1 John: Ask! Anything? *According

radiantvisalia.com
1 John: Ask! Anything? *According (1 John 5:13-15)

Scripture: 1 John 5:14-15, John 14:12-14, John 15, 1 John 3, 1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Thessalonians 5, Matthew 6:9-13, Mark 14:32-36

Intro:

• 1 John 5:14-15: Assurance and confidence in prayer.
• Story of the 1955 Martin guitar: answered prayer.
• Question: Is this passage too good to be true?

The Power of Prayer:

• John's source: Jesus' teachings on prayer.
• Jesus' promises: "Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do" (John 14:13).
• Reality: answered and unanswered prayers.
• Do we grasp the potential of prayer?
• Disciples' request: "Teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1).

Three Words: Ask Anything According

• Ask:
  • Not as simple as it seems.
  • Pride and fear hinder our asking.
  • We leak instead of making requests.
  • God invites us to ask boldly.
• Anything:
  • Prayer is relating to God, not just getting things.
  • Tend to your view of God in prayer.
  • Ask big and small things.
  • What does your asking say about your view of God?
  • God wants us to ask.
• According:
  • Condition: according to God's will.
  • Jesus' prayer: "Not what I will, but what you will" (Mark 14:36).
  • God's will: character over circumstance.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4: God's will is our sanctification.
  • Pray for character development.
  • God's general will opens doors to specific will.

Application:

• Ask boldly, surrender completely.
• Come to the table (communion).
• Reflect on your view of God.
• Pray for character transformation.
• Seek God's will in all things.

Conclusion:

• Prayer is a powerful tool for relating to God.
• God desires our bold requests and surrendered hearts.