Fervent Investment in Prayer and Building in Faith

Scripture Reference : James 4:16-18

Introduction
-When is the last time when you prayed to God that you may know him and not asking for stuff? How do you feel when yo pray for others and when is the last time you prayed for some one in trouble genuinely?
-Fervent means consistency, not stopping, not giving up.
-Investment means saving for the future.
-Fervent investment in prayer and building in faith points to something eternal. They bring about something that will last.
-Do we believe when we pray and therefore wait in expectation?

Fervent investment in prayer requires
1. Confess one to another
The enemy will try to oppress us when we fall into sin making us feel like we are stuck.
When you have sinned confess to God and look for accountability from our mentors/mature Christian.
James wrote this book to the Jews scattered abroad to persist in prayer giving them the example of Elijah that their prayers were valid and God hears when you pray.

2. Corporate prayers
James also encouraged them to pray together as brethren for this would strengthen them.
Daniel 11:32
Coming together as brethren being righteous and in prayer will cause growth.
Attend fellowship, prayer meetings and have friends that you can pray together.

3. Believe
Believe in the power that you possess through Christ.

Building in Faith
Building has to come from a place of confidence. Our confidence is in God. Jesus Christ is our firm foundation
John 3:14-21 God gave his only begotten son that we may be saved and not condemned.
Building in faith discourages us from being lukewarm.
John 18:10-11 To what extent are we willing to sacrifice for God’s work? Jesus at his lowest point was still willing to drink from the cup before him. He knew the importance of his sacrifice. Let us be able to stand in the wilderness even when things are not going our way. When our foundation is in God we will not be shaken.
Job 33:12-17
Our faith is sometimes tested to make us stronger and this is determined by the people we keep around us. Have people that encourage you to focus on Jesus, people that help you to pray e.t.c and Elihu was this to Job. Do you have a Elihu in your life?

How to Build in Faith
1. Have confidence in Christ as we have an assurance that we are secure in Him
2. Live in the light for we are not children of darkness 1 Thessalonians 5:5:11
3. Be ready to sacrifice for God’s work Matthew 6:33
4. Be intentional with God and He will be intentional with you.
6. Keep good company one like Elihu who will encourage you in hard times. Proverbs 13:20
7. Study the word of God to know His heart and direction for your life
8. pray and fast and seek His face that you may glow in His glory

Conclusion
Psalms 11:1-3
[3] If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?
We are able to stand through fervent investment in prayer and building in faith.