hey guys. brett said he couldn't speak this friday so i guess i'm up. here are my thoughts thus far, though i don't really have an outline yet.
my point for this week is "God is Praying". its a bit different in that "praying" is not really a characteristic, but i think it is characteristic of God, not only that He prayed for us, but that He is praying for us right now also. i think we don't typically have this thought. we know God sent Christ to die for us, that He has forgiven us our sins, that He loves us, that He hears our prayers, etc., but we don't always remember that Jesus is praying for us and that He has already prayed for us.
the text i'm going to look into is John 17, particularly vv20-26 which is Jesus praying for future believers--us. and also Rom. 8:34, which says that Christ was raised to the right hand of God and intercedes for us.
so i'm going to draw out the idea that God, particuarly Jesus, prayed for us and is praying for us still. i think it is such a comforting fact to be reminded of. and i will likely also hit at least somewhat on how Christ valued prayer. even in His impending death, He still went to the Father and prayed (Gethsemene). prayer to Him was precious time with the Father and to that end in John 17 is what He was praying for us.
so that's my rough thought so far. i have a lot of ideas, but they are jumbled still. i'll try to get a more concrete outline up by tomorrow. but that is my main idea.
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here is more of an outline... hopefully it make sense!
ReplyDeleteGod is Praying
Introduction
A. Start by asking the question, "What has God done for us?" (my guess is that the idea of prayer will not be a big one)
B. Goal=to see (1) how Jesus prayed (2) whom Jesus prayed to (3) why Jesus prayed (3) what Jesus prayed
Main Body
A. How
1. He prayed in the morning, at night, through the night
2. He prayed by fasting, on His knees, on the cross
B. Who
1. The disciples asked how-to in "The Lord's Prayer"
2. It's not a question of how-to but to Whom--Jesus understood this
C. Why
1. Jesus knew the value of prayer--it was fellowship with the Father
2. It was also His dependence and submission to the Father
D. What
1. Paul acknowledged that Jesus is interceding or praying for us now (Rom. 8:34)
2. He prayed that Peter's faith would not fail (Luke 22:31-32)
3. The real Lord's Prayer (John 17)--He prayed for us (vv20-26)
Conclusion
A. Jesus/God is praying for us--it is in His character to do so--to the end that we would also experience the fellowship that was before the world began
Hey Eugene... dude I like that idea a lot. I definitely don't feel like we need to talk just about God's characteristics. What He does, what He is like, how He acts... those things are all really important.
ReplyDeleteOne question about your outline... it's kind of hard to tell when a message is in outline form, but where are you spending the bulk of your time? It sounds like the main point of your message is this novel idea that God prays for us (which by the way I think is cool). A, B, and C are all relevant points, but I'm not sure they should get equal time with D.
I guess maybe I'm just more interested in the fact that Jesus prays for us, rather than the fact that he prays in general.
The other question I have is what is the application for us as God's people. How does Jesus praying for us impact us, what does it say about us, how are we affected? I think the point about encouragement is good, but it could be more specific.
Those are my questions. But overall, I really like what you have right now. Great topic.
Any thoughts on some illustrations you might use? One suggestion I might make for you, bro, is that you try to come up with at least a short story for each major point. And something about you personally - I think the kids want to get to know you in a message. Stories about other Christians are interesting, but it's more relevant if it's your story!
the bulk of the time will be in point D. the other points should be quicker and are more so to set up point D. in terms of more specific application, it'll be simply to pray. if Jesus found it so important for Himself to pray then we cannot afford not to do so either. so with that i think we will have small group time and pray--giving thanks to God and praying for each other also.
ReplyDeletei'll try and do a better job w/ illustrations, in particular personal illustrations. that's something i usually neglect and don't think about all the time, but i'll be sure and try and illustrate each major point this time around.
Hmmm... I like this idea a lot, I remember when I first realized that God prays with us it was like "whoa!"
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I think yeah D should get the bulk, but I feel like A, B, and C could also shape application for us. Jesus gave us a model to pray and its also comforting to pray with him. But yeah, I think if you focus on D like you are, then it should be fine. Dang! I have to miss this one!
Hey, sorry I'm so late again. I hope this gets out to you. I just like to save the best for last.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great way to show who God is. I like the different approach you are taking and think it will have an impact on the kids and me for one. I can definitely use some brushing up on my knowledge of prayer.
The main thing I would suggest has already been suggested. BK takled about using stories from your own personal life. I feel like those are the best ones and will help you connect to the kids.
Other than that I look forward to hearing your message. I"m always encouraged by your wisdom and passion for God's word. See you Friday!!