Text:Matt. 18:19 "Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven."
Introduction:What does it mean if two of you shall agree.
The Greek word for shall agree is the word symphony
Gr. Symphony means to sound together.
Not just agreeing Amen.
In one mind, with one voice.
Jesus said that when we pray in symphony then we will receive whatever we ask.
What is meant by praying symphony?
Introductory story: Symphony Orchestra
Many skilled musicians in unity
Great musicians but no-one is playing for him or herself.
Sound together
Great honour to belong to the orchestra.
Not just playing the right notes - must follow conductor.
This cannot be read on paper must be followed all the time.
This kind of unity in prayer is produced through:
"> New life [the life of Christ]
> Discipleship through a living relationship with Christ built upon the Word of God
"> A daily yielding to the leadership of the Holy Spirit
Main Points
1. New life.
Unity only comes through new birth.
Must be born into it.
The life of Christ in the believer.
Unity begins at the cross
Colossians 3:1-3
Seek first God's kingdom.
We do not have to produce the unity of the Spirit, we have to keep it. Ephesians 4:3.
Story: World (unsaved) looks at a new Christian and says what is he or she doing there. New creation.
The Father sees His Son and He delights in His Son.
Pours out His love.
New saved are not like the mature violinist but they can pick up the symbols and make a loud noise
Look at the mature violinists. Brilliant but noone gets the glory. Playing together.
Story: Maturity - scars bring out the beauty of the life of Jesus.
2. Discipleship.
Unity must be built upon discipleship. Holy Spirit leading through experience and the Word of God.
Jesus told His disciples to teach all nations and make disciples. Matt.28.
He said that the Gospel of the Kingdom would be preached in all nations before the end. Matt.24:13
Personal Testimony: As soon as I received new life I desired to know Gods Word
Personal testimony: My desire to preach.
When I first preached I was like an express train.
Needed to become skilful.
Discipleship is how we become skilful. 2 Tim 2:15
- We need to study the scriptures - The word of God in us.
- We need to be approved of God lives that glorify the Lord.
- We need to be diligent good workmen
3. Empowering of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2
Unity in the anointing
caring
giving
meeting
house to house
Keep the anointing Acts 5
Need the energising power of the Holy Spirit
Greek Energeo
Unity in prayer brings power.
Acts 4
Unitied prayer empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Summary:Praying in Unity is to be in symphony with one another.
It is a unity that requires
1) New Life the resurrected life of Christ
2) Discipleship skilled workers
3)Empowering of the Holy Spirit
This kind of prayer will always see great results.