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TEXT: I Thessalonians 5:25
SUBJECT: Intercession
THE DUTY
The first and most obvious thing I can say about praying for each other is this--It is your duty..
The Bible teaches this. For example, we have
I Thessalonians 5:25: "Brethren, pray for us". That's pretty clear, isn't it? We have a command; it's in the present tense, "Keep on praying for us". One might say this is a private request. It is one man seeking the prayers of one church. It is that, to be sure. But I think it's more than that. I think it has a wider application. What Paul said to the Thessalonians, we can say to each other: "Brethren, pray for us".
Ephesians 6:18 is to the same effect: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverence and supplication for all the saints..." This is one of Paul's most complicated sentences. But here's the gist of it: "You pray for the saints". It is God's will for your life.
Holy examples reinforce the duty. We have Abraham pleading for his family in Sodom. Moses interceding for Israel. Job praying for his friends. David sitting in sackcloth for his enemies. Paul praying for the churches. And, of course, our Lord Jesus "ever living to make intercession for us".
Love demands it. Our Lord wants us to love each other. This love can be given in many ways, of course.
Brotherly love demands it. God wants you to love your brothers and sisters in Christ. Love can be shown in many ways, of course, but none is more vital than regular and fervent intercession.
The nature of the Church calls for it. What is the Church? It is the Body of Christ. This means: Everyone is connected to everyone else. My blessing is not mine alone, but yours too. Thus, if you want to be blessed, pray for me. And if I want a blessing, I'll pray for you.
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