The Conditions of Prevailing Prayer
Prevailing prayer requires dependence on Jesus, separation from sin, faith in God's Word, asking in accordance with His will, and importunity in supplication.
Greek Word Studies for a sermon on Transgression (3900) - The preacher delves into the Greek word 'paraptoma' which means a false step, a violation of moral standards, or a deviation from living according to what has been revealed as the right way to live. Paraptoma is akin to falling aside or beside, stumbling, or deviating from the right path. The preacher highlights the ethical usage of 'paraptoma' in the New Testament, describing it as a false step out of the appointed way, a trespass on forbidden ground, a stepping out of line of true conduct, and a deviation from truth and uprightness.
Text
1. Entire dependence upon the merits and mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only ground of any claim of blessing. "Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do" (John 14:13,14).
2. Separation from all known sin. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18).
3. Faith in God's Word of promise as confirmed by His oath. "He that cometh to God must believe that He is...a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
4. Asking in accordance with His will. Our motives must be godly. "Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts" (James 4:3).
5. Importunity in supplication. There must be waiting on God and waiting for God, as the husbandman has long patience God and waiting for God, as the husbandman has long patience to wait for the harvest. "Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him?" (Luke 18:7).
Sermon Outline
- Entire dependence upon the merits and mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ
- Separation from all known sin
- Faith in God's Word of promise as confirmed by His oath
- Asking in accordance with His will
- Importunity in supplication
Key Quotes
“Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do” — George Mueller
“He that cometh to God must believe that He is...a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” — George Mueller
“Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him?” — George Mueller
Application Points
- We must depend solely on the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ for our prayers to be answered.
- We must separate from all known sin in order to have a clear conscience and a right relationship with God.
- We must ask God's will in our prayers, with pure and right motives.