Romans 101

Continuing Instant in Prayer

January 26, 2003

Brian Kocourek

ROMANS 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Last night we spoke on this verse concerning the second part where Paul says, patient in tribulation.

We showed how that there is of necessity that every child of God must suffer persecution. II TIMOTHY 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

And we found that the tribulation comes for your stand for the Word of God.

In Romans 5:3 Paul says, “We Glory in tribulations also” Here we find a principle concerning tribulation which we call the two-fold nature of tribulation. I call it the two-fold nature of tribulation because there is a tribulation which comes to us from divine wrath, and another which comes from divine goodness. The tribulation which comes from divine Love will only work that which is good for us, even though for a time it may appear to be otherwise. In the book of Romans and in 1 Peter we get the key to understanding tribulation in the life of the believer.

In Romans 8, we are told that all things work together for our good, and in 1 Peter 1: 6-7 we read ¶ Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Notice here that we see that the trial of our faith is more precious than gold and God has purposed it in us to bring forth Praise, Honor and Glory. Notice again verse 6: Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations . Therefore, God uses these trials if we have a need for them. Where we have a problem with tribulation is when we do not understand why we are undergoing them? When we lack understanding concerning the outcome of our trials, we develop misperceptions of what is taking place, and when we do not see the good in it, we will no doubt see the bad. Our misunderstanding these trials is not the fault of the actual trial or tribulation which God has chosen for us to endure, but rather the misperception comes from our weakness during the tribulation to understand God is in it. In such a case we fail to understand the nature, power and operation or (purpose) of the tribulation and therefore we judge it only according to its outward appearance and our own perception of what is happening. When this occurs, we think wrongly about what is happening, when we should be rejoicing in the trial for it is working something in us that God deems necessary for us to have.

Romans 5:4 “Knowing that Tribulation worketh patience.” Through tribulation our faults are tried and purified to the highest degree. Whatever tribulation finds in us, it develops more fully. And therefore the purpose of the trial or tribulation is to expose where we are carnal, weak, blind, wicked, haughty, and so forth. Because without this understanding of how Christ works in us His will, tribulation will only make us more carnal, more weak, more blind, more wicked and more haughty. On the other hand, if we are spiritual, then our tribulations will make us strong, wise, pious, gentle and humble. We will become more spiritual, more powerful, more wise, more pious, more gentle and more humble, as we see in Psalm 4:1 “Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress.” So we see here that distress will enlarge what ever condition we are in, whether in a carnal condition or in a spiritual one. And that is the purpose of the trials and tribulations.

MESSAGE TO THE LOADICEAN CHURCH 58-0609 E-16 Before the church can ever be taken to glory, it has to go through this world of criticism. And sometimes we try to shirk, pull back from criticism. Well, that's only testing. It's golden nuggets to you. It's something that God has permitted to you to try you and to bring you through a hundred percent, pure gold that's shining. "All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," says the Scripture. So the criticism, we welcome that, because that's what we have to have to put us through the fiery trials.

WHAT HOLY GHOST WAS GIVEN FOR 59-1217 24 When men makes fun of you, they're not making fun of you; they're making fun of Him that sent you. So Jesus said, "Blessed are ye when men shall say all manner of evil against you, falsely, for My Name sake. Blessed are you." And again, "All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." For when God made Hisself known in Christ, they hated Him. Who hated Him worse? The church. The church hated Him worse. They hated Him worse than the--the drunkard. They hated Him worse than all the other people. It was the church that hated Him. So therefore, when you see Kosmos, the world order... "The world knowed Him not" means the "church (so-called) knew Him not." "He came to His own and His own received Him not.

FORSAKING ALL 62-0123 E-39 Now. What do I get in return? We don't expect... Sometimes I think we ministers make it a little too much flowers for the--the convert. "Oh, come to Christ. Everything is lovely." But you see, it isn't like that in the way that--saying that everything's a flowery bed of ease, because no Christian... The Bible said, "All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." So if you're not suffering persecutions for Christ's sake, then there's something wrong. If the devil ain't after you, he's got you. That's all, because as long as he's after you, that's a sign he hasn't got you yet. But if he isn't after you, it's a sign he has got you. So just remember, as long as he's a-blasting at you, you're a few jumps ahead of him yet, and just keep on going.

E-40 But all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. He said, "Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad for so persecuted they the prophets which was before you." That's right. Don't go with a hang-down face and say, "Well, I oughtn't to have done it, I guess they... I just can't stand for somebody to talk about me, and say I'm old fashion, I'm this, that, or the other." Oh, you all should be exceedingly glad, happy because of it, because you can bear the reproach of His Name. And by keeping His commandments, it caused you to do that.

Jesus made it clear that if we are to stand with Him and His Word, we will be considered outcasts, and will not be received by the world.

MATTHEW 5:10 Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Now, this word persecuted means: in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one; to persecute; to be maltreated, suffer persecution on account of something. This does not speak of those who would disagree with your stand but actually speaks of those who would chase after inorder to accuse, and harass, and try to inflict suffering in some form or fashion). 11Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, (that means to use abusive or contemptuous language when they speak of you or towards you, in order to cast aspersions against you.) and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Now, this morning I would like to continue on with ROMANS 12:12 where Paul said, Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Now, what did he mean by continuing instant in prayer. Well the word continuing simply means: ) to adhere to or be devoted to or constant. to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing; to continue all the time in a place; to persevere and not to faint; to show one's self courageous for; to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly. And the thing we are to be ready in is prayer.

The importance of prayer is so under valued by most Christians today. There was a time when people held a correct value of prayer and they exercised their God given rights to prayer. For prayer is what holds a people together. The family that prays together stays together. In our society we undervalue the things of God terribly, and especially the power of prayer.

I would like to start this morning by listing the categories I believe that we should look at concerning prayer.

I) What is prayer?

II) Why do we Pray?

III) When should we Pray?

IV) How do we do Pray?

First of all let me say that Prayer is a communion with God. It is a talking to Him and Him talking back to you. So many time people will get down on their knees and say a prayer, but saying a prayer is not praying. That is only reciting empty words which mean nothing to God. Jesus gave us the best example when it comes time to pray. When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, they said, Lord Teach us to pray. They did not say, Lord, give us a prayer to recite. Let’s just examine for a moment what Jersus said about prayer.

MATTHEW 6:1 ¶ Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. (The first thing Jesus mentions about prayer is that it is not to be used as an open exhibition. The people who do that are the ones who want everyone to know they are spiritual, and they will get what they want, and that will be their reward. Then He tells us how to pray, or in what manner to pray. ) 2 Therefore when thou doest [thine] alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (Now, here is the key to successful prayer.) 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 5 ¶ And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites [are]: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

(Now he will answer the where question, where should we pray, where should we go to have this secret prayer with God?) 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

(Now, Jesus will tell us the HOW issue concerning prayer How to pray.) 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 ¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (You see if you are to get anywhere with God you must first recognize Him for Who He is. Hebrews 11:5 tells us, he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.) 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven. (This is acknowledging that God is sovereign, and that He has a plan, and What He has planned will come to pass.) (Now that we have acknowledged God and His Sovereignty, that He is the great Sovereign Self existent Immortal King, and our Father, then we can begin to tell him of the needs that we have.)11 Give us this day our daily bread.(Our daily bread, those we the physical needs we have). 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (These are the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs we have. And once we have admitted our needs, and our weaknesses, then we can begin to ask Him for help in those areas of our life. )13 And lead us not into temptation,(Here we are asking for leadership and guidance) but deliver us from evil (and here we are asking for protection) For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (And then we again acknowledge that He who is the creator of all things, and He who is all Wisdom and Power has the wisdom and power to help us in our time of need.)

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Here Jesus is telling us that we need to have a contrite heart when we go to our Father. If we are not willing to forgive, then why should He forgive us? That is the question. 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Then for the next few moments Jesus speaks of fasting, because prayer and fasting can go hand in hand. The fasting is a time when you set aside everything that you might be completely focused upon God. But Jesus is telling us that it is not to be done to the point like Ghandi who put on a show for the whole world to see. That is unscriptural prayer and fasting. 16¶ Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. Brother Branham said he would fast Twice a week, and the time of fasting, breakfast and lunch he would do something for the Lord, like go talk to someone about the things of the Lord, etc. That way your focus is right, and not about what a hard thing it is to fast. That is hypocritical and really it is works to fast and make a show of it. What brother Branham did , was to spend that time doing something for somebody. He took his lunch hour to pray for someone, or to go and do something nice for someone. And that is what Jess is telling us to do here.

19 ¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Prayer is not a one sided thing. When we pray we should plan to take enough time not only for us to talk with God and tell Him all about. And if we truly believe that God will hear our prayer, then Jesus said, ask what you will believing that you will receive. But James said, JAMES 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. That means we must ask according to what God has already laid down in His Word. We must not ask for anything outside His Word.

GET THE PEOPLE TO BELIEVE 52-0717 E-58 We realize that prayer changes things. Prayer changes a sinner to a Christian. Prayer changes a sick man into a well man.

ANGEL OF THE LORD 53-0604 E-20 Prayer changes things. It's the most powerful force that God ever put in the hands of man, is a sincere prayer offered to God. Jesus said, "Whatever you ask the Father in My Name, that I'll do."

FAITH 56-0427 E-5 Prayer changes things. Prayer changes death to life. Prayer changes sickness to health, changes sinners to saints. It's prayer. You may laugh too much. You may shout too much. You may eat too much, but you'll never pray too much. The--the Bible said, "I would that man pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands." So you'll never be able to pray too much.

JAMES 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

LUKE 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if [he ask] a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

MATTHEW 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

LUKE 6:12 ¶ And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

LUKE 22:39 ¶ And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

ACTS 3:1 ¶ Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour]. ninth: the ninth hour corresponds to our 3 o'clock in the afternoon; for the sixth hour of the Jews coincides with the twelfth of the day as divided by our method, and the first hour of the day is 6 A.M. to us.

ACTS 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

ACTS 12:5 ¶ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

CORINTHIANS 7:4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except [it be] with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

EPHESIANS 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

PHILIPPIANS 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

PHILIPPIANS 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

COLOSSIANS 4:2 ¶ Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

I TIMOTHY 4:4 For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

I PETER 4:7 ¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

I THESSALONIANS 5:16 ¶ Rejoice evermore. 17Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 ¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

MATTHEW 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

MATTHEW 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly [is] plenteous, but the labourers [are] few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

MATTHEW 14:23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

MATTHEW 26:36 ¶ Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. 37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

MATTHEW 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak.

MARK 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

MARK 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them]. 25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

MARK 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

LUKE 6:12 ¶ And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

LUKE 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

LUKE 9:28 ¶ And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment [was] white [and] glistering.

LUKE 18:1 ¶ And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

LUKE 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

ACTS 10:9 ¶ On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

ROMANS 8:26 ¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

I CORINTHIANS 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

I TIMOTHY 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

PSALMS 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

DANIEL 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.