Praying For Believers To Be Filled With Fruit (Clip)
James Jennings emphasizes the importance of praying for believers to be filled with spiritual fruit, love, knowledge, and discernment, following Paul's example in Philippians 1.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of praying for one another, specifically focusing on praying for the church to abound in love, knowledge, discernment, and to approve what is excellent. It highlights the significance of offering sacrifices of help and support to others, which are pleasing to God, regardless of our feelings.
Full Transcript
Pray to be filled with fruit as Paul was praying. We should be praying that for one another. You should be praying, Philippians 1, for the church.
I know I've heard this verse quoted at prayer meetings before. It's right to pray that the brethren's love would abound more and more. It's right to pray that we'd have knowledge and discernment.
That we would then, in return, approve what is excellent. Right? We don't want to just approve what's good. We want that which is most excellent.
We want that which is most excellent in the business meeting. We want that which is most excellent with our own personal finances. Another thing, remember, brethren, v. 18.
God looks at the offering you're giving as a sacrifice that is acceptable to God. Helping someone in their needs. God looks at that and says that smells really good.
That's a pleasing aroma in my sight. You know, you don't always feel that. It doesn't matter what you and I feel.
What does God say?
Sermon Outline
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I. The Call to Pray for Spiritual Fruit
- Pray as Paul prayed for the church
- Ask for love to abound more and more
- Pray for knowledge and discernment
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II. Approving What Is Excellent
- Seek to approve what is most excellent
- Apply excellence in business and finances
- Discernment leads to wise decisions
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III. Pleasing God Through Sacrifice
- Offerings as acceptable sacrifices to God
- Helping others is a pleasing aroma to God
- God values what we do beyond our feelings
Key Quotes
“Pray to be filled with fruit as Paul was praying.” — James Jennings
“God looks at the offering you're giving as a sacrifice that is acceptable to God.” — James Jennings
“Helping someone in their needs... smells really good. That's a pleasing aroma in my sight.” — James Jennings
Application Points
- Regularly pray for fellow believers to grow in love and discernment.
- Strive to choose and approve what is excellent in all areas of life.
- Serve others with the mindset that your actions are pleasing to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we pray for believers to be filled with fruit?
Praying for spiritual fruit helps believers grow in love, knowledge, and discernment, strengthening the church community.
What does it mean to approve what is excellent?
It means choosing and supporting what is best and most beneficial in all areas of life, including decisions and actions.
How does God view our offerings and acts of service?
God sees them as acceptable sacrifices and a pleasing aroma, valuing them regardless of how we feel.
What role does discernment play in the Christian life?
Discernment helps believers make wise choices that align with God's will and promotes spiritual growth.