Ii Chronicles 7:14
God promises to hear from heaven when we humble ourselves, pray, and turn from our wicked ways.
Chuck Smith emphasizes God's promise to hear our prayers as outlined in II Chronicles 7:14, highlighting the importance of humility and turning away from wickedness. He reassures believers that God listens to our prayers, contrasting this with the difficulty of being heard by others. Smith explains that prayer is not about persuading God to fulfill our desires but about aligning ourselves with His will. He encourages the congregation to seek God's face and surrender to Him, reminding them that God desires to respond to their needs when they approach Him with a humble heart.
Text
"WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN"
Intro: This passage of scripture is God's direct response to Solomon's
prayer of dedication of the Temple.
I. "I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN."
A. This is a glorious promise of God.
1. It always amazes me that God will listen to me when
I pray.
a. I sometimes have a hard time getting people
to listen to me.
1. I find myself talking and no one
listening.
2. As I am speaking, they begin to
stare, then their heads drop.
2. God hears us when we pray!
a. What an encouragement for prayer.
3. God's Word contains many glorious promises related
to prayer.
a. "If you ask anything..."
b. "And whatsoever things ye desire..."
c. "Ask that ye might receive."
B. These promises are conditional.
1. "My people, called by My name."
2. To whom did Jesus make these promises? Disciples.
a. What constitutes discipleship?
1. Deny self.
2. Take up cross.
3. Follow me.
3. Common misconception about prayer.
a. An instrument by which I can persuade God
to do my will on earth.
b. Purpose of prayer is never my will be done.
4. Does this bother you?
a. It only bothers you when you don't know God.
1. God is wiser than I.
2. His will is superior to mine.
3. He wants to work His will in this
rebellious world.
4. He will not violate our power of
choice.
C. "Humble themselves and pray."
1. James said, "You have not because you ask not."
a. How many times it's just that simple.
2. Prayer should not be the last resort for the child of
God.
3. It is quite possible that God is desiring to give
you that very thing you are so desperate for. Just
waiting.
D. "Turn from their wicked ways."
1. If I regard iniquity in my heart . . .
2. The Lord's hand is not short.. . . neither is His ear
heavy. . .
II. THE SCENE.
A. People have turned their backs on God. They have walked after
their own desires through pride, thinking they know better
than God.
1. They have been taken into captivity.
2. The enemy has destroyed them.
B. If they will just humble themselves and pray and turn from
their wickedness and seek God's face.
1. Seek His will, surrender to Him.
2. God, which way are You facing?
C. I will hear from heaven.
Sermon Outline
- God's Promise of Hearing points: - A Glorious Promise - Humble themselves and pray - Conditional Promises - The Purpose of Prayer - The Conditions for Hearing - Turn from their wicked ways
- The Scene points: - People have turned their backs on God - Humble themselves and pray - The Consequences of Rebellion - Turn from their wickedness - The Call to Repentance
Key Quotes
“It always amazes me that God will listen to me when I pray.” — Chuck Smith
“God hears us when we pray!” — Chuck Smith
“If I regard iniquity in my heart . . . The Lord's hand is not short.. . . neither is His ear heavy.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must humble ourselves and turn from our wicked ways in order to experience God's hearing.
- Prayer should not be the last resort for the child of God, but a regular means of communication with Him.
- God may be waiting for us to surrender to His will and seek His guidance in order to give us what we desire.