Week 9 - Day 2

Day 2: “Pray for Each Other” – by Mordecai Jasper (ACC Elder)

Read: 1 John 5:16-17

Review: What was the sin that leads to death that John mentioned? Is the death physical death or eternal death? Ananias and Sapphira committed a sin that led to physical death (Acts 5:1-11). Paul talked about sickness and even physical death being the consequences of partaking of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner (1 Cor. 11:27-30). Jesus said speaking against the Holy Spirit would not be forgiven (Matt. 12:32). We have no way of knowing when a person has committed sin that leads to death, i.e., choses to harden their heart to the point that praying for them is futile. Yet it does and will happen. (See Jer. 7:16; 11:14; and 14:11). What are we to do? Pray for people who commit sin that doesn’t lead to death and pray that people do not commit sin that leads to

death, while realizing that praying for the latter will eventually be futile.

Reflect: Read James 5:19-20. John said pray for Christians who sin. James said that we should meet with a Christian who is going astray to encourage them to repent. How would knowing God, making friends, and adding value make it easier have such a discussion with a fellow Anthemite?