Big Idea: The Bible calls us to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, that God would deliver them from their ongoing sin, on the basis of the life that He has given them in Christ. What a blessing to know God continues to transform our hearts into the image of his Son.
Two categories of sin: sin that does not lead to death vs. sin that does lead to death.
We Should Pray for ____________ that ____________ to Life
1John 5:16 (ESV) If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
Sin is any ______________, _______________, _______________, or ______________ that goes against who God is in his essence.
Matthew 5:27–28 (ESV) — 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Sin is not merely an issue of our actions; it is also an issue of the heart.
Ephesians 1:16–19 (ESV) — 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
God is not finished with any of us. God is never finished with any of us.
John 15:1–4 (ESV) — 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
We Should Not Pray for ________________ that ______________ to Death.
1 John 5:16–17 (ESV) — 16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
Sin that leads to death, is sin that is committed by ___________________.
1 John 5:18–19 (ESV) — 18 We know (oida) that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
1John 3:4-10
The unbeliever is sinning and his sin plunges him further and further into death. He is like a car careening toward the edge of a cliff with no guardrail.
Questions to Consider
What is sin that does not lead to death? What is sin that leads to death?
Why should we pray for the first and not for the second?
Do you spend a lot of time in your prayers, praying for others? If so, what are you praying for?
How might you take advantage of the prayers of the righteous to help you in your battle over sin?
