The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

2 Corinthians 13:9

1 Thessa!onians 5:23

In these Scripture passages, "mature and fully assured" or similar wording actually comes from different Greek words in each passage. In Colossians 4: 12, Paul uses the adjective teteios, which literally means "taken all the way to its end," and refers not to literal perfec­ tion, but rather to maturity or completeness. In 2 Corinthians 13:9, he uses the noun katar­ tisis, referring to complete qualification or matured ability due to training. And in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, behind the phrase "sanctify you through and through," we find hototeteis, a merging of the word halos, "whole, entire," and teleios (described above), together meaning "through and through, altogether;" and in the phrase "be kept blame­ less," we find holokleros, "whole, intact, in all aspects."

B. Pray that they would overcome sin. Our greatest weapon in the battle for souls is prayer. God's power in response to our prayers will always ovetwhelm sin's power.

2. Why is theprayer of2 Corinthians 13:7 one you believe God can and will answe r ?

3. What additional confidence does 1 Corinthians 10:13 add to yourprayersfor your­ selfand others?

C. Pray that they would know the will of God for their lives. Many believers do not even understand the will of God clearly pointed out in Scripture. As a starting point, pray that their lives would begin to reflect what God says in His Word. Next, when you know people who are wrestling with important decisions, pray that God's will would become clear to them.

4. According toJoshua 1:8, what is God's definition ofsuccess?