Sermon Notes from Morning Worship
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Series: “Alone With God”
Today: “Determine to Meet with Him”
Scripture: Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up
1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Intro: The evil one is in every hurtful and negative aspect of our lives, either directly or because of his influence in this world.
A. This alone time is the place where we receive the spiritual ammunition for the warfare we are in, daily!
B. Webster: Determine = to settle or decide by choice; to bring about a result; resolve.
I. ALONE TIME IS A GAME CHANGER!
* If you find anything that is so critical that it changes everything, you’ve found something tough to master .
A. It changes us —first.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
B. It changes the destiny of others .
Ephesians 1:16-19 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength
II. ALONE TIME WITH GOD AFFECTS OUR ALONE TIME WITH THE EVIL ONE .
* The devil’s tricks to stop alone time with God.
A. Lie #1: God is not listening to you.
B. Lie #2: There is just not enough time .
C. Lie #3: So many distractions, I just can’t stay focused .
D. Lie #4: Nothing ever really happens when I pray.
III. ALONE TIME WITH GOD DEMANDS DELAYED GRATIFICATION .
A. In prayer, we seldom see our immediate answer so we make wrong deductions:
* God wasn’t listening .
* God said no .
* God doesn’t care .
B. There are over 100 times the Bible tells us to wait .
Conclusion: Paul wrote the Colossian Christ followers: “Devote yourselves to prayer…” (Colossians 4:2a).
A. Devotee: An ardent follower ; supporter; an enthusiast!
B. Three things that a devotee to prayer must do:
1. Take time to pray.
2. Take action steps to be obedient to the Spirit’s nudges.
3. Takes faith that God hears and moves in our behalf.