Verses 2-4
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When you pray, be serious and fervent, but also be thankful. Make your prayers a combination of joyful praise to God as well as focused and serious.
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Don't be sleepy when you pray either (Matthew 26:40).
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And pray for opportunities to share the Word with people. If you are looking for opportunities, you will find them.
Verses 5-6
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Be wise and careful around unbelievers, to make your time around them most effective for getting them closer to Jesus.
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A big part of this is being careful with your speech. Try to say exactly what a person needs to hear.
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Verses 7-15
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Many believers are named here, and the overall takeaway is that they all found comfort in each other.
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Believers are meant to be a necessary part of what brings you comfort in time of need, so always be cultivating your relationships with fellow believers.
Verse 16
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In gatherings with believers, read the Bible together, and read it out loud.
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Teachers, teach out of the reading of the Scripture.
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Arrange your words to explain the Scripture's points. Do not arrange Scripture to fit your own points. This is faithful teaching.
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Verse 17
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Be careful to finish what you start!

