Victory Broadcast: Week 4 of "Enlarge My Territory"

Introduction

• Invitation to support the ministry and greetings to various locations (Victory South, Victory City, online audience).
• Acknowledgment of newcomers and those exploring Christianity.
• Encouragement to explore and grow in faith.
• Series focus: "Enlarge My Territory," focusing on biblical prayers and how God responds.

Importance of Studying Prayers

• Examining prayers teaches us about the character of God.
• Example: King David's prayers illustrate the full range of human emotions, showing it's okay to vent to God.

The Bible as a Collection of Documents

• The Bible: A library of 66 documents (39 Old Testament, 27 New Testament) written over 1500 years by 40 authors.
• Original languages: Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic.
• Discussion on translation differences, especially in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, illustrating varying interpretations across translations.

Focus: Prayer of Jabez

• Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (New King James Version).
• Jabez's prayer: "Oh, that you would bless me, enlarge my territory, your hand with me, keep me from evil that I may not cause pain."
• Differences in translations leading to varied interpretations (e.g., "keep me from harm" vs. "keep me from evil").

Relationships: Source of Joy and Pain

• Relationships bring both great joy and pain.
• Examples from various types of relationships (parent-child, friendships, co-workers, romantic relationships, etc.).
• Insight: Relationships are crucial and should be honored.

Honor in Relationships

• Honor defined as the proper value placed on people, places, and things.
• Dishonor can cause relational pain; familiarity breeds contempt.
• Importance of the Imago Dei (image of God) in every human, encouraging respect.

Dynamics of Jesus and Judas

• Devaluation and dishonor in relationships, using Judas' betrayal of Jesus.
• Honor brings out the best in others; dishonor can lead to unnecessary pain.

Spiritual Adversary

• Satan as an unseen adversary, tactics include deceit, division, distraction.
• Importance of being aware of spiritual warfare.

Applying Jabez's Prayer to Life

• Pray to be kept from evil to avoid causing pain to relationships.
• Recognize the role of temptation, instigation, and devaluation in causing pain.
• Value relationships to avoid sabotaging them.

Practical Steps to Live Out the Prayer

• Walk in Love: Demonstrate love beyond words.
• Walk in Wisdom: Seek wisdom to navigate relationships wisely.
• Walk in Compassion: Extend mercy and forgiveness.
• Walk in Humility: Practice humility to avoid pride and arrogance.

Conclusion

• Maturity in faith includes being conscious of the impact of actions on others.
• Homework: Pray for protection from evil, healing for those hurt by us, and increased sensitivity to spreading pain.
• Closing prayer for guidance and protection for the congregation.