The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 1358, titled "How to Pray."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE. Copyright 2001 by John MacArthur Jr., All Rights Reserved.

Question

In praying for a brother that is in some sin and this brother continues to be in sin, should it come to a point where we should discontinue our prayers or what should be, I don't know, along that line?

Answer

I wouldn't say so. I would say we would continue to pray for him until such a time as 1 John 5, you know, where he's taken away. But even in that case I don't think 1 John 5 is saying stop praying for him, it's just saying it won't do any good if you do. But you don't know that, that's for God to decide. So I think that definitely you should continue to pray for him.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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