Agreement Part 1
Matthew 18:19-20 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
In verse19, Jesus taught about the enormous power that exists when believers get in agreement with each other. “…If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”
The Greek word for “agree” in this verse is sumphoneo.
It means to agree together, to make a bargain, or to come to an agreement.
It is the Greek word from which the word “symphony” is derived.
A symphony orchestra combines many diverse instruments under the direction of a skilled conductor to produce a beautiful, musical masterpiece, and its impact extends far beyond what any one instrument could achieve on its own.
This imagery paints a perfect analogy for the Christian community as God intended it to be.
It becomes an opportunity to reinforce each other; I strengthen the faith of another as they now strengthen mine.
This type of prayer will inspire you and those around you; if you want to live outside the box spiritually it will at the very least take two!
You cannot inspire others to live outside the box if you only pray from inside your circle!
A prayerless life is a life that is separated from God.
Romans 8:9 “But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
That Spirit must, and will, find expression.
Our text today deals with concerted prayer, the prayer by those who are in accord.
Such prayer is as indispensable to the Christian life as is the individual and private prayer.
What does this text teach us?
1. There is both a percept (a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought) and a promise in this text.
These are always related; something is promised to two or three who shall agree!
What would happen if several in this place today would begin to agree together?
I believe this passage is teaching and implying to us that we should agree together in prayer today!
It would seem to be our duty and privilege to approach one another in spiritual accord and address the throne.
Psalm 68:6 “God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.”
By nature, and temperament, we belong to some family in Christ; should we not find it and be loyal to it?
There were two disciples on the Emmaus road; there was a spirit of fellowship present.
Suddenly the Master was in their midst and some wonderful things happened.
These disciples had a common interest; they were involved in a particular company; they enjoyed a kindred spirit.
As soon as Peter was delivered from prison, where did he go?
He headed toward the house of John Mark; that was his company; he knew he belonged with them; he knew they had vested interest in him.
It should be instinctive in those who know Jesus to desire and discover fellowship with others who meet in His name.
We should not have to be taught to do this; it should be in our soul!
When I hear people say, “I’m not going to join any church. I don’t need to attend services,” I think they are foolish.
This text sets forth an obligation to be together and agree in prayer; it is absolutely necessary to come together in the name of Jesus.
It is this promise, “there am I in the midst of them,” that makes the Church indestructible.
We cannot come to church to be spiritually entertained; we need to come to be spiritual empowered; He must be in our midst!
Just as Samson was defeated by the Philistines when God removed Himself from his midst; so shall we be defeated.
It isn’t the size of the property or the costly furnishing that make the Church; it is His presence!
When at least two agree it becomes a pathway to something greater.
It is greater because Jesus is there in their midst!
When Jesus entered Jericho, the life of a leading citizen, Zacchaeus, was changed.
When Jesus entered the house of Jairus, that important man’s daughter recovered.
Wherever He went, He saved and healed; He touched the blind; He cleansed the leper; He straighten the lame.
“There am I in the midst.” His presence always means something “good” will happen – always!
Jesus came to a certain house where four neighbors lowered a friend, sick with the palsy, through the ceiling; I doubt had only the disciple been there they would have done this.
They knew that Jesus was there and that is what made the difference.
I believe it is the same today; He still brings the crowd; the unsaved are still anxious to see Him as are we His followers.
I don’t know any better reason to come together than to agree in prayer and watch Him come into the midst of the situation!
“Again, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
The world is not wanting a new definition of Christianity; it is waiting for a new demonstration of Christianity; a demonstration where two or three can gather together and ask anything in His name!