Today's Scripture:
Ephesians 4:17-32

Key Verses:
Ephesians 4:20-24

"But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

The Point:

Why a Prayer Challenge?

The purpose of this Prayer Challenge is to help each of us prepare for and experience revival!

The previous statement likely brings questions to mind, generates some uncertainty in the heart, and reveals what’s in our spirit (attitude).

The questions in the mind might be like these:

• Revival - what's that?
• Do I/do we need revival?
• When revival is needed, can it be scheduled?

The uncertainty in the heart might be expressed like this:

• Revival - oh, that again. What do I need to do this time?
• Revival - ok, no problem, just a few more times to listen to preaching.
• Revival - I realize I probably need revival. I have tried before but nothing really changed. Will this time be different?

Our spirit (attitude) may be revealed in ways like this:

• Good, there are some folks around here who need revival.
• Ok, I probably need revival - but how much time and effort are involved, I'm really busy!
• Hey, I'm working hard, keep daily devotions, tithe, fellowship, pray for and serve others, what else is needed?

So, what is Revival? Revival is a spiritual awakening, a renewal among Christians (especially, Church members). Revival is characterized by renewed commitment to God, repentance from sin, and a desire to live a holy life. Revival isn't a feeling or a temporary surge in faithfulness; it is a renewed mind (Romans 12:1-2), a clean heart (Psalm 51:10-13), and a change in spirit (attitude) (Ephesians 4:23-24) that features a desire to live according to God’s will and plan! Revival is evidenced by a change in thinking, behavior, desires, and attitudes toward God!

Regardless of where you think you are in your walk with Jesus, we need to grow in our devotion, worship, service, and fellowship with Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)! The Christian life is about transformation in thinking and behaviors that make us more like Jesus.

This Prayer Challenge is designed to lead us through the foundations of the daily/weekly Christian walk with the goal of becoming more like Jesus (Colossians 2:6-7)! Regardless of where you are on the path to becoming like Christ, active participation in the challenge will serve to promote growth and prepare for Revival.

Ephesians 4:17-32 records the Apostle Paul’s instruction to the Church at Ephesus about the emphatic need for believers to "put off the old man" and to "put on the new man!" As Christians, disciples of Jesus, we have learned about Christ, we have been taught by Him through His Word, and we should know the truth. So, why is Paul telling them to "put off the old man" and to "put on the new man?"

Study Today's Scripture for a few minutes and answer these questions:

1. How did the "other" Gentiles "walk" according to verses 17-19?
2. What was wrong with their heart?
3. Why did Paul tell the Ephesians they needed to "put off the old man" and "put on the new man?"

Prayer Time

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• A clear indication that the "old man" is still in charge is the presence of ungodly thoughts, words, and deeds. Do you have persistent thoughts, words, or deeds that need to be confessed, forsaken, and forgiven?
• Do you look forward to worship, instruction in the Word, prayer time, and fellowship or do you let your failings or the failings of others dominate your heart, mind, and spirit?
• Have you "given place to the devil" or in other words have you allowed your thoughts, emotions, or perceived offenses to be used by the devil to lead you into sin in the forms of anger, depression, grudge holding?

Praise:

• Do you want to "see" God? "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8 - Thank God for opening your eyes to the condition of your heart.
• Do you want to "stand in his holy place?" "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." Psalm 24:3-4 - Thank God for the opportunity and privilege to enter into His presence in corporate and private worship.

Intercessory Prayers:

• Our nation needs genuine Christians to take a stand for the truth in love, ask God to awaken His people starting here at First Baptist Church of Kingstowne.
• You know someone who would benefit from this Prayer Challenge, ask God to open their heart and mind to consider participating.
• You know someone who is lost, seeking a Church home, or is carrying a burden; ask God to touch them through the power of the Holy Spirit about their need.

Petitions:

• Ask God to help you prepare for revival by changing your mind about the need for revival.
• Ask God to remind you to be disciplined about setting aside time for this Prayer Challenge.
• Ask God to enable you to encourage others to take this Prayer Challenge.

Psalms 85:6 "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?"