WEBVTT 00:00:00.040 --> 00:00:03.020 Well, it's the last Sunday in January. 00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:09.320 We have, we're not quite at the end of the month, a few days left. 00:00:09.880 --> 00:00:14.359 We have 11 months to go, so we're still at the beginning of the year. 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:22.780 We're meeting this afternoon to discuss what our priorities should be in the coming year as a church, 00:00:22.960 --> 00:00:24.219 with our annual general meeting. 00:00:24.699 --> 00:00:28.140 And so that question has been rolling around in my mind. 00:00:28.140 --> 00:00:33.700 As a church, what should be our top priority in 2019? 00:00:35.600 --> 00:00:38.359 I wonder how you would fill in the blank to that statement. 00:00:38.560 --> 00:00:46.939 As a church, our top priority in 2019 should be, what comes to mind? 00:00:48.560 --> 00:00:55.540 Is it church maintenance and renovations, projects, dealing with the sewage issue in the basement, 00:00:55.539 --> 00:01:02.000 replacing the carpet, dealing with our sound and PowerPoint issues? 00:01:03.920 --> 00:01:14.180 Is it growing our ministries as a church, finding more volunteers to serve with kids, with youth, with church cleaning? 00:01:14.180 --> 00:01:20.540 Is it getting organized better as a church? 00:01:21.900 --> 00:01:26.000 What should be our top priority as a church in 2019? 00:01:27.580 --> 00:01:36.380 Well, this morning, we're going to look at Paul's answer to that question for one of the churches in his letter. 00:01:36.379 --> 00:01:38.979 He wrote a letter to Timothy. 00:01:42.699 --> 00:01:43.899 Timothy was a pastor. 00:01:44.299 --> 00:01:45.039 He was a shepherd. 00:01:45.219 --> 00:01:47.920 He was an elder, an overseer in the church at Ephesus. 00:01:49.000 --> 00:01:54.159 And Paul actually, in his letter, tells Timothy why he's writing to him. 00:01:54.239 --> 00:01:57.259 In chapter 3, verse 14 and 15, he says this, 00:01:57.260 --> 00:02:22.020 Timothy, in case things don't go according to plan, in case I get held up, 00:02:22.020 --> 00:02:31.140 I'm giving you all these instructions in my letter so that you will know how you ought to conduct yourselves 00:02:31.140 --> 00:02:35.980 as members in the household of God, in the family of God, 00:02:35.980 --> 00:02:44.360 so that you'll know how to behave, how to act, how to live as the church of the living God. 00:02:45.480 --> 00:02:49.100 Paul gives a whole bunch of instructions in this letter. 00:02:49.099 --> 00:02:53.739 Which one is most important? 00:02:55.539 --> 00:03:01.199 Out of all the things that he instructs Timothy to do and the church to do, 00:03:01.299 --> 00:03:02.859 which of them is most important? 00:03:05.019 --> 00:03:13.240 Paul actually gives us a bit of a hint and answers that question for us in verse 1 of chapter 2. 00:03:17.340 --> 00:03:18.519 He says this, 00:03:18.520 --> 00:03:48.520 00:03:48.520 --> 00:04:03.320 This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 00:04:03.840 --> 00:04:08.439 And for this purpose, I was appointed a herald and an apostle. 00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:10.260 I'm telling the truth. 00:04:10.780 --> 00:04:11.580 I'm not lying. 00:04:12.080 --> 00:04:14.980 And a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. 00:04:14.979 --> 00:04:25.120 Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 00:04:27.300 --> 00:04:31.480 Are you surprised by what Paul says here? 00:04:31.480 --> 00:04:41.120 I urge then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made. 00:04:43.120 --> 00:04:48.140 First of all, before all the other things that I'm going to tell you, 00:04:49.300 --> 00:04:51.080 prayer. 00:04:51.079 --> 00:05:02.180 There are so many other things Paul could have chosen to put in that blank of what should be your top priority in Ephesus, Timothy. 00:05:02.439 --> 00:05:04.599 I urge you to preach the word. 00:05:05.459 --> 00:05:09.519 I urge you to correct those false teachers. 00:05:09.519 --> 00:05:13.879 I urge you to deal with the issues in your church. 00:05:14.659 --> 00:05:23.120 But before all that stuff, first out of everything, I urge you to pray. 00:05:23.680 --> 00:05:26.659 I urge that prayers be made. 00:05:26.660 --> 00:05:31.500 Paul actually, he uses four different words for prayer here. 00:05:32.180 --> 00:05:36.700 He says, I urge that petitions be made. 00:05:37.400 --> 00:05:39.200 Petitions or requests. 00:05:39.380 --> 00:05:41.540 In this context, requests to God. 00:05:42.540 --> 00:05:45.060 I urge that prayers be made. 00:05:45.160 --> 00:05:50.280 It's just the common word for prayer, that words be spoken to God. 00:05:50.279 --> 00:05:54.559 I urge that intercession be made. 00:05:54.839 --> 00:06:03.659 A very specific kind of prayer, which refers to, generally in cases where there's somebody that's higher or above you, 00:06:04.199 --> 00:06:07.599 asking them for help on behalf of someone else. 00:06:10.379 --> 00:06:13.159 He urges that thanksgiving be made. 00:06:14.299 --> 00:06:18.519 Expressions of heartfelt gratitude to God. 00:06:18.519 --> 00:06:21.199 Four different kinds of prayer. 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:25.039 Why does Paul urge four different kinds of prayer? 00:06:27.219 --> 00:06:32.219 I think, generally, what he's saying is, 00:06:32.339 --> 00:06:35.519 I want you guys to pray all kinds of prayer. 00:06:36.219 --> 00:06:37.159 All kinds of prayers. 00:06:37.339 --> 00:06:39.319 Not just one kind. 00:06:39.500 --> 00:06:42.000 Not just one frequency or type. 00:06:42.799 --> 00:06:46.139 But I urge you to be praying all kinds. 00:06:46.139 --> 00:06:48.620 The full spectrum of prayer. 00:06:50.419 --> 00:06:51.459 For who? 00:06:53.740 --> 00:06:56.379 For all people, he says. 00:06:57.800 --> 00:06:59.459 All kinds of prayer. 00:07:00.560 --> 00:07:03.300 For all kinds of people. 00:07:03.740 --> 00:07:04.360 For everyone. 00:07:04.599 --> 00:07:06.259 Nobody is to be excluded. 00:07:07.399 --> 00:07:09.919 There's been some tension in this church. 00:07:09.920 --> 00:07:12.759 Between Jew and Gentile. 00:07:13.439 --> 00:07:16.040 Paul's referred to that earlier on in chapter 1. 00:07:16.500 --> 00:07:19.280 He talks about how there's some who want to be teachers of the law, 00:07:19.360 --> 00:07:21.259 but they don't know what they're talking about. 00:07:21.480 --> 00:07:23.500 Or what they so confidently affirm. 00:07:24.500 --> 00:07:28.600 And there may have been some division and faction. 00:07:28.600 --> 00:07:30.280 In the church. 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:31.139 Or in the region. 00:07:31.139 --> 00:07:35.479 But nobody is to be excluded from prayer. 00:07:35.699 --> 00:07:36.699 Pray for everyone. 00:07:36.879 --> 00:07:38.199 Jew and Gentile. 00:07:38.339 --> 00:07:39.159 For all people. 00:07:40.599 --> 00:07:41.839 Slave and free. 00:07:43.599 --> 00:07:45.680 Friend and enemy. 00:07:45.839 --> 00:07:47.099 Those who treat you well. 00:07:47.560 --> 00:07:49.259 And those who persecute you. 00:07:52.560 --> 00:07:53.620 All people. 00:07:53.620 --> 00:07:57.500 Even kings. 00:07:58.220 --> 00:08:01.620 And those in positions of authority over you. 00:08:04.780 --> 00:08:08.720 Those are some of the people that probably have caused some big trouble. 00:08:09.379 --> 00:08:11.899 For the church in Ephesus. 00:08:12.840 --> 00:08:13.759 For Paul. 00:08:14.819 --> 00:08:15.899 And for Timothy. 00:08:16.060 --> 00:08:19.439 As they've gone on their travels to spread the news of Christ. 00:08:20.379 --> 00:08:21.980 Pray for all people. 00:08:21.980 --> 00:08:23.080 Even the kings. 00:08:23.520 --> 00:08:24.920 Even those in authority. 00:08:25.060 --> 00:08:25.860 Even the emperor. 00:08:26.180 --> 00:08:27.700 And the regional governors. 00:08:28.140 --> 00:08:30.500 And the municipal government. 00:08:32.860 --> 00:08:34.080 Pray for them too. 00:08:34.480 --> 00:08:35.920 They're not to be excluded. 00:08:36.460 --> 00:08:37.139 All people. 00:08:38.379 --> 00:08:39.600 All kinds of prayers. 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:41.680 For all kinds of people. 00:08:43.720 --> 00:08:49.580 And Paul gives five reasons why we should pray all kinds of prayers. 00:08:49.580 --> 00:08:51.780 For all kinds of people. 00:08:51.920 --> 00:08:53.420 And this should be our. 00:08:53.920 --> 00:08:55.160 What we focus on. 00:08:55.300 --> 00:08:56.040 First of all. 00:08:57.500 --> 00:09:01.620 And the first reason is specifically related to kings. 00:09:02.320 --> 00:09:03.879 And those in authority. 00:09:04.020 --> 00:09:05.500 He says pray for kings. 00:09:05.620 --> 00:09:06.860 And all those in authority. 00:09:07.300 --> 00:09:09.160 That we may live peaceful. 00:09:09.540 --> 00:09:10.720 And quiet lives. 00:09:10.980 --> 00:09:12.020 In all godliness. 00:09:12.420 --> 00:09:13.139 And holiness. 00:09:13.139 --> 00:09:17.879 God is able to turn the heart. 00:09:18.519 --> 00:09:20.899 Of those in authority over us. 00:09:21.100 --> 00:09:24.120 Such that we can live out our faith. 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:26.480 Without hindrance. 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:29.779 He is able to do that. 00:09:29.860 --> 00:09:30.539 He is lord. 00:09:30.679 --> 00:09:31.639 Even over. 00:09:32.639 --> 00:09:34.779 The people that have the most power. 00:09:35.240 --> 00:09:35.980 In our world. 00:09:36.980 --> 00:09:37.379 Kings. 00:09:37.379 --> 00:09:41.320 This is a huge encouragement. 00:09:41.820 --> 00:09:42.340 To remember. 00:09:45.600 --> 00:09:47.439 And the reason we're to pray for them. 00:09:47.559 --> 00:09:49.039 Or at least one of the reasons. 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:50.460 That we're given here. 00:09:50.539 --> 00:09:51.960 Is that we may live peaceful. 00:09:52.279 --> 00:09:53.460 And quiet lives. 00:09:54.539 --> 00:09:55.679 In all godliness. 00:09:56.399 --> 00:09:57.200 And holiness. 00:09:58.360 --> 00:09:59.840 As a bit of a side point here. 00:09:59.840 --> 00:10:02.139 Some have seen in these words. 00:10:03.320 --> 00:10:04.620 A bit of an excuse. 00:10:04.820 --> 00:10:07.320 To keep their faith to themselves. 00:10:07.379 --> 00:10:10.299 To keep silent. 00:10:10.559 --> 00:10:12.659 To hide their lit candle under the bowl. 00:10:13.620 --> 00:10:14.340 See it says. 00:10:14.679 --> 00:10:15.700 Peaceful and quiet. 00:10:15.820 --> 00:10:16.720 We're to be quiet. 00:10:18.559 --> 00:10:19.779 Preach the gospel. 00:10:20.340 --> 00:10:21.539 If necessary. 00:10:22.159 --> 00:10:22.960 Use words. 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:25.639 I hate that quote. 00:10:25.980 --> 00:10:26.860 It's not true. 00:10:27.539 --> 00:10:28.139 The gospel. 00:10:28.539 --> 00:10:29.700 Is news. 00:10:29.820 --> 00:10:31.559 It's a message that has words. 00:10:31.659 --> 00:10:32.899 You can't tell people. 00:10:32.899 --> 00:10:34.059 About who Jesus is. 00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:35.080 And what he's done for them. 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:35.820 Without words. 00:10:35.820 --> 00:10:35.900 Peace. 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:40.300 That's not what Paul's talking about. 00:10:40.500 --> 00:10:41.440 It's an expression. 00:10:41.640 --> 00:10:42.220 In peace. 00:10:42.780 --> 00:10:43.500 And quiet. 00:10:44.440 --> 00:10:45.840 He's referring generally. 00:10:46.080 --> 00:10:47.400 To their relationship. 00:10:47.400 --> 00:10:48.160 To the government. 00:10:48.160 --> 00:10:49.160 That there is no disturbance. 00:10:49.960 --> 00:10:50.600 There is no. 00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:52.160 There's no disruption. 00:10:52.879 --> 00:10:53.160 Or interruption. 00:10:54.440 --> 00:10:56.240 That they're just able to freely. 00:10:56.500 --> 00:10:57.960 Live out their faith. 00:10:58.440 --> 00:10:59.320 In Christ. 00:10:59.320 --> 00:11:01.800 The word for quiet there. 00:11:01.800 --> 00:11:04.260 Could be also used for tranquil. 00:11:04.260 --> 00:11:04.900 Or calm. 00:11:06.220 --> 00:11:07.060 He says. 00:11:07.400 --> 00:11:09.120 In all godliness. 00:11:09.580 --> 00:11:10.100 And holiness. 00:11:11.320 --> 00:11:13.020 Godliness is another one of those words. 00:11:13.020 --> 00:11:14.240 That we easily miss. 00:11:14.440 --> 00:11:15.879 Or mistake. 00:11:16.120 --> 00:11:17.780 We maybe narrow it down too much. 00:11:18.600 --> 00:11:20.240 As in a godly life. 00:11:20.420 --> 00:11:21.260 Is a life. 00:11:21.420 --> 00:11:22.280 That is lived. 00:11:22.700 --> 00:11:23.160 Morally. 00:11:23.280 --> 00:11:24.160 By God's standard. 00:11:24.280 --> 00:11:24.960 And it is that. 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:27.540 But the focus of this word is really. 00:11:27.759 --> 00:11:29.040 It could be translated as. 00:11:29.280 --> 00:11:31.379 In all devotedness to God. 00:11:33.580 --> 00:11:34.340 God is. 00:11:34.700 --> 00:11:36.240 Pray for your leaders. 00:11:36.440 --> 00:11:37.940 For those who are in authority over you. 00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:39.920 Because God is able to turn their hearts. 00:11:40.259 --> 00:11:42.180 Such that you are able to. 00:11:42.420 --> 00:11:44.220 Live out your faith. 00:11:44.560 --> 00:11:45.440 In all. 00:11:45.440 --> 00:11:47.140 Devotedness to God. 00:11:48.220 --> 00:11:49.340 Without interference. 00:11:49.560 --> 00:11:51.120 Without causing a disturbance. 00:11:53.020 --> 00:11:55.120 Spreading the news of who Christ is. 00:11:55.320 --> 00:11:56.500 Making disciples. 00:11:58.380 --> 00:12:00.060 Without disruption. 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:04.560 Think about the time that Paul first came to Ephesus. 00:12:05.960 --> 00:12:06.900 The city. 00:12:07.340 --> 00:12:08.200 For a moment there. 00:12:09.140 --> 00:12:10.100 Swelled into. 00:12:10.560 --> 00:12:11.720 An uproar. 00:12:12.360 --> 00:12:13.240 They were rioting. 00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:15.100 Everybody was shouting as one man. 00:12:15.100 --> 00:12:17.200 Great is Artemis of the Ephesians. 00:12:17.840 --> 00:12:18.340 And thankfully. 00:12:18.519 --> 00:12:19.680 It didn't end with Paul. 00:12:20.259 --> 00:12:22.500 And his companions being thrown in prison. 00:12:22.639 --> 00:12:23.720 But there were other cities. 00:12:23.960 --> 00:12:24.740 Where it did. 00:12:26.440 --> 00:12:27.659 That's the kind of. 00:12:28.060 --> 00:12:29.860 Thing that we don't want to see. 00:12:30.060 --> 00:12:30.820 And so pray. 00:12:31.000 --> 00:12:32.680 For those in authority over you. 00:12:33.680 --> 00:12:34.440 So that. 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:36.300 We may carry out. 00:12:36.820 --> 00:12:38.379 And live out our faith. 00:12:39.200 --> 00:12:40.560 Fully devoted to God. 00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:41.500 Without hindrance. 00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:43.639 Spreading the message of Christ. 00:12:43.639 --> 00:12:43.720 Christ. 00:12:45.240 --> 00:12:46.840 As I was thinking about this. 00:12:46.980 --> 00:12:48.000 Even just last night. 00:12:48.080 --> 00:12:48.860 Talking to Jen. 00:12:52.220 --> 00:12:52.740 We. 00:12:53.059 --> 00:12:54.259 Have that freedom. 00:12:54.919 --> 00:12:55.159 Here. 00:12:55.620 --> 00:12:56.220 In Davidson. 00:12:57.559 --> 00:12:58.879 We don't have anybody. 00:12:59.379 --> 00:13:00.080 In the government. 00:13:00.279 --> 00:13:01.379 Breathing down our necks. 00:13:04.980 --> 00:13:05.519 Saying. 00:13:05.939 --> 00:13:07.419 You can't say that. 00:13:09.340 --> 00:13:11.080 Threatening to throw us in prison. 00:13:11.080 --> 00:13:15.340 Are we making the most. 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:16.200 Of the opportunity. 00:13:16.200 --> 00:13:17.259 That we have. 00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:20.840 To live out our faith. 00:13:20.840 --> 00:13:21.240 Fully. 00:13:21.240 --> 00:13:23.220 And to spread the news of Christ. 00:13:26.720 --> 00:13:27.879 The second reason. 00:13:27.879 --> 00:13:28.840 That Paul gives. 00:13:29.240 --> 00:13:30.840 For why we should pray. 00:13:30.940 --> 00:13:32.100 All kinds of prayers. 00:13:32.100 --> 00:13:33.620 For all kinds of people. 00:13:33.620 --> 00:13:34.500 Is in verse three. 00:13:34.500 --> 00:13:36.480 He says. 00:13:37.100 --> 00:13:37.580 This. 00:13:37.580 --> 00:13:38.779 Is good. 00:13:39.580 --> 00:13:40.559 And pleases. 00:13:40.940 --> 00:13:41.320 God. 00:13:41.659 --> 00:13:42.360 Our savior. 00:13:44.919 --> 00:13:46.519 Do you have in your heart. 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:47.240 A desire. 00:13:47.419 --> 00:13:48.500 To do something good. 00:13:51.220 --> 00:13:52.519 To do something. 00:13:52.659 --> 00:13:53.820 That pleases God. 00:13:56.440 --> 00:13:57.580 Then pray. 00:13:58.580 --> 00:13:59.840 All kinds of prayers. 00:14:00.539 --> 00:14:02.220 For all kinds of people. 00:14:02.220 --> 00:14:04.500 This is good. 00:14:04.620 --> 00:14:05.500 This is the thing. 00:14:05.500 --> 00:14:06.120 That God. 00:14:06.440 --> 00:14:07.240 Smiles upon. 00:14:08.180 --> 00:14:09.240 And desires. 00:14:09.600 --> 00:14:10.379 For us to do. 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:13.180 That's the second reason. 00:14:15.340 --> 00:14:16.420 The third reason. 00:14:16.420 --> 00:14:16.940 Comes. 00:14:17.660 --> 00:14:18.519 In verse four. 00:14:19.680 --> 00:14:20.240 This is good. 00:14:20.300 --> 00:14:21.279 And pleases God. 00:14:21.340 --> 00:14:21.980 Our savior. 00:14:22.660 --> 00:14:23.519 Who wants. 00:14:23.700 --> 00:14:24.600 All people. 00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:25.540 To be saved. 00:14:26.019 --> 00:14:26.800 And to come. 00:14:26.960 --> 00:14:27.460 To a knowledge. 00:14:27.460 --> 00:14:28.139 Of the truth. 00:14:29.820 --> 00:14:30.940 This specifically. 00:14:30.940 --> 00:14:31.680 Gets at. 00:14:31.680 --> 00:14:33.180 Why we should pray. 00:14:33.340 --> 00:14:34.960 Not just for some people. 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:36.760 But for all people. 00:14:39.120 --> 00:14:40.660 Why all people. 00:14:41.500 --> 00:14:42.600 Because God. 00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:43.260 Desires. 00:14:43.260 --> 00:14:44.200 All people. 00:14:44.920 --> 00:14:45.740 To be saved. 00:14:46.680 --> 00:14:47.620 He says. 00:14:47.860 --> 00:14:48.920 This is good. 00:14:48.980 --> 00:14:49.920 And pleases God. 00:14:50.040 --> 00:14:50.980 Our savior. 00:14:51.380 --> 00:14:52.620 He is our savior. 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:54.040 He has saved us. 00:14:54.980 --> 00:14:55.540 But. 00:14:56.600 --> 00:14:58.540 He doesn't just want to save us. 00:14:58.539 --> 00:15:00.120 He wants to save. 00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:01.519 All people. 00:15:01.759 --> 00:15:02.500 More people. 00:15:03.620 --> 00:15:05.399 And so we should pray for. 00:15:05.679 --> 00:15:06.179 Everyone. 00:15:06.419 --> 00:15:07.480 For all people. 00:15:08.139 --> 00:15:09.839 And all kinds of people. 00:15:09.980 --> 00:15:11.379 Nobody is to be excluded. 00:15:13.579 --> 00:15:15.939 God desires to save all people. 00:15:16.360 --> 00:15:16.719 Jew. 00:15:17.199 --> 00:15:17.659 And. 00:15:17.980 --> 00:15:18.559 Gentile. 00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:21.019 The righteous. 00:15:22.319 --> 00:15:23.439 And the wicked. 00:15:23.440 --> 00:15:26.860 Even. 00:15:27.860 --> 00:15:28.320 Kings. 00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:30.160 And those in authority. 00:15:31.080 --> 00:15:32.020 As corrupt. 00:15:32.200 --> 00:15:32.840 And immoral. 00:15:33.300 --> 00:15:34.200 And unbelieving. 00:15:34.200 --> 00:15:34.640 As they. 00:15:35.040 --> 00:15:35.500 May be. 00:15:35.660 --> 00:15:36.220 At times. 00:15:40.560 --> 00:15:41.800 The fourth reason. 00:15:42.940 --> 00:15:44.360 For why we should pray. 00:15:44.580 --> 00:15:45.660 All kinds of prayers. 00:15:46.520 --> 00:15:47.720 For all people. 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:49.060 Or all kinds of people. 00:15:50.400 --> 00:15:51.660 Is in verse five. 00:15:51.659 --> 00:15:53.000 And I imagine here. 00:15:53.100 --> 00:15:53.819 That Paul says. 00:15:54.219 --> 00:15:54.500 You know. 00:15:54.699 --> 00:15:56.079 Let's just step back. 00:15:56.159 --> 00:15:56.779 And take a look. 00:15:56.839 --> 00:15:58.000 At the big picture here. 00:15:59.579 --> 00:16:01.019 What is going on. 00:16:01.539 --> 00:16:02.839 In our universe. 00:16:04.959 --> 00:16:05.819 He says. 00:16:06.219 --> 00:16:06.779 For there is. 00:16:07.219 --> 00:16:07.899 One God. 00:16:08.699 --> 00:16:09.419 And one. 00:16:09.839 --> 00:16:10.399 Mediator. 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:11.279 Between. 00:16:11.939 --> 00:16:12.299 God. 00:16:12.519 --> 00:16:13.360 And mankind. 00:16:14.539 --> 00:16:15.019 The man. 00:16:15.899 --> 00:16:16.860 Christ Jesus. 00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:18.059 Who gave himself. 00:16:18.500 --> 00:16:19.259 As a ransom. 00:16:19.819 --> 00:16:20.459 For all. 00:16:20.460 --> 00:16:22.600 What's really. 00:16:22.600 --> 00:16:23.480 Going on here. 00:16:24.800 --> 00:16:25.320 God. 00:16:25.460 --> 00:16:26.240 And mankind. 00:16:27.340 --> 00:16:28.519 They're in conflict. 00:16:28.519 --> 00:16:29.320 With one another. 00:16:29.920 --> 00:16:30.780 They're at odds. 00:16:30.780 --> 00:16:31.440 With each other. 00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:32.480 You've got the good. 00:16:32.480 --> 00:16:33.680 And holy. 00:16:33.879 --> 00:16:34.400 And righteous. 00:16:34.680 --> 00:16:35.100 Judge. 00:16:36.680 --> 00:16:38.019 And you've got man. 00:16:39.460 --> 00:16:39.980 Lawbreaker. 00:16:40.420 --> 00:16:40.940 And rebel. 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:43.080 They're at odds. 00:16:43.200 --> 00:16:43.759 With each other. 00:16:44.400 --> 00:16:45.460 And there is one. 00:16:45.700 --> 00:16:46.480 Who stands. 00:16:46.620 --> 00:16:47.500 In between them. 00:16:48.300 --> 00:16:49.400 In the gap. 00:16:49.399 --> 00:16:52.059 He is. 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:53.500 The mediator. 00:16:53.980 --> 00:16:55.179 The only one. 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:56.559 Who can bring. 00:16:57.120 --> 00:16:57.459 Man. 00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:58.240 And God. 00:16:58.699 --> 00:16:59.659 Back together. 00:17:00.220 --> 00:17:01.199 And restore. 00:17:01.419 --> 00:17:02.100 And reconcile. 00:17:02.100 --> 00:17:03.120 That relationship. 00:17:03.120 --> 00:17:06.740 He is the only one. 00:17:06.740 --> 00:17:07.400 Who is able. 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:08.200 To bring about. 00:17:08.480 --> 00:17:09.039 Forgiveness. 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.240 For. 00:17:11.400 --> 00:17:12.079 And pardon. 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:13.059 For the rebels. 00:17:13.420 --> 00:17:14.079 And yet. 00:17:14.140 --> 00:17:14.440 Do it. 00:17:14.559 --> 00:17:14.920 In a way. 00:17:15.000 --> 00:17:15.740 That is just. 00:17:18.839 --> 00:17:20.299 And how did he do that? 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:21.079 Paul says. 00:17:21.220 --> 00:17:22.640 He gave himself. 00:17:22.900 --> 00:17:23.900 As a ransom. 00:17:25.279 --> 00:17:26.960 He paid the price. 00:17:27.460 --> 00:17:27.900 Through. 00:17:28.339 --> 00:17:29.359 His death. 00:17:29.359 --> 00:17:31.539 For who? 00:17:33.959 --> 00:17:35.119 For all people. 00:17:38.219 --> 00:17:38.979 This is. 00:17:39.119 --> 00:17:39.919 Another reason. 00:17:39.919 --> 00:17:40.759 Why we should pray. 00:17:40.759 --> 00:17:41.399 For everyone. 00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:43.240 Nobody is to be left out. 00:17:44.240 --> 00:17:45.619 Nobody is to be excluded. 00:17:45.619 --> 00:17:46.459 Because of. 00:17:47.619 --> 00:17:48.179 Status. 00:17:48.439 --> 00:17:49.219 Or position. 00:17:49.619 --> 00:17:50.599 Or race. 00:17:50.679 --> 00:17:51.379 Or ethnicity. 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:53.059 Whether they're moral. 00:17:53.199 --> 00:17:53.819 Or immoral. 00:17:54.839 --> 00:17:55.619 God desires. 00:17:55.619 --> 00:17:56.639 To save all people. 00:17:56.819 --> 00:17:57.519 Christ died. 00:17:57.519 --> 00:17:58.259 As a ransom. 00:17:59.160 --> 00:17:59.980 For all people. 00:18:00.680 --> 00:18:01.599 He paid the price. 00:18:01.700 --> 00:18:02.359 That whoever. 00:18:02.660 --> 00:18:03.839 Will believe in him. 00:18:04.059 --> 00:18:04.420 Whoever. 00:18:05.819 --> 00:18:06.759 Might be saved. 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:08.339 For God. 00:18:08.519 --> 00:18:09.519 So loved the world. 00:18:09.619 --> 00:18:10.639 That he gave his. 00:18:10.960 --> 00:18:12.079 One and only son. 00:18:12.180 --> 00:18:13.299 That whoever. 00:18:14.180 --> 00:18:15.160 Believes in him. 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:17.700 Shall not perish. 00:18:19.139 --> 00:18:20.500 But have eternal life. 00:18:20.500 --> 00:18:29.180 The final reason. 00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:29.799 Paul gives. 00:18:29.900 --> 00:18:30.920 For why we should pray. 00:18:31.339 --> 00:18:32.440 All kinds of prayer. 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:33.920 For all kinds of people. 00:18:34.099 --> 00:18:34.720 All people. 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.779 Comes in verse 7. 00:18:37.079 --> 00:18:37.799 Paul says this. 00:18:37.880 --> 00:18:38.240 He says. 00:18:38.440 --> 00:18:39.400 And for this. 00:18:40.039 --> 00:18:41.339 Referring to that big picture. 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:42.480 That he just talked about. 00:18:43.220 --> 00:18:44.220 I was appointed. 00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:45.099 A herald. 00:18:45.339 --> 00:18:46.259 And an apostle. 00:18:46.700 --> 00:18:47.759 I'm telling the truth. 00:18:48.099 --> 00:18:49.200 I'm not lying. 00:18:49.200 --> 00:18:50.620 And a true. 00:18:50.980 --> 00:18:51.519 And faithful. 00:18:51.799 --> 00:18:52.140 Teacher. 00:18:52.700 --> 00:18:53.720 Of the Gentiles. 00:18:56.700 --> 00:18:58.120 God is in the business. 00:18:58.120 --> 00:18:59.220 Of saving people. 00:18:59.640 --> 00:19:00.360 He desires. 00:19:00.360 --> 00:19:01.380 All to be saved. 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:02.319 Christ died. 00:19:02.319 --> 00:19:03.160 As a ransom. 00:19:03.160 --> 00:19:04.180 For all people. 00:19:05.980 --> 00:19:06.720 And he. 00:19:07.160 --> 00:19:07.680 Intentionally. 00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:08.360 Appointed. 00:19:08.740 --> 00:19:09.039 Me. 00:19:10.640 --> 00:19:11.799 As an apostle. 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:13.940 As a herald. 00:19:14.160 --> 00:19:14.720 As one who. 00:19:15.059 --> 00:19:15.700 Declares. 00:19:15.840 --> 00:19:16.460 Out loud. 00:19:16.620 --> 00:19:17.140 For others. 00:19:17.140 --> 00:19:17.720 To hear. 00:19:18.360 --> 00:19:18.960 So that. 00:19:19.340 --> 00:19:19.940 Everyone. 00:19:20.259 --> 00:19:21.000 All people. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:21.759 Would hear. 00:19:22.920 --> 00:19:23.220 What. 00:19:23.880 --> 00:19:24.700 I have done. 00:19:25.080 --> 00:19:25.720 To save them. 00:19:27.640 --> 00:19:28.940 Who is he appointed. 00:19:29.140 --> 00:19:29.660 An apostle. 00:19:30.900 --> 00:19:31.259 To. 00:19:32.040 --> 00:19:33.100 A teacher of. 00:19:34.540 --> 00:19:35.300 He says. 00:19:35.420 --> 00:19:36.480 Of the Gentiles. 00:19:38.540 --> 00:19:40.000 Not just for the Jews. 00:19:40.280 --> 00:19:41.440 But for the Gentiles. 00:19:41.640 --> 00:19:42.000 All. 00:19:42.380 --> 00:19:42.740 People. 00:19:42.880 --> 00:19:44.100 All kinds of people. 00:19:44.099 --> 00:19:48.119 All kinds of prayers. 00:19:48.879 --> 00:19:50.319 For all kinds of people. 00:19:51.699 --> 00:19:52.379 And so. 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:53.359 He gives us. 00:19:53.579 --> 00:19:53.919 Those. 00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:55.000 Five reasons. 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:56.639 I'll just. 00:19:56.779 --> 00:19:57.779 Recap them quickly. 00:19:58.459 --> 00:19:59.879 We're to pray for kings. 00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:01.000 Because. 00:20:01.179 --> 00:20:01.779 God is able. 00:20:01.919 --> 00:20:02.859 To turn their hearts. 00:20:03.439 --> 00:20:04.639 So that we can live. 00:20:04.740 --> 00:20:05.639 Peacefully and quietly. 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:06.919 Fully devoted to him. 00:20:07.639 --> 00:20:08.480 We are to pray. 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:09.359 All kinds of prayers. 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:10.279 For all kinds of people. 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:11.500 Because this is good. 00:20:11.579 --> 00:20:12.639 And pleases God. 00:20:12.640 --> 00:20:14.259 We are to pray. 00:20:14.259 --> 00:20:15.240 All kinds of prayers. 00:20:15.240 --> 00:20:16.280 For all kinds of people. 00:20:16.280 --> 00:20:16.759 Because. 00:20:17.020 --> 00:20:17.980 God wants. 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:18.759 All people. 00:20:18.900 --> 00:20:19.400 He wills. 00:20:19.420 --> 00:20:20.040 All people. 00:20:20.380 --> 00:20:20.920 To be saved. 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:21.860 And to come to a knowledge. 00:20:21.860 --> 00:20:22.460 Of the truth. 00:20:23.360 --> 00:20:23.840 We're to pray. 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:24.800 All kinds of prayers. 00:20:24.800 --> 00:20:25.900 For all kinds of people. 00:20:25.900 --> 00:20:27.280 Because Christ died. 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.380 As a ransom. 00:20:29.160 --> 00:20:30.520 And came as a mediator. 00:20:31.040 --> 00:20:32.040 For all people. 00:20:33.800 --> 00:20:34.240 And. 00:20:34.580 --> 00:20:35.180 We're to pray. 00:20:35.280 --> 00:20:36.280 All kinds of prayers. 00:20:36.600 --> 00:20:37.980 For all kinds of people. 00:20:38.060 --> 00:20:38.680 All people. 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:40.980 Because God wants. 00:20:41.120 --> 00:20:41.560 Everybody. 00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:42.240 To hear. 00:20:42.940 --> 00:20:43.259 About. 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:44.659 Who Jesus is. 00:20:44.659 --> 00:20:45.879 And what he has done. 00:20:46.059 --> 00:20:47.159 To bring about salvation. 00:20:48.240 --> 00:20:49.519 So as a church. 00:20:49.759 --> 00:20:50.879 Here in Davidson. 00:20:53.539 --> 00:20:55.240 Our top priority. 00:20:55.399 --> 00:20:56.480 In 2019. 00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:58.119 I think. 00:20:58.259 --> 00:20:58.919 Should be the same. 00:20:59.940 --> 00:21:00.460 Prayer. 00:21:01.619 --> 00:21:02.819 All kinds of. 00:21:03.159 --> 00:21:03.720 Prayers. 00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:05.940 For everyone. 00:21:06.940 --> 00:21:08.440 For all kinds of people. 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:08.480 People. 00:21:10.759 --> 00:21:11.759 This hit me in. 00:21:12.360 --> 00:21:13.200 Three ways. 00:21:15.259 --> 00:21:16.480 As I was thinking about. 00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:16.940 Kings. 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:17.519 And rulers. 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:18.620 And those in authority. 00:21:19.420 --> 00:21:20.400 I'll be the first. 00:21:20.400 --> 00:21:20.820 To admit. 00:21:20.820 --> 00:21:21.500 That I spent. 00:21:21.860 --> 00:21:22.519 Much more time. 00:21:22.860 --> 00:21:23.460 Talking about. 00:21:23.580 --> 00:21:24.160 The problems. 00:21:24.820 --> 00:21:25.480 In our government. 00:21:25.980 --> 00:21:26.420 Than I have. 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:27.420 Praying for people. 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:29.059 In our government. 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:31.299 We should be praying. 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.220 For. 00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:32.299 For. 00:21:33.600 --> 00:21:34.839 The town council. 00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:36.000 For. 00:21:36.920 --> 00:21:37.559 School boards. 00:21:37.860 --> 00:21:38.500 And principals. 00:21:39.640 --> 00:21:40.799 For the premier. 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:41.660 Scott Moe. 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:43.940 For the prime minister. 00:21:44.319 --> 00:21:45.259 Justin Trudeau. 00:21:46.559 --> 00:21:47.160 For. 00:21:48.100 --> 00:21:48.740 MLAs. 00:21:49.000 --> 00:21:49.839 And MPs. 00:21:50.339 --> 00:21:51.480 For those who serve. 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:52.620 In the judicial system. 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:54.019 For cabinet ministers. 00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:55.600 We should be praying. 00:21:55.700 --> 00:21:56.420 For these people. 00:21:56.420 --> 00:22:00.580 The king's heart. 00:22:00.580 --> 00:22:02.660 Is like a stream of water. 00:22:02.660 --> 00:22:04.300 In the hands of the Lord. 00:22:05.360 --> 00:22:05.960 And. 00:22:06.420 --> 00:22:07.300 The Lord turns it. 00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:08.340 Wherever he pleases. 00:22:09.180 --> 00:22:09.860 Said Solomon. 00:22:10.019 --> 00:22:10.580 In Proverbs. 00:22:11.560 --> 00:22:13.360 God can do amazing things. 00:22:14.840 --> 00:22:16.100 When we pray for. 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:16.900 Those. 00:22:17.160 --> 00:22:18.279 In positions of authority. 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:20.120 The second place. 00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:20.560 That this. 00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:22.220 Really impacted me. 00:22:22.220 --> 00:22:24.960 Is just that. 00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:26.660 How wide this is. 00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:28.019 We should pray for everyone. 00:22:28.160 --> 00:22:28.920 For all people. 00:22:29.140 --> 00:22:30.400 Nobody to be excluded. 00:22:30.819 --> 00:22:32.500 As I think of my own prayer life. 00:22:34.460 --> 00:22:35.519 If I'm honest. 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:37.240 I spend most of my time. 00:22:37.339 --> 00:22:38.299 Praying for other people. 00:22:38.299 --> 00:22:39.180 Praying for. 00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:40.380 My family. 00:22:40.860 --> 00:22:41.700 And for our church. 00:22:43.779 --> 00:22:44.579 Sometimes the. 00:22:44.860 --> 00:22:45.299 You know. 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:46.880 People outside of those circles. 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:47.819 Come in. 00:22:47.900 --> 00:22:48.779 And I pray for them. 00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:51.839 But not nearly as much as I should. 00:22:52.220 --> 00:22:56.539 God desires. 00:22:57.660 --> 00:22:59.360 Us to pray for everyone. 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:03.440 He wants all people to be saved. 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:05.700 Including the people of the Davidson community. 00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:08.200 He wants. 00:23:08.200 --> 00:23:08.680 He. 00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:10.720 Christ died as a ransom for. 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:11.700 For all. 00:23:12.200 --> 00:23:14.500 Which includes people of the Davidson community. 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:18.740 He wants everyone to hear. 00:23:19.279 --> 00:23:19.779 About. 00:23:20.440 --> 00:23:20.960 His son. 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:21.940 And what he has done. 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:24.559 Which includes people of the Davidson community. 00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:27.420 Am I praying. 00:23:28.200 --> 00:23:29.220 For those people. 00:23:29.720 --> 00:23:31.440 Or am I just praying for my family. 00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:32.259 And my friends. 00:23:32.920 --> 00:23:33.920 The people that I. 00:23:34.920 --> 00:23:35.360 Like. 00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:38.140 Am I praying for that neighbor. 00:23:38.460 --> 00:23:39.380 Across the street. 00:23:39.500 --> 00:23:41.080 Who rarely comes out of his house. 00:23:42.080 --> 00:23:43.380 Am I praying for. 00:23:43.600 --> 00:23:45.380 That person who rubbed me the wrong way. 00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:46.100 The other day. 00:23:50.040 --> 00:23:51.260 All kinds of prayers. 00:23:51.640 --> 00:23:52.600 For everyone. 00:23:52.600 --> 00:23:53.840 And if God. 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:55.480 Desires for all people. 00:23:55.600 --> 00:23:56.060 To be saved. 00:23:56.140 --> 00:23:56.540 Then our prayers. 00:23:56.680 --> 00:23:58.340 Should go beyond Davidson community. 00:23:58.580 --> 00:23:58.700 To. 00:23:59.840 --> 00:24:00.760 To the world. 00:24:02.080 --> 00:24:03.780 There are places in our world. 00:24:03.920 --> 00:24:05.600 Where there is no access. 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.580 To the good news. 00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:09.960 There is no Christian presence. 00:24:09.960 --> 00:24:11.039 There is no church. 00:24:13.679 --> 00:24:14.879 There are places where. 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:16.199 Terrible things are happening. 00:24:16.199 --> 00:24:17.220 Like South Africa. 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:19.220 I was reminded of that on Sunday. 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:20.899 We had a family over to our house. 00:24:21.019 --> 00:24:22.740 Who just came over from South Africa. 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.539 Three months ago. 00:24:23.919 --> 00:24:24.899 And they said. 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:26.139 Things are terrible there. 00:24:26.140 --> 00:24:27.600 We feared for our lives. 00:24:28.060 --> 00:24:29.259 And that's why we left. 00:24:33.360 --> 00:24:34.600 If God desires. 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:35.900 To save. 00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:37.620 And to show kindness. 00:24:37.620 --> 00:24:38.420 To all people. 00:24:38.420 --> 00:24:39.660 Then we should pray. 00:24:39.880 --> 00:24:41.060 Not just for. 00:24:41.480 --> 00:24:42.820 Our neck of the woods. 00:24:44.180 --> 00:24:45.400 But for places. 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:46.540 Around the world. 00:24:46.620 --> 00:24:47.960 And for people around the world. 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:51.160 We may not be able to cross. 00:24:52.400 --> 00:24:53.640 Geographical lines. 00:24:54.000 --> 00:24:55.460 Or cultural lines. 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:56.759 Or linguistic lines. 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:59.079 But our prayers can. 00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:02.180 And our prayers can go with. 00:25:02.299 --> 00:25:04.700 Those who are going across those lines. 00:25:05.620 --> 00:25:07.420 And so we should be praying regularly. 00:25:07.720 --> 00:25:08.779 With and for. 00:25:09.120 --> 00:25:09.860 Those people. 00:25:10.380 --> 00:25:11.240 And those places. 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:15.579 You might be wondering. 00:25:15.740 --> 00:25:15.900 Well. 00:25:16.160 --> 00:25:17.500 How do we pray. 00:25:18.220 --> 00:25:19.200 For these people. 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:21.019 What should we be asking God for. 00:25:21.340 --> 00:25:22.700 That's going to be the focus. 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:24.640 In this number of messages. 00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:25.800 We're going to look at. 00:25:25.900 --> 00:25:27.380 What should I be praying for. 00:25:27.920 --> 00:25:28.560 For myself. 00:25:29.480 --> 00:25:30.560 For my family. 00:25:30.740 --> 00:25:31.660 For our church. 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:32.759 For our community. 00:25:33.240 --> 00:25:34.320 And for our world. 00:25:35.460 --> 00:25:36.720 What kinds of prayers. 00:25:37.200 --> 00:25:37.920 What kinds of things. 00:25:38.080 --> 00:25:39.300 Should I be asking God. 00:25:39.940 --> 00:25:40.140 For. 00:25:40.900 --> 00:25:41.520 So often. 00:25:41.640 --> 00:25:41.920 We just. 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:42.980 Degenerate into. 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:44.319 Mark. 00:25:44.319 --> 00:25:44.380 God. 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:44.900 Please. 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:45.339 Online. 00:25:45.339 --> 00:25:45.519 Or Shannon. 00:25:45.519 --> 00:25:45.900 Please. 00:25:46.360 --> 00:25:46.620 So and see. 00:25:46.759 --> 00:25:47.200 To. 00:25:47.200 --> 00:25:47.480 And be. 00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:47.860 With. 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:48.559 So and so. 00:25:48.660 --> 00:25:49.099 And bless. 00:25:49.259 --> 00:25:49.660 So and so. 00:25:49.740 --> 00:25:50.079 And bless. 00:25:50.079 --> 00:25:54.119 so-and-so and be with and bless and be with and bless and be with and bless and be with. 00:25:56.519 --> 00:26:04.679 But I think God wants us to ask specific things for people. And so we're going to look at that 00:26:04.679 --> 00:26:12.819 in the next coming weeks. But I want to end this morning with a practical note that I think Paul 00:26:12.819 --> 00:26:22.259 wants us to hear. And it comes in verse 8. After all of this, I urge then, first of all, that petitions, 00:26:22.819 --> 00:26:27.480 prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people, all kinds of prayers for all kinds 00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:38.839 of people. Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:46.339 disputing. Why does Paul single out the men here? And we know that this is specifically the men, 00:26:46.419 --> 00:26:51.699 because the next verse is for the women. He uses a different word for men here, the kind that can 00:26:51.699 --> 00:27:00.699 only refer to men. Why does he single out the men here? Is it because he knows that the men in Ephesus 00:27:00.699 --> 00:27:07.799 didn't pray much? That was my first guess. But then I looked a little closer and it says, 00:27:07.799 --> 00:27:16.839 I want the men everywhere, not just in Ephesus, everywhere, literally in every place to pray. 00:27:19.319 --> 00:27:24.599 Men, is Davidson included in every place? 00:27:27.859 --> 00:27:34.519 I don't think it's a coincidence. Paul gives this huge statement of how prayer should be 00:27:34.519 --> 00:27:41.160 the first of all things that we do as a church. And then he says, therefore, I want the men 00:27:41.160 --> 00:27:43.460 to pray. 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:51.839 Who's responsible in our church for seeing that prayer is a priority? 00:27:55.180 --> 00:27:59.279 I know what some of you are thinking. Well, that's your job, Josh. That's why we pay you the big bucks. 00:27:59.279 --> 00:28:08.859 Actually, it's our job, men. It's our job in our families and it's our job in the church. It's our 00:28:08.859 --> 00:28:16.539 responsibility to lead the way in prayer and to see that we create time and space in the family schedule 00:28:16.539 --> 00:28:23.759 and in the church schedule for prayer, that it is the priority that it should be in our church. 00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:36.619 So, men, I'm talking to myself too. This week, we need to think. We need to pray. We need to ask God 00:28:36.619 --> 00:28:46.740 how we are going to do this in 2019. How are we going to see that prayer is a priority in our church 00:28:46.740 --> 00:28:51.579 in the year ahead? What are we going to do? How are we going to lead? 00:28:57.900 --> 00:28:58.539 Let's pray. 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:09.700 Father in heaven, we admit sometimes we take our salvation for granted. 00:29:09.700 --> 00:29:17.140 We so easily focus on ourselves and we forget that there's a whole world of people out there 00:29:17.140 --> 00:29:21.400 that you love and that you desire to be saved. 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:23.519 Forgive us for that, Lord. 00:29:25.039 --> 00:29:27.360 We pray and ask that you would enlarge our hearts. 00:29:28.860 --> 00:29:33.640 We ask that you would help us as a church to respond to your words that we've heard this morning. 00:29:33.640 --> 00:29:38.200 that we would actually live this out as a church. 00:29:38.580 --> 00:29:43.440 That as we look back on 2019 at the AGM next year, 00:29:43.800 --> 00:29:47.759 we will be able to say we gave our time and attention 00:29:47.759 --> 00:29:51.340 to the thing that you wanted us to do first of all. 00:29:53.780 --> 00:29:57.759 Bring this about in grace by the power of your Holy Spirit in us. 00:29:58.120 --> 00:30:00.480 We ask in Jesus' name. Amen.