.080 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen. 00:03:48.920 --> 00:03:51.620 And all God's people said, Amen. 00:03:55.620 --> 00:04:02.180 So, the epistle of Paul to the Romans was written around 56 AD. 00:04:02.180 --> 00:04:05.540 Paul was in Corinth, in modern-day Greece, 00:04:06.099 --> 00:04:10.560 and as we just read, he is on his third missionary journey, 00:04:10.960 --> 00:04:13.379 and he's already thinking of new destinations. 00:04:14.020 --> 00:04:16.740 He wants to go west. He wants to go to Spain. 00:04:17.920 --> 00:04:20.040 But he has things to do first. 00:04:20.379 --> 00:04:22.680 He needs to go east to Jerusalem. 00:04:23.480 --> 00:04:26.480 So, remember, he just explained in this passage 00:04:26.480 --> 00:04:30.780 that he has an obligation to go to Jerusalem 00:04:30.780 --> 00:04:34.740 to take an offering that he's collecting to the saints there. 00:04:35.160 --> 00:04:37.640 Because remember, when he was in Jerusalem before, 00:04:38.140 --> 00:04:40.020 they asked him to remember the poor. 00:04:40.140 --> 00:04:41.920 Remember the poor saints in Jerusalem. 00:04:42.420 --> 00:04:44.220 And he said he would be glad to do that. 00:04:44.560 --> 00:04:46.939 And he even said in this passage that he read, 00:04:47.319 --> 00:04:48.140 that we just read, 00:04:48.480 --> 00:04:51.740 that the Gentiles, in a sense, have an obligation, right, 00:04:51.740 --> 00:04:55.660 to share with them who they've received so much blessing from. 00:04:56.480 --> 00:05:00.040 And so, that's his main thought 00:05:00.040 --> 00:05:02.840 as he's writing this epistle. 00:05:03.320 --> 00:05:05.260 The main occasion for writing it 00:05:05.260 --> 00:05:07.980 is that he is making his plans. 00:05:08.120 --> 00:05:09.200 He's going to Jerusalem, 00:05:09.880 --> 00:05:11.640 but he'll eventually be back, 00:05:11.720 --> 00:05:14.580 and he wants to go through Rome on his way to Spain. 00:05:15.860 --> 00:05:18.580 And he mentions this, 00:05:19.180 --> 00:05:20.740 but when we think of Romans, 00:05:20.740 --> 00:05:24.080 we usually don't think of missionary journeys and planning, right? 00:05:24.079 --> 00:05:25.740 When we think of Romans, 00:05:25.839 --> 00:05:26.740 what do we think of? 00:05:27.359 --> 00:05:29.240 We think of the righteousness of God. 00:05:29.699 --> 00:05:32.779 We think of how Paul explains in such depth 00:05:32.779 --> 00:05:35.819 this great theme of God's righteousness 00:05:35.819 --> 00:05:40.599 and how God justifies sinners by grace 00:05:40.599 --> 00:05:42.259 through faith in Jesus Christ. 00:05:42.959 --> 00:05:44.579 Paul develops this theme, 00:05:44.839 --> 00:05:48.819 and he discusses many of its practical implications 00:05:48.819 --> 00:05:51.139 through the whole body of this letter. 00:05:51.139 --> 00:05:52.819 But then at the end, 00:05:52.899 --> 00:05:54.560 he wraps it up with this section. 00:05:55.099 --> 00:05:57.399 So we're going to focus on this section, 00:05:57.620 --> 00:05:59.819 and we're going to focus specifically 00:05:59.819 --> 00:06:04.259 on verses 30 through 32. 00:06:04.259 --> 00:06:07.240 Because in this section, 00:06:07.240 --> 00:06:10.019 we see that Paul, 00:06:11.060 --> 00:06:15.579 he stopped being a theologian and teacher. 00:06:15.899 --> 00:06:18.060 He stopped discussing his plans, 00:06:18.060 --> 00:06:20.680 and he makes a very personal plea. 00:06:21.120 --> 00:06:24.259 He urges them as strongly as he can 00:06:24.259 --> 00:06:26.180 to be praying for him. 00:06:26.680 --> 00:06:28.899 He won't see them for, who knows, 00:06:28.939 --> 00:06:29.920 a year or two. 00:06:30.259 --> 00:06:31.819 I don't know how long he's thinking 00:06:31.819 --> 00:06:33.459 it'll take him to get to Jerusalem 00:06:33.459 --> 00:06:34.360 and back to them, 00:06:34.500 --> 00:06:35.860 but it'll be a while. 00:06:36.379 --> 00:06:37.240 And in that time, 00:06:37.339 --> 00:06:40.139 he doesn't want them to just, 00:06:40.259 --> 00:06:41.480 you know, forget him. 00:06:41.540 --> 00:06:43.599 Instead, he wants them to be urgently. 00:06:43.939 --> 00:06:45.839 He's urgently appealing for them 00:06:45.839 --> 00:06:47.199 to be praying for him 00:06:47.199 --> 00:06:49.659 from the time they receive this letter 00:06:49.659 --> 00:06:51.219 until he arrives, basically. 00:06:52.079 --> 00:06:53.860 So let's look at these verses. 00:06:54.120 --> 00:06:55.300 And what we'll see is, 00:06:55.459 --> 00:06:57.800 first, we're going to look at four observations. 00:06:57.800 --> 00:07:01.199 So I'll draw out four observations 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:04.319 that'll sort of guide us through the passage 00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:06.800 and help us understand the key points. 00:07:07.340 --> 00:07:08.920 And then we'll turn and look at 00:07:08.920 --> 00:07:10.860 three applications for our lives. 00:07:11.460 --> 00:07:13.800 So there'll be four observations 00:07:13.800 --> 00:07:15.199 and three applications. 00:07:15.699 --> 00:07:18.040 So let's look at the first observation. 00:07:19.379 --> 00:07:20.000 That's great. 00:07:20.259 --> 00:07:20.400 Good. 00:07:20.399 --> 00:07:25.479 So the first is that Paul urges the believers 00:07:25.479 --> 00:07:27.479 in Rome to pray for him. 00:07:30.319 --> 00:07:32.199 He's discussing his travels. 00:07:32.459 --> 00:07:33.959 He's discussing the gift. 00:07:34.299 --> 00:07:36.319 He's concerned about different things happening. 00:07:36.639 --> 00:07:38.099 But in this section, 00:07:38.099 --> 00:07:41.319 he's focused in on one thing, prayer. 00:07:42.039 --> 00:07:43.659 That's what this passage is about. 00:07:44.079 --> 00:07:46.060 It's what, if I asked you afterwards, 00:07:46.239 --> 00:07:47.079 what was it about? 00:07:47.259 --> 00:07:48.179 What's it all about? 00:07:48.799 --> 00:07:49.699 Just one word. 00:07:49.699 --> 00:07:50.180 Prayer. 00:07:50.180 --> 00:07:51.579 Daisy, just one word. 00:07:51.699 --> 00:07:52.319 Say prayer. 00:07:52.620 --> 00:07:52.779 Okay? 00:07:53.579 --> 00:07:54.379 One word. 00:07:54.539 --> 00:07:56.420 This is all Paul is concerned about 00:07:56.420 --> 00:07:57.199 in this passage. 00:07:57.639 --> 00:07:58.000 Prayer. 00:07:58.439 --> 00:08:00.039 He desperately wants prayer. 00:08:00.800 --> 00:08:02.319 And this isn't new for Paul. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:03.839 He opens his gospel, 00:08:04.480 --> 00:08:05.519 I'm sorry, his epistle, 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:08.620 by mentioning that he's praying for them. 00:08:09.099 --> 00:08:11.199 He does this often in his epistles. 00:08:11.759 --> 00:08:13.639 He'll tell those that he's writing 00:08:13.639 --> 00:08:15.219 that he's been praying for them. 00:08:15.259 --> 00:08:16.199 And he does the same 00:08:16.199 --> 00:08:17.939 in his epistle to the Romans. 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:21.000 He says in chapter 1, verse 9, 00:08:21.719 --> 00:08:24.040 Unceasingly, I made mention of you 00:08:24.040 --> 00:08:26.719 always in my prayers making requests. 00:08:27.420 --> 00:08:28.639 If perhaps now at last, 00:08:28.719 --> 00:08:29.639 by the will of God, 00:08:29.719 --> 00:08:31.860 I may succeed in coming to you. 00:08:31.860 --> 00:08:35.180 So Paul constantly remembered them 00:08:35.180 --> 00:08:35.899 in his prayers. 00:08:35.899 --> 00:08:38.000 And now in these verses, 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:40.820 he's urging them to pray for him 00:08:40.820 --> 00:08:43.519 and to remember him in their prayers. 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:46.519 And it's interesting to note 00:08:46.519 --> 00:08:47.939 how he says this. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:49.220 He begins by saying, 00:08:49.720 --> 00:08:51.960 I appeal to you, brothers. 00:08:52.840 --> 00:08:54.340 I appeal to you. 00:08:54.439 --> 00:08:55.779 He doesn't just say, 00:08:56.179 --> 00:08:58.120 now pray for me. 00:08:58.879 --> 00:09:00.980 Now he does that in other epistles. 00:09:01.799 --> 00:09:04.199 For example, in 1 Thessalonians 00:09:04.199 --> 00:09:06.740 and in 2 Thessalonians also, 00:09:06.899 --> 00:09:08.299 he concludes those epistles. 00:09:08.299 --> 00:09:10.299 1 Thessalonians 5.25, 00:09:10.500 --> 00:09:11.399 he simply says, 00:09:11.779 --> 00:09:12.419 pray for me. 00:09:13.240 --> 00:09:15.579 Or 2 Thessalonians 3.1, 00:09:16.039 --> 00:09:17.659 he says, pray for us. 00:09:18.159 --> 00:09:19.939 So that's not uncommon for Paul 00:09:19.939 --> 00:09:21.439 to just write in his epistles, 00:09:21.919 --> 00:09:22.579 pray for me. 00:09:24.839 --> 00:09:28.240 And in Romans 13.50, 00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:30.179 he also says, 00:09:30.299 --> 00:09:31.759 now I urge you, brethren. 00:09:31.759 --> 00:09:35.080 So sometimes he urges them 00:09:35.080 --> 00:09:37.460 and sometimes he just asks them 00:09:37.460 --> 00:09:38.559 to pray for him. 00:09:39.720 --> 00:09:41.120 But in this section, 00:09:41.519 --> 00:09:43.740 we see that he is urging, 00:09:44.139 --> 00:09:45.779 but he doesn't stop with urging. 00:09:46.399 --> 00:09:47.500 He doesn't just urge, 00:09:47.620 --> 00:09:48.779 say, I urge you to pray 00:09:48.779 --> 00:09:50.039 and he gives the reasons. 00:09:50.220 --> 00:09:52.139 He's going to try to make this stronger. 00:09:52.279 --> 00:09:53.659 He's going to make an appeal. 00:09:53.779 --> 00:09:55.200 He's going to give them two reasons. 00:09:55.779 --> 00:09:56.679 So let's look at that. 00:09:56.759 --> 00:09:58.319 That's the next point to observe, 00:09:58.759 --> 00:10:01.139 that Paul urges the believers to pray. 00:10:01.759 --> 00:10:03.740 Because of their common Lord 00:10:03.740 --> 00:10:04.980 and their common love. 00:10:05.740 --> 00:10:07.259 Look at what he says there. 00:10:07.340 --> 00:10:07.840 He says, 00:10:08.480 --> 00:10:10.279 by our Lord Jesus Christ 00:10:10.279 --> 00:10:12.279 and by the love of the Spirit. 00:10:12.759 --> 00:10:14.919 So he's strengthening his appeal. 00:10:16.279 --> 00:10:17.360 He says first, 00:10:17.539 --> 00:10:19.340 by our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:20.480 --> 00:10:23.059 So he's basically saying 00:10:23.059 --> 00:10:26.779 that because we have a common Lord, 00:10:27.379 --> 00:10:28.139 pray for me. 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:31.279 Whatever concern you have for Christ, 00:10:31.279 --> 00:10:34.439 whatever desire to see his cause prosper. 00:10:34.839 --> 00:10:36.399 I have that same concern. 00:10:36.600 --> 00:10:38.039 I have that same desire. 00:10:38.659 --> 00:10:40.220 We have the same Lord. 00:10:40.519 --> 00:10:42.120 So that should move you to pray. 00:10:43.100 --> 00:10:46.179 Because we have the same Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:46.779 --> 00:10:47.879 But he adds to that 00:10:47.879 --> 00:10:49.220 by the love of the Spirit. 00:10:49.899 --> 00:10:51.500 So he's referring to the love 00:10:51.500 --> 00:10:53.279 that believers have for one another 00:10:53.279 --> 00:10:55.839 that comes from and through the Holy Spirit. 00:10:55.840 --> 00:10:57.360 And Paul is saying, 00:10:57.480 --> 00:10:59.120 in effect, 00:10:59.560 --> 00:11:02.620 since we have that same love in our hearts, 00:11:03.060 --> 00:11:05.980 from that same Spirit working in our hearts, 00:11:06.180 --> 00:11:08.060 that binds our hearts together, 00:11:08.600 --> 00:11:11.000 let that move you to pray for me. 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:15.360 So when we look at Paul's urging here 00:11:15.360 --> 00:11:18.299 and his appeal to these reasons, 00:11:18.299 --> 00:11:20.419 this is unusual for Paul. 00:11:21.100 --> 00:11:23.960 Something is moving him to urge 00:11:23.960 --> 00:11:26.519 even stronger than he normally urges people. 00:11:27.559 --> 00:11:29.679 In fact, 14 times, 00:11:30.320 --> 00:11:32.480 Paul urges believers to do things. 00:11:32.480 --> 00:11:34.519 So for example, 00:11:34.659 --> 00:11:35.759 even in the next chapter, 00:11:35.899 --> 00:11:37.500 in chapter 16, 00:11:38.200 --> 00:11:39.340 verse 17, 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:40.420 he urges them. 00:11:40.519 --> 00:11:40.779 He says, 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:42.399 Now I urge you, brethren, 00:11:42.899 --> 00:11:44.759 keep your eye on those 00:11:44.759 --> 00:11:45.879 who cause dissensions. 00:11:46.580 --> 00:11:47.580 So even there, 00:11:47.680 --> 00:11:48.519 he urges them. 00:11:48.720 --> 00:11:49.860 But he doesn't give them 00:11:49.860 --> 00:11:51.820 two reasons like he does here. 00:11:52.259 --> 00:11:52.840 He just says, 00:11:52.920 --> 00:11:53.639 I urge you. 00:11:54.740 --> 00:11:56.659 Now there are three cases 00:11:56.659 --> 00:11:59.039 where Paul makes an appeal 00:11:59.039 --> 00:12:00.699 and he strengthens it 00:12:00.699 --> 00:12:03.059 by referring to Jesus Christ 00:12:03.059 --> 00:12:04.000 or God the Father. 00:12:04.719 --> 00:12:05.559 So for example, 00:12:05.679 --> 00:12:06.860 in Romans 12, 1, 00:12:07.439 --> 00:12:08.620 he urges them 00:12:08.620 --> 00:12:09.939 by the mercies of God. 00:12:11.099 --> 00:12:13.199 And in 1 Corinthians 1, 10, 00:12:13.299 --> 00:12:14.139 he urges them 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:17.159 by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:17.799 --> 00:12:19.819 And then in 2 Corinthians 10, 1, 00:12:19.919 --> 00:12:20.980 he urges them 00:12:20.980 --> 00:12:22.360 by the meekness 00:12:22.360 --> 00:12:24.099 and gentleness of Christ. 00:12:25.579 --> 00:12:27.139 But in this verse, 00:12:27.279 --> 00:12:28.079 Paul does something 00:12:28.080 --> 00:12:29.500 he hasn't done before. 00:12:30.240 --> 00:12:31.660 He urges them 00:12:31.660 --> 00:12:32.920 and he gives them 00:12:32.920 --> 00:12:34.040 two reasons, 00:12:34.180 --> 00:12:35.800 two reasons to pray for him. 00:12:36.400 --> 00:12:38.600 So something must be 00:12:38.600 --> 00:12:40.000 really significant. 00:12:40.200 --> 00:12:41.560 Something's really burdening him. 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:43.120 He really needs prayer. 00:12:43.759 --> 00:12:45.480 But he doesn't ask for prayer. 00:12:46.060 --> 00:12:47.480 This is the really striking thing 00:12:47.480 --> 00:12:48.360 about this passage. 00:12:48.360 --> 00:12:49.620 He just doesn't move 00:12:49.620 --> 00:12:50.540 right into prayer. 00:12:50.820 --> 00:12:52.420 He moves into asking them 00:12:52.420 --> 00:12:54.879 to do something first. 00:12:55.640 --> 00:12:57.560 Let's look at the next observation. 00:12:58.080 --> 00:12:59.460 Paul urges the believers 00:12:59.460 --> 00:13:02.020 to strive together with him. 00:13:02.520 --> 00:13:04.759 To strive together with him 00:13:04.759 --> 00:13:05.360 in prayer. 00:13:07.600 --> 00:13:09.500 I remember years ago, 00:13:09.800 --> 00:13:11.500 we were back on furlough. 00:13:12.320 --> 00:13:13.780 And, you know, 00:13:13.800 --> 00:13:14.540 your first day, 00:13:14.700 --> 00:13:16.160 a few days back on furlough 00:13:16.160 --> 00:13:16.800 are great 00:13:16.800 --> 00:13:18.200 because all the couches 00:13:18.200 --> 00:13:19.379 are so soft. 00:13:19.680 --> 00:13:21.320 The coffee is so good 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:21.960 in the morning. 00:13:22.480 --> 00:13:24.420 Everything is so fresh and new. 00:13:24.419 --> 00:13:26.079 And I was sitting one morning 00:13:26.079 --> 00:13:27.379 reading this passage. 00:13:27.919 --> 00:13:29.599 And this just really struck me 00:13:29.599 --> 00:13:31.099 that he wanted them 00:13:31.099 --> 00:13:32.799 to strive with him 00:13:32.799 --> 00:13:34.599 because every missionary 00:13:34.599 --> 00:13:35.439 wants prayer. 00:13:35.740 --> 00:13:37.099 But he doesn't say, 00:13:37.479 --> 00:13:38.379 I urge you to pray. 00:13:38.459 --> 00:13:38.740 He says, 00:13:38.799 --> 00:13:40.799 I urge you to strive with me 00:13:40.799 --> 00:13:41.839 in prayer. 00:13:43.299 --> 00:13:44.959 So what does this mean? 00:13:45.039 --> 00:13:46.299 So the word here, 00:13:46.459 --> 00:13:47.039 strive, 00:13:47.439 --> 00:13:48.899 simply means struggle 00:13:48.899 --> 00:13:49.699 or fight. 00:13:49.899 --> 00:13:51.000 Fight with me. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:52.620 Struggle with me. 00:13:53.019 --> 00:13:55.019 And Paul often uses this word. 00:13:55.679 --> 00:13:56.360 So, for example, 00:13:56.500 --> 00:13:58.120 in Colossians 129 00:13:58.120 --> 00:14:01.360 and also in 1 Timothy 4.10, 00:14:01.879 --> 00:14:03.399 he describes his ministry 00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:05.399 as labor and striving. 00:14:06.220 --> 00:14:07.440 Labor and striving. 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:09.740 He sees what he's doing, 00:14:09.840 --> 00:14:10.600 his ministry, 00:14:11.200 --> 00:14:12.259 as a struggle. 00:14:12.379 --> 00:14:13.539 It's a spiritual struggle. 00:14:13.639 --> 00:14:14.879 It's a spiritual battle. 00:14:15.340 --> 00:14:16.279 He is striving. 00:14:16.440 --> 00:14:17.240 He is fighting. 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:19.100 And he wants them 00:14:19.100 --> 00:14:20.620 to strive as well 00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:22.159 and he says, 00:14:22.580 --> 00:14:25.259 strive together with me. 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:27.120 Strive with me. 00:14:27.460 --> 00:14:28.560 Fight with me. 00:14:28.980 --> 00:14:29.460 Join me. 00:14:29.580 --> 00:14:31.320 Make common cause with me. 00:14:32.299 --> 00:14:33.360 I love what one of the 00:14:33.360 --> 00:14:35.000 Puritan commentators said. 00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:35.879 He said, 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:37.580 he would have them 00:14:37.580 --> 00:14:39.460 ply the same oar. 00:14:40.120 --> 00:14:41.440 Think of a rowboat. 00:14:41.560 --> 00:14:42.340 Think of an oar. 00:14:42.779 --> 00:14:42.919 You know, 00:14:42.960 --> 00:14:44.080 you're pulling that oar 00:14:44.080 --> 00:14:46.039 and that can get really 00:14:46.039 --> 00:14:47.620 difficult to pull. 00:14:47.720 --> 00:14:48.259 He wants someone 00:14:48.259 --> 00:14:49.220 to pull with him. 00:14:50.220 --> 00:14:51.160 Some of you may have 00:14:51.160 --> 00:14:52.000 watched Ben-Hur 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:52.860 when you were young. 00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:53.940 When I was young, 00:14:53.980 --> 00:14:54.980 that was my favorite movie. 00:14:55.060 --> 00:14:55.879 I'm bathing myself. 00:14:55.980 --> 00:14:56.279 I know. 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:57.480 I don't know if kids 00:14:57.480 --> 00:14:58.680 watch Ben-Hur anymore. 00:14:59.220 --> 00:15:00.279 But it's a great movie 00:15:00.279 --> 00:15:01.220 and there's a scene in it 00:15:01.220 --> 00:15:01.800 where they're in the 00:15:01.800 --> 00:15:03.460 Roman gallery rowing. 00:15:03.560 --> 00:15:04.480 Remember that scene? 00:15:04.820 --> 00:15:05.759 And every oar 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:06.759 has two men 00:15:06.759 --> 00:15:07.840 and they're rowing 00:15:07.840 --> 00:15:08.960 for all their lives 00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:09.399 because they know 00:15:09.399 --> 00:15:10.660 if they don't row fast enough, 00:15:10.740 --> 00:15:11.480 they're going to sink 00:15:11.480 --> 00:15:12.720 with that ship. 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:14.660 And so that's 00:15:14.660 --> 00:15:16.460 this commentator says 00:15:16.460 --> 00:15:17.700 Paul would have them 00:15:17.700 --> 00:15:19.240 ply the same oar, 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:20.980 join him in fighting, 00:15:21.420 --> 00:15:23.000 pulling as hard as they could. 00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:27.100 So that's what Paul has in mind. 00:15:27.220 --> 00:15:28.220 And this is just 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:29.500 an incredible thought. 00:15:30.680 --> 00:15:32.440 Paul is drawing their attention 00:15:32.440 --> 00:15:33.460 and our attention 00:15:33.460 --> 00:15:35.200 to this idea 00:15:35.200 --> 00:15:38.000 that though physically separated, 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:40.580 we can be pulling together 00:15:40.580 --> 00:15:42.039 on the same team. 00:15:42.740 --> 00:15:44.639 We can be fighting together 00:15:44.639 --> 00:15:46.460 side by side as it were, 00:15:46.559 --> 00:15:47.840 even though we are separated 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:49.259 by thousands of miles. 00:15:50.220 --> 00:15:51.360 And Paul wants them 00:15:51.360 --> 00:15:52.820 fighting with him 00:15:52.820 --> 00:15:54.220 in their prayers. 00:15:55.220 --> 00:15:56.379 And then finally, 00:15:56.379 --> 00:15:58.240 he gets to his prayer requests, 00:15:58.620 --> 00:15:59.659 his topics of prayer. 00:15:59.759 --> 00:16:00.460 Let's look at those. 00:16:00.460 --> 00:16:02.360 That's the fourth observation 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:04.220 is that Paul provides them 00:16:04.220 --> 00:16:06.179 with three prayer requests. 00:16:06.460 --> 00:16:07.779 So let's look at those. 00:16:08.600 --> 00:16:10.059 First, he urges them 00:16:10.059 --> 00:16:11.379 to pray for his safety. 00:16:12.019 --> 00:16:13.779 He asks that they would pray 00:16:13.779 --> 00:16:14.879 that God would deliver him 00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:16.379 from the disobedience 00:16:16.379 --> 00:16:20.279 in Jerusalem, in Judea. 00:16:20.539 --> 00:16:22.200 He's referring to the Jews 00:16:22.200 --> 00:16:24.340 who are seeking his life. 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:26.759 And he knows 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:28.820 that something terrible 00:16:28.820 --> 00:16:29.740 is awaiting him. 00:16:30.039 --> 00:16:31.179 He is going to suffer 00:16:31.179 --> 00:16:32.539 terribly in Jerusalem. 00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:33.899 He's been warned 00:16:33.899 --> 00:16:35.159 by the Holy Spirit. 00:16:35.860 --> 00:16:37.460 And he'll be even warned later 00:16:37.460 --> 00:16:40.639 by the prophet Agabus. 00:16:42.360 --> 00:16:44.460 But we read in Acts 20, 00:16:44.840 --> 00:16:46.280 when Paul is traveling 00:16:46.280 --> 00:16:47.800 to Jerusalem, 00:16:47.800 --> 00:16:49.080 he stops and meets 00:16:49.080 --> 00:16:50.480 with the elders from Ephesus. 00:16:51.139 --> 00:16:52.519 And in Acts 20, 00:16:52.519 --> 00:16:54.340 there's this really poignant scene. 00:16:54.480 --> 00:16:55.360 They meet together 00:16:55.360 --> 00:16:56.540 and he tells them, 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:58.300 I'll never see you again. 00:16:58.740 --> 00:17:00.000 And so he gives them 00:17:00.000 --> 00:17:01.540 his final words to them. 00:17:01.960 --> 00:17:03.040 And this is one of the things 00:17:03.039 --> 00:17:04.599 he tells them in Acts 20, 00:17:04.920 --> 00:17:06.680 verses 22 through 23. 00:17:06.680 --> 00:17:07.339 He says, 00:17:07.579 --> 00:17:09.539 I am on my way to Jerusalem, 00:17:09.539 --> 00:17:11.559 not knowing what will happen 00:17:11.559 --> 00:17:12.259 to me there, 00:17:12.420 --> 00:17:14.659 except that the Holy Spirit 00:17:14.659 --> 00:17:17.019 solemnly testifies to me 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:18.519 in every city, 00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:20.079 saying that bonds 00:17:20.079 --> 00:17:21.879 and afflictions await me. 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:23.859 Think about that. 00:17:23.859 --> 00:17:25.639 The Holy Spirit 00:17:25.639 --> 00:17:27.379 is testifying to him 00:17:27.379 --> 00:17:29.199 in every city, 00:17:29.819 --> 00:17:31.459 every stop along the way. 00:17:31.539 --> 00:17:32.539 He's being reminded 00:17:32.539 --> 00:17:34.159 by the Holy Spirit 00:17:34.159 --> 00:17:36.059 that bonds and afflictions 00:17:36.059 --> 00:17:36.719 await him. 00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:38.179 And so what does he do? 00:17:38.259 --> 00:17:39.059 Does he stop? 00:17:39.319 --> 00:17:40.319 Does he go back? 00:17:40.879 --> 00:17:41.240 No. 00:17:41.419 --> 00:17:42.539 He realizes 00:17:42.539 --> 00:17:43.819 he needs to ask 00:17:43.819 --> 00:17:44.779 the brothers and sisters 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:46.399 to pray for him about this. 00:17:47.140 --> 00:17:48.120 And so he asks, 00:17:48.259 --> 00:17:49.080 even in this letter 00:17:49.080 --> 00:17:49.759 to the Romans, 00:17:50.360 --> 00:17:51.060 pray for me. 00:17:51.500 --> 00:17:52.860 Pray that I get safely 00:17:52.860 --> 00:17:54.280 to Jerusalem 00:17:54.280 --> 00:17:56.560 and I am spared. 00:17:56.860 --> 00:17:57.780 I'm rescued. 00:17:57.980 --> 00:18:00.500 I'm safe from these, 00:18:01.000 --> 00:18:02.080 the ones who would 00:18:02.080 --> 00:18:02.860 seek his life. 00:18:04.320 --> 00:18:04.820 And second, 00:18:05.100 --> 00:18:06.420 he asks for prayer 00:18:06.420 --> 00:18:07.060 for his, 00:18:07.380 --> 00:18:08.000 what he calls 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:09.519 his service for Jerusalem. 00:18:10.380 --> 00:18:11.840 And he explained it earlier 00:18:11.840 --> 00:18:12.500 in the chapter 00:18:12.500 --> 00:18:13.940 that we read, 00:18:14.360 --> 00:18:15.900 that he's been collecting 00:18:15.900 --> 00:18:18.060 gifts from the churches 00:18:18.060 --> 00:18:19.720 in Macedonia and Achaia. 00:18:20.519 --> 00:18:21.300 And as he's been 00:18:21.300 --> 00:18:22.540 collecting these gifts, 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:24.320 he's making plans 00:18:24.320 --> 00:18:25.360 to take this money 00:18:25.360 --> 00:18:26.040 to Jerusalem. 00:18:26.440 --> 00:18:27.680 And he wants this 00:18:27.680 --> 00:18:29.280 to be received, 00:18:29.820 --> 00:18:30.920 not only for the money 00:18:30.920 --> 00:18:31.560 to get there, 00:18:31.640 --> 00:18:32.980 but for the believers there 00:18:32.980 --> 00:18:34.320 to really see it 00:18:34.320 --> 00:18:35.080 as a blessing 00:18:35.080 --> 00:18:36.220 and for them 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:37.040 to receive it 00:18:37.040 --> 00:18:38.040 and to be encouraged 00:18:38.040 --> 00:18:39.420 by what God is doing 00:18:39.420 --> 00:18:41.000 among the Gentiles. 00:18:42.380 --> 00:18:43.280 And finally, 00:18:43.400 --> 00:18:44.100 he urges them 00:18:44.099 --> 00:18:45.559 to pray for his 00:18:45.559 --> 00:18:47.199 safe arrival in Rome. 00:18:48.759 --> 00:18:50.519 So he mentions earlier, 00:18:50.879 --> 00:18:52.059 remember the whole occasion 00:18:52.059 --> 00:18:53.000 for this book, 00:18:53.459 --> 00:18:54.139 for the epistle 00:18:54.139 --> 00:18:54.839 to the Romans, 00:18:54.839 --> 00:18:56.339 is that someone's 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:57.399 traveling to Rome 00:18:57.399 --> 00:18:58.559 and he's going to send 00:18:58.559 --> 00:18:59.079 this letter 00:18:59.079 --> 00:19:00.319 to tell them I'm coming. 00:19:01.199 --> 00:19:01.899 So please, 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:02.959 pray for me 00:19:02.959 --> 00:19:04.159 that I eventually 00:19:04.159 --> 00:19:05.240 arrive safely 00:19:05.240 --> 00:19:06.139 in Rome 00:19:06.139 --> 00:19:08.000 and can be refreshed 00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:08.839 by my time 00:19:08.839 --> 00:19:09.419 with you. 00:19:09.420 --> 00:19:12.019 Now what's wonderful 00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:12.800 about scripture 00:19:12.800 --> 00:19:13.960 is that scripture 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:15.220 interprets scripture. 00:19:15.700 --> 00:19:17.440 Scripture fills out scripture. 00:19:18.039 --> 00:19:18.640 You know what? 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:19.660 We have these three 00:19:19.660 --> 00:19:20.759 prayer requests here 00:19:20.759 --> 00:19:21.860 and guess what? 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:23.080 We have the answers. 00:19:23.840 --> 00:19:25.420 We know what happened. 00:19:26.140 --> 00:19:27.300 We actually know 00:19:27.300 --> 00:19:28.720 how God answered 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:30.060 each of those prayer requests. 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:31.279 So, 00:19:31.560 --> 00:19:32.800 let's look at that. 00:19:33.380 --> 00:19:34.140 I'm going to, 00:19:34.140 --> 00:19:36.020 I don't want you 00:19:36.020 --> 00:19:36.600 to feel like 00:19:36.600 --> 00:19:37.280 you have to look up 00:19:37.280 --> 00:19:38.840 every verse in Acts 00:19:38.840 --> 00:19:40.140 that I referred to. 00:19:40.300 --> 00:19:41.060 That would take 00:19:41.060 --> 00:19:41.940 a couple hours 00:19:41.940 --> 00:19:42.960 for us to read through 00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:44.259 and discuss every passage. 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:45.320 So I'm going to 00:19:45.320 --> 00:19:46.940 sort of skim through 00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:48.600 and then we'll spend 00:19:48.600 --> 00:19:49.400 a little bit of time 00:19:49.400 --> 00:19:50.300 in Acts 28. 00:19:52.040 --> 00:19:53.360 But the first thing 00:19:53.360 --> 00:19:54.480 to note is 00:19:54.480 --> 00:19:56.780 Paul did arrive 00:19:56.780 --> 00:19:57.400 in Jerusalem 00:19:57.400 --> 00:19:59.360 and the leaders there 00:19:59.360 --> 00:20:00.800 did receive 00:20:00.800 --> 00:20:01.540 the offering. 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:02.920 They were greatly 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:03.660 encouraged 00:20:03.660 --> 00:20:05.460 with what the Lord 00:20:05.460 --> 00:20:05.960 was doing 00:20:05.960 --> 00:20:06.580 through Paul 00:20:06.580 --> 00:20:07.420 and his ministry 00:20:07.420 --> 00:20:08.920 and we read about this 00:20:08.920 --> 00:20:10.000 in Acts 21 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:12.220 verses 17 through 20. 00:20:12.779 --> 00:20:13.500 So we know 00:20:13.500 --> 00:20:14.259 that that prayer 00:20:14.259 --> 00:20:14.980 was answered. 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.240 Paul did get 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:16.820 to Jerusalem. 00:20:16.980 --> 00:20:17.759 They did receive 00:20:17.759 --> 00:20:18.320 the gift. 00:20:18.800 --> 00:20:19.259 The saints 00:20:19.259 --> 00:20:20.140 were encouraged 00:20:20.140 --> 00:20:20.840 by that. 00:20:23.060 --> 00:20:23.700 And second, 00:20:24.539 --> 00:20:25.900 as the Spirit 00:20:25.900 --> 00:20:26.400 of God 00:20:26.400 --> 00:20:27.440 had told Paul, 00:20:27.900 --> 00:20:28.860 he did suffer 00:20:28.860 --> 00:20:29.500 bondage 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:30.180 and affliction 00:20:30.180 --> 00:20:31.019 in Judea. 00:20:31.019 --> 00:20:34.480 he was attacked 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:35.240 in the temple. 00:20:35.559 --> 00:20:36.139 He was dragged 00:20:36.139 --> 00:20:36.839 outside, 00:20:37.339 --> 00:20:38.299 almost stoned 00:20:38.299 --> 00:20:38.839 to death, 00:20:38.920 --> 00:20:39.500 but rescued 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:40.240 by the Roman 00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:41.119 soldiers. 00:20:42.299 --> 00:20:42.940 And then in Acts 00:20:42.940 --> 00:20:44.259 21 through 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:45.819 Acts 26, 00:20:46.139 --> 00:20:47.339 we have the account 00:20:47.339 --> 00:20:48.859 of how his life 00:20:48.859 --> 00:20:49.639 is saved. 00:20:50.299 --> 00:20:50.900 There was even 00:20:50.900 --> 00:20:52.000 40 Jews 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:52.639 who made 00:20:52.639 --> 00:20:53.539 a pact. 00:20:53.539 --> 00:20:54.539 They were going 00:20:54.539 --> 00:20:55.500 to fast, 00:20:55.660 --> 00:20:56.539 not eat 00:20:56.539 --> 00:20:57.119 or drink 00:20:57.119 --> 00:20:58.039 until they killed 00:20:58.039 --> 00:20:58.500 Paul. 00:20:59.619 --> 00:21:00.220 And God 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.579 preserved him 00:21:01.579 --> 00:21:02.099 from those 00:21:02.099 --> 00:21:02.819 40 men. 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:04.579 And he was 00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:05.399 eventually taken 00:21:05.399 --> 00:21:06.460 down to 00:21:06.460 --> 00:21:07.079 Caesarea 00:21:07.079 --> 00:21:08.680 on the coast. 00:21:09.319 --> 00:21:09.980 And eventually 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:10.899 he's taken, 00:21:11.420 --> 00:21:12.460 put on a ship 00:21:12.460 --> 00:21:13.319 on his way 00:21:13.319 --> 00:21:13.759 to Rome. 00:21:13.980 --> 00:21:15.379 So he is saved 00:21:15.379 --> 00:21:17.480 from those 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:18.139 attempts on 00:21:18.139 --> 00:21:18.759 his life. 00:21:19.579 --> 00:21:20.559 And what about 00:21:20.559 --> 00:21:21.240 his request 00:21:21.240 --> 00:21:21.759 for prayer 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.220 that he would 00:21:22.220 --> 00:21:23.000 arrive safely 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:23.460 in Rome? 00:21:23.940 --> 00:21:24.899 Did he arrive 00:21:24.899 --> 00:21:25.720 safely in Rome? 00:21:25.839 --> 00:21:26.220 Yes. 00:21:26.220 --> 00:21:26.799 In fact, 00:21:27.420 --> 00:21:28.200 we read 00:21:28.200 --> 00:21:28.920 in Acts 00:21:28.920 --> 00:21:29.720 27 and 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.500 28 about 00:21:30.500 --> 00:21:31.600 their long, 00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:32.759 difficult voyage. 00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:33.259 They even 00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:34.339 had a 00:21:34.339 --> 00:21:35.579 terrible storm 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:36.100 at sea. 00:21:36.259 --> 00:21:37.000 Their ship 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:37.839 is crashed 00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:38.460 on the island 00:21:38.460 --> 00:21:39.039 of Malta, 00:21:39.299 --> 00:21:39.759 but God 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.720 spared everyone 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.500 on that ship. 00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:42.559 And God 00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:43.160 even used 00:21:43.160 --> 00:21:43.740 Paul to 00:21:43.740 --> 00:21:44.140 preach the 00:21:44.140 --> 00:21:44.680 gospel on 00:21:44.680 --> 00:21:45.000 the island 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:45.620 of Malta. 00:21:45.940 --> 00:21:46.579 And then 00:21:46.579 --> 00:21:47.420 they eventually 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:48.500 arrive in Rome. 00:21:49.000 --> 00:21:49.259 And let's 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:49.900 look at Acts 00:21:49.900 --> 00:21:50.480 28, 00:21:50.860 --> 00:21:51.380 because there's 00:21:51.380 --> 00:21:52.059 a beautiful 00:21:52.059 --> 00:21:53.059 passage there 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:55.440 that is so 00:21:55.440 --> 00:21:55.960 easy to 00:21:55.960 --> 00:21:57.179 read right 00:21:57.179 --> 00:21:57.619 by. 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:00.700 But Acts 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:01.379 28. 00:22:04.159 --> 00:22:05.099 I'll start 00:22:05.099 --> 00:22:07.859 reading in 00:22:07.859 --> 00:22:08.819 verse 15. 00:22:12.960 --> 00:22:13.839 Let's see. 00:22:13.839 --> 00:22:19.339 Actually, 00:22:19.459 --> 00:22:19.980 let me start 00:22:19.980 --> 00:22:20.519 in verse 00:22:20.519 --> 00:22:21.019 11. 00:22:21.220 --> 00:22:22.119 So Acts 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:22.879 28, 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:23.579 verse 11. 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:24.659 After three 00:22:24.659 --> 00:22:25.099 months, 00:22:25.299 --> 00:22:25.679 so they 00:22:25.679 --> 00:22:26.099 were in 00:22:26.099 --> 00:22:26.579 Malta, 00:22:27.439 --> 00:22:27.879 we set 00:22:27.879 --> 00:22:28.419 sail in 00:22:28.419 --> 00:22:28.759 a ship 00:22:28.759 --> 00:22:30.539 that had 00:22:30.539 --> 00:22:31.159 wintered 00:22:31.159 --> 00:22:31.659 in the 00:22:31.659 --> 00:22:32.159 island, 00:22:32.419 --> 00:22:32.799 a ship 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:33.559 of Alexandria, 00:22:34.139 --> 00:22:34.519 with the 00:22:34.519 --> 00:22:35.159 twin gods 00:22:35.159 --> 00:22:35.480 as a 00:22:35.480 --> 00:22:36.019 figurehead. 00:22:36.480 --> 00:22:36.899 Putting 00:22:36.899 --> 00:22:37.659 in at 00:22:37.659 --> 00:22:38.359 Syracuse, 00:22:38.459 --> 00:22:38.879 we stayed 00:22:38.879 --> 00:22:39.279 there for 00:22:39.279 --> 00:22:39.959 three days. 00:22:40.679 --> 00:22:41.179 And from 00:22:41.179 --> 00:22:41.759 there we 00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:42.199 made a 00:22:42.199 --> 00:22:42.720 circuit and 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:43.359 arrived at 00:22:43.359 --> 00:22:43.859 region. 00:22:44.599 --> 00:22:45.139 And after 00:22:45.139 --> 00:22:45.799 one day, 00:22:45.919 --> 00:22:46.399 a south 00:22:46.399 --> 00:22:47.139 wind sprang 00:22:47.139 --> 00:22:47.439 up, 00:22:47.799 --> 00:22:48.019 and on 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:48.439 the second 00:22:48.439 --> 00:22:48.839 day we 00:22:48.839 --> 00:22:49.799 came to 00:22:49.799 --> 00:22:51.119 Peteoli. 00:22:51.899 --> 00:22:52.519 There we 00:22:52.519 --> 00:22:53.299 found brothers 00:22:53.299 --> 00:22:54.240 and were 00:22:54.240 --> 00:22:55.079 invited to 00:22:55.079 --> 00:22:55.500 stay with 00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:55.879 them for 00:22:55.879 --> 00:22:56.719 seven days. 00:22:57.799 --> 00:22:58.199 So I 00:22:58.199 --> 00:22:58.799 think, 00:22:58.919 --> 00:22:59.740 I think 00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:00.240 that those 00:23:00.240 --> 00:23:01.219 seven days, 00:23:01.839 --> 00:23:02.519 that gave 00:23:02.519 --> 00:23:03.419 news time 00:23:03.419 --> 00:23:03.879 to reach 00:23:03.879 --> 00:23:04.279 Rome, 00:23:04.639 --> 00:23:05.359 that Paul 00:23:05.359 --> 00:23:06.819 was nearby. 00:23:07.819 --> 00:23:08.459 Because look 00:23:08.459 --> 00:23:09.019 what happens 00:23:09.019 --> 00:23:09.439 next. 00:23:09.939 --> 00:23:10.559 And so we 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:11.159 came to 00:23:11.159 --> 00:23:11.500 Rome. 00:23:11.959 --> 00:23:12.659 And the 00:23:12.659 --> 00:23:13.099 brothers, 00:23:13.359 --> 00:23:13.979 there, 00:23:14.039 --> 00:23:14.419 when they 00:23:14.419 --> 00:23:15.219 heard about 00:23:15.219 --> 00:23:15.659 us, 00:23:16.059 --> 00:23:16.579 came as 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:17.019 far as 00:23:17.019 --> 00:23:17.199 the 00:23:17.199 --> 00:23:17.799 forum of 00:23:17.799 --> 00:23:18.500 Appius, 00:23:18.979 --> 00:23:19.539 and two 00:23:19.539 --> 00:23:20.379 taverns to 00:23:20.379 --> 00:23:21.000 meet us. 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:22.419 And seeing 00:23:22.419 --> 00:23:22.759 them, 00:23:22.959 --> 00:23:23.879 Paul thanked 00:23:23.879 --> 00:23:24.779 God and 00:23:24.779 --> 00:23:25.779 took courage. 00:23:26.339 --> 00:23:26.879 And when we 00:23:26.879 --> 00:23:27.339 came to 00:23:27.339 --> 00:23:27.599 Rome, 00:23:27.740 --> 00:23:28.119 Paul was 00:23:28.119 --> 00:23:28.579 allowed to 00:23:28.579 --> 00:23:29.059 stay by 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:30.179 himself with 00:23:30.179 --> 00:23:30.759 the soldier 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:31.399 who guarded 00:23:31.399 --> 00:23:31.779 him. 00:23:32.459 --> 00:23:33.159 Now it's so 00:23:33.159 --> 00:23:33.740 easy to 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.879 read by 00:23:34.879 --> 00:23:35.679 those verses 00:23:35.679 --> 00:23:36.240 and not 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:37.039 think about 00:23:37.039 --> 00:23:38.179 the significance. 00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:39.779 It says 00:23:39.779 --> 00:23:40.159 there in 00:23:40.159 --> 00:23:40.939 verse 15, 00:23:40.940 --> 00:23:41.779 the brothers 00:23:41.779 --> 00:23:42.380 there, 00:23:42.820 --> 00:23:43.200 when they 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:43.900 heard about 00:23:43.900 --> 00:23:44.360 us, 00:23:45.120 --> 00:23:45.480 so they 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:46.759 got news 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.380 that Paul 00:23:47.380 --> 00:23:47.900 was pretty 00:23:47.900 --> 00:23:48.480 close. 00:23:49.080 --> 00:23:49.500 What did 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:49.920 they do? 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:50.400 They came 00:23:50.400 --> 00:23:50.960 as far as 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:51.400 the forum 00:23:51.400 --> 00:23:52.120 of Appius 00:23:52.120 --> 00:23:52.820 and the 00:23:52.820 --> 00:23:53.720 three taverns 00:23:53.720 --> 00:23:54.160 to meet 00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:54.480 us. 00:23:55.580 --> 00:23:55.920 Now we 00:23:55.920 --> 00:23:56.360 can read 00:23:56.360 --> 00:23:56.880 that and 00:23:56.880 --> 00:23:57.340 just think, 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:57.720 okay, 00:23:57.799 --> 00:23:58.200 they met 00:23:58.200 --> 00:23:58.380 them. 00:23:58.940 --> 00:23:59.880 How far 00:23:59.880 --> 00:24:00.320 did they 00:24:00.320 --> 00:24:01.059 go to 00:24:01.059 --> 00:24:01.500 meet them? 00:24:02.860 --> 00:24:03.539 Maybe if you 00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:04.059 have a study 00:24:04.059 --> 00:24:04.440 Bible, 00:24:04.580 --> 00:24:05.039 you'll see in 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:05.500 the notes, 00:24:05.559 --> 00:24:06.019 but let me 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:06.440 give you the 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.080 quick answer. 00:24:07.079 --> 00:24:07.879 They went 00:24:07.879 --> 00:24:09.519 43 miles 00:24:09.519 --> 00:24:09.939 to the 00:24:09.939 --> 00:24:10.399 market of 00:24:10.399 --> 00:24:10.879 Appius, 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:12.740 43 miles, 00:24:13.059 --> 00:24:14.019 probably walking. 00:24:14.579 --> 00:24:15.220 They traveled 00:24:15.220 --> 00:24:16.220 two days. 00:24:16.859 --> 00:24:17.139 They were 00:24:17.139 --> 00:24:18.279 probably prepared 00:24:18.279 --> 00:24:19.019 to go all 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:20.339 the way to, 00:24:20.699 --> 00:24:21.439 was it 00:24:21.439 --> 00:24:22.199 Petulium or 00:24:22.199 --> 00:24:22.899 Regium where 00:24:22.899 --> 00:24:23.839 he had been, 00:24:24.019 --> 00:24:24.539 where he spent 00:24:24.539 --> 00:24:25.079 seven days, 00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:25.819 oh, Petulia. 00:24:26.539 --> 00:24:27.139 They may have 00:24:27.139 --> 00:24:27.659 been prepared 00:24:27.659 --> 00:24:28.319 to go all 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:28.839 seven, 00:24:29.359 --> 00:24:29.559 you know, 00:24:29.559 --> 00:24:30.059 all the way 00:24:30.059 --> 00:24:30.639 to that town 00:24:30.639 --> 00:24:31.019 to meet 00:24:31.019 --> 00:24:31.220 them, 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:32.579 but they 00:24:32.579 --> 00:24:32.960 went as 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:33.339 far as 00:24:33.339 --> 00:24:33.699 the market 00:24:33.699 --> 00:24:34.259 of Appius, 00:24:34.419 --> 00:24:35.579 43 miles. 00:24:35.579 --> 00:24:36.539 And then 00:24:36.539 --> 00:24:36.779 there was 00:24:36.779 --> 00:24:37.199 a second 00:24:37.199 --> 00:24:37.759 group of 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:38.299 them coming 00:24:38.299 --> 00:24:40.539 behind that 00:24:40.539 --> 00:24:41.220 made it only 00:24:41.220 --> 00:24:42.699 as far as 00:24:42.699 --> 00:24:43.720 the three, 00:24:43.859 --> 00:24:45.179 three ends. 00:24:45.480 --> 00:24:45.659 That was 00:24:45.659 --> 00:24:46.619 33 miles. 00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:48.039 So the 00:24:48.039 --> 00:24:48.939 believers in 00:24:48.939 --> 00:24:49.980 Rome organized 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:50.879 themselves quickly 00:24:50.879 --> 00:24:51.619 and said, 00:24:51.679 --> 00:24:52.399 let's send some 00:24:52.399 --> 00:24:53.039 people to meet 00:24:53.039 --> 00:24:54.159 Paul because 00:24:54.159 --> 00:24:54.839 they knew he 00:24:54.839 --> 00:24:55.559 was a prisoner. 00:24:55.919 --> 00:24:56.699 What did he 00:24:56.699 --> 00:24:57.139 need? 00:24:57.220 --> 00:24:57.779 He probably 00:24:57.779 --> 00:24:58.740 needed some 00:24:58.740 --> 00:24:59.839 fresh sandals, 00:24:59.939 --> 00:25:00.659 some food, 00:25:00.899 --> 00:25:01.399 maybe some 00:25:01.399 --> 00:25:02.079 clothes. 00:25:02.579 --> 00:25:03.119 Most of all, 00:25:03.159 --> 00:25:03.519 he needed to 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:04.179 be encouraged 00:25:04.179 --> 00:25:05.159 and they were 00:25:05.159 --> 00:25:05.559 ready to 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:05.819 do it. 00:25:05.879 --> 00:25:06.259 They sent 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:06.679 a team 00:25:06.679 --> 00:25:06.960 out. 00:25:07.319 --> 00:25:07.619 Then he 00:25:07.619 --> 00:25:08.099 got a second 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:08.779 team together 00:25:08.779 --> 00:25:09.119 and they 00:25:09.119 --> 00:25:09.519 sent them 00:25:09.519 --> 00:25:10.200 out and 00:25:10.200 --> 00:25:10.659 they met 00:25:10.659 --> 00:25:10.919 him. 00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:11.419 What did 00:25:11.419 --> 00:25:12.000 Paul do? 00:25:12.139 --> 00:25:12.519 It says 00:25:12.519 --> 00:25:12.839 here, 00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:15.119 Paul thanked 00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:15.839 God and 00:25:15.839 --> 00:25:16.720 took courage. 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:18.220 If we 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:19.079 could see 00:25:19.079 --> 00:25:19.480 that, 00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:19.859 if we 00:25:19.859 --> 00:25:20.159 could have 00:25:20.159 --> 00:25:20.659 had that 00:25:20.659 --> 00:25:21.200 on TikTok, 00:25:21.599 --> 00:25:21.859 you know, 00:25:22.740 --> 00:25:23.220 it would 00:25:23.220 --> 00:25:23.460 have, 00:25:24.179 --> 00:25:24.819 I'm sure 00:25:24.819 --> 00:25:26.179 the words 00:25:26.179 --> 00:25:26.980 don't capture 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:27.539 the amount 00:25:27.539 --> 00:25:28.200 of gratitude 00:25:28.200 --> 00:25:29.079 Paul had 00:25:29.079 --> 00:25:29.700 and the 00:25:29.700 --> 00:25:30.259 amount of 00:25:30.259 --> 00:25:31.279 encouragement 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:32.220 he received. 00:25:32.659 --> 00:25:33.559 Imagine writing 00:25:33.559 --> 00:25:34.359 a letter to 00:25:34.359 --> 00:25:34.799 Rome, 00:25:34.799 --> 00:25:35.700 and it's 00:25:35.700 --> 00:25:36.399 almost three 00:25:36.399 --> 00:25:36.839 and a half 00:25:36.839 --> 00:25:37.319 years. 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:38.059 You don't 00:25:38.059 --> 00:25:38.440 even know 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:38.659 if it 00:25:38.659 --> 00:25:39.399 got there. 00:25:39.599 --> 00:25:39.799 You don't 00:25:39.799 --> 00:25:40.079 even know 00:25:40.079 --> 00:25:40.299 if they 00:25:40.299 --> 00:25:41.319 remember you. 00:25:41.759 --> 00:25:42.039 And here 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:42.559 they send 00:25:42.559 --> 00:25:43.159 this group 00:25:43.159 --> 00:25:43.639 to meet 00:25:43.639 --> 00:25:43.940 you. 00:25:44.319 --> 00:25:44.599 And then 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:44.960 they send 00:25:44.960 --> 00:25:45.759 another group 00:25:45.759 --> 00:25:46.180 to meet 00:25:46.180 --> 00:25:46.460 you. 00:25:47.119 --> 00:25:47.519 And so 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.059 I'm sure 00:25:48.059 --> 00:25:48.379 he was 00:25:48.379 --> 00:25:48.859 greatly 00:25:48.859 --> 00:25:49.399 encouraged 00:25:49.399 --> 00:25:50.079 by this. 00:25:50.079 --> 00:25:55.460 So what 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:55.879 does this 00:25:55.879 --> 00:25:56.339 mean for 00:25:56.339 --> 00:25:56.879 us today? 00:25:57.879 --> 00:25:58.379 How 00:25:58.379 --> 00:25:58.799 should we 00:25:58.799 --> 00:25:59.639 apply this? 00:26:00.599 --> 00:26:01.019 I think 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:01.439 there's 00:26:01.439 --> 00:26:02.639 three things 00:26:02.639 --> 00:26:02.939 we could 00:26:02.939 --> 00:26:03.599 take away. 00:26:03.859 --> 00:26:04.220 First, 00:26:05.179 --> 00:26:05.559 don't 00:26:05.559 --> 00:26:05.879 neglect 00:26:05.879 --> 00:26:06.399 prayer. 00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:07.220 Don't 00:26:07.220 --> 00:26:07.539 neglect 00:26:07.539 --> 00:26:08.039 prayer. 00:26:09.039 --> 00:26:09.899 In this 00:26:09.899 --> 00:26:10.659 passage and 00:26:10.659 --> 00:26:11.079 throughout 00:26:11.079 --> 00:26:11.879 his epistles, 00:26:12.559 --> 00:26:13.099 Paul was 00:26:13.099 --> 00:26:14.319 always exhorting 00:26:14.319 --> 00:26:14.740 us to 00:26:14.740 --> 00:26:15.199 pray. 00:26:16.519 --> 00:26:17.039 I'm sure 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:17.500 these are 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:18.240 very familiar 00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:18.700 verses. 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:19.200 First, 00:26:19.579 --> 00:26:20.220 Thessalonians 00:26:20.220 --> 00:26:21.140 517, 00:26:21.759 --> 00:26:22.480 pray without 00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:23.079 ceasing. 00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:24.420 Colossians 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:25.059 4-2, 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:26.160 devote yourselves 00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:27.000 to prayer. 00:26:27.779 --> 00:26:28.319 Ephesians 00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:29.079 6-8, 00:26:29.599 --> 00:26:30.240 with all 00:26:30.240 --> 00:26:31.019 prayer and 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:31.440 petition, 00:26:31.740 --> 00:26:32.180 pray at 00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:33.019 all times 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:33.380 in the 00:26:33.380 --> 00:26:34.339 spirit and 00:26:34.339 --> 00:26:35.160 with this 00:26:35.160 --> 00:26:35.880 in view, 00:26:36.420 --> 00:26:36.880 be on the 00:26:36.880 --> 00:26:37.420 alert with 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:38.359 perseverance and 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:39.400 petition for 00:26:39.400 --> 00:26:40.039 all the 00:26:40.039 --> 00:26:40.420 saints. 00:26:41.900 --> 00:26:42.460 And Paul 00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:43.319 was simply 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:44.420 exhorting the 00:26:44.420 --> 00:26:45.359 believers as 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:46.039 our Lord and 00:26:46.039 --> 00:26:46.779 Savior had 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:48.000 exhorted the 00:26:48.000 --> 00:26:48.799 first believers, 00:26:49.119 --> 00:26:49.920 the apostles. 00:26:51.220 --> 00:26:51.980 Jesus says 00:26:51.980 --> 00:26:52.440 in Matthew 00:26:52.440 --> 00:26:53.380 7-7, 00:26:54.299 --> 00:26:54.880 Ask and 00:26:54.880 --> 00:26:55.160 it will be 00:26:55.160 --> 00:26:55.660 given to 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.019 you. 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:57.039 Seek and 00:26:57.039 --> 00:26:57.380 you will 00:26:57.380 --> 00:26:57.920 find. 00:26:58.619 --> 00:26:59.099 Knock and 00:26:59.099 --> 00:26:59.400 it will be 00:26:59.400 --> 00:27:00.019 open to 00:27:00.019 --> 00:27:00.400 you. 00:27:01.119 --> 00:27:01.559 We are to 00:27:01.559 --> 00:27:02.559 be continually, 00:27:03.400 --> 00:27:03.960 earnestly 00:27:03.960 --> 00:27:05.299 seeking the 00:27:05.299 --> 00:27:05.880 Lord in 00:27:05.880 --> 00:27:06.240 prayer. 00:27:07.339 --> 00:27:07.960 This is what 00:27:07.960 --> 00:27:08.660 John Calvin 00:27:08.660 --> 00:27:09.319 said about 00:27:09.319 --> 00:27:10.140 that verse. 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:14.319 Nothing is 00:27:14.319 --> 00:27:15.200 better adapted 00:27:15.200 --> 00:27:16.279 to excite us 00:27:16.279 --> 00:27:16.920 to prayer 00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:17.899 than a 00:27:17.899 --> 00:27:18.299 full 00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:19.039 conviction 00:27:19.039 --> 00:27:19.740 that we 00:27:19.740 --> 00:27:20.500 shall be 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:21.160 heard. 00:27:22.160 --> 00:27:22.700 I mean, 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:23.359 why pray if 00:27:23.359 --> 00:27:23.559 you're not 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:23.859 going to be 00:27:23.859 --> 00:27:24.099 heard, 00:27:24.200 --> 00:27:24.379 right? 00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:25.579 A full 00:27:25.579 --> 00:27:26.480 conviction that 00:27:26.480 --> 00:27:27.160 we shall be 00:27:27.160 --> 00:27:27.579 heard. 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:28.519 Christ, 00:27:28.700 --> 00:27:29.359 in order to 00:27:29.359 --> 00:27:30.099 excite us 00:27:30.099 --> 00:27:31.480 powerfully to 00:27:31.480 --> 00:27:32.339 this part of 00:27:32.339 --> 00:27:32.920 our duty, 00:27:33.299 --> 00:27:33.960 not only 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:35.299 enjoins what 00:27:35.299 --> 00:27:36.099 we ought to 00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:36.579 do, 00:27:36.579 --> 00:27:37.799 but promises 00:27:37.799 --> 00:27:38.240 that our 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:38.879 prayer shall 00:27:38.879 --> 00:27:39.599 not be 00:27:39.599 --> 00:27:40.319 fruitless. 00:27:41.220 --> 00:27:41.519 Again, 00:27:42.160 --> 00:27:43.039 whenever we 00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:43.899 engage in 00:27:43.899 --> 00:27:44.359 prayer, 00:27:44.359 --> 00:27:45.399 or whenever 00:27:45.399 --> 00:27:46.039 we feel 00:27:46.039 --> 00:27:46.479 that our 00:27:46.479 --> 00:27:47.119 ardor in 00:27:47.119 --> 00:27:47.500 prayer is 00:27:47.500 --> 00:27:48.319 not sufficiently 00:27:48.319 --> 00:27:49.079 strong, 00:27:49.479 --> 00:27:50.039 we ought to 00:27:50.039 --> 00:27:51.019 remember the 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:52.319 gentle invitation 00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:52.899 by which 00:27:52.899 --> 00:27:53.839 Christ assures 00:27:53.839 --> 00:27:55.219 us of God's 00:27:55.219 --> 00:27:56.000 fatherly 00:27:56.000 --> 00:27:56.579 kindness. 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.779 Each of us, 00:27:59.240 --> 00:27:59.939 trusting to the 00:27:59.939 --> 00:28:00.839 grace of Christ, 00:28:01.319 --> 00:28:02.119 will thus attain 00:28:02.119 --> 00:28:03.199 confidence in 00:28:03.199 --> 00:28:04.199 prayer and 00:28:04.199 --> 00:28:04.799 will venture 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:06.039 freely to 00:28:06.039 --> 00:28:06.699 call upon 00:28:06.699 --> 00:28:07.099 God. 00:28:08.099 --> 00:28:08.519 So, 00:28:08.859 --> 00:28:09.579 we should 00:28:09.579 --> 00:28:10.740 remember our 00:28:10.740 --> 00:28:11.419 Father's 00:28:11.419 --> 00:28:13.459 kindness awaits, 00:28:13.460 --> 00:28:15.100 our fatherly 00:28:15.100 --> 00:28:16.140 kindness awaits 00:28:16.140 --> 00:28:17.240 us, so we 00:28:17.240 --> 00:28:17.740 should not 00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:18.740 neglect prayer. 00:28:20.880 --> 00:28:21.400 And another 00:28:21.400 --> 00:28:23.460 point is that 00:28:23.460 --> 00:28:24.440 we should strive 00:28:24.440 --> 00:28:25.440 together in 00:28:25.440 --> 00:28:25.860 prayer. 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:28.460 This is what 00:28:28.460 --> 00:28:29.380 really struck me 00:28:29.380 --> 00:28:30.360 about what Paul 00:28:30.360 --> 00:28:30.640 wrote. 00:28:30.740 --> 00:28:31.200 He didn't just 00:28:31.200 --> 00:28:32.259 say pray, he 00:28:32.259 --> 00:28:33.700 said strive, 00:28:34.140 --> 00:28:34.620 strive, 00:28:34.880 --> 00:28:35.880 strive together 00:28:35.880 --> 00:28:36.840 in prayer. 00:28:37.880 --> 00:28:38.779 As brothers and 00:28:38.779 --> 00:28:39.279 sisters in 00:28:39.279 --> 00:28:39.920 Christ, having 00:28:39.920 --> 00:28:40.799 the same Lord, 00:28:41.200 --> 00:28:42.039 having a common 00:28:42.039 --> 00:28:43.180 love, we 00:28:43.180 --> 00:28:44.380 strive together 00:28:44.380 --> 00:28:44.980 in our prayers 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:45.500 for each 00:28:45.500 --> 00:28:45.820 other. 00:28:46.840 --> 00:28:47.539 This is what 00:28:47.539 --> 00:28:48.380 Carl's 00:28:48.380 --> 00:28:49.720 Hodge in 00:28:49.720 --> 00:28:50.519 his commentary 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:51.220 on this 00:28:51.220 --> 00:28:52.000 verse wrote, 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:53.100 we shall 00:28:53.100 --> 00:28:53.640 pray for 00:28:53.640 --> 00:28:54.200 others in 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:54.940 such a way 00:28:54.940 --> 00:28:55.860 as really 00:28:55.860 --> 00:28:56.720 to enter 00:28:56.720 --> 00:28:57.740 into their 00:28:57.740 --> 00:28:59.039 trials and 00:28:59.039 --> 00:29:00.620 conflicts and 00:29:00.620 --> 00:29:01.080 believe that 00:29:01.080 --> 00:29:01.759 our prayers, 00:29:01.960 --> 00:29:02.799 when sincere, 00:29:03.240 --> 00:29:04.019 are a real 00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:04.680 and great 00:29:04.680 --> 00:29:05.799 assistance to 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:06.080 them. 00:29:07.680 --> 00:29:08.259 So, 00:29:08.460 --> 00:29:09.759 do you think 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.400 your prayers 00:29:10.400 --> 00:29:11.400 are a real 00:29:11.400 --> 00:29:12.200 and great 00:29:12.200 --> 00:29:12.840 assistance? 00:29:14.560 --> 00:29:16.620 I know for 00:29:16.620 --> 00:29:17.500 myself, I can 00:29:17.500 --> 00:29:18.019 pray for 00:29:18.019 --> 00:29:18.560 someone because 00:29:18.560 --> 00:29:19.040 I don't want 00:29:19.040 --> 00:29:19.700 them to feel 00:29:19.700 --> 00:29:21.900 bad, or I 00:29:21.900 --> 00:29:22.420 want them to 00:29:22.420 --> 00:29:22.940 know that I 00:29:22.940 --> 00:29:23.500 care about 00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:25.100 them, but am 00:29:25.100 --> 00:29:25.820 I praying because 00:29:25.820 --> 00:29:27.140 I think my 00:29:27.140 --> 00:29:28.259 prayer is a real 00:29:28.259 --> 00:29:29.040 and great 00:29:29.040 --> 00:29:29.680 assistance? 00:29:30.820 --> 00:29:31.820 It's easy to 00:29:31.820 --> 00:29:32.519 focus on the 00:29:32.519 --> 00:29:33.259 individual, but 00:29:33.259 --> 00:29:33.620 we have to 00:29:33.620 --> 00:29:35.440 remember that we 00:29:35.440 --> 00:29:37.120 have our God, 00:29:37.380 --> 00:29:38.420 our Heavenly 00:29:38.420 --> 00:29:39.560 Father's kindness 00:29:39.559 --> 00:29:41.480 awaiting, and 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:42.240 so we pray 00:29:42.240 --> 00:29:44.119 realizing that 00:29:44.119 --> 00:29:44.859 our prayers are 00:29:44.859 --> 00:29:46.159 real and great 00:29:46.159 --> 00:29:47.059 assistance. 00:29:53.639 --> 00:29:54.519 Several years 00:29:54.519 --> 00:29:55.079 ago when we 00:29:55.079 --> 00:29:55.379 were in 00:29:55.379 --> 00:29:56.099 Cameroon, 00:29:57.379 --> 00:29:58.500 there was a 00:29:58.500 --> 00:29:59.119 period when I 00:29:59.119 --> 00:29:59.639 was traveling 00:29:59.639 --> 00:30:00.179 back and 00:30:00.179 --> 00:30:01.099 forth, and I 00:30:01.099 --> 00:30:01.679 left Susan 00:30:01.679 --> 00:30:02.279 and the girls 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:04.240 at the 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:04.579 provincial 00:30:04.579 --> 00:30:05.179 capital, 00:30:05.359 --> 00:30:06.339 Marowa, and 00:30:06.339 --> 00:30:07.279 I traveled out 00:30:07.279 --> 00:30:07.919 to where we 00:30:07.919 --> 00:30:08.339 were building 00:30:08.339 --> 00:30:10.159 our home, and 00:30:10.159 --> 00:30:10.559 the phone 00:30:10.559 --> 00:30:11.459 service on 00:30:11.459 --> 00:30:12.240 that trip was 00:30:12.240 --> 00:30:12.819 really bad. 00:30:12.879 --> 00:30:13.319 I wasn't able 00:30:13.319 --> 00:30:13.959 to call her, 00:30:14.079 --> 00:30:14.459 so I wasn't 00:30:14.459 --> 00:30:14.939 able to do 00:30:14.939 --> 00:30:15.359 the usual 00:30:15.359 --> 00:30:16.039 check-in and 00:30:16.039 --> 00:30:16.519 say I arrived 00:30:16.519 --> 00:30:16.939 safely. 00:30:17.839 --> 00:30:18.539 And so several 00:30:18.539 --> 00:30:19.339 days went by, 00:30:19.439 --> 00:30:19.699 and she was 00:30:19.699 --> 00:30:20.259 becoming more 00:30:20.259 --> 00:30:20.480 and more 00:30:20.480 --> 00:30:20.980 concerned. 00:30:21.679 --> 00:30:22.240 And this 00:30:22.240 --> 00:30:22.779 wonderful 00:30:22.779 --> 00:30:24.439 missionary named 00:30:24.439 --> 00:30:26.039 Marty, Marty 00:30:26.039 --> 00:30:27.039 Giger, she's 00:30:27.039 --> 00:30:27.699 Swiss-German, 00:30:27.939 --> 00:30:28.500 Swiss-German 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:29.139 missionaries are 00:30:29.139 --> 00:30:29.759 great, everyone 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.639 needs a Swiss-German 00:30:30.639 --> 00:30:31.240 missionary in 00:30:31.240 --> 00:30:31.599 their life. 00:30:32.519 --> 00:30:33.919 She came by to 00:30:33.919 --> 00:30:34.980 see Susan, and 00:30:34.980 --> 00:30:35.699 she had such a 00:30:35.699 --> 00:30:36.559 gentle spirit, she 00:30:36.559 --> 00:30:37.179 sat down with 00:30:37.179 --> 00:30:37.740 Susan and said, 00:30:37.740 --> 00:30:38.160 how are you 00:30:38.160 --> 00:30:38.420 doing? 00:30:38.940 --> 00:30:39.759 And Susan said, 00:30:40.220 --> 00:30:41.980 Aaron's out, and 00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:42.579 I haven't heard 00:30:42.579 --> 00:30:43.019 from him. 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:44.180 And so she 00:30:44.180 --> 00:30:44.779 said, let's 00:30:44.779 --> 00:30:45.039 pray. 00:30:45.880 --> 00:30:46.539 And as they 00:30:46.539 --> 00:30:47.319 were praying, 00:30:48.039 --> 00:30:49.559 the Lord heard 00:30:49.559 --> 00:30:50.099 their prayers, 00:30:50.220 --> 00:30:50.799 because right 00:30:50.799 --> 00:30:51.460 then the phone 00:30:51.460 --> 00:30:52.720 went off, and 00:30:52.720 --> 00:30:53.700 I was able to 00:30:53.700 --> 00:30:54.920 tell Susan, you 00:30:54.920 --> 00:30:55.559 know, I'm okay, 00:30:55.700 --> 00:30:56.559 and I should be 00:30:56.559 --> 00:30:57.099 home today. 00:30:57.839 --> 00:30:58.460 And when I got 00:30:58.460 --> 00:30:59.240 back, I learned 00:30:59.240 --> 00:30:59.960 that they had 00:30:59.960 --> 00:31:00.559 been praying at 00:31:00.559 --> 00:31:01.460 that very moment. 00:31:02.160 --> 00:31:02.740 So Marty 00:31:02.740 --> 00:31:03.579 understood that 00:31:03.579 --> 00:31:04.519 her prayers were 00:31:04.519 --> 00:31:05.120 a real 00:31:05.120 --> 00:31:06.480 assistance. 00:31:06.480 --> 00:31:06.680 presence. 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:07.779 And we 00:31:07.779 --> 00:31:08.099 need to 00:31:08.099 --> 00:31:08.799 remember that. 00:31:08.960 --> 00:31:09.220 Lifting 00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:09.819 each other 00:31:09.819 --> 00:31:10.500 up, striving 00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:11.160 together in 00:31:11.160 --> 00:31:11.440 prayer. 00:31:12.860 --> 00:31:13.680 And finally, 00:31:14.279 --> 00:31:15.440 this is the 00:31:15.440 --> 00:31:16.380 Apostle Paul, 00:31:16.500 --> 00:31:16.960 a missionary, 00:31:17.299 --> 00:31:17.860 making his 00:31:17.860 --> 00:31:19.039 missionary plans, 00:31:19.819 --> 00:31:20.420 asking the 00:31:20.420 --> 00:31:21.019 church to pray 00:31:21.019 --> 00:31:21.420 for him. 00:31:21.480 --> 00:31:21.880 So I think 00:31:21.880 --> 00:31:22.539 the third 00:31:22.539 --> 00:31:23.980 application is 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:24.579 to strive 00:31:24.579 --> 00:31:25.819 together in 00:31:25.819 --> 00:31:26.559 your prayers 00:31:26.559 --> 00:31:27.480 for your 00:31:27.480 --> 00:31:28.220 missionaries. 00:31:28.220 --> 00:31:30.579 Paul gives 00:31:30.579 --> 00:31:31.079 us this 00:31:31.079 --> 00:31:32.720 insight. 00:31:33.600 --> 00:31:34.220 He sees 00:31:34.220 --> 00:31:35.600 prayer as a 00:31:35.600 --> 00:31:36.120 way for 00:31:36.120 --> 00:31:37.000 others to 00:31:37.000 --> 00:31:37.860 stand side 00:31:37.860 --> 00:31:38.740 by side with 00:31:38.740 --> 00:31:39.200 him in his 00:31:39.200 --> 00:31:39.680 ministry. 00:31:40.100 --> 00:31:40.600 And he 00:31:40.600 --> 00:31:41.660 desperately needed 00:31:41.660 --> 00:31:42.220 their prayer. 00:31:42.339 --> 00:31:42.799 He wanted 00:31:42.799 --> 00:31:43.360 their prayer. 00:31:43.680 --> 00:31:44.539 He urged them 00:31:44.539 --> 00:31:45.579 as strongly as 00:31:45.579 --> 00:31:46.039 he could. 00:31:46.380 --> 00:31:46.860 He doesn't 00:31:46.860 --> 00:31:47.860 urge anyone 00:31:47.860 --> 00:31:48.920 in any of his 00:31:48.920 --> 00:31:49.680 writings like he 00:31:49.680 --> 00:31:51.120 does here to 00:31:51.120 --> 00:31:51.940 pray for him. 00:31:52.420 --> 00:31:52.980 He wanted 00:31:52.980 --> 00:31:53.880 their prayers. 00:31:53.880 --> 00:31:53.960 prayers. 00:31:55.580 --> 00:31:55.960 And so I 00:31:55.960 --> 00:31:58.340 think we 00:31:58.340 --> 00:31:58.880 all should 00:31:58.880 --> 00:31:59.500 take this to 00:31:59.500 --> 00:31:59.760 heart. 00:32:00.280 --> 00:32:00.900 We need to 00:32:00.900 --> 00:32:01.920 be striving in 00:32:01.920 --> 00:32:02.600 prayer with our 00:32:02.600 --> 00:32:03.160 missionaries. 00:32:03.260 --> 00:32:03.580 I'm really 00:32:03.580 --> 00:32:04.920 encouraged that 00:32:04.920 --> 00:32:05.740 your church is 00:32:05.740 --> 00:32:06.600 praying for your 00:32:06.600 --> 00:32:07.220 missionaries. 00:32:07.660 --> 00:32:08.200 And I just want 00:32:08.200 --> 00:32:08.700 to encourage you 00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:09.580 to excel still 00:32:09.580 --> 00:32:09.960 more. 00:32:10.680 --> 00:32:11.400 Continue to 00:32:11.400 --> 00:32:12.500 lift them up in 00:32:12.500 --> 00:32:12.980 prayer and 00:32:12.980 --> 00:32:13.640 encourage them 00:32:13.640 --> 00:32:14.220 through that. 00:32:15.180 --> 00:32:15.620 And you can 00:32:15.620 --> 00:32:17.100 even take a 00:32:17.100 --> 00:32:17.620 little step 00:32:17.620 --> 00:32:18.360 further if you 00:32:18.360 --> 00:32:18.740 want. 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:19.660 After you pray 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:20.240 for them, send 00:32:20.240 --> 00:32:20.680 them a text 00:32:20.680 --> 00:32:21.100 message. 00:32:21.420 --> 00:32:21.860 We pray. 00:32:22.740 --> 00:32:23.520 The church we 00:32:23.519 --> 00:32:24.259 go to in 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:25.440 Florida, they 00:32:25.440 --> 00:32:26.639 have twice a 00:32:26.639 --> 00:32:27.319 month we meet 00:32:27.319 --> 00:32:27.839 together and 00:32:27.839 --> 00:32:28.339 pray for the 00:32:28.339 --> 00:32:29.000 missionaries from 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:29.539 our church. 00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:30.859 And one thing 00:32:30.859 --> 00:32:31.420 that they do at 00:32:31.420 --> 00:32:31.920 the end of the 00:32:31.920 --> 00:32:32.319 meeting, you 00:32:32.319 --> 00:32:33.799 can't leave until 00:32:33.799 --> 00:32:34.700 you texted one of 00:32:34.700 --> 00:32:35.279 the missionaries 00:32:35.279 --> 00:32:35.720 and said, we 00:32:35.720 --> 00:32:36.460 prayed for you. 00:32:37.119 --> 00:32:38.240 And sometimes I 00:32:38.240 --> 00:32:39.099 even get a text, 00:32:39.420 --> 00:32:41.420 especially if I 00:32:41.420 --> 00:32:41.900 didn't make the 00:32:41.900 --> 00:32:42.200 meeting. 00:32:42.680 --> 00:32:43.400 They'll text me 00:32:43.400 --> 00:32:43.920 and say, Aaron, 00:32:43.960 --> 00:32:44.440 we prayed for 00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:44.819 you too. 00:32:45.460 --> 00:32:46.940 So pray for 00:32:46.940 --> 00:32:47.579 your missionaries. 00:32:47.700 --> 00:32:48.200 Encourage them. 00:32:48.259 --> 00:32:48.859 Let them know. 00:32:49.519 --> 00:32:50.039 And when they 00:32:50.039 --> 00:32:51.700 come back, when 00:32:51.700 --> 00:32:52.559 they walk in, 00:32:52.559 --> 00:32:53.500 this is the 00:32:53.500 --> 00:32:54.179 best way to 00:32:54.179 --> 00:32:54.619 greet them. 00:32:54.799 --> 00:32:55.819 Say, welcome 00:32:55.819 --> 00:32:56.919 back, Sam and 00:32:56.919 --> 00:32:57.319 Amanda. 00:32:57.579 --> 00:32:57.960 We've been 00:32:57.960 --> 00:32:58.759 praying for you. 00:32:59.319 --> 00:32:59.839 Don't say 00:32:59.839 --> 00:33:00.399 anything else. 00:33:00.839 --> 00:33:01.299 They'll be so 00:33:01.299 --> 00:33:01.799 shocked. 00:33:02.099 --> 00:33:02.500 Let them just 00:33:02.500 --> 00:33:03.639 sink in. 00:33:04.359 --> 00:33:05.339 Welcome back, 00:33:05.779 --> 00:33:06.480 Chris and Liz. 00:33:06.619 --> 00:33:07.039 We've been 00:33:07.039 --> 00:33:07.759 praying for you. 00:33:08.839 --> 00:33:09.299 Don't say 00:33:09.299 --> 00:33:09.859 anything else. 00:33:09.960 --> 00:33:11.139 Just let that 00:33:11.139 --> 00:33:12.119 encourage their 00:33:12.119 --> 00:33:12.480 hearts. 00:33:13.039 --> 00:33:13.720 Kyle and Hannah, 00:33:13.879 --> 00:33:14.480 welcome back. 00:33:14.539 --> 00:33:14.819 We've been 00:33:14.819 --> 00:33:15.599 praying for you. 00:33:16.399 --> 00:33:17.059 They'll be really 00:33:17.059 --> 00:33:17.899 blessed by that. 00:33:17.900 --> 00:33:19.960 And if you 00:33:19.960 --> 00:33:20.640 haven't been 00:33:20.640 --> 00:33:22.019 praying for any 00:33:22.019 --> 00:33:23.620 missionaries, now's 00:33:23.620 --> 00:33:24.019 the day. 00:33:24.600 --> 00:33:25.180 You can start 00:33:25.180 --> 00:33:25.640 praying. 00:33:26.320 --> 00:33:27.160 Your church has 00:33:27.160 --> 00:33:28.040 four couples. 00:33:28.880 --> 00:33:29.600 Maybe there's even 00:33:29.600 --> 00:33:30.680 another missionary in 00:33:30.680 --> 00:33:31.080 your life. 00:33:31.200 --> 00:33:31.840 Maybe you have an 00:33:31.840 --> 00:33:32.740 uncle or an aunt, 00:33:32.840 --> 00:33:34.380 a nephew, someone 00:33:34.380 --> 00:33:34.780 else. 00:33:34.960 --> 00:33:36.480 Maybe someone, the 00:33:36.480 --> 00:33:37.420 Lord brought a 00:33:37.420 --> 00:33:37.960 missionary in your 00:33:37.960 --> 00:33:38.700 life before you 00:33:38.700 --> 00:33:39.240 came here. 00:33:39.980 --> 00:33:41.300 And even now, the 00:33:41.300 --> 00:33:41.960 Spirit's brought 00:33:41.960 --> 00:33:42.820 them to your mind. 00:33:43.320 --> 00:33:44.360 I've told so-and-so 00:33:44.360 --> 00:33:45.160 I'd be praying for 00:33:45.160 --> 00:33:45.400 them. 00:33:45.400 --> 00:33:47.060 Their prayer card 00:33:47.060 --> 00:33:47.759 fell behind the 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:48.680 refrigerator and I 00:33:48.680 --> 00:33:50.380 just never have 00:33:50.380 --> 00:33:50.960 gotten it out. 00:33:51.560 --> 00:33:53.280 Let today be that 00:33:53.280 --> 00:33:55.780 day where you begin 00:33:55.780 --> 00:33:56.600 praying for them 00:33:56.600 --> 00:33:56.920 again. 00:33:57.660 --> 00:33:58.820 Strive together with 00:33:58.820 --> 00:34:00.360 them in your prayers 00:34:00.360 --> 00:34:02.019 to God for them. 00:34:04.640 --> 00:34:06.019 Last night, I 00:34:06.019 --> 00:34:06.740 mentioned William 00:34:06.740 --> 00:34:07.240 Carey. 00:34:08.220 --> 00:34:09.139 People call him the 00:34:09.139 --> 00:34:10.139 father of modern 00:34:10.139 --> 00:34:10.599 missions. 00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:13.980 He appears in so 00:34:13.980 --> 00:34:15.260 many textbooks and 00:34:15.260 --> 00:34:16.260 so many sermons. 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:18.200 He encouraged so 00:34:18.200 --> 00:34:19.680 many people in 00:34:19.680 --> 00:34:20.400 mission work. 00:34:21.100 --> 00:34:21.520 You may have 00:34:21.520 --> 00:34:22.220 heard of Agnard 00:34:22.220 --> 00:34:23.580 Judson, the 00:34:23.580 --> 00:34:24.420 American missionary 00:34:24.420 --> 00:34:25.160 who went to 00:34:25.160 --> 00:34:25.520 Burma. 00:34:26.280 --> 00:34:27.440 Do you know why 00:34:27.440 --> 00:34:27.960 he went to 00:34:27.960 --> 00:34:28.280 Burma? 00:34:28.640 --> 00:34:29.120 Because of 00:34:29.120 --> 00:34:29.900 William Carey. 00:34:30.460 --> 00:34:31.320 He went and 00:34:31.320 --> 00:34:32.080 William Carey 00:34:32.080 --> 00:34:32.900 helped save him 00:34:32.900 --> 00:34:33.560 from the British 00:34:33.560 --> 00:34:34.260 authorities. 00:34:34.740 --> 00:34:35.120 The British 00:34:35.120 --> 00:34:35.840 authorities at 00:34:35.840 --> 00:34:36.560 that time loved 00:34:36.560 --> 00:34:38.240 to capture 00:34:38.240 --> 00:34:39.220 missionaries and 00:34:39.220 --> 00:34:39.780 send them back 00:34:39.780 --> 00:34:40.000 home. 00:34:40.760 --> 00:34:41.840 And so there's 00:34:41.840 --> 00:34:42.580 nothing better than 00:34:42.580 --> 00:34:43.620 the British, what 00:34:43.620 --> 00:34:44.260 was it, East 00:34:44.260 --> 00:34:45.260 India Company. 00:34:45.720 --> 00:34:47.540 They did not want 00:34:47.540 --> 00:34:48.340 missionaries there. 00:34:48.440 --> 00:34:49.200 In fact, William 00:34:49.200 --> 00:34:50.380 Carey lived in a 00:34:50.380 --> 00:34:52.780 Danish colony in 00:34:52.780 --> 00:34:53.420 order to fulfill 00:34:53.420 --> 00:34:54.040 his ministry. 00:34:54.620 --> 00:34:55.700 So he helped 00:34:55.700 --> 00:34:56.840 Adoniram Judson 00:34:56.840 --> 00:34:57.580 escape the 00:34:57.580 --> 00:34:58.780 British and get 00:34:58.780 --> 00:34:59.880 safely on to 00:34:59.880 --> 00:35:00.700 Burma and begin 00:35:00.700 --> 00:35:01.340 his ministry. 00:35:03.120 --> 00:35:04.100 Everyone has 00:35:04.100 --> 00:35:04.740 heard of William 00:35:04.740 --> 00:35:05.760 Carey, but very 00:35:05.760 --> 00:35:06.640 few people have 00:35:06.640 --> 00:35:07.440 heard of his 00:35:07.440 --> 00:35:07.800 sister. 00:35:08.320 --> 00:35:08.720 Did you know 00:35:08.720 --> 00:35:09.340 that he had a 00:35:09.340 --> 00:35:10.620 sister, Polly? 00:35:10.619 --> 00:35:12.599 And Polly is 00:35:12.599 --> 00:35:13.799 probably better 00:35:13.799 --> 00:35:14.539 remembered in 00:35:14.539 --> 00:35:15.839 heaven because of 00:35:15.839 --> 00:35:16.839 all her prayers. 00:35:17.759 --> 00:35:18.739 She prayed for 00:35:18.739 --> 00:35:19.539 him regularly. 00:35:19.699 --> 00:35:21.460 In fact, she was 00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:23.319 bedridden and she 00:35:23.319 --> 00:35:24.219 would write him 00:35:24.219 --> 00:35:25.279 regularly and pray 00:35:25.279 --> 00:35:26.239 for him regularly. 00:35:26.359 --> 00:35:27.000 And when groups 00:35:27.000 --> 00:35:29.380 would visit her, she 00:35:29.380 --> 00:35:29.940 would have them 00:35:29.940 --> 00:35:30.639 pray for her 00:35:30.639 --> 00:35:32.099 brother overseas. 00:35:32.900 --> 00:35:34.039 And she was 00:35:34.039 --> 00:35:35.199 continually lifting 00:35:35.199 --> 00:35:36.480 him up in prayer. 00:35:36.480 --> 00:35:38.019 And that's what 00:35:38.019 --> 00:35:38.860 every missionary 00:35:38.860 --> 00:35:39.420 wants. 00:35:40.000 --> 00:35:40.860 They want a 00:35:40.860 --> 00:35:42.599 Polly behind 00:35:42.599 --> 00:35:43.460 them, praying 00:35:43.460 --> 00:35:43.980 for them. 00:35:44.920 --> 00:35:45.920 Even Paul wanted 00:35:45.920 --> 00:35:46.199 that. 00:35:46.300 --> 00:35:47.099 He urged them, 00:35:47.460 --> 00:35:48.240 strive together 00:35:48.240 --> 00:35:49.500 with me in your 00:35:49.500 --> 00:35:50.300 prayers to God 00:35:50.300 --> 00:35:51.019 on my behalf. 00:35:52.179 --> 00:35:53.139 So I encourage 00:35:53.139 --> 00:35:53.820 you, brothers and 00:35:53.820 --> 00:35:55.079 sisters, let's 00:35:55.079 --> 00:35:56.539 follow the example 00:35:56.539 --> 00:35:58.079 of Paul, his 00:35:58.079 --> 00:35:59.320 exhortation, and 00:35:59.320 --> 00:36:01.260 strive with those 00:36:01.260 --> 00:36:02.300 who are serving 00:36:02.300 --> 00:36:03.699 and even strive 00:36:03.699 --> 00:36:05.240 with one another 00:36:05.239 --> 00:36:06.759 coming together 00:36:06.759 --> 00:36:07.500 and praying for 00:36:07.500 --> 00:36:08.159 each other. 00:36:09.619 --> 00:36:10.399 Let's pray. 00:36:11.919 --> 00:36:13.039 Heavenly Father, we 00:36:13.039 --> 00:36:13.939 thank you for this 00:36:13.939 --> 00:36:14.359 passage. 00:36:14.639 --> 00:36:15.619 We thank you for 00:36:15.619 --> 00:36:17.179 your spirit moving 00:36:17.179 --> 00:36:19.219 Paul to write 00:36:19.219 --> 00:36:21.619 these words where 00:36:21.619 --> 00:36:24.559 he's very vulnerable 00:36:24.559 --> 00:36:26.399 in a way, sharing 00:36:26.399 --> 00:36:28.099 how much he needed 00:36:28.099 --> 00:36:29.599 prayer, how much 00:36:29.599 --> 00:36:30.239 he wanted the 00:36:30.239 --> 00:36:31.099 believers in Rome 00:36:31.099 --> 00:36:32.219 to remember him. 00:36:32.979 --> 00:36:33.739 And we thank you, 00:36:33.859 --> 00:36:34.819 Lord, that you 00:36:34.820 --> 00:36:35.720 answered those 00:36:35.720 --> 00:36:36.660 prayers and even 00:36:36.660 --> 00:36:37.660 moved Luke to 00:36:37.660 --> 00:36:39.420 record how you 00:36:39.420 --> 00:36:40.519 worked through your 00:36:40.519 --> 00:36:42.320 people to continue 00:36:42.320 --> 00:36:43.180 the ministry of 00:36:43.180 --> 00:36:43.440 Paul. 00:36:43.980 --> 00:36:44.820 And we just pray 00:36:44.820 --> 00:36:45.640 that you would use 00:36:45.640 --> 00:36:46.680 this in our hearts 00:36:46.680 --> 00:36:48.800 to stir us to pray 00:36:48.800 --> 00:36:50.400 even more that 00:36:50.400 --> 00:36:51.660 you, your purposes 00:36:51.660 --> 00:36:52.480 would be accomplished 00:36:52.480 --> 00:36:54.100 in our day through 00:36:54.100 --> 00:36:55.900 your servants. 00:36:56.380 --> 00:36:57.860 And we pray for 00:36:57.860 --> 00:37:00.280 Sam and Amanda, 00:37:00.480 --> 00:37:00.960 that you would 00:37:00.960 --> 00:37:01.840 encourage them today 00:37:01.840 --> 00:37:02.780 and bless them and 00:37:02.780 --> 00:37:04.300 Chris and Liz as 00:37:04.300 --> 00:37:06.519 they minister in 00:37:06.519 --> 00:37:09.260 their mission field 00:37:09.260 --> 00:37:11.360 in North Africa. 00:37:11.580 --> 00:37:12.280 And we pray for 00:37:12.280 --> 00:37:13.380 Kyle and Hannah in 00:37:13.380 --> 00:37:14.240 the southern tip of 00:37:14.240 --> 00:37:14.680 Africa. 00:37:15.220 --> 00:37:16.140 You bless them as 00:37:16.140 --> 00:37:16.720 well today. 00:37:17.340 --> 00:37:18.560 And we thank you for 00:37:18.560 --> 00:37:19.640 all those that you've 00:37:19.640 --> 00:37:20.620 led to the ends of 00:37:20.620 --> 00:37:21.980 the earth to proclaim 00:37:21.980 --> 00:37:22.720 your greatness. 00:37:23.360 --> 00:37:24.940 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:37:25.220 --> 00:37:25.480 Amen. 00:37:25.480 --> 00:37:25.620 Amen. 00:37:25.620 --> 00:37:26.540 Amen. 00:37:26.540 --> 00:37:26.620 Amen. 00:37:26.620 --> 00:37:26.680 Amen. 00:37:26.680 --> 00:37:26.720 Amen. 00:37:26.720 --> 00:37:26.740 Amen. 00:37:26.740 --> 00:37:26.840 Amen. 00:37:26.840 --> 00:37:27.240 Amen. 00:37:27.240 --> 00:37:27.320 Amen. 00:37:27.320 --> 00:37:27.420 Amen. 00:37:27.420 --> 00:37:27.540 Amen. 00:37:27.540 --> 00:37:27.840 Amen. 00:37:27.840 --> 00:37:28.519 Amen. 00:37:28.519 --> 00:37:28.540 Amen. 00:37:28.540 --> 00:37:28.640 Amen. 00:37:28.640 --> 00:37:28.780 Amen. 00:37:28.780 --> 00:37:29.580 Amen. 00:37:29.580 --> 00:37:29.640 Amen. 00:37:29.640 --> 00:37:29.720 Amen. 00:37:29.720 --> 00:37:29.740 Amen. 00:37:29.740 --> 00:37:29.920 Amen.