Sunday Sermon


Prayer and Church Fitness

Dave Shaner

July 22, 2001

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Introduction:  It is hard to keep up the enthusiasm for fitness.  Always praying for the health of the church.

Text:  Colossians 2:1-7

I.  Prayer is essential for Church fitness

A.  Paul uses the word struggle in reference to prayer.

1.  Romans 15:30
2.  Colossians 4:12
2.  The word refers to the struggle of the arena.

B.  What churches do you pray for, wrestle and struggle for?

II.  What does a firmed-up prayer look like?

A.  Pray that our hearts will be full of the ____________ of Christ.

1.  Ephesians 5:1-2
2.  Colossians 3:13-14
3.  We would have fewer struggles with each other if we would struggle for each other in prayer.

B.  Pray that our hearts will be full of ___________.

1.  The capacity to love is linked to capacity to discern spiritual truth
2.  If you don't love the brothers, you can't understand the truth.

C.  Pray that our minds will be full of the wisdom of Christ.

1.  It's easy to be deceived by good sounding arguments.
2.  Colossians 1:9

D.  Pray that our lives will be full of the life of Christ - 2:6

1.  Is it possible to receive Christ and not live in Him?
2.  Colossians 2:9-10
3.  Can you be doctrinally pure by spiritually empty?

Conclusion:  Undergirding all of our prayers is an attitude that exudes thankfulness.  In order for any church to be spiritually fit, it depends upon its members exercising their prayer muscles.  Regardless of the struggle involved we need to be reminded of what we have already been taught: Jesus Christ died for your sins.