3 x 3 by Phil Kinney
"Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed — God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. (Romans 4:16-5:5)
Praying for loved ones and believing for their salvation can be discouraging and seemingly fruitless. Praying for husbands, parents, sons and daughters, grandchildren, neighbours, workmates – and seeing little or no change, or that they seem to go backwards can be very discouraging and disheartening.
But I want to encourage you today to continue to fight the good faith and not give up, and to give you a few hints that may be helpful, especially as we lead into Christmas and the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, as these are a fantastic opportunity to focus our prayers toward a life changing encounter for those we care about.
1. Understand the scale of movement – -10 to 0 (salvation) and then rising on the walk of discipleship – salvation and discipleship is a life long journey
2. Fix your eyes on Jesus and not the situation
Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (Romans 4:16)
We are the seed to whom the promise is given. What promise? God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed (Romans 4: 17-18)
God gives life to the spiritually dead.
God speaks faith, and we can call those that are not as though they were
Through Jesus we can hope, even when it seems as there is no hope we fix our eye on Him
3. Be fully convinced God is able to perform – and will do it!
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform (Romans 4: 20)
• but was strengthened in faith until....you are fully convinced- Strengthen yourself in faith – Romans 10:10 and listen only to the positive
• giving glory to God – Praise God that is done – even when you can’t see it done. Get to the point where you can believe it, then praise God until you see it.
4. Stay the course – it will make you stronger
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5: 1-5)
tribulation produces perseverance
⇓
and perseverance, character
⇓
and character, hope
⇓
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
• 3 x 3
Talk About
1. Who would you like to see in Church with you?
2. Do you believe God can and will see them saved?
3. Do the words we say "undo" the prayers we pray with our loved ones?
4. Commit to praying for your 3 x 3 people
Remember - Read through the NT.
