a slight but necessary change in how we think, honor, pray, and respond to God
- Satan’s device is to drive us back “to beseeching God for what God says has already been done” Principles of Spiritual Growth, Sanford, p.89
- We are complete ‘in Christ’. cf. Col 2:9, 10 Christ is full of the Godhead in bodily form.
- Sanford e.g. Phil 4:19 A promise that God provides for our needs. Our responsibility is to thank and trust Him. (not beg)
- John16:24 we are commanded to ask of God. Yes, may I fully appropriate what is mine in Christ 1 Cor.3:21, 23
Application:
- Don’t ask God to speak when He has already spoken or to give what He has already given. 2 Peter 1:3;
- Don’t’ ask God to be present when He already assures us of His presence.
| Do’s | Do not | Clear applications |
| Do ask God to make you aware of His presence. May we seek out, acknowledge, and proclaim His goodness today/now | Don’t ask God to come or be present. Don’t seek new phenomena as if you want a magic show. What have you done with the revelation He has already given? | God assures us of His presence. Omnipresent. We ought seek out and testify to God’s presence among us. Phil. 1:9-11; Col.1:9. Acts 17:22-31 |
| Ask God to open our eyes to His promises. Be illumined to them. May we walk & be bold on the basis of His promises | Don’t ask God to speak more revelation to us. | Read and know His word and act accordingly. 2 Pet 1:3-9; Eph.1:17-18 |
| Pray for courage and confidence | Don’t ask the Holy Spirit to fill you when you are full of doubts | Acts 4:29-30 |
| Claim victory. Ask for God’s favor through human instruments. | Don’t ask God for victory. He already assures us of ultimate victory. | Neh.1:11; Ps.90: Rev.2-3 we are overcomers. We have victory in Christ. |
| Thank & praise God for what He has given us in Christ | Don’t beg and plead as if God is reluctant and unloving. | Matt.7:7-12 ‘how much more…’ God’s love emphasized 1 Jn.3:1-3 |
| Submit my will to Christ each day | Ro.12:1-2; Phil. 2:1-11 | |
| Do acknowledge that God does reveal Himself to unbelievers | Don’t plead with God to reveal himself to people as though He is reluctant. | Acts 4:29-30; Jn 16:1-12 His Spirit “guilt-convicts“ people |
| Claim and acknowledge God’s faithfulness and protection. Do lay claim of God’s protection from Evil One | Don’t pray for God to be faithful. It is one of His perfections. He is always faithful. | 2 Thes.3:3; Matt.6:13; Resist Satan & stand firm in faith 1 Pet 5:9 |
| Pray that God ‘direct our hearts to His love and Christ’s perseverance | Don’t pray for God to love us. He already does. | 2 Thess. 3:5 |
0 Comments