• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Delivered from those in Judea who do not believe..."

Text: Romans 15:31a

SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUEST I

Paul made three specific prayer requests in the following text.

“That I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe,
and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
that I may come to you with joy by the will of God,
and may be refreshed together with you.”
Romans 15:31-32

That I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe

a) Paul knew from experience just how tough his unbelieving opponents were.

i) Some became his sworn enemies (Cf. Acts 13:45)

ii) They would go to any lengths to hinder his ministry (Cf. Acts 17:5)

iii) They would resort to violence if necessary (Cf. Acts 17:5-8)

iv) One group even swore to kill him (Cf. Acts 23:12)

b) The answer to the problem lay in prayer

i) Paul could not return evil for evil.

ii) He could not second-guess what his opponents would do.

iii) He could not afford to lose focus of his ministry.

iv) The best way was to appeal for prayer support.

STRIVING TOGETHER IN PRAYER

Simple prayers would not be sufficient or effective against such enemies! Behind the physical, flesh and blood enemies lay an even formidable foe- Satan himself. (Cf. Ephesians 6:10-20). Anyone who understood spiritual warfare would appreciate the import of what Paul wrote!

1. Spiritual resistance must be met with strength from the Lord.

2. Spiritual warfare must be engaged only if one has put on the armour of God.

3. Every effort must be poured into prayer (“striving”) if success is desired.

4. Paul’s emphasis on prayer was not misplaced.