Prayer is a daily Christian grace that is easily neglected in our lives. The freedom and wealth in the modern western world has (in many ways) had a detrimental effect on the primacy of prayer in our lives, and if our church is to fulfil their purpose as the house of God, we must follow the rule for our prayers.

You have heard of George Muller and the mighty man of prayer he was, perhaps you have also heard of E. M. Bounds and read his books on prayer, but perhaps the best example of the kind of prayer Paul is calling us too is illustrated in the intercessory prayer of Moses in Exodus 32:11-14. The rule for our prayers guides us towards a prayer that moves God.

We are promised peace and joy, but as one were to see through the challenge of 1 Peter, Philippians, and even through James 1; this peace and joy flows from the inside out. As we set our affections on the things above and not the things upon the earth, and as we make the work of Christ in our lives our one desire this peace and joy flows through despite the difficulties of life.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

And so with this in mind, under the inspiration of the Spirit, Paul, sets forth for Timothy (and now us) the rule for our warfare. Paul writes challenging Timothy with another reason he has written this letter. “Yes, Timothy, I have written this letter to you, so that you can know how to lead the house of God to fulfil their purpose, but also so you will know how to keep doing it.”

If we want this place to fulfil its God given purpose, to be a place which points people to victory in Jesus, Paul exhorts us that we must have the right teaching, we must have the right testimonies, but he now goes on to challenge that we must fight right.

Hebrews 10:1 reveals to us that the sacrificial system established by the law was only a shadow of what was to come. It was a rough outline of God’s masterpiece called salvation.

As one reads the precious pages of God’s Word, you feel like we were that night when Mrs. Landis did the chalk drawing. As the music played she slowly added detail, upon detail, and the picture came alive.

The Word of God we get a front row seat to as God the Master Painter completes His masterpiece.

As we magnify the Truth, and feast upon the full dietary plan provided by the Master, pointing ourselves back to the path of victory we will spring forth with a passion for others to know of this great love. A mercy, a grace, a love that surpasses knowledge, and can bring even the most vehement person to their knees.

This was Paul’s story. God had radically transformed his life through the victory found in Jesus; and as Paul continues to challenge us to be that place which points others to the path and key to victory, he takes some time to share his own testimony.

When we share our testimony it should clearly point people to where the victory if found. It is not about us, but about Jesus, and the transformation He brings. It is does not need to be long, but should declare, to all those who hear, the glorious transforming power of the Gospel. Through Paul’s personal testimony, we learn that our testimonies are to point people to the right source, and declare to them the right message, that we may fulfil the right purpose.

Ephesians 3:18–19

May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

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