In Prayerful Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Bible Study 1
When we see the mission statement and the goal together we may think that we are being invited to solve all the world’s problems with one answer and in our own strength. But God does his own far wider work in the world without our cooperation at all, and the gospel of Jesus does not need us in order to make progress. Immediately, therefore, the mission statement goes on to say that we are to proclaim the gospel of Jesus “in prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit”. Salvation and the application of salvation to the human heart are the business of God; he graciously allows us to be involved, but he is the one who must do these things. All our efforts will be quite fruitless, without trust in God expressed in prayer. One of the immediate consequences of accepting this mission statement would be the notable multiplication of prayer for its fulfillment.
Archbishop Peter Jensen – Presidential Address to Synod –2001
For Discussion
“But God does his own far wider work in the world without our cooperation at all, and the gospel of Jesus does not need us in order to make progress.” Would you agree? What is the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in gospel ministry?
“All our efforts will be quite fruitless, without trust in God expressed in prayer.” Would you agree? How important is prayer in the ministry of individuals and of the congregation?
<font color=”#BE2131”> 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 </font>
Did you get it?
1 Thessalonians 1:1 is not just an opening address. What does it tell us about how Paul thought of the church?
1 Thessalonians 1:9b-10 describes the process of conversion in a few brief steps. Is this a good general description for conversion or relevant only to the Thessalonians?
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10. What role did Paul, Silas and Timothy play in the establishment of the church in Thessalonica? Consider:
- the role of proclaiming the gospel message (compare 1 Thessalonians 2:13)
- the role of being models of Christian living (compare 1 Thessalonians 2:9-9-12)
What role did God the Holy Spirit play in the conversion of the Thessalonians and their growth in Christian living? (see 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 and 2:9)
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10. What facts convinced Paul that the Thessalonians’ faith was genuine?
How could Paul tell that faith hope and love (see 1 Thessalonians 1:3) were behind their actions?
Even though the Thessalonians were only a very young church they became a witness to the world around them. (see 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9) Is this to be expected of all churches?
Think it through
Can you remember how you became a follower of Jesus?
Share your story with the group.
- Were there particular people closely associated with your conversion? Who were they and what role did they play? Can you remember anyone who particularly prayed for you?
- What role did the Holy Spirit play in your conversion? Can you remember particular times when the Holy Spirit brought conviction, faith, hope and joy into your life?
How important is the role of human beings in the work of bringing salvation to other people?
The work of God in salvation has been described as “sovereign”. (“Sovereignty” is the power of a king – absolute power within his own kingdom.) Would you agree that God is sovereign in the salvation of people?
If God is sovereign over the response of individuals to the gospel why are people held responsible for their decisions?
If God is sovereign over the spread of his gospel do individuals and groups have a responsibility to proclaim the gospel of Christ?
Can God convert and save anyone he chooses?
- Do you pray for family and friends and look for opportunity to share the gospel with them?
- Are there people that you don’t pray for or never share the gospel with because you don’t believe that they could ever be converted?
<font color=”#BE2131”> Prayer </font>
Did you get it?
How does Paul indicate that he prayed for the Thessalonian Christians? (see 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2:13, 3:9-10)
Read Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. What are Paul’s concerns and desires for the Thessalonians? How does he express them?
Is prayer just a one way street? (see 1 Thessalonians 5:25) Why would Paul desire the Thessalonians’ prayers for himself?
Thinking it through
If God is sovereign in the salvation of people and their growth in the Christian life, how important is prayer?
- What role does prayer play in conversion? Is it more important to talk to people about God or to talk to God about people?
- What role does prayer play in the outworking of faith, hope and love in the life of the Christian?
Do you have a special time for private prayer? What do you pray for? Do you pray for the salvation of others?
How important are times of prayer in our meetings? (Sunday services, Bible study groups, Parish Prayer Breakfast, Missionary Prayer Meetings, Prayer for Students in Training) How can we make more of “corporate prayer” in our congregation?
by Stephen Fifer
The Rev Stephen Fifer is the rector of Caringbah Anglican Church
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<p><strong>» <a href=”/index.php/article/articleview/606/1/12/”>In Prayerful
Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Bible Study 1</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>» <a href=”/index.php/article/articleview/607/1/12/”>Awaiting
the Lord’s Return - Bible Study 2</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>» <a href=”/index.php/article/articleview/608/1/12/”>To be Established
in the Fellowship of Jesus’ Disciples - Bible Study 3</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>» <a href=”/index.php/article/articleview/609/1/12/”>Proclaiming
our saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ - Bible Study 4</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>» <a href=”/index.php/article/articleview/610/1/12/”>That Everyone
Will Hear His call To Repent, Trust and Serve Christ - Bible Study 5</a></strong></p>
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