BAC Sermons
The End of Prayer |
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2010-06-06 | 1 Peter 4:7 |
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(administrator note: the audio quality of this sermon is pretty poor on both the audio-file and the video-file, for which we apologize)
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear/sound minded and self-controlled/sober so that you can pray/for the purpose of prayer. NIV I. The Telios-Culmination of All is already set in motion and inevitableGod's purposes in Creation are going to be fulfilled; this world is not all there is...we will have to give an account (see 1Pt 4:6) Eph 1:9 And He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. 2Pt 3:3 scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 "Where is the promise of His coming?...all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." 5 they willfully forget: that by the word of God...7 preserved by the same word, are reserved until the day of judgment 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night,11 Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless II. In light of the Telios: What sort of people should we be? = Sane and SoberLk 12:40 “be ready” A. Right mind=Life governed by objectives (Titus); self-control; Lk 21:34 Don't spend all of your time thinking about eating or drinking or worrying about life. If you do, the final day will suddenly catch you like a trap. That day will surprise everyone on earth. 36 Watch out and keep praying that you can escape all that is going to happen and that the Son of Man will be pleased with you. CEV B. Sober = non-escapist, accurate perception of reality, watchful-on guard Mk 14:38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. Pr 28:9 One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. Ps 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear Isa 1:15 when you spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when you make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands... Isa 59:1 The LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear; 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear III. For what should we pray (express desire to God)?Communication in a relationship: Thanksgiving, Asking, Listening, Knowing A. Why? We need to, We ought to, We want to. Promptings to Prayer: 1) Problems -Punish, Perfect, Profit; 2); 3m) People B. Stages of Prayer (See Biblical Survey of Prayer and TOYL Prayer List {Tools to Manage your Spiritual Life) on Truthbase.net) 1. Worthless words Mt 6:7 when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases...think that they will be heard for their many words.ESV 2. Wants & Needs – desires to dependence Phil 4:6 not anxious...but in everything by prayer and supplication,let your requests be made known to God 3. Worship – thanksgiving to praise Ps 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Thankful..bless 4. Will transformation Lk 22:42 Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." 5. World change – others & world Eph 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints ---19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak 6. WOW (glorification of God) C. Answers Jer 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Yes/No/Wait/Better Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:
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