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SSTUDY #3: PARALLEL PARKING

Now that we're approaching the half way point in this series on I Timothy 2:1-4, I've had time to complete the revisions and updates on my sermon notes from 1963.   I've also had some time to look over your feedback and appreciate your helpful comments about the series.   As a result, I've decided to finish out the last few parts using a different format which, hopefully, will be more readable and helpful to the task at hand: praying for the our Nation's leadership during these critical days ahead.   So the second half of the series will be broken up into smaller, more digestible segments instead of the more detailed study approach used thus far.   Now, let's get started with a very brief summary and move on from there.

PREVIOUSLY:   Recall that I chose I Timothy 2:1-4 as our primary Scripture because it speaks directly to the purpose of praying for "those in authority", especially in regard to this important interim period when the President-elect is preparing to take office on January 20th.   In spite of the recent election "miracle", there may be some who question whether or not our prayers, over the next two months, really make a difference?   Again, the answer is: "Yes.... and no".   If you've read through the previous study, you'll recall that the effectiveness of our collective prayer campaign depends on our meeting certain conditions.   Those conditions were spelled out in the four words the Apostle Paul spells out in the passage below.   Read through it again, just to refresh your memory.

I Timothy 2:1-4... "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. "

Taking this as a formula for effective prayer, not only for our nation's leadership, but for all men, we learn that the format should contain the elements of "supplication, prayer, intercession and giving of thanks" if we are to expect God to answer.   We've already looked at those first three elements in the previous study, so now let's take the forth and most important of them all: "giving of thanks".   But STOP right here... I hope something in the last sentence caught your eye.   Yes, I do emphatically consider the act of "thanksgiving" the most important, albeit most ignored, element of effective prayer.   Yet, as I have come to understand God's character, purpose and desire for each of us as His children, the practice of "thanksgiving" in each and every prayer, is the little known key that unlocks a floodgate of blessing and power seldom enjoyed by God's children.

Today, we'll take a brief look at the topic of "thanksgiving" using a COMPARATIVE METHOD of study.   Comparative study, which simply compares large numbers of different Scriptures on the same subject, is the most basic yet informative method of studying Scripture. (see also I Cor. 2:13)   Lining these verses up, side by side for comparison, is a lot like parallel parking.   Viewing all verses in close proximity gives opportunity for comparing and contrasting the topic under study.   We end up with an more complete and insightful summary of all Scripture as it relates to one topic. So today;, we'll select just two other passages, containing the word "thanksgiving", to get their perspective on this vital element of prayer.

Philippians 4:6-7 and I Thessalonians 5:16-19.   Now, let's park our key verse first:

I Timothy 2:1-4 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. "

Next comes: Philippians 4:6: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally: I Thessalonians 5:16-17: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit."

It's obvious from the above that the Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, inextricably links the act of "thanksgiving" with the act of "prayer".... and for very good reason.   Can you guess why?   To keep this short and to the point, I'll stop here, asking you to do a little research on your own.   Let's see if you can guess why "thanksgiving" is so vital to prayer in God's eyes.   Otherwise, move on to the next installment using the link below.   If you think you know the answer, I'd be interested in hearing about it.  Feel free to drop me a line at Info@insites.us with your answer.

LESSON 4: