Lessons From Jesus on the Cross #4 - Mother, Behold Your Son

Today we will be learning about Jesus’ third phrase on the cross; “Woman behold your son…Behold your mother.”  There’s a lot to be seen in this interchange, so let’s get to it.

(John 19:26-27)

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

I want to break this into parts:

1)      We can see that obviously this has to do with Filial Piety.  Jesus is looking to care for His mother, even in the moments of suffering and death. In those days they didn’t have government programs to care for retired or elderly people.  When a husband died, if a woman didn’t have sons, she wouldn’t have a way to support herself.

(1 Kings 17:10-12)

So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink." And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." So she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die

 God sent Elijah to her. He called on the widow to support Elijah, but used the prophet to provide the means of that support.  Jesus is basically doing the same thing here.  He is using John to provide support for His mother. Sometimes, we think that Jesus is calling His mother to look at Jesus, but what He is doing is establishing that This disciple would step in and act in His place to care for His mother’s needs.

 Jesus had brothers, so Mary had other sons. 

(Mark 6:3)

Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.

Why was John, his disciple chosen to care for Mary, rather than His brothers?  Because apparently, they weren’t saved yet.

(John 7:5)

For even His brothers did not believe in Him.

 Look at what Jesus said:

(Matthew 12:46-50)

While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You." But He answered and said to the one who told Him, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."

It is our salvation that brings us into familial relationship with Christ.  We are adopted into God’s family.  We become Children of God, just as Jesus is.

(Roman 8:14-17)

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

 So that’s the first lesson here.  In salvation we become Children of God, with all the rights of sons.

2)      The second thing has to do with Chapter three in the Book of Genesis.  It’s important to know that the crucifixion is God’s final solution to sin.  We know that Genesis three is the picture of the fall of mankind.  It shows us the nature of mankind.  It is our nature to sin.  Look at what it says in Genesis 3:6

 In calling Mary “woman” He is pointing us back to the Garden.  This will become clearer in a little bit.

(Genesis 3:6)

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

Compare that to this description of sin:

(1 John 2:15-16)

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Good for Food = Lust of the flesh. 

(Philippians 3:19)

whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

Pleasant to the eyes = lust of the eyes

(Mark 9:47)

And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire—

Desirable to make one wise = Pride of life

An example of that is here:

(Acts 12:21-23)

So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.

So, this is a way to describe sin.  It is the pathway to the sin of the Garden (eating the forbidden fruit). 

Look at what God speaks to Satan after his successful temptation of Eve. These things are her reasons for eating the fruit. God curses him by saying this:

(Genesis 3:14-15)

So the LORD God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."

There is an excellent scene in the movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” where Jesus after saying, “Nevertheless, not my will but yours, where He encounter Satan as a serpent and stomps on his head.” 

He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."

This is what is taking place during the crucifixion.  By setting is free from sin through his death on the cross He is destroying Satan’s power.  Look at this:

(Revelation 1:18)

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Through His death and resurrection, He holds the power over Hell and death.

3)      The final thing I want to show you here is the care that Jesus takes of His mother even though he is suffering.  He looks not at His own suffering but instead looks to her care, so he appoints John to look after her.

       (John 19:26-27)

      When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

      Throughout the Gospel of John, he refers to himself as, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”  Before we begin to think John is being egotistical here, it is more likely that his whole identity is wrapped up in Jesus loving him.  He’s not saying He loves me more than the others, what he’s saying is that I am who I am because he loves me.  

      His whole life is wrapped up in his relationship to Jesus. So, the question here is, “What is your identity?”  Do you think of yourself in the way that John did? It is quite freeing to think that you are loved by Jesus.  All of our problems, hurts and sufferings pale in comparison to Jesus’ love.  These things are all temporary, His love is eternal.

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

Lessons From Jesus on the Cross #3 - Today...Paradise

 Today we’re going to look at the next phrase Jesus spoke, “Today you will be in paradise with Me!”

(Luke 23:42-43)

Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

So, let’s look at the crucifixion scene.  Jesus is ordered to be crucified by the Roman soldiers. He is taken to Golgotha along with two criminals, and is crucified one on the left and one on the right.

(Mark 15:27-28)

With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH THE TRANSGRESSORS."

This is a prophecy from the book of Isaiah:

(Isaiah 53:12)

Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

Let’s take a moment and examine this prophecy.  We can break it down to find the importance of what Jesus is saying through this phrase on the cross.

1.    “Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death.”

Look at this scripture by way of explanation:

(Colossians 2:14)

having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

The “handwriting of requirements that was against us” is a reference to the law.  The law was a list of violations against God and we were under the law.  In other words, Heaven was only accessible to those who committed no sin.

(James 2:10)

For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

If we sin, in one area we have violated the law and are guilty.  If we’re guilty then we must face the consequences of that guilt.  What are the wages of sin?

But it also says that God will divide Him a portion and divide the spoil with the strong. This is a reference to Jesus’ victory over sin.  He has destroyed “principalities and powers”

(Colossians 2:15)

Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

He is a conqueror, which allows Him to divide the spoil with the mighty, and according to this prophecy of Isaiah, he has done that through His death. “Because He poured out His soul unto death.

2.      Here is what is pertaining to what we’re talking about today, the second part of Isaiah 53:12:

(Isaiah 53:12)

Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

He was “numbered with the transgressors.”  We know that Jesus didn’t sin.  In fact, He’s the only person who ever lived that didn’t sin.  But in His crucifixion, He was treated as just another criminal.

In those times crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals.  Murderers, and others who committed horrible crimes.  Jesus was, of course, innocent of that kind of crime.  Remember, Pilate said I find nothing worthy of death.

(Luke 23:15-16)

no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him. I will therefore chastise Him and release Him"

But, here He is being crucified with those who had committed those crimes. This is what it means to “be numbered with the transgressors.”

3.      Here’s the final part of the prophecy.  “And He bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

As Christians we understand that Jesus took our sin upon Himself and died on the cross.  After all that’s a major part of Christian doctrine.

(Hebrews 9:28)

so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

We’ll talk about this later, but today we are looking at this part: “and made intersession for the transgressors.”  Many times, in the church world we define intersession as pertaining to prayer.  We intercede during church service when we pray for needs in the church; when we pray for each other. But, I want you to see the dictionary definition of the word intercession.

the act of using your influence to make someone in authority forgive someone else or save them from punishment -Cambridge Dictionary

In other words, it is when we go before someone in power and ask for them to forgive someone.  In the US there is a law that says the president of the United States can pardon a prisoner of their crimes.  So, often someone will go before the president and ask him to pardon someone.  That is an intercession.  Jesus, through His death on the cross is interceding with God on our behalf.  We ARE the transgressors.

This what Issaiah was saying in his prophecy in Isaiah 53:12.

  So now understanding that let’s go back to the subject of this study.

(Luke 23:42-43)

Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

This scripture is a snapshot of that prophecy.  Jesus is being counted as one who is a transgressor.  One who has broken the law.  One who is being punished for that crime.  He is being crucified, enduring the punishment of the worst of the worst.  He is being hung between two criminals who deserve this punishment.  Jesus is innocent of the crimes (sin), the others are guilty.

Let’s look at the scene more closely:

(Luke 23:39-43)

Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us." But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

So those that were being crucified with Him began to mock Him. Luke says that one criminal blasphemed and said “If you are the Christ save yourself and us!”  According to Matthew they both mocked and blasphemed. Whatever the case at one point one of the criminals rebuked the other.  Maybe Isaiah’s prophecy came to his mind.  At some point, though, he realized the Jesus was innocent and not deserving of death.

(Luke 23:40-41)

But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong."

This is a declaration of faith.  We’re sinners.  We deserve death, we are receiving the punishment we deserve.  “The wages of sin is death.”  But this man is innocent.  He’s committed no sin. Then he turns to Jesus and says, “Remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

He’s saying I believe You are whom You say You are. A powerful declaration of faith.

When I lead someone through a Sinner’s Prayer.  I always lead them through this.  I start with Dear God, I know I’m a sinner.  I ask you right now to forgive me of my sin.  That what the criminal on the cross was saying.  I know I’m a sinner.    He’s asking Jesus for forgiveness, “Remember me.“  Jesus says to him, “This day you will be in Paradise with me.”   This is how simple salvation is to receive.  It’s not about Bible knowledge. It’s not abut being a good person.  It’s about faith and repentance.

Let me finish off by explaining this:

(John 3:16-18)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

So according to this, salvation is received by believing the only begotten Son of God. Believing that Jesus is who He said He was.  We see that in this Man on the cross.  He didn’t have good works.  He was a criminal.  He didn’t read and understand the scriptures. He just believed Jesus. 

Secondly there is this:

(Romans 10:9-10)

 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Confess with your mouth.  That is don’t be afraid to speak that Jesus is God.  That He died for our sins. That He is the “way, the truth and the life.” Do not be ashamed to say it!.

(Matthew 10:32-33)

"Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

When the one criminal rebuked the other he was confessing whom Jesus was.  He confessed with his mouth.

Finally, there is one other component – Repentance:

(Acts 17:30-31)

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."

God is looking for repentance from us.  That word repent literally means to turn around.  As if you are going one way – away from God (into worldliness and sin), and you turn around and begin to move toward God (away from worldliness and sin).  Repentance is more than just saying, “I’m sorry, forgive me.”  It is a change of heart and a change of lifestyle.  I’m not going to live for my own selfish desires.  I want to live for Jesus.

The lesson in this is that salvation is a gift.  There are three things to receive that gift. Believe, Confess and Repent.  It is that simple.  All three things were seen in the criminal that was crucified with Christ and Jesus said to him: “This day you will be in paradise with me.”

 

  

 

 

  

Lessons From Jesus on the Cross #2 - Father, Forgive Them!

 Last time we had Bible study, we discussed what was happening during the week before the crucifixion.  His week we’ll begin to look at the seven things Jesus said during the crucifixion beginning with This statement, “Father, forgive them they don’t know what they’re doing!”

When Jesus was put on the cross, He made seven statements.  We’re going to look at each statement to see what that speaks to us.

(Luke 23:33-35)

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God."

So as He was being crucified, He looked out at those who had cried out for Him to be crucified and asked God to forgive them.

This was an important message to those that were there. He spoke to them many times about forgiveness.

1)       As He teaches them to pray:

(Matthew 6:8-13)

"Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

“Forgive our debts as we forgive others.”

2)       He explains the forgiveness part of the prayer:

(Matthew 6:14-15)

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

If we won’t forgive, we can’t expect forgiveness.

3)      How often should we forgive?

(Mat 18:21-22)

Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

 

Now before we get out our calculators and determine that 7 times 70 is 490, so that’s all we have to forgive, let me explain that what that really means is ALWAYS! We need to forgive always. 

4)      Love your enemies and pray for them, forgive them.

(Luke 6:35-37)

But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Love your enemies.  How easy is that to do.  Pray for them.  God is our example.  He is kind to the unthankful and evil.  This is difficult, but it is expected.  Forgive and you will be forgiven.  Maybe not by your enemies but by God.

How many of us pray for those who treat us badly?

(Luke 6:28)

bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.

Pastor Gene LaValley, (from our church in Toronto, Canada) told a story of him and his brothers as children tormenting a young Christian girl.  They teased her, and mocked her and made her cry.  They were not saved in those days.  He said that she got her revenge on them. She prayed for them and now both of them are preachers.

The Power of Forgiveness

As we see Jesus on the cross, He calls out a powerful prayer, “Father forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing.”  What a powerful example of loving your enemies. 

We have a difficult time forgiving people for small things.  “He yelled at me!” “He hurt my feelings.” “She broke up with me!” “He said something that embarrassed me.”

Sometimes things happen that are big things, “I loaned him money and he didn’t pay me back.”  “He borrowed my car and wrecked, and didn’t reimburse me.” “He cheated on me with another woman.”  Those are difficult things to forgive. 

At conference one year, a woman told a story about her son.  There were three young men who caused her son, also a young man, to lose his life.  There was a trial and the three boys were convicted of negligently causing an action resulting in the death.  They were minor and sentenced to a youth prison.  This mother, at the sentencing part of the trial, stood up and declared that she forgave the boys who were being sentenced.  Then she went to the prison faithfully to visit them, she prayed for them, and she witnessed to them.  All three of them got saved and eventually were pastors in our fellowship. 

Jesus, on the cross serves as a powerful example of forgiveness.

(Luke 23:35-38)

And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God." The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself." And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Think about this:  These people called out for Him to be crucified.  Crucifixion is the most brutal form of execution ever devised by man.  Basically, you die from blood loss and suffocation over many hours.  While He hung there, people mocked him, sneered at him, called out things to Him.  They offered Him vinegar to drink, told Him if He was the chosen of God, to save Himself.

He’s there looking out at them, hearing them, knowing what they’ve done and still He calls out for forgiveness.  If you were in the process of being murdered, could you cry out for your murderer’s forgiveness. 

The forgiveness of the three young men by the woman I spoke about resulted in their conversion and salvation. Look at this.

One of the Roman guards who witnessed the crucifixion and saw all that happened that day said this:

(Mat 27:54)

So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

They had doubted and mocked, the saw the things that happened on the cross.  They saw the earthquake and the sun go dark.  They saw and heard Him cry out for forgiveness and the other things.  This one centurion calls out “Truly, this was the Son of God.”

Can You Forgive?

As you can see, we are expected to forgive.  The Bible even tells us that if we can’t forgive others, we can’t receive forgiveness ourselves.

(Matthew 6:14-15)

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I want to leave you with a parable: (I will read this)

(Matthew 18:24-35)

And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. "But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses."

Jesus spoke this parable when Peter asked Him how often he should forgive.  The pint of the parable is that we have been forgiven much by God.  Our sin put Jesus on the cross, we are as guilty as those who called out for His crucifixion. We have a choice whether or not we will act like the “wicked servant” or not. 

I know how I was before I was saved.  I knew I was a sinner. I knew that what I was doing was a violation.  I grew up in a catholic school, so I was taught those things.  I made choices.  I know that God forgave me much.  I had to learn to forgive.

(Ephesians 4:32)

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

(Luke 7:47)

Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."

I want to say one last thing.  I know forgiveness of other people is difficult.  We all have hurts and sufferings that are caused by others.  Forgiveness is for you. It releases you from carrying the bitterness and hurt that you’ve been laboring under.   When we dwell on all the hurts it can lead to depression and other things, like hatred, bitterness, suicide all of that.  I’m speaking from experience here.  Forgiveness us for you.

If someone hurt you unintentionally, they don’t even realize it.  If they hurt you intentionally, then they don’t care.  But you can release that pain by forgiving them.

A lot of the times we think forgiveness means we have to go back to the way it was, but the relationship may change.  For example, if I loan you my car and you wreck it and then call me up and tell me, “Your car is in the junk yard and you owe a towing fee.”  If they don’t make it right, I still have to forgive them, but I don’t have to let them borrow my car again.  I may not even hang out with them anymore, but I’m not going to harbor anger and hatred in my heart. I can still be polite and not get angry if I see them or hear their voice or someone else mentions them.

 

 

 

 

 

Lessons From Jesus on the Cross #1 - The Week Before

 Today, we’ll begin a brand-new study. The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross.   These seven sayings reveal different aspects of Jesus' final hours:

• Forgiveness (1)
• Salvation (2)
• Love and care for others (3)
• The depth of His suffering (4)
• His true humanity (5)
• The completion of His redemptive work (6)
• Trust in the Father (7)

These things speak about what we understand about Jesus’ final suffering and death, but I think they also speak about who Jesus was.  As Christians, we should endeavor to be Christ-like.  We should also develop these qualities in our own lives.

First, let’s set out the list of the seven things Jesus actually said on the cross:

(Luke 23:34)

Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots.

(Luke 23:43)

And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

(John 19:26-27)

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

(Mark 15:34)

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"

(John 19:28)

After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!"

(John 19:30)

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

(Luk 23:46)

And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.' " Having said this, He breathed His last.

The Events That Led to the Cross!

Most of today’s study is going to be background about Jesus’ last week; the things led to the crucifixion, and then next week we will begin to look in depth into the things He said and what they mean for us.  So, let’s look at what has happened up to this point:

5 days before Crucifixion Jesus enters into Jerusalem.  (We call this Palm Sunday).  It is called that because of this moment:

(Luke 19:32-38)

So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you loosing the colt?" And they said, "The Lord has need of him." Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: " 'BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

This is interesting, they are making a political statement here.  What they are doing is looking at Jesus as a political king.  They’ve misinterpreted the scriptures and prophecies of Jesus thinking that He’s come to free them from the oppression of Rome. We can see that in John’s description of what was happening:

(John 12:13)

took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! 'BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' The King of Israel!"

The KING OF ISRAEL! 

The reaction of the people frightened the Pharisees, who were the political leaders of the Jews at the time, as well as the religious leaders.  They were afraid of losing their power. 

There were other things that happened, as well.  Jesus turned over the tables of the moneychangers in the Temple courtyard. Declaring:

(Luk 19:45-46)

Then He went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, saying to them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE IS A HOUSE OF PRAYER,' but you have made it a 'DEN OF THIEVES.' "

The sacrifices in the Temple had become business.  The moneychangers had lost sight of worshipping God through the Temple rituals and saw it as a way to make money.  They even cheated and the people and participated in usury. (Loaning money at inflated interest rates…Like gangsters do today.) 

Jesus also taught daily in the Temple and people came to hear Him and were attentive to His words:

(Luk 19:47-48)

And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him.

The Pharisees became envious because the people were turning to Jesus and away from them and their leadership.  So, they plotted to kill Jesus.

(Mat 26:3-5)

Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people."

This takes us up to Thursday night.  On Thursday night Jesus and the disciples ate their last supper together. There were some significant events that took place during that gathering.

1.       The Washing of the Disciples’ feet.

(John 13:3-5)

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

(John 13:12-15)

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

In this, Jesus demonstrates His divinity for us.  He knows He is from God. But He is also showing His disciples that they should be servants of other in all Humility. This is also a message for us.

2.      Judas’ Betrayal

Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray Him.

(John 13:25-27)

Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."

(Matthew 26:14-16)

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

Thirty pieces of sliver was considered to be the price of a slave under Mosaic law.  But it is a little deeper than that, it is the compensation to be given for the death of a slave.

(Exodus 21:32)

If the ox gores a male or female servant, he shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

This price is also a fulfillment of prophecy in Zechariah.  You can see that in Zech 11The rejected shepherd.

3.      Jesus’ Arrest and Trial

Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.  In that prayer He spoke to God about what was to happen.  Look at what He said:

(Matthew 26:39-44)

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Jesus shows us something powerful here.  It is in his petition to God.

"O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

We are taught here to put God’s Will above our own. Following this Jesus is arrested and taken before the High Priest Caiaphas.  He’s tried and the delivered to Pontius the next morning.  But Pilate wanted to avoid controversy and when he learned 6hat Jesus was from Galilee he sent him to Herod.  But Jesus wouldn’t speak to Herod, so He was sent back to Pilate.

(Mark 15:2)

Then Pilate asked Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" He answered and said to him,  "It is as you say."

Remember in the beginning of all of this the people waved palm fronds saying “Hosanna, The King of Israel.”  After this though they chanted, “Crucify Him.” “We have no king but Caesar!” 

Pilate tried to release Him but the people chose Barabbas. 

(Matthew 27:17-18)

Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?" For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

(Matthew 27:21-22)

The governor answered and said to them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said, "Barabbas!" Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!"

(Matthew 27:24-26)

When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it." And all the people answered and said, "His blood be on us and on our children." Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

That brings us to the crucifixion.  And we will begin next week to look at the things spoken by Jesus on the cross.  As you can see There are a number of lessons here for us.  Maybe in another study we will break this whole thing down and examine more closely.  I wanted you to see what the climate was when Jesus spoke the things He spoke.

 

 

 

 

Habits Of Faith #7 - Prayer

The Habit of Prayer is absolutely essential.  If you study Jesus’ life you will see that prayer was one of His highest priorities.  He spoke about prayer And He set an example of prayer.  He never taught His disciples how to preach – but He taught them to pray.

J. Oswald Chambers – “Prayer does not fit us for greater works; prayer is the greater work.”

No matter what a privilege prayer is, we will not grow unless we plan to pray.  We don’t naturally drift into disciplined prayer.  There are so many roadblocks and distractions from prayer that if were not intentional about prayer, we may never pray.  Payer is a habit that must be contended for.  Satan will do all that he can to hinder prayer. 

“The devil is aware that one hour of close fellowship, of hearty converse with God in prayer, is able to pull down what he hath been contriving and building many a year.” – John Flavel

The habit of prayer is one of the surest marks of a true Christian.  George Herbert called prayer, “the souls’ blood absolutely necessary for life”.

When a baby is born, the first thing they look for is for the baby to breathe.  That is the first sign of life.  The fist act of men and women, when they are born again should be praying.  It should naturally flow.  Richard Baxter said, “Prayer is the breath of the new creature.”

Prayer is first and foremost about a relationship with God.

Paul’s First Statement of Prayer – Relationship

(Ephesians 1:15-21)

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

His prayer for the people of Ephesus is that they would know God better; that they would have a greater revelation of God than they have ever had before.  At this time, the people are facing persecution and oppression.  They’re separated from family members because of their declaration of faith.  Paul’s prayer isn’t for a new government or a solution to their problems, but instead a deeper revelation of their relationship with God. So, the key isn’t to pray to escape whatever hardship you’re facing, but to know God better in the hardship.

It is a greater revelation of God that leads us into a deeper relationship with Him.

(Ephesians 1:17). 

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

It’s knowing God, learning something about God; that He sent Jesus to die for you.  Prayer is simply a communication in response to that revelation.  If you find out that He loves you, that He died for you, then don’t you want to communicate with Him that you want that love and forgiveness in your life?  That, simply, is prayer.  It is communication in response to revelation to Him.

God wants a relationship with us. Think about what that means.  He wants you to know Him.  To pour your heart out to Him; to share your deepest thoughts. 

If you have a relationship with another person and aren’t willing to be vulnerable and open with them that isn’t a very deep relationship, is it?  God wants that deep kind of relationship with us. 

He sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sin, in order to restore the relationship broken by our sin; to purchase us back and deliver us from the bondage of sin and fear.

(Romans 8:15)

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

We are no longer slaves to the fear, we’re children of God.  It is the highest privilege and honor that we can speak to our creator.  We can cry out to Him AND He will hear it!    

“To see the law by Christ fulfilled and hear His pardoning voice transforms a slave into a child and duty into choice.”  - William Cowper

Prayer is not some dreadful duty, it is the highest privilege we can choose.  When you understand that prayer is the greatest means of establishing and building a relationship with God you should be inspired to pray.  When prayer becomes a duty it’s because revelation is lacking.

“Prayer is not like carpentry or cookery; it is the active exercise of a personal relationship, a kind of friendship, with the living God and His Son Jesus Christ…” – D.A. Carson

 

Paul’s Closing Statement of Prayer - Warfare

 (Ephesians 1:19-21)

and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Paul is beginning to transition from talking about prayer in the context of our relationship with God.  He is beginning to talk about that relationship in the context of God’s absolute dominion.  Our relationship is with the most powerful being in the universe.  He wants us to know that God isn’t a small God.  That we don’t pray hoping God CAN help us, but he wants us to know that we are in a relationship with the most powerful being in the universe.

When you pray, you’re not just speaking to a company president, or a political leader, or even the most powerful man in the world.  All of these people have limited power.  When you pray you’re speaking with the most powerful person in the universe – AND HE HEARS YOU AND RESPONDS!

Leader Feedback:  Have you ever cried out to God for something impossible and God responded?

We are connected though prayer to POWER!

At the end of the book of Ephesians Paul begins to bring a revelation of prayer as warfare.  

(Ephesians 6:10-20)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

According to Paul, here, the whole universe is a spiritual battleground. 

He says,”

Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

We don’t always have to contend with attacks from other people, we also have to contend with attacks from spiritual forces that are fighting against God and we, who represent Him.  We all know from experience that there is an active power of evil in this world.

As he’s writing this letter to the Ephesians, Paul is chained to a Roman soldier.  As he’s contemplating this spiritual battle, he sees the soldier and his armor and sees an illustration of what he’s been thinking.  He sees the armor that this soldier is wearing and thinks we have armor too.  Only our armor is spiritual.

The Belt of Truth – We can hang our sword that and it gives us freedom of movement.  We have freedom in truth

The Breastplate of Righteousness – The soldiers breastplate protects from attacks on the heart.  When we are clothed in righteousness, we are impregnable (too strong to be penetrated.).  Someone once said, “Words are no defense against accusations, but a good life is.”

Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace – When you put on shoes you are prepared to go out to battle.  Ready to bring it wherever God wants to go, ready to do whatever God is asking us to do.

The Shield of Faith – Roman soldiers had a two-part shield a hardwood overlaid with a soft wood.  When fiery darts (arrows) hit the shield, they would immediately be quenched. We have the shield of faith that can deal with the fiery darts of temptation.  When we walk close to Christ, we are safe from temptation.

The Helmet of Salvation –Salvation is the forgiveness that He gives us for the sins of the past and strength to conquer sin in the future.  The devil attacks us with doubts of our salvation, and condemnation.  He wants to drag our focus to the here and now, rather than our eternal salvation.  When you are fully confident that Jesus has saved you, and not that it was something you did, then your mind is protected with a helmet of salvation.

The Sword of the Spirit Which is the Word of God – A sword is both a defensive weapon and an offensive one.  It not only protects us from sin and temptation, but it can be used to attack the sins of the world. One man said, “We can never win God’s battle without God’s book.”

Prayer brings the entire armor of God together.  Prayer is the thing that holds the armor together and the thing that holds life together. 

(Ephesians 6:18)

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

We need to learn to pray at all times.

David gives us a good example:

Psalms 3: David prays when he’s in danger.  (Psalm 3:1-4)

Psalm 4: David prays before he goes to bed. (Psalm 4:7-8)

Psalm 5:  David prays at the beginning of the day. (Psalm 5:3)

Psalm 6:  David prays for mercy because he’s guilt of something. (Psalm 6:1)

Psalm 7:  David prays because he’s being attacked. (Psalm 7:1)

Psalm 8:  David prays because he’s so impressed with creation. (Psalm8:1)

Psalm 9:  David prays because he’s so full of joy. (Psalm 9:1-2)

Psalm 10:  David prays because God seems so far away.

Pray at all times on all occasions we need to be praying.  Usually, we treat God like we treat our doctor we don’t go to see him unless something is wrong; when we need something. But we need to see something and that is that we need God every second of every day.  So, if we only go to Him when we need Him, we should find ourselves in prayer on every occasion.

 

Habits of Faith #6 - Gratitude

 “Gratitude is foundational to healthy faith!  It is the ingredient that changes everything and I believe it is the thread that should be woven through every fabric our being if we’re going to have a healthy faith.” – Ps. Garett King

“Gratitude is an offering, precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and not be poorer, but richer for having made it.” – A. W. Tozer

(Psalms 100:1-5). 

A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful.

Sonja Lyubomirsky in her book, The How of Happiness, performed a thought experiment on what determines happiness. 

Most people would think that circumstances would most likely determine happiness, but according to Lyumbomirsky, Genetics (A disposition toward happiness passed to us by our parents) accounts for 50% of what makes us happy.  Life circumstances (Outside influences on our lives) accounts or only 10% of what determines happiness. Intentional activities (Our thoughts and actions – our attitude) account for 40% of what determines happiness.

“What we believe would make a huge difference in our lives, actually, according to scientific research, makes only a small difference, while we overlook the true sources of personal happiness and well-being.” – Sonja Lyumbomirsky

By studying happy people Lyumbomirsky compiled a list of Habits consistently found in people who are considered happy:

1.        They practice gratitude

2.         They practice optimism

3.                They are physically active. 

It’s not surprising that more optimism, more gratitude and even more physical activity can lead to greater happiness.

(Romans 12:2)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Think about this:  Our sinful nature has been passed to us by our parents.  If genetics accounts for 50% of what makes us happy.  That sinful nature is redeemed by salvation. In addition, our thoughts and actions are renewed, (made new) which accounts for 40% of our happiness.  If you do the math, this makes it possible for a committed Christian to be able to make use of 90% of what makes us happy.  So, the 10% that comes from our circumstances should be irrelevant in the eyes of a believer. So, whatever circumstances we’re going through shouldn’t affect our gratitude.  In any circumstance we have the ability to rejoice in Christ. 

“It’s not happy people who are thankful; it’s thankful people who are happy. – Janice Kaplan author, The Gratitude Diaries

The Bible commands us to rejoice in our circumstances:

(Deuteronomy 26:11)

So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the LORD your God has given to you and your house, you and the Levite and the stranger who is among you.

(Psalm 5:11)

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.

But that can never happen unless gratitude pervades every aspect of our lives.

(Psalm 100:4)

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

The key or the password to enter into His gates is thanksgiving (gratitude). 

Paul writes from prison, to declare to the church in Philippi 

(Philippians 4:4).  

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 

The word gratitude has all three tenses associated with it.  There’s always something to be grateful for:  Something God did; something God is doing; and something God will possibly do in the future.

Why Aren’t We More Grateful

If we know that the key to a happy life is gratitude then why aren’t we all living a life saturated with gratitude. Here are some key reasons:

1.        The Mentality of Entitlement – Seems to be the spirit of our age.  Free this, free that – It’s my right as an American.  I’m Entitled.  Pastor Alfredo Barron as he was being made an American Citizen was overwhelmed by the thought that he was about to become an American citizen and partake in freedoms that, in his words, “to which I shed not one drop of blood to gain these freedoms that are now being freely given to me.” He was grateful that he was being given this freedom and didn’t have to pay for it.  Gratitude!

The same is true of our salvation.  We didn’t shed one drop of blood for Salvation, but so many look at our salvation as an entitlement. We take it for granted. Look at the Price that was paid for it.

(Matthew 27:27-31)

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.

(Mark 15:33-37)

Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, "Look, He is calling for Elijah!" Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, "Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down." And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.

Crucifixion is the most brutal form of execution created by man.  He suffered that for us!

2.       A Bad Memory About the Good Things – Sometimes we can forget the bad and remember the good, or we can forget the good and remember the bad.  It depends on your thinking.  This is why Gratitude has to be a habit, you can’t be passive with it.

God warned the Israelites about this.

(Deuteronomy 8:17-18)

then you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.' "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

Remember the Lord your God…gives you the ability to produce wealth.  It’s not howe good a businessman you have taught yourself to be, it is God who gives you wealth!

James said every good thing comes from God. 

(James 1:17)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Everything we have is a gift from God but without the habit of gratitude we can forget that.

(Psalm 100:3)

Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Reminding us that He is God, we are not God.  Gratitude is an expression of your dependence on God.

Ingratitude is a sin. 

(Psalm 106:6-7)

We have sinned with our fathers, We have committed iniquity, We have done wickedly. Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, But rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea.

What did they do wrong?  They forgot.  They forgot all that God had done to bring them out of Egypt.  They forgot that God had delivered the.  They forgot that God had mercy on them.

(Romans 1:21)

because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Iniquity flows from the thankless heart.  Ingratitude is a root of all sin.

“Sin is cosmic ingratitude.  It gives the delusion that you have the ability to conduct and hold your life together.” – Tim Keller

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Three spiritual imperatives.  Three things that affect your attitude and reflect your concept of God.  We are commanded:

1.       Rejoice always – Can you, have you always lived this out?  The only way to rejoice always is by the grace of God.  In bad times only by His grace can we rejoice.

2.       Pray without ceasing – How do we do that in our modern world?  Prayer is the means by which we rejoice, a continual conversation with God.

3.       In Everything give thanks – In Everything?  Even the bad stuff?  If we don’t have that habit of gratitude, it’s easy for our prayer lives to become nothing buy grumbling and complaining.

The habit of gratitude guards your prayer life.  It is the thing that allows you to face the difficulties and disappointments of life.

Jonah runs from God’s calling to Nineveh.  God stops him with a storm.  The sailors throw him into the sea and fish swallows him.  While he is in the belly of the fish Jonah begins to pray.  Look at his prayer:

(Jonah 2:9) 

But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD."

He is giving God thanks for deliverance while he’s still in the belly of the fish.

How could he give thanks while he’s stillin  the belly of the fish?  Because he knows that he would have drowned had God not sent the fish.  God delivered him from drowning by interceding with the fish.  So, he knows that God will deliver him from the fish also.  So, he is able to thank Him by faith.  That faith is expressed by gratitude.

Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)
^13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Good advice.  Developing an active habit of praise is essential for a committed Christian.