ASKING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL (II)
by Pastor Richard Tow
December 13, 2015
Text: 1John 5:14-15
View PDF for this sermon (opens in a new window)
Description: What are the keys to an effective prayer life? This message focuses an essential key: perseverance! We are sometimes tempted to lose heart in our pursuit of an answer from God. This message explores four observations from Scripture about persisting in prayer. It provides encouraging reasons to continue to seek the Lord in expectant faith. As you listen to this sermon, ask the Lord to stir your heart toward more prayer.
View PDF for this sermon (opens in a new window)
OUTLINE
Asking According to His Will (II)
Intro
A. 1 John 5:14-15 “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
B. Previous message (Part I): Questions to help us determine if our request is “according to His will.”
(1) What does the Bible say about the matter we’re praying about?
(2) Does the request line up with the priorities God has for my life?
(3) Does the request fit within the plan God has for my life?
C. Final Question: This message (Part II)
(4) Am I willing to persevere in prayer until I know His will on the matter?
Four observations about persevering in prayer.
(1) Persisting in prayer can lead to a better understanding of God’s will in the matter.
A. Paul’s experience in 2 Cor. 12:7-10
B. Jesus’ experience in Garden of Gethsemane.
C. Both prayed until a resolution came from the Father.
(2) Persisting in prayer may be necessary because of spiritual resistance.
A. Daniel prayed “according to His will” but answer delayed in Daniel 9.
B. Gabriel explained reason for a delay in Dan. 10:12-14.
(3) Persisting in prayer is an expression of faith that can bring us into the answer.
A. Jesus taught this in the Parable of the Unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8)
B. John Wimber’s experience
C. Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 18.
(4) Persisting in prayer is empowered by the Holy Spirit.
A. Involves our will and choices; but must have Holy Spirit help.
B. Pray for Holy Spirit help based on Romans 8:26-27.
QUESTIONS
1. What keeps you going in prayer? Talk about your motivations and any methods that have been helpful.
2. What challenges have you had in your efforts to persevere in prayer?
3. Why does God work through our prayers? He is omnipotent; why doesn’t He just make it happen without the process of prayer?
4. What value do you see in knowing that we’re praying “according to His will?”
How does persistence in prayer help us in the discovery of His will?
5. Do you ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray? Why or why not?
