“Prayer Principles Fulfilled in Christ”
First of all, we have to realize that the Bible is more than just a book for light reading. The Bible is more than just a compilation of stories and teachings; it is a unified and consistent message from God. It contains a variety of truths that are spread out, requiring the reader to put in effort to gather the full meaning; the student will need to labour to piece them together to make sense of them. He has a spirit from God that helps him understand things as He intended – Ezekiel 36:27; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Romans 8:15. We received both the Spirit of Adoption and the unction that nothing will be withheld from us and that we may know everything; the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe – 1 John 2:20,27; Ephesians 1:19/3:4,5.
If not, why would the Holy Spirit instruct Timothy to study to show himself approved to God? “STUDY (spoudazo = to make an effort, be prompt or earnest: do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the word of truth” – 2 Timothy 2:15. Let us labour for the meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you – John 6:27.
“Rightly divide” means, seeking to understand what God’s word is saying to us. Bible scholars call it “exegesis”, which means “to lead out of” or to take from. It is a biblical concept that refers to accurately interpreting and applying God’s Word, emphasising the importance of understanding its true meaning and message.
This verse highlights the importance of studying and handling the Bible with care and accuracy, ensuring that one’s interpretation aligns with its true message. By rightly dividing the word of truth, believers aim to faithfully communicate the message of the Bible, avoiding misinterpretations and false teachings. It is a practice that promotes spiritual growth, sound doctrine, and a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
It is a collaborative effort between the Holy Spirit and us, carried out in close communion and prayer with God. Attending college and earning a degree is one thing, but truly understanding and interpreting the Scripture requires a deeper connection with Christ. Without Jesus Christ opening our spiritual eyes, we will struggle to understand his teachings. He will also evaluate the seeker’s intentions before entrusting them with the task of revealing the Scriptures. Both the gospel and the epistle of John draw a parallel between the coming of the Holy Ghost and the anointing, which will teach us all things – John 14:26; 1 John 2:27.
In contrast to other books, simply picking out one verse and drawing a conclusion is not sufficient. In other words, it is not sufficient to simply extract a single verse and draw a conclusion. Doing so would not only overlook the full context of the text; but also miss its intended impact; failing to grasp its intended meaning. The Bible should be approached with prayer, intention, careful study, and deep respect. It should be consumed like nourishment for the soul.
When handling the word of God, remember that the eternal Spirit who inspired the holy men to write it is present in every detail. The Book is inspired (God-breathed), and every word is spirit, bringing life as testified by Jesus Christ, the faithful witness – John 6:63; Revelation 1:5. They are life unto those that find them and health to all their flesh – Proverbs 4:22; whoso finds her finds life and shall obtain favour of the Lord – Proverbs 8:35.
Why does the Spirit guide us to seek and find her when we already have the scripture to read and comprehend? Simply reading won’t lead you to her. She requires your dedicated effort in studying it, without which you will only be a passive listener and not an active follower of the Word. In essence, just a mere observer deceiving himself – James 1:21-25.
And ye shall seek me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart – Jeremiah 29:13. The sincere seeker will have their heart and mind tried by the word of the Lord before he or she receives anything of the Lord – Psalms 105:19; Proverbs 17:3; Deuteronomy 8:2; Hebrews 4:12.
A spiritual child is just as troublesome as a worldly man; he is carnally oriented and is driven by their physical desires (The character is not well-developed and is dissimilar to Christ); unskilful in the word of righteousness – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3/13:11; Hebrews 5:13; The spiritually immature person is no different from a servant and is under the guidance of tutors and governors and requires guidance and supervision to grow – Galatians 4:1,2. But he that is mature in spirit is like his Master; he judges all things; he/she is skilful in the word of righteousness; for he feeds on strong meat – 1 Corinthians 2:15; 2 Corinthians 10:6; Hebrews 5:13,14. I want to clarify that I am not belittling or giving up on spiritual immaturity. We all must go through a phase of growth. What I mean is that we should not remain in a state of immaturity but progress from basic teachings to deeper understanding, moving towards perfection in the doctrine of Christ; that is, move beyond the fundamental principles of the teachings of Christ, striving for perfection (become partakers of Divine nature and Holiness) – 1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 6:1/12:5-11.
The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord; but every perfect one shall be as his master – Matthew 10:24; Luke 6:40; James 3:2; Philippians 3:15; Matthew 5:48; James 1:4; the spirits of just men made perfect – Hebrews 12:23.
An indecisive and unfocused person will not receive anything from the Lord, as they do not approach in true faith. True faith requires wholehearted devotion and a willingness to prioritize spiritual things over worldly desires. This individual comes with a humble and sincere desire for spiritual matters, and a complete trust in God without considering the challenges of living a life dedicated to following Christ – James 1:6-8.
One can use their intellect to read or study other texts, but understanding this sacred book requires the guidance of the author of the holy Scriptures, the Holy Ghost. To understand this book, as Jesus said, one must be born of God. One person may read the book and remain an atheist, while another may read it and mature spiritually. It’s similar to how the same sun can both melt ice and scorch the earth.
Returning to the subject at hand, did you notice that when Jesus was on earth, he taught people using parables? Can we simply take the parables as they are and apply them? No, we cannot. Jesus Himself stated that He speaks in parables to prevent certain individuals, whom He does not intend to receive the truth, from understanding – Matthew 13:10-15,34; Mark 4:11,12; Luke 8:10.
When you study the Bible or the gospels, realize how a Testament comes to force and that only after the shedding of blood that a Testament be deemed valid (for without shedding of blood is no remission – Hebrews 9:22). When Jesus spoke these words, it is important to note that the Testator was still alive and they were still living under the Old Testament – Hebrews 9:15-17; the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing – Hebrews 9:8; the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified – John 7:39. Without these foundations, the ecclesia or the church cannot be formed. The significance of the sacrifice on the cross at Calvary was fully realized after the Holy Ghost came upon the believers on Pentecost, fulfilling Joel’s prophecy as confirmed by Peter in Acts 2.
If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be absurd to pray the same way when that prayer has already been answered? What use is there to pray for something that Christ has already accomplished? God says, What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Isaiah 5:4. When Jesus said, it is finished, it meant, there is nothing else to be done; everything that the world needs for its redemption is now fulfilled.
- Sin is condemned – Rom 8:3.
- Death has been defeated – Hebrews 2:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:50-57.
- Satan, the strong man is bound by Jesus Christ and plundered all his goods – Matthew 12:28,29; Mark 3:27.
- Satan is destroyed (incapacitated) – Hebrews 2:14.
- The keys to hell and death are now in the hands of Jesus Christ – Revelation 1:18.
- The Kingdom of God, which they were preaching and teaching had come on the day of Pentecost – Romans 14:17; Luke 11:20; Matthew 12:28; 1 Corinthians 4:20; Acts 1:8/8:12; Revelation 12:10.
- The kingdom of Christ is now on earth in the body of Christ – 2 Peter 1:11; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 12:10.
Tell me now why praying in the same way is beneficial. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name (Did God not hallowed the name of Christ? Has God not highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name – Philippians 2:9 – Is it not the name of His Father that Christ bore? Jesus said, I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gave me – John 17:6; I have declared unto them thy name – John 17:26; Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me – John 17:11. In Greek the name Ie-sous means, “God the Saviour” – Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us – Matthew 1:23 – God was manifest in the flesh – 1 Timothy 3:16).
Christ fulfilled it all – Matthew 6:9-13.
- Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name (He hallowed his name – John 12:28).
- Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (His kingdom had come and His will was done, for which the Son of God came to do– John 5:30/Hebrews 10:9/Luke 11:20/Romans 14:17).
- Give us this day our daily bread – John 6:50,51.
- And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Grace is God’s goodness aimed at human debt and depravity. God imputes merit where none previously existed and proclaims no debt where one previously existed, all via His mercy. A tremendous debt that we will never be able to repay. Our debt is paid via redemption. The debt and penalty of our sins – for Jesus Christ has become our Ransom – He hath ransomed us from death, the grave, from the power of sin, from the evil world, that we might live unto God and become the righteousness of God in Christ; by shedding his blood he redeemed us – 1 Peter 1:18,19/Ephesians 1:7; Romans 8:11-14).
- “Finished!” Jesus exclaimed just before he died. Jesus didn’t just say that his suffering was over. In its original tongue, the word meant “to close out an account”: “cancelled,” “paid in full,” “nothing left to pay”—” finished!” Jesus paid the entire debt of sin.
- And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Christ spoiled principalities and powers/destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil – Colossians 2:15/Hebrews 2:14– He destroyed the works of the devil and delivered us from sin, death, saved us from this present evil world and the power of darkness – Colossians 2:15/Hebrews 2:17,18/2 Peter 2:9/James 1:12/Luke 11:4/1 John 3:8/5:18/Galatians 1:4/Colossians 1:13):
- For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Now is come salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God, day, and night – Revelation 12:10.