May 25, 2008 Summit AM
More On
Praying Like Winners
A. Text – Ps.100:1-5
B. Last several weeks have focused upon prayer
1. Necessity of asking – not optional
2. Last week we added
a. Confidence that God wants to answer – meet your needs
b. Asking in the name of Jesus – only name that opens heaven
3. Add another two thoughts – gratefulness & seeking His glory
C. Pray
A. Medieval
legend about two angels
1. One sent to retrieve all the requests (unable carry all in one load)
2. Other to gather all the thanksgivings (carry all in one hand)
3. Point is that continuously seek help – few really grateful
4. Like the lepers of Lk.17:11-19
a. 10 sought His mercy
b. All were healed
c. Only one returned to give thanks
B. Reasons to enter His gates with thanksgiving – Ps.100
1. How we maintain spiritual stability – Phil.4:4-8
a. Christians are continually under attack
1) The world – allurements & persecution
2) Our flesh – desires that continually cry out
3) Satan - who uses both of the above, to destroy our faith
b. Leads to discouragement,
doubts & disillusionment
1) Many are crushed by their trials
2) Like Reuben in OT – unstable as water – Gen.49:4
c. How overcome?
1) Maintain a spirit of joy – rejoice in the Lord
a) Deep confidence that God is in control
b) Tense = present imperative (continual, habitual)
c) Stability directly related to how we think of God
2) Learn to be content – the Lord is near
a) Heb.13:5,6 – never leave or forsake
b) Allows circumstances for your good – maturity
c) We are His servants – always seeks our good
3) React to life with thankful prayer
a) Greatest antidote for worry & fretting
b) Verbalize His promises back to Him
4) Focus your mind upon godly virtues
a) Evaluate & meditate continually on these
b) Reality – we are what we think about
2. We are the redeemed
a. No longer a slave to sin – Rom.6
b. I now belong to God – I am His child – Eph.1:3ff
c. No condemnation to those in Christ – Rom.8:1
3. God has promised to supply all
our needs
a. Mt.6:33 – seek 1st His kingdom & righteousness
b. Phil.4:19 – according to His riches (more than enough)
4. Been given the privilege of serving Him
a. We who are so unworthy – enemies – Col.1:21
b. Raised & seated with Jesus in
the heavenly realm – Eph.2:6
C. See
the power of a spirit of gratefulness
1. 2 Chron.20
a. Three nations come against Israel (vast army)
1) Jehoshaphat proclaims & fast & prays
2) God revealed His message of hope as the people waited
3) Promises that the enemy will be dealt with
(The battle is not yours but the Lords)
b. Went to battle field rejoicing (choir in front)
1) As sang praises God destroyed their enemies
2) None escaped because God’s people praised Him
2. Phil.4:7 – promised that He will guard our hearts & minds
a. His peace rule – confidence in His wisdom & power
b. Isa.26:3 – kept in perfect peace because trusts in God
A. Rom.8:28,29 – the recipients of God’s working
1. Those who love God
a. 1 Cor.2:9 – beyond us rewards for those who love God
b. 1 Cor.8:1 – love God = known by Him
c. Mark of saving faith is love for
God – many facets
1) Long for personal communion – Ps.42:1,2 – as a deer
2) Trust Him to care & protect – Prov.3:5,6
3) At peace regardless the circumstances – Jn.1114:27
4) Desire His honor & glory – Jn.2 (zeal)
5) Loves the things He loves – people; righteousness
6) Hate what He hates – evil & sin – 1 Jn.2:15
7) Long for the return of Jesus – 2 Tim.4:8
8) Obedience – Jn.14:15
2. Called according to His
purpose
a. Our salvation – why Jesus came
b. Vs.29 – be conformed into His image (like Him)
B. 1 Jn.5:14,15 – ask according to His will
1. My focus is not myself or my desires – it is His
2. I am totally & completely His
servant – Lk.17:7-10