April 27, 2008 Summit AM

The Power Of Asking

Introduction

A. Text – Lk.11:1-13

B. Life is about choices

            1. You are - what you chose to be yesterday

            2. You will be tomorrow - what you choose to be today

            3. Last several months - been discussing choices needed make to be victorious

                        a. Based upon the principles from God’s word

                        b. Reason – this is the source of God’s formula for real victory

            4. This morning – another principle “the power of asking”

C. Pray

 

I. The Power Of Asking

            A. Scripture

                        1. Mt.7:1,8 – everyone “who asks” receives

                        2. Mt.9:37,38 – workers are few – “ask” the Lord

                        3. Mt.18:19,20 – if 2 agree about anything you “ask” will be done

                        4. Mt.21:22 – if believe, you will receive whatever you “ask” in prayer

                        5. Mk.11:24 – whatever you “”ask” for in prayer, believe have received

                        6. Lk.11:9-11 – “ask” & will be given…everyone who “asks” receives

                                    Father give the Holy Spirit to those who “ask”

                        7. Jn.14:13,14 – give disciples whatever they “ask”

                        8. Jn.15:7,8 – remain in Me & word remain in you – “ask” & will be given

                        9. Jn.15:16 – Father give you whatever you “ask” in My name

                        10. Jn.16:23-26 – Father give you whatever you “ask” in My name

                        11. James 1:5 – if anyone lacks wisdom “ask” God

                        12. James 4:2 – you do not have because you do not “ask”

                        13. 1 Jn.3:21,22 – receive anything we “ask”

                        14. 1 Jn.5:14,15 – if we “ask”” anything according to His will

            B. Asking is not an option - physically and spiritually

                        1. Herbert True poll – a sales marketing executive 

a. 94% of all salespeople quit by the 4th presentation

b. Yet 60% of all sales take place after the 4th presentation

2. Point – most sales people lose a chance at 60% of opportunities

a. We also - Lose out on opportunities – help; guidance; assistance

b. All because we won’t ask

3. Young man at wedding – weeping – I love that girl

a. Asked – did you ever ask her out?

b. No!

c. Then you got what you asked for – “nothing”

                        4. Not asking is a guaranteed “No”

                                    a. James 4:2 – you have not because you “ask not”

                                    b. Take a risk – “ask” for what you need

                                    c. “SW” “SW” “SW” – some will; some won’t; so what!

                                    d. If we want to receive – we must “ask”

II. Principles To Follow When Asking

            A. Ask with an attitude of expectation

                        1. Mk.11:24,25 – notice the tense – believe you “have received”

                        2. James 1:5 – lack wisdom = ask God – must believe & not doubt

                        3. Illustration – Jn.11:21-26

                                    a. See her faith & Jesus’ answer

                                                Knows - God will give her whatever He asks

                                                She asking Him for her brothers life – you ask & he rise

                                    b. Point - She expects Him to act & He does

                                                Mt.9:27—27 – asks blind – believe = answer is yes

                                                Mt.9:1-8 – paralytic – saw their faith & responded

            B. Ask the one with the authority to respond to your request

                        1. Ask the manager not the cashier - owner

                        2. Mt.28:18 – all authority given to Jesus

                                    Stop praying to the wood god

            C. Be specific

                        1. Tell God what you want – what you need

                        2. Illustration – Mt.6 – give us this day our daily bread

            D. Ask repeatedly – don’t stop asking

                        1. Tense of text – present imperative (continually & constantly)

                        2. Keep on - asking; seeking & knocking

                        3. Lk.11:1-13 – widow was wearing the judge out (not be deterred)

                        4. Question – how badly do we want our needs (Victory) met?

            E. Disclaimer – God is not giving everyone a blank check

                        1. Spoken to His disciples - believers

                        2. Must be living in obedience – 1 Jn.3:22

                        3. Must have the right motive – James 4:3

                        4. Must submit to God’s will – 1 Jn.5:14,15

 

III. How Overcome Hindrances To Our Asking

            A. See Satan in the picture

                        1. 1 Pet.5:8 – looking for someone to devour

                        2. Lk.9:37-42 – even while the boy was coming to Jesus

                                    Threw him to ground – convulsing

                                    Doesn’t do this to us – unworthy feelings; doubts; fear of rejection

                        3. Point – get self prepared for spiritual battle

            B. Do everything you can to increase your faith

                        1. Heb.11:6 – Is & rewards those who diligently seek Him

                        2. Rom.8:32 – gave Jesus – now give us all things along with Him

                        3. He only wants our best – working toward that end

 

Conclusion

A. Victory is at our fingertips – God is waiting for us to ask

1. Question is – what will be our decision?

2. Remember - It will determine our tomorrows

B. Pray