1 00:00:05,364 --> 00:00:07,090 Over the last ten days, 2 00:00:07,090 --> 00:00:08,675 as I began to pray about 3 00:00:08,675 --> 00:00:12,253 what to preach this morning, 4 00:00:12,253 --> 00:00:14,297 I finished two sermons to preach 5 00:00:14,297 --> 00:00:16,904 this morning. 6 00:00:16,904 --> 00:00:18,753 And last night, I was walking 7 00:00:18,753 --> 00:00:21,226 to my room. 8 00:00:21,226 --> 00:00:23,369 Brother Tim turned to me and said, 9 00:00:23,369 --> 00:00:24,722 "Brother, do you know what 10 00:00:24,722 --> 00:00:27,093 you're going to preach on?" 11 00:00:27,093 --> 00:00:29,901 And I said, well, I finished two sermons, 12 00:00:29,901 --> 00:00:33,530 but they've both flown away from me. 13 00:00:33,530 --> 00:00:36,338 And so last night, I went to the room, 14 00:00:36,338 --> 00:00:39,298 and just began to pray. 15 00:00:39,298 --> 00:00:41,714 And bits of conversations that I've had 16 00:00:41,714 --> 00:00:44,658 with Tim and Mack and Mike 17 00:00:44,658 --> 00:00:47,200 over the last two days 18 00:00:47,200 --> 00:00:48,963 started to come to mind 19 00:00:48,963 --> 00:00:52,207 and bring conviction to my heart. 20 00:00:52,207 --> 00:00:54,140 And I'm convinced that the Lord 21 00:00:54,140 --> 00:00:57,264 has brought me to this conference 22 00:00:57,264 --> 00:00:59,919 to do a work in my heart; 23 00:00:59,919 --> 00:01:01,449 to preach to my own soul 24 00:01:01,449 --> 00:01:05,440 and my own life. 25 00:01:05,440 --> 00:01:09,357 We all desparately and continually 26 00:01:09,357 --> 00:01:11,512 need to be growing 27 00:01:11,512 --> 00:01:17,400 in our doctrine and our theology. 28 00:01:17,400 --> 00:01:18,402 One brother said, 29 00:01:18,402 --> 00:01:20,000 if the "you" of today, 30 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:22,847 doesn't look at the "you" of five years ago 31 00:01:22,847 --> 00:01:24,688 and call that man a heretic, 32 00:01:24,688 --> 00:01:28,914 you're not growing fast enough in truth. 33 00:01:28,914 --> 00:01:32,106 By God's grace, over the last fourteen years, 34 00:01:32,106 --> 00:01:35,639 I can see where the Lord has grown me much 35 00:01:35,639 --> 00:01:37,588 in understanding of the Gospel 36 00:01:37,588 --> 00:01:38,855 and the Scriptures, 37 00:01:38,855 --> 00:01:42,147 and doctrine and theology. 38 00:01:42,147 --> 00:01:45,171 Scripture is continually sharpening 39 00:01:45,171 --> 00:01:46,685 my understanding 40 00:01:46,685 --> 00:01:50,017 and shaping my theology and my doctrine 41 00:01:50,017 --> 00:01:52,682 and challenging what I was taught 42 00:01:52,682 --> 00:01:55,141 growing up. 43 00:01:55,141 --> 00:01:57,282 And that's a good thing. 44 00:01:57,282 --> 00:02:01,138 But there's also a potential danger there - 45 00:02:01,138 --> 00:02:03,205 a danger to be avoided as we grow 46 00:02:03,205 --> 00:02:06,296 in doctrine and theology. 47 00:02:06,296 --> 00:02:08,292 You see, fourteen years ago 48 00:02:08,292 --> 00:02:12,304 I didn't have a lot of understanding. 49 00:02:12,304 --> 00:02:16,929 I didn't have a lot of experience. 50 00:02:16,929 --> 00:02:20,622 And that's dangerous too. 51 00:02:20,622 --> 00:02:22,557 But with a little bit of understanding 52 00:02:22,557 --> 00:02:25,912 and the little experience I had then, 53 00:02:25,912 --> 00:02:30,872 I only had one place that I could lean. 54 00:02:30,872 --> 00:02:32,777 And that was in total and complete 55 00:02:32,777 --> 00:02:38,589 dependence upon the Lord. 56 00:02:38,589 --> 00:02:40,366 Do you know where that dependence 57 00:02:40,366 --> 00:02:42,456 on the Lord was reflected most 58 00:02:42,456 --> 00:02:46,631 in my life? 59 00:02:46,631 --> 00:02:50,790 It was in devotion to prayer. 60 00:02:50,790 --> 00:02:52,886 It was in devotion to prayer. 61 00:02:52,886 --> 00:02:58,683 Steadfast prayer. 62 00:02:58,683 --> 00:03:00,999 Last night, I began to wonder 63 00:03:00,999 --> 00:03:02,581 how much have I really grown 64 00:03:02,581 --> 00:03:03,994 in understanding and doctrine 65 00:03:03,994 --> 00:03:07,090 and theology? 66 00:03:07,090 --> 00:03:09,020 Because if those things really have 67 00:03:09,020 --> 00:03:10,455 their effect in your heart 68 00:03:10,455 --> 00:03:12,790 and they play themselves out in your life 69 00:03:12,790 --> 00:03:14,333 to the degree that they should, 70 00:03:14,333 --> 00:03:17,259 they should be manifested in many ways, 71 00:03:17,259 --> 00:03:20,117 but one way a true understanding 72 00:03:20,117 --> 00:03:22,385 of doctrine and theology 73 00:03:22,385 --> 00:03:24,054 should manifest in 74 00:03:24,054 --> 00:03:28,142 is a deeper devotion to prayer. 75 00:03:28,142 --> 00:03:40,274 A deeper leaning upon the Lord. 76 00:03:40,274 --> 00:03:42,117 As I listened to the brothers preach 77 00:03:42,117 --> 00:03:44,783 those three sermons yesterday - 78 00:03:44,783 --> 00:03:47,794 and praise God for their sermons - 79 00:03:47,794 --> 00:03:49,744 I learned a lot and there's much to apply 80 00:03:49,744 --> 00:03:51,235 in my life. 81 00:03:51,235 --> 00:03:52,892 But last night, I laid in the room 82 00:03:52,892 --> 00:03:55,151 and prayed. 83 00:03:55,151 --> 00:03:56,753 I thought about Mack's sermon: 84 00:03:56,753 --> 00:03:59,163 The Garden of Gesthemane. 85 00:03:59,163 --> 00:04:00,883 And there's so much to learn in that 86 00:04:00,883 --> 00:04:03,980 of what my brother preached. 87 00:04:03,980 --> 00:04:05,744 But what stood out to me last night 88 00:04:05,744 --> 00:04:09,859 in the room was the example of Jesus Christ 89 00:04:09,859 --> 00:04:12,821 and His fervency and dependence 90 00:04:12,821 --> 00:04:16,946 upon the Father in prayer. 91 00:04:16,946 --> 00:04:18,518 If you would just read through 92 00:04:18,518 --> 00:04:19,966 the book of Luke 93 00:04:19,966 --> 00:04:23,058 and highlight the prayer life of Christ 94 00:04:23,058 --> 00:04:24,547 in the book of Luke 95 00:04:24,547 --> 00:04:27,006 and look at the dependence 96 00:04:27,006 --> 00:04:29,857 of the Son upon the Father. 97 00:04:29,857 --> 00:04:31,430 As I listened to brother Mike 98 00:04:31,430 --> 00:04:33,586 preach on the sovereignty of God, 99 00:04:33,586 --> 00:04:35,155 that He controls all things, 100 00:04:35,155 --> 00:04:36,564 and if we don't let that go 101 00:04:36,564 --> 00:04:39,124 to the fatalistic mindset, 102 00:04:39,124 --> 00:04:42,055 which we should not, 103 00:04:42,055 --> 00:04:43,928 what impressed my heart last night 104 00:04:43,928 --> 00:04:47,031 was if He is really in control 105 00:04:47,031 --> 00:04:47,930 of all things, 106 00:04:47,930 --> 00:04:49,788 determining the end from the beginning, 107 00:04:49,788 --> 00:04:53,359 how can it not manifest itself in my life 108 00:04:53,359 --> 00:04:55,266 in devotion to prayer 109 00:04:55,266 --> 00:04:56,894 and dependence upon the One 110 00:04:56,894 --> 00:04:59,783 Who holds the universe in His hand? 111 00:04:59,783 --> 00:05:01,776 You say, well, how are you going to tie 112 00:05:01,776 --> 00:05:06,039 Brother Tim's sermon in from Hebrews 11? 113 00:05:06,039 --> 00:05:07,635 With Rahab? 114 00:05:07,635 --> 00:05:10,311 How'd you get to prayer from there? 115 00:05:10,311 --> 00:05:12,546 And I thought, I'm not going to try 116 00:05:12,546 --> 00:05:15,386 to make a way to prayer from there. 117 00:05:15,386 --> 00:05:16,853 It was so clear 118 00:05:16,853 --> 00:05:19,592 that it was a leading to prayer for me. 119 00:05:19,592 --> 00:05:22,192 Because one of the reasons that we struggle 120 00:05:22,192 --> 00:05:23,730 in coming to the Lord 121 00:05:23,730 --> 00:05:25,479 and approaching the Lord in prayer 122 00:05:25,479 --> 00:05:27,691 is because we look at ourselves, 123 00:05:27,691 --> 00:05:29,187 our scarlet letters, 124 00:05:29,187 --> 00:05:30,781 our Rahabs upon all of us, 125 00:05:30,781 --> 00:05:32,623 and we say, He doesn't want to listen 126 00:05:32,623 --> 00:05:33,897 to someone like me. 127 00:05:33,897 --> 00:05:35,673 I'm not worthy to come to the throne. 128 00:05:35,673 --> 00:05:37,812 But Brother Tim reminded us last night 129 00:05:37,812 --> 00:05:39,861 that because of the blood of Jesus Christ, 130 00:05:39,861 --> 00:05:43,306 I'm counted worthy. 131 00:05:43,306 --> 00:05:44,979 I can boldly come to the throne, 132 00:05:44,979 --> 00:05:46,323 not on my own righteousness, 133 00:05:46,323 --> 00:05:48,180 but on the righteousness of Another, 134 00:05:48,180 --> 00:05:58,134 and He delights in the prayers of the upright. 135 00:05:58,134 --> 00:06:00,496 Brothers and sisters, 136 00:06:00,496 --> 00:06:03,229 what I need - 137 00:06:03,229 --> 00:06:04,346 what we all need, 138 00:06:04,346 --> 00:06:07,835 what New England needs - 139 00:06:07,835 --> 00:06:10,269 is God. 140 00:06:10,269 --> 00:06:11,923 We need churches. 141 00:06:11,923 --> 00:06:15,250 We need faithful pastors and preachers. 142 00:06:15,250 --> 00:06:16,557 We need evangelists. 143 00:06:16,557 --> 00:06:18,651 We need faithful brothers and sisters 144 00:06:18,651 --> 00:06:20,932 living upright and godly lives. 145 00:06:20,932 --> 00:06:22,164 But in all of those, 146 00:06:22,164 --> 00:06:27,059 they're all dependent upon God. 147 00:06:27,059 --> 00:06:28,727 You can have a church 148 00:06:28,727 --> 00:06:30,946 that has right theology, 149 00:06:30,946 --> 00:06:32,636 but it's not lived itself out 150 00:06:32,636 --> 00:06:35,382 demonstrated through a dependence upon God 151 00:06:35,382 --> 00:06:39,954 and steadfast prayer. 152 00:06:39,954 --> 00:06:42,776 So I want to begin and just pray 153 00:06:42,776 --> 00:06:44,104 because we so need it. 154 00:06:44,104 --> 00:06:45,957 I so need it. 155 00:06:45,957 --> 00:06:47,544 And ask the Lord to do a work 156 00:06:47,544 --> 00:06:48,745 in my heart first. 157 00:06:48,745 --> 00:06:49,904 And if that's selfish, 158 00:06:49,904 --> 00:06:52,259 I'm going to be ok being selfish. 159 00:06:52,259 --> 00:07:02,851 And I'll pray for you as well. 160 00:07:02,851 --> 00:07:11,718 Father, we come in the name of Jesus Christ. 161 00:07:11,718 --> 00:07:15,272 God, we come, not minimizing our sin; 162 00:07:15,272 --> 00:07:18,159 not continuing in it that grace may abound 163 00:07:18,159 --> 00:07:21,357 but acknowledging it and confessing it, God. 164 00:07:21,357 --> 00:07:24,276 Believing that You have counted us worthy 165 00:07:24,276 --> 00:07:27,130 in Your Son Jesus. 166 00:07:27,130 --> 00:07:31,924 And in Him, we boldly come. 167 00:07:31,924 --> 00:07:33,950 God, we come because we need. 168 00:07:33,950 --> 00:07:35,216 We have so much need 169 00:07:35,216 --> 00:07:36,960 and we come because we don't realize 170 00:07:36,960 --> 00:07:38,224 how much need we have 171 00:07:38,224 --> 00:07:40,132 and we need to see that. 172 00:07:40,132 --> 00:07:46,727 I need to see that, Lord. 173 00:07:46,727 --> 00:07:48,198 God, would You show me things 174 00:07:48,198 --> 00:07:52,228 that I am leaning on instead of You? 175 00:07:52,228 --> 00:07:53,495 Would You show me things 176 00:07:53,495 --> 00:07:56,872 that we are trusting in 177 00:07:56,872 --> 00:08:02,044 instead of You? 178 00:08:02,044 --> 00:08:05,245 Would You show us Your willingness; 179 00:08:05,245 --> 00:08:06,752 would You show us Your desire 180 00:08:06,752 --> 00:08:09,929 for us to come, Lord? 181 00:08:09,929 --> 00:08:11,177 Draw us, God. 182 00:08:11,177 --> 00:08:12,388 As we draw near to You, 183 00:08:12,388 --> 00:08:14,634 draw near to us, God. 184 00:08:14,634 --> 00:08:16,280 Open up Your Word to us. 185 00:08:16,280 --> 00:08:18,689 And guard me, Father. 186 00:08:18,689 --> 00:08:20,294 But let this Word go into my own 187 00:08:20,294 --> 00:08:23,015 heart and soul this morning, God; 188 00:08:23,015 --> 00:08:24,399 into the hearts and souls 189 00:08:24,399 --> 00:08:26,985 of Your people here, God; 190 00:08:26,985 --> 00:08:29,648 that Your name would be great here. 191 00:08:29,648 --> 00:08:31,390 In the name of Jesus, 192 00:08:31,390 --> 00:08:34,217 Amen. 193 00:08:34,217 --> 00:08:35,342 Please open your Bibles 194 00:08:35,342 --> 00:08:44,735 to the book of Colossians 4. 195 00:08:44,735 --> 00:08:48,328 We'll just be looking at one verse this morning. 196 00:08:48,328 --> 00:09:00,470 Colossians 4.2 197 00:09:00,470 --> 00:09:04,013 "Continue steadfastly in prayer, 198 00:09:04,013 --> 00:09:05,815 being watchful in it, 199 00:09:05,815 --> 00:09:08,809 with thanksgiving." 200 00:09:08,809 --> 00:09:11,140 The New American Standard renders it, 201 00:09:11,140 --> 00:09:14,987 "Devote yourselves to prayer, 202 00:09:14,987 --> 00:09:16,585 keeping alert in it, 203 00:09:16,585 --> 00:09:20,674 with an attitude of thanksgiving." 204 00:09:20,674 --> 00:09:22,431 Paul here exhorting the church 205 00:09:22,431 --> 00:09:24,794 at Colossae. 206 00:09:24,794 --> 00:09:28,093 Living lives consistent 207 00:09:28,093 --> 00:09:30,368 with the revelation of who Jesus Christ is 208 00:09:30,368 --> 00:09:33,013 from chapter 1. 209 00:09:33,013 --> 00:09:34,953 He's exhorting them to live consistent 210 00:09:34,953 --> 00:09:36,870 in light of all that he has taught them 211 00:09:36,870 --> 00:09:39,216 in chapter 1. 212 00:09:39,216 --> 00:09:41,898 A Gospel-consistent life. 213 00:09:41,898 --> 00:09:43,345 And he calls them here to 214 00:09:43,345 --> 00:09:46,103 continue steadfastly in prayer, 215 00:09:46,103 --> 00:09:50,510 to devote themselves to prayer. 216 00:09:50,510 --> 00:09:54,700 To be courageously persistent in prayer. 217 00:09:54,700 --> 00:09:57,393 Holding fast to and not letting go of God 218 00:09:57,393 --> 00:09:58,812 in prayer. 219 00:09:58,812 --> 00:10:00,352 Enduring in prayer. 220 00:10:00,352 --> 00:10:05,961 Not fainting away. 221 00:10:05,961 --> 00:10:07,477 Let's first remember 222 00:10:07,477 --> 00:10:09,902 that this is a command. 223 00:10:09,902 --> 00:10:14,436 An imperative through Paul from God 224 00:10:14,436 --> 00:10:16,218 in Scripture. 225 00:10:16,218 --> 00:10:18,055 And what it teaches us right away 226 00:10:18,055 --> 00:10:19,607 is that God does not want us 227 00:10:19,607 --> 00:10:22,522 to give up in prayer. 228 00:10:22,522 --> 00:10:25,668 God does not want us to quit in prayer, 229 00:10:25,668 --> 00:10:27,734 but rather to persevere 230 00:10:27,734 --> 00:10:31,918 and be devoted to Him in prayer. 231 00:10:31,918 --> 00:10:33,221 Brothers and sisters, 232 00:10:33,221 --> 00:10:36,524 God knows our need for Him. 233 00:10:36,524 --> 00:10:38,794 No one knows your need for God 234 00:10:38,794 --> 00:10:41,375 better than God does. 235 00:10:41,375 --> 00:10:44,659 God knows our great need for Him. 236 00:10:44,659 --> 00:10:48,176 And so what does He do? 237 00:10:48,176 --> 00:10:52,495 He commands you to come. 238 00:10:52,495 --> 00:10:54,305 Do you see the grace and love 239 00:10:54,305 --> 00:10:57,124 of a God Who knows our greatest need 240 00:10:57,124 --> 00:10:59,318 and then commands us 241 00:10:59,318 --> 00:11:03,942 in regards to that great need? 242 00:11:03,942 --> 00:11:06,482 And it's not a command to just come and pray, 243 00:11:06,482 --> 00:11:09,336 it's a command to come and commune. 244 00:11:09,336 --> 00:11:12,537 To be with Him. 245 00:11:12,537 --> 00:11:14,510 The work of redemption on the cross 246 00:11:14,510 --> 00:11:16,150 was not an end. 247 00:11:16,150 --> 00:11:17,381 It was a means 248 00:11:17,381 --> 00:11:19,190 to bring us to Him 249 00:11:19,190 --> 00:11:20,205 in relation, 250 00:11:20,205 --> 00:11:21,628 to commune with Him 251 00:11:21,628 --> 00:11:22,712 and never to leave. 252 00:11:22,712 --> 00:11:25,905 To be with Him eternally. 253 00:11:25,905 --> 00:11:27,907 And we all know that for the true believer 254 00:11:27,907 --> 00:11:29,064 the commandments of God 255 00:11:29,064 --> 00:11:31,411 are not burdensome. 256 00:11:31,411 --> 00:11:34,378 They're a delight. 257 00:11:34,378 --> 00:11:37,257 They're a delight. 258 00:11:37,257 --> 00:11:38,524 But you know what can make 259 00:11:38,524 --> 00:11:44,697 the command of prayer burdensome? 260 00:11:44,697 --> 00:11:48,025 Pride. 261 00:11:48,025 --> 00:11:50,748 Pride makes the commandment of prayer 262 00:11:50,748 --> 00:11:53,122 burdensome. 263 00:11:53,122 --> 00:11:55,750 Listen, there's discipline in prayer. 264 00:11:55,750 --> 00:11:59,664 You must prioritize your life for prayer. 265 00:11:59,664 --> 00:12:02,093 But prayer becomes burdensome 266 00:12:02,093 --> 00:12:03,806 in a negative way 267 00:12:03,806 --> 00:12:06,466 because of pride. 268 00:12:06,466 --> 00:12:09,897 Because we fail to see our need 269 00:12:09,897 --> 00:12:15,178 and our weakness. 270 00:12:15,178 --> 00:12:17,006 This command from God to continue 271 00:12:17,006 --> 00:12:18,169 in prayer - 272 00:12:18,169 --> 00:12:22,260 Him knowing our greatest need - 273 00:12:22,260 --> 00:12:26,397 is like a man turning to a starving man 274 00:12:26,397 --> 00:12:29,377 and saying this: 275 00:12:29,377 --> 00:12:33,264 "I command you to come eat. 276 00:12:33,264 --> 00:12:38,402 And I will provide a buffet for you to feast." 277 00:12:38,402 --> 00:12:40,768 Now I want to ask you, 278 00:12:40,768 --> 00:12:42,877 is that a burdensome command 279 00:12:42,877 --> 00:12:45,304 to a starving person? 280 00:12:45,304 --> 00:12:47,308 Come and eat 281 00:12:47,308 --> 00:12:48,448 at the table 282 00:12:48,448 --> 00:12:52,886 and feast on My Son Jesus Christ. 283 00:12:52,886 --> 00:12:55,772 That's not a burdensome prayer. 284 00:12:55,772 --> 00:12:58,451 That is a gracious and loving command 285 00:12:58,451 --> 00:12:59,622 of our God, 286 00:12:59,622 --> 00:13:03,403 unless we don't realize that we're hungry. 287 00:13:03,403 --> 00:13:06,560 "I'm full. I'm not hungry right now, Lord. 288 00:13:06,560 --> 00:13:08,833 And You want me to come eat? 289 00:13:08,833 --> 00:13:10,391 I'm not hungry. 290 00:13:10,391 --> 00:13:11,905 I don't need to eat right now. 291 00:13:11,905 --> 00:13:15,473 I'll eat later on." 292 00:13:15,473 --> 00:13:18,037 It's burdensome if we don't see 293 00:13:18,037 --> 00:13:21,548 and acknowledge our need. 294 00:13:21,548 --> 00:13:22,813 Brothers and sisters, 295 00:13:22,813 --> 00:13:26,183 everyone in this room is dependent upon God 296 00:13:26,183 --> 00:13:28,857 and in great need at this very moment, 297 00:13:28,857 --> 00:13:30,123 whether we realize it, 298 00:13:30,123 --> 00:13:33,443 whether we feel it or not. 299 00:13:33,443 --> 00:13:35,212 Everyone here is completely, 300 00:13:35,212 --> 00:13:37,276 wholly, utterly, totally dependent 301 00:13:37,276 --> 00:13:39,205 upon God. 302 00:13:39,205 --> 00:13:41,432 Fourteen years ago, 303 00:13:41,432 --> 00:13:43,985 without much understanding; 304 00:13:43,985 --> 00:13:46,563 without much experience, 305 00:13:46,563 --> 00:13:49,085 I was totally dependent upon God 306 00:13:49,085 --> 00:13:51,578 and what God convicted me of last night 307 00:13:51,578 --> 00:13:53,227 is fourteen years later, 308 00:13:53,227 --> 00:13:54,998 I am in the same place 309 00:13:54,998 --> 00:13:57,082 of utter and total dependecy 310 00:13:57,082 --> 00:13:58,858 and the need for God, 311 00:13:58,858 --> 00:14:01,098 but I've allowed knowledge and experience 312 00:14:01,098 --> 00:14:03,377 to be something I feel like I can lean on, 313 00:14:03,377 --> 00:14:04,591 and that's foolishness, 314 00:14:04,591 --> 00:14:05,766 and it just reveals, 315 00:14:05,766 --> 00:14:09,571 I really don't have that much knowledge. 316 00:14:09,571 --> 00:14:11,377 A true knowledge of God should make us 317 00:14:11,377 --> 00:14:13,242 even more dependent upon Him 318 00:14:13,242 --> 00:14:15,592 as we grow in the revelation of Who He is, 319 00:14:15,592 --> 00:14:16,600 what He has done, 320 00:14:16,600 --> 00:14:18,465 and who I am in Jesus Christ, 321 00:14:18,465 --> 00:14:20,393 it should draw me to greater prayer 322 00:14:20,393 --> 00:14:21,735 and greater dependence; 323 00:14:21,735 --> 00:14:23,384 not the ability to stand 324 00:14:23,384 --> 00:14:25,169 because I'm a strong man now. 325 00:14:25,169 --> 00:14:27,027 Paul boasted in his weakness. 326 00:14:27,027 --> 00:14:28,855 He was proud of it 327 00:14:28,855 --> 00:14:30,861 because he knew that in his weakness 328 00:14:30,861 --> 00:14:39,233 he was strong. 329 00:14:39,233 --> 00:14:42,894 We need preachers. 330 00:14:42,894 --> 00:14:44,179 We need evangelists. 331 00:14:44,179 --> 00:14:45,528 We need churches. 332 00:14:45,528 --> 00:14:47,726 We need faithful church people. 333 00:14:47,726 --> 00:14:51,522 But we need God. 334 00:14:51,522 --> 00:14:55,755 You know what your prayer life truly reveals? 335 00:14:55,755 --> 00:14:58,383 Your pride life. 336 00:14:58,383 --> 00:15:00,258 Our prayer lives, brothers and sisters, 337 00:15:00,258 --> 00:15:02,705 are a direct reflection of one thing: 338 00:15:02,705 --> 00:15:06,288 our pride. 339 00:15:06,288 --> 00:15:11,282 I repented last night of pride. 340 00:15:11,282 --> 00:15:12,522 Pride in understanding; 341 00:15:12,522 --> 00:15:22,805 pride in experience. 342 00:15:22,805 --> 00:15:26,918 Here's how gracious our God is: 343 00:15:26,918 --> 00:15:28,737 When we don't understand 344 00:15:28,737 --> 00:15:30,833 the depth of understanding of our need 345 00:15:30,833 --> 00:15:32,349 and dependence upon Him, 346 00:15:32,349 --> 00:15:34,161 or when we forget it 347 00:15:34,161 --> 00:15:36,272 and begin to place that in other things; 348 00:15:36,272 --> 00:15:40,256 here's how gracious and loving this God is: 349 00:15:40,256 --> 00:15:44,463 He teaches you and He reminds you 350 00:15:44,463 --> 00:15:46,908 of your need for Him. 351 00:15:46,908 --> 00:15:51,039 How? 352 00:15:51,039 --> 00:15:56,957 Through trials, tribulation, and suffering. 353 00:15:56,957 --> 00:15:58,903 We talked about the sovereignty of God 354 00:15:58,903 --> 00:15:59,656 last night. 355 00:15:59,656 --> 00:16:01,664 The hidden things belonging to Him. 356 00:16:01,664 --> 00:16:04,036 But one thing that we can learn from Scripture, 357 00:16:04,036 --> 00:16:05,752 is that God is sovereign over 358 00:16:05,752 --> 00:16:08,979 our trials, tribulations, and suffering. 359 00:16:08,979 --> 00:16:11,283 And they are meant for our good. 360 00:16:11,283 --> 00:16:14,764 They are meant to teach us our need for God; 361 00:16:14,764 --> 00:16:16,510 our dependence upon God, 362 00:16:16,510 --> 00:16:18,908 and the willingness of God. 363 00:16:18,908 --> 00:16:20,682 If He is sovereign over my life, 364 00:16:20,682 --> 00:16:22,612 and He is bringing into my life 365 00:16:22,612 --> 00:16:23,771 these things, 366 00:16:23,771 --> 00:16:24,977 it has a purpose: 367 00:16:24,977 --> 00:16:26,800 to draw me back to weakness 368 00:16:26,800 --> 00:16:36,125 and dependence upon Him. 369 00:16:36,125 --> 00:16:41,329 I often feel very overwhelmed. 370 00:16:41,329 --> 00:16:44,085 The Lord has found it fit to save 371 00:16:44,085 --> 00:16:47,076 many people in Dallas. 372 00:16:47,076 --> 00:16:48,396 He has found it fit to draw 373 00:16:48,396 --> 00:16:53,251 many people to our assembly. 374 00:16:53,251 --> 00:16:54,871 And I look at what He's doing 375 00:16:54,871 --> 00:16:56,424 and I come to Him in a place 376 00:16:56,424 --> 00:16:57,870 of [being] overwhelmed, 377 00:16:57,870 --> 00:17:00,923 and I say, Lord, what are You doing? 378 00:17:00,926 --> 00:17:03,358 This is overwhelming, God. 379 00:17:03,358 --> 00:17:05,541 I'm not equipped for this, God. 380 00:17:05,541 --> 00:17:07,463 And last night, it was as though 381 00:17:07,463 --> 00:17:10,823 I had the understanding again: 382 00:17:10,823 --> 00:17:12,775 "Don't you know? 383 00:17:12,775 --> 00:17:16,633 I'm teaching you your weakness now? 384 00:17:16,633 --> 00:17:18,945 I'm showing you how dependent 385 00:17:18,945 --> 00:17:24,797 you must be upon Me." 386 00:17:24,797 --> 00:17:27,184 Can I encourage all of us in our trials, 387 00:17:27,184 --> 00:17:29,492 tribulations and sufferings 388 00:17:29,492 --> 00:17:31,841 come into our lives, 389 00:17:31,841 --> 00:17:32,975 that our first prayer 390 00:17:32,975 --> 00:17:36,351 wouldn't be for deliverance from them. 391 00:17:36,351 --> 00:17:38,515 That our first prayer would be 392 00:17:38,515 --> 00:17:42,144 that we would learn our need for Him; 393 00:17:42,144 --> 00:17:44,527 our weakness outside of Him, 394 00:17:44,527 --> 00:17:46,072 and that we would learn in this 395 00:17:46,072 --> 00:17:51,132 to be more devoted to Him in prayer. 396 00:17:51,132 --> 00:17:52,753 As the brother said the other day, 397 00:17:52,753 --> 00:17:54,328 many times we're praying for God 398 00:17:54,328 --> 00:17:57,387 to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. 399 00:17:57,387 --> 00:17:58,532 And He does that work. 400 00:17:58,532 --> 00:18:06,938 Then, we pray for deliverance from His conformity. 401 00:18:06,938 --> 00:18:09,087 Pray that we would remember and know 402 00:18:09,087 --> 00:18:13,058 His power is made perfect in weakness. 403 00:18:13,058 --> 00:18:15,326 Pray that at the revelation of our weakness 404 00:18:15,326 --> 00:18:16,522 and our need for Him 405 00:18:16,522 --> 00:18:19,492 that we don't try to pretend we're strong. 406 00:18:19,492 --> 00:18:20,827 But because of the Gospel, 407 00:18:20,827 --> 00:18:22,686 we acknowledge our weakness. 408 00:18:22,686 --> 00:18:25,672 Not that we can continue in any sin, 409 00:18:25,672 --> 00:18:27,484 but acknowledge our weakness 410 00:18:27,484 --> 00:18:32,036 and come to Him in prayer. 411 00:18:32,036 --> 00:18:34,561 God doesn't need strong people. 412 00:18:34,561 --> 00:18:36,672 God's not going to bring strong people 413 00:18:36,672 --> 00:18:37,873 into New England. 414 00:18:37,873 --> 00:18:39,462 God is going to bring people 415 00:18:39,462 --> 00:18:41,096 who recognize their weakness 416 00:18:41,096 --> 00:18:43,455 upon a very strong, mighty, and holy God 417 00:18:43,455 --> 00:18:45,645 and who are devoted to Him in prayer. 418 00:18:45,645 --> 00:18:46,942 And through those people, 419 00:18:46,942 --> 00:18:49,237 He will work. 420 00:18:49,237 --> 00:18:53,597 Because He gets the glory. 421 00:18:53,597 --> 00:18:55,994 So I asked myself last night 422 00:18:55,994 --> 00:18:57,938 and I'll ask you: 423 00:18:57,938 --> 00:19:03,725 Do you want revival in your own heart? 424 00:19:03,725 --> 00:19:05,546 Do you want revival in the church 425 00:19:05,546 --> 00:19:08,041 that you're in right now? 426 00:19:08,041 --> 00:19:09,782 Do you want revival in this whole 427 00:19:09,782 --> 00:19:17,013 New England area? 428 00:19:17,013 --> 00:19:23,063 Are you given to prayer? 429 00:19:23,063 --> 00:19:28,196 Are we given to prayer then? 430 00:19:28,196 --> 00:19:29,851 Are we continuing in it? 431 00:19:29,851 --> 00:19:31,475 Are we being steadfast in it? 432 00:19:31,475 --> 00:19:33,801 Are we devoted to it? 433 00:19:33,801 --> 00:19:36,111 Because there's an inconsistency to say, 434 00:19:36,111 --> 00:19:38,852 God, we want You to come, 435 00:19:38,852 --> 00:19:41,559 but not being revealed in our consistency 436 00:19:41,559 --> 00:19:46,706 in prayer. 437 00:19:46,706 --> 00:19:48,967 We were talking the other day. 438 00:19:48,967 --> 00:19:51,712 We need to plant. 439 00:19:51,712 --> 00:19:53,109 And we need to strategize. 440 00:19:53,109 --> 00:19:54,192 Those are good things. 441 00:19:54,192 --> 00:19:55,676 You can read through Scripture. 442 00:19:55,676 --> 00:19:57,629 Paul says, I made plans to come to you. 443 00:19:57,629 --> 00:19:59,805 He plans things out. 444 00:19:59,805 --> 00:20:01,129 That's good. 445 00:20:01,129 --> 00:20:03,172 Planning and strategy is good. 446 00:20:03,172 --> 00:20:04,656 But I can tell you this, 447 00:20:04,656 --> 00:20:09,389 planning without prayer amounts to nothing. 448 00:20:09,389 --> 00:20:15,720 It is just the plans of men then. 449 00:20:15,720 --> 00:20:19,582 So does God really want us 450 00:20:19,582 --> 00:20:24,319 to continue in prayer? 451 00:20:24,319 --> 00:20:29,694 It seems some of us have been praying, 452 00:20:29,694 --> 00:20:32,652 but we're beginning to lose heart 453 00:20:32,652 --> 00:20:36,035 because we're not seeing God move yet. 454 00:20:36,035 --> 00:20:37,540 So I began to ask, 455 00:20:37,540 --> 00:20:40,265 does God really want us to continue in prayer? 456 00:20:40,265 --> 00:20:44,041 Does He really want us to be devoted to prayer? 457 00:20:44,041 --> 00:20:46,614 And when you begin to lose heart in prayer 458 00:20:46,614 --> 00:20:49,844 what do you do? 459 00:20:49,844 --> 00:20:54,091 Oh, God forbid that we would stop praying. 460 00:20:54,091 --> 00:20:56,729 When you are praying and praying 461 00:20:56,729 --> 00:20:57,958 and being devoted to it 462 00:20:57,958 --> 00:21:00,775 and you begin to lose heart in prayer, 463 00:21:00,775 --> 00:21:02,621 I hope you turn to the Scriptures 464 00:21:02,621 --> 00:21:05,862 and preach to your own soul. 465 00:21:05,862 --> 00:21:09,814 I hope you look at commands in Colossians 4:2 466 00:21:09,814 --> 00:21:11,084 where God through Paul 467 00:21:11,084 --> 00:21:13,939 commands you to continue steadfastly 468 00:21:13,939 --> 00:21:15,179 in prayer. 469 00:21:15,179 --> 00:21:17,080 But I want to give you two other texts 470 00:21:17,080 --> 00:21:19,016 to preach to your soul 471 00:21:19,016 --> 00:21:20,512 when you begin to lose heart. 472 00:21:20,512 --> 00:21:28,416 So turn if you will to Luke 11. 473 00:21:28,416 --> 00:21:35,544 Luke 11. 474 00:21:35,544 --> 00:21:37,660 As you're turning there, I'll remind you 475 00:21:37,660 --> 00:21:39,428 at the beginning of Luke 11 476 00:21:39,428 --> 00:21:41,270 is when the disciples are with Jesus 477 00:21:41,270 --> 00:21:44,763 and they are seeing Him pray. 478 00:21:44,763 --> 00:21:46,425 And they turn to Him and they say, 479 00:21:46,425 --> 00:21:49,259 Lord, teach us to pray. 480 00:21:49,259 --> 00:21:52,107 Teach us how to pray, Lord. 481 00:21:52,107 --> 00:21:54,377 And you know at the beginning of chapter 11 482 00:21:54,377 --> 00:21:57,390 He leads them through the Lord's prayer there. 483 00:21:57,390 --> 00:22:00,058 But we're going to pick up in verse 5 484 00:22:00,058 --> 00:22:02,276 at the second thing the Lord teaches them 485 00:22:02,276 --> 00:22:04,521 about prayer. 486 00:22:04,521 --> 00:22:06,942 Look at v. 5 with me. 487 00:22:06,942 --> 00:22:09,730 "And He said to them, 488 00:22:09,730 --> 00:22:13,693 which of you who has a friend 489 00:22:13,693 --> 00:22:15,903 will go to him at midnight and say to him, 490 00:22:15,903 --> 00:22:18,229 'friend, lend me three loaves 491 00:22:18,229 --> 00:22:19,887 for a friend of mine has arrived 492 00:22:19,887 --> 00:22:21,126 on a long journey, 493 00:22:21,126 --> 00:22:24,568 and I have nothing to set before him.' 494 00:22:24,568 --> 00:22:26,735 And he will answer from within..." 495 00:22:26,735 --> 00:22:31,557 This friend didn't even open the door. 496 00:22:31,557 --> 00:22:33,814 Lend me three loaves. 497 00:22:33,814 --> 00:22:35,648 Wouldn't even open the door. 498 00:22:35,648 --> 00:22:38,357 Talking through the door right now. 499 00:22:38,357 --> 00:22:40,724 "... and he answers from within, 500 00:22:40,724 --> 00:22:42,416 'Do not bother me. 501 00:22:42,416 --> 00:22:44,675 The door is now shut and my children 502 00:22:44,675 --> 00:22:46,627 are with me in bed. 503 00:22:46,627 --> 00:22:52,311 I cannot get up and give you anything.'" 504 00:22:52,311 --> 00:22:56,905 V. 8, "Jesus says, 'but I tell you, 505 00:22:56,905 --> 00:22:58,533 though he will not get up 506 00:22:58,533 --> 00:23:01,954 and give anything because he is his friend, 507 00:23:01,954 --> 00:23:06,219 yet because of his impudence 508 00:23:06,219 --> 00:23:11,004 he will rise and give him whatever he needs." 509 00:23:11,004 --> 00:23:14,942 Because of his shamelessness... 510 00:23:14,942 --> 00:23:19,831 Because of his nerve... 511 00:23:19,831 --> 00:23:21,928 this other friend who was knocking 512 00:23:21,928 --> 00:23:26,916 had the nerve to knock at midnight 513 00:23:26,916 --> 00:23:28,342 and keep knocking. 514 00:23:28,342 --> 00:23:29,712 And the friend didn't get up 515 00:23:29,712 --> 00:23:30,671 and answer the door 516 00:23:30,671 --> 00:23:32,517 because they had a good relationship; 517 00:23:32,517 --> 00:23:34,421 because their friendship was so strong; 518 00:23:34,421 --> 00:23:35,983 because he had so much affection 519 00:23:35,983 --> 00:23:37,250 for this other person, 520 00:23:37,250 --> 00:23:39,160 but because of the boldness 521 00:23:39,160 --> 00:23:41,289 and the nerve that this person would have 522 00:23:41,289 --> 00:23:43,864 to sit there and continue to knock. 523 00:23:43,864 --> 00:23:47,040 This so-called friend will finally say, 524 00:23:47,040 --> 00:23:48,899 fine, here's what you need. 525 00:23:48,899 --> 00:23:50,727 Take it. 526 00:23:50,727 --> 00:23:54,181 And then Jesus applies it here in v. 9. 527 00:23:54,181 --> 00:23:56,246 "I tell you, 528 00:23:56,246 --> 00:24:00,288 ask and it will be given to you. 529 00:24:00,288 --> 00:24:02,573 Seek and you will find. 530 00:24:02,573 --> 00:24:05,130 Knock and it will be opened to you. 531 00:24:05,130 --> 00:24:08,533 For everyone who asks receives, 532 00:24:08,533 --> 00:24:10,532 and the one who seeks finds, 533 00:24:10,532 --> 00:24:12,112 and to the one who knocks, 534 00:24:12,112 --> 00:24:15,060 it will be opened. 535 00:24:15,060 --> 00:24:16,418 What father among you 536 00:24:16,418 --> 00:24:18,302 if his son asks for a fish 537 00:24:18,302 --> 00:24:19,931 will instead of a fish 538 00:24:19,931 --> 00:24:21,084 give him a serpent? 539 00:24:21,084 --> 00:24:22,710 Or if he asks for an egg 540 00:24:22,710 --> 00:24:24,213 will give him a scorpion? 541 00:24:24,213 --> 00:24:26,064 If you then, who are evil, 542 00:24:26,064 --> 00:24:27,665 know how to give good gifts 543 00:24:27,665 --> 00:24:28,771 to your children, 544 00:24:28,771 --> 00:24:31,457 how much more will the heavenly Father 545 00:24:31,457 --> 00:24:37,083 give the Holy Spirit to those who ask." 546 00:24:37,083 --> 00:24:39,673 If a bad friend, because of the nerve 547 00:24:39,673 --> 00:24:40,916 of the other friend, 548 00:24:40,916 --> 00:24:42,718 and their continual knocking - 549 00:24:42,718 --> 00:24:44,344 the boldness of that person - 550 00:24:44,344 --> 00:24:46,223 will finally give in 551 00:24:46,223 --> 00:24:47,961 and give them what they need, 552 00:24:47,961 --> 00:24:49,938 how much more 553 00:24:49,938 --> 00:24:51,971 will the loving heavenly Father 554 00:24:51,971 --> 00:24:53,891 Who demonstrated His love 555 00:24:53,891 --> 00:24:56,110 through the crucifixion of His Son, 556 00:24:56,110 --> 00:24:59,199 Who's commanding us to remain in prayer - 557 00:24:59,199 --> 00:25:02,289 how much more will He give 558 00:25:02,289 --> 00:25:06,184 to those who ask. 559 00:25:06,184 --> 00:25:08,480 It's not an issue of ability. 560 00:25:08,480 --> 00:25:10,681 It's not an issue of His willingness. 561 00:25:10,681 --> 00:25:19,901 It is an issue of continual, steadfast prayer. 562 00:25:19,901 --> 00:25:28,386 Turn to the right 7 chapters to Luke 18. 563 00:25:28,386 --> 00:25:31,036 Is God really willing? 564 00:25:31,036 --> 00:25:33,554 Does God really desire for us 565 00:25:33,554 --> 00:25:35,769 to continue in prayer? 566 00:25:35,769 --> 00:25:40,055 Does God really want us to seek Him? 567 00:25:40,055 --> 00:25:42,018 Are you losing heart 568 00:25:42,018 --> 00:25:47,241 leading to quitting in prayer? 569 00:25:47,241 --> 00:25:48,912 Then we need to preach texts 570 00:25:48,912 --> 00:25:55,749 like Luke 18:1-8 to our soul. 571 00:25:55,749 --> 00:25:59,527 "And He told them a parable to the effect 572 00:25:59,527 --> 00:26:02,472 that they ought always to pray 573 00:26:02,472 --> 00:26:05,592 and not lose heart." 574 00:26:05,592 --> 00:26:08,254 You see, Jesus knows that we will pray 575 00:26:08,254 --> 00:26:11,591 and we will not hear when or what we want 576 00:26:11,591 --> 00:26:13,605 and we will begin to lose heart, 577 00:26:13,605 --> 00:26:15,331 so He says I'm going to address that 578 00:26:15,331 --> 00:26:17,194 because I know that's going to happen, 579 00:26:17,194 --> 00:26:18,313 and I want you to pray 580 00:26:18,313 --> 00:26:19,377 and not lose heart. 581 00:26:19,377 --> 00:26:20,399 I want you to pray 582 00:26:20,399 --> 00:26:21,399 and not stop. 583 00:26:21,399 --> 00:26:22,977 I want you to continue in prayer. 584 00:26:22,977 --> 00:26:24,695 So I'm going to remind you of this. 585 00:26:24,695 --> 00:26:26,914 And He says to them in v. 2, 586 00:26:26,914 --> 00:26:30,283 "In a certain city, there was a judge 587 00:26:30,283 --> 00:26:33,243 who neither feared God nor respected man. 588 00:26:33,243 --> 00:26:35,136 And there was a widow in that city 589 00:26:35,136 --> 00:26:39,274 who kept coming to him, 590 00:26:39,274 --> 00:26:41,236 and saying, 'give me justice 591 00:26:41,236 --> 00:26:43,362 against my adversary.' 592 00:26:43,362 --> 00:26:46,071 For awhile he refused. 593 00:26:46,071 --> 00:26:48,179 But afterwards he said to himself, 594 00:26:48,179 --> 00:26:51,184 'though I neither fear God, 595 00:26:51,184 --> 00:26:53,264 nor respect man, 596 00:26:53,264 --> 00:26:57,086 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, 597 00:26:57,086 --> 00:26:58,916 I will give her justice 598 00:26:58,916 --> 00:27:00,922 so that she will not beat me down 599 00:27:00,922 --> 00:27:05,725 with her continual coming.' 600 00:27:05,725 --> 00:27:08,305 And the Lord said, 601 00:27:08,305 --> 00:27:12,139 'Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 602 00:27:12,139 --> 00:27:14,734 and will not God give justice 603 00:27:14,734 --> 00:27:20,922 to His elect who cry to Him day and night? 604 00:27:20,922 --> 00:27:22,961 Will He delay long over them? 605 00:27:22,961 --> 00:27:25,573 I tell you, He will give justice to them 606 00:27:25,573 --> 00:27:26,752 speedily. 607 00:27:26,752 --> 00:27:28,811 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, 608 00:27:28,811 --> 00:27:31,339 will He find faith on the earth?'" 609 00:27:31,339 --> 00:27:33,333 Do you see the comparison He makes? 610 00:27:33,333 --> 00:27:35,428 A judge who does not fear God; 611 00:27:35,428 --> 00:27:37,218 who does not respect man, 612 00:27:37,218 --> 00:27:38,102 yet why? 613 00:27:38,102 --> 00:27:41,188 Because this woman will continually come 614 00:27:41,188 --> 00:27:42,785 and continually ask 615 00:27:42,785 --> 00:27:44,398 and will not leave him alone, 616 00:27:44,398 --> 00:27:46,008 and she keeps bothering him, 617 00:27:46,008 --> 00:27:48,636 this evil man will reluctantly, 618 00:27:48,636 --> 00:27:49,799 finally just say, "here, 619 00:27:49,799 --> 00:27:51,428 take what you've been asking for. 620 00:27:51,428 --> 00:27:52,895 Just leave me alone." 621 00:27:52,895 --> 00:27:56,395 Then how much more 622 00:27:56,395 --> 00:27:59,589 this God Who chose you 623 00:27:59,589 --> 00:28:01,406 and set you apart 624 00:28:01,406 --> 00:28:03,745 at the cost of His own Son 625 00:28:03,745 --> 00:28:05,451 and adopted you, 626 00:28:05,451 --> 00:28:07,411 and commands you to come 627 00:28:07,411 --> 00:28:09,396 and petition and don't give up. 628 00:28:09,396 --> 00:28:12,748 If the evil judge will give in to this, 629 00:28:12,748 --> 00:28:16,001 how much more will the sovereign King 630 00:28:16,001 --> 00:28:17,980 Who loves you and has adopted you 631 00:28:17,980 --> 00:28:23,481 give you what you ask? 632 00:28:23,481 --> 00:28:26,805 Does He want us to come? 633 00:28:26,805 --> 00:28:29,394 That's exactly what He wants us to do. 634 00:28:29,394 --> 00:28:32,781 And He wants us to continue. 635 00:28:32,781 --> 00:28:34,968 The last line of that is very important 636 00:28:34,968 --> 00:28:37,215 because He says, 637 00:28:37,215 --> 00:28:41,722 "Will He find faith on the earth?" 638 00:28:41,722 --> 00:28:44,261 What does that teach us? 639 00:28:44,261 --> 00:28:46,921 The issue of continuing in prayer 640 00:28:46,921 --> 00:28:50,927 is a lack of faith in God. 641 00:28:50,927 --> 00:28:52,518 He's not going to answer... 642 00:28:52,518 --> 00:28:53,919 I prayed for two years. 643 00:28:53,919 --> 00:28:55,945 He hasn't answered yet. 644 00:28:55,945 --> 00:29:00,063 You say, well, it says He'll come speedily. 645 00:29:00,063 --> 00:29:05,123 Well, the secret things belong to the Lord. 646 00:29:05,123 --> 00:29:06,655 Speedily is different for you 647 00:29:06,655 --> 00:29:08,703 than it is for Him. 648 00:29:08,703 --> 00:29:12,772 Part of faith is trusting in His timing. 649 00:29:12,772 --> 00:29:13,912 If you're going to say, 650 00:29:13,912 --> 00:29:15,363 I'll pray and remain steadfast 651 00:29:15,363 --> 00:29:17,620 as long as You work on my timetable, 652 00:29:17,620 --> 00:29:23,658 you've just put yourself in a position of sovereignty. 653 00:29:23,658 --> 00:29:24,851 Brothers and sisters, 654 00:29:24,851 --> 00:29:27,098 we need to preach these verses to our soul 655 00:29:27,098 --> 00:29:29,448 when we find our hearts 656 00:29:29,448 --> 00:29:35,051 beginning to become weary. 657 00:29:35,051 --> 00:29:36,783 Quickly now, just the last two parts 658 00:29:36,783 --> 00:29:38,579 of Colossians 4. 659 00:29:38,579 --> 00:29:41,870 Not only are we to remain steadfast in prayer 660 00:29:41,870 --> 00:29:43,489 and be devoted to it, 661 00:29:43,489 --> 00:29:45,848 but he says we are to keep alert 662 00:29:45,848 --> 00:29:49,128 and be watchful in our prayer. 663 00:29:49,128 --> 00:29:52,842 It literally has the idea of staying awake. 664 00:29:52,842 --> 00:29:55,835 And Brother Mack just led us through 665 00:29:55,835 --> 00:29:59,998 the Garden of Gethsemane yesterday. 666 00:29:59,998 --> 00:30:02,163 And when our model Jesus Christ 667 00:30:02,163 --> 00:30:04,403 is petitioning the Father and continuing 668 00:30:04,403 --> 00:30:06,770 steadfastly in devotion to prayer 669 00:30:06,770 --> 00:30:08,957 which was His style of life, 670 00:30:08,957 --> 00:30:13,104 the disciples were on the side asleep. 671 00:30:13,104 --> 00:30:16,332 Not alert. 672 00:30:16,332 --> 00:30:17,757 Not keeping watch. 673 00:30:17,757 --> 00:30:19,091 Jesus actually says to them, 674 00:30:19,091 --> 00:30:21,634 "Keep watch that you might not fall into temptation." 675 00:30:21,634 --> 00:30:24,089 And they fall asleep. 676 00:30:24,089 --> 00:30:25,787 And Jesus said I know 677 00:30:25,787 --> 00:30:30,724 that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. 678 00:30:30,724 --> 00:30:32,673 And so in this command from Paul, 679 00:30:32,673 --> 00:30:35,288 we are called not only to continue steadfastly 680 00:30:35,288 --> 00:30:38,032 in prayer, but to keep alert 681 00:30:38,032 --> 00:30:43,037 and be watchful in it. 682 00:30:43,037 --> 00:30:46,006 So what does that mean? 683 00:30:46,006 --> 00:30:47,650 As you begin to try to apply: 684 00:30:47,650 --> 00:30:49,361 continue steadfastly in prayer, 685 00:30:49,361 --> 00:30:51,034 there's a temptation at some point 686 00:30:51,034 --> 00:30:52,985 to say, "Well, I'll just sit here 687 00:30:52,985 --> 00:30:54,183 and do this command 688 00:30:54,183 --> 00:30:55,857 and then God will answer it." 689 00:30:55,857 --> 00:30:57,171 And we can begin to do that 690 00:30:57,171 --> 00:30:58,737 without an awareness of mind 691 00:30:58,737 --> 00:31:02,364 of even what we are praying. 692 00:31:02,364 --> 00:31:04,167 And we need to have our minds 693 00:31:04,167 --> 00:31:05,848 alert and focused and be praying 694 00:31:05,848 --> 00:31:09,598 for specific things. 695 00:31:09,598 --> 00:31:13,375 Our minds need to be engaged in this prayer. 696 00:31:13,375 --> 00:31:16,727 It is not just filling up this quota of prayer. 697 00:31:16,727 --> 00:31:18,399 That if I hit this certain number, 698 00:31:18,399 --> 00:31:21,831 then I'll manipulate God to move in some way. 699 00:31:21,831 --> 00:31:23,915 It is a continuing in prayer, 700 00:31:23,915 --> 00:31:26,381 but it is a watchful prayer. 701 00:31:26,381 --> 00:31:28,754 It is an awareness prayer of the mind. 702 00:31:28,754 --> 00:31:32,628 It is specific prayers to be prayed. 703 00:31:32,628 --> 00:31:35,785 God's not impressed with how long you can pray. 704 00:31:35,785 --> 00:31:40,682 It is the awareness of how much we need Him 705 00:31:40,682 --> 00:31:43,614 that we pray with our minds. 706 00:31:43,614 --> 00:31:47,041 That's where our doctrine and theology comes in - 707 00:31:47,041 --> 00:31:48,821 Teaching us His sovereignty, 708 00:31:48,821 --> 00:31:53,676 our weakness and our great need. 709 00:31:53,676 --> 00:31:55,668 Then He says at the end here, 710 00:31:55,668 --> 00:31:58,150 with thanksgiving - 711 00:31:58,150 --> 00:32:02,022 or with an attitude of thanksgiving. 712 00:32:02,022 --> 00:32:03,769 Continuing steadfastly in prayer, 713 00:32:03,769 --> 00:32:05,179 being devoted to prayer, 714 00:32:05,179 --> 00:32:06,697 being watchful in it, 715 00:32:06,697 --> 00:32:08,082 keeping alert in it, 716 00:32:08,082 --> 00:32:13,077 but with an attitude of thanksgiving. 717 00:32:13,077 --> 00:32:14,229 And I loved it so much 718 00:32:14,229 --> 00:32:15,625 that when Brother Tim prayed, 719 00:32:15,625 --> 00:32:18,634 he said nearly that very thing. 720 00:32:18,634 --> 00:32:20,769 We are here asking God to come, 721 00:32:20,769 --> 00:32:22,071 asking God to move 722 00:32:22,071 --> 00:32:23,025 in our hearts, 723 00:32:23,025 --> 00:32:23,840 in our churches, 724 00:32:23,840 --> 00:32:25,549 in this area - 725 00:32:25,549 --> 00:32:28,242 but we still have so much to give thanks for 726 00:32:28,242 --> 00:32:30,852 that He has redeemed a wretch like me. 727 00:32:30,852 --> 00:32:32,669 There is so much He has done 728 00:32:32,669 --> 00:32:34,921 that as we are continuing steadfastly 729 00:32:34,921 --> 00:32:36,724 in prayer and petitioning the Father, 730 00:32:36,724 --> 00:32:38,095 continuing in it, 731 00:32:38,095 --> 00:32:39,336 not letting Him go, 732 00:32:39,336 --> 00:32:41,025 we also need to keep in mind 733 00:32:41,025 --> 00:32:42,390 all that He has done 734 00:32:42,390 --> 00:32:46,220 and be giving Him thanks. 735 00:32:46,220 --> 00:32:52,999 Hearts of thanksgiving. 736 00:32:52,999 --> 00:32:58,515 I was reminded last night of John 15:5. 737 00:32:58,515 --> 00:33:01,291 The vine and the branches. 738 00:33:01,291 --> 00:33:03,962 And v. 5 says this, 739 00:33:03,962 --> 00:33:09,599 "Without Me you can do nothing." 740 00:33:09,599 --> 00:33:14,603 And what convicted me last night was this: 741 00:33:14,603 --> 00:33:16,613 I thought with knowledge and experience 742 00:33:16,613 --> 00:33:23,535 I could actually do something without Him. 743 00:33:23,535 --> 00:33:24,798 And as much as you grow 744 00:33:24,798 --> 00:33:26,347 in knowledge and experience 745 00:33:26,347 --> 00:33:29,204 and maturity in Christ, 746 00:33:29,204 --> 00:33:32,278 that verse will never change. 747 00:33:32,278 --> 00:33:35,682 Without Him you can do nothing. 748 00:33:35,682 --> 00:33:36,910 So as I sat last night, 749 00:33:36,910 --> 00:33:38,682 I said how much do I really believe 750 00:33:38,682 --> 00:33:39,532 that verse? 751 00:33:39,532 --> 00:33:41,126 "Without Him I can do nothing." 752 00:33:41,126 --> 00:33:42,343 And here's the answer: 753 00:33:42,343 --> 00:33:43,644 I believe it to the degree 754 00:33:43,644 --> 00:33:46,383 that I continue steadfastly in prayer. 755 00:33:46,383 --> 00:33:48,333 That's how much I believe it. 756 00:33:48,333 --> 00:33:50,062 To the degree that I'm continuing 757 00:33:50,062 --> 00:33:51,864 steadfastly in prayer, 758 00:33:51,864 --> 00:33:54,599 I believe that verse. 759 00:33:54,599 --> 00:33:57,432 And when I stop or I grow weary, 760 00:33:57,432 --> 00:34:02,635 I stop believing that. 761 00:34:02,635 --> 00:34:03,733 Brothers and sisters, 762 00:34:03,733 --> 00:34:05,727 I can't tell you when God's going to come 763 00:34:05,727 --> 00:34:08,210 and pour out His Spirit in your heart 764 00:34:08,210 --> 00:34:09,954 or over New England. 765 00:34:09,954 --> 00:34:11,424 Those are the secret things 766 00:34:11,424 --> 00:34:13,234 that Brother Mike was speaking about. 767 00:34:13,234 --> 00:34:17,140 I can't tell you when He is going to do that, 768 00:34:17,140 --> 00:34:18,415 but I can tell you this, 769 00:34:18,415 --> 00:34:20,772 it will not be apart from steadfast 770 00:34:20,772 --> 00:34:24,198 devotion to prayer. 771 00:34:24,198 --> 00:34:25,465 It will not be apart 772 00:34:25,465 --> 00:34:32,169 from steadfast devotion to prayer. 773 00:34:32,169 --> 00:34:36,840 And I'll encourage you in this: 774 00:34:36,840 --> 00:34:44,586 When the Lord does answer that prayer, 775 00:34:44,586 --> 00:34:48,576 don't stop praying. 776 00:34:48,576 --> 00:34:53,544 When the Lord brings a man into your city, 777 00:34:53,544 --> 00:34:54,916 proclaims the Gospel, 778 00:34:54,916 --> 00:34:57,513 people start getting saved, 779 00:34:57,513 --> 00:35:00,764 a church is established by God, 780 00:35:00,764 --> 00:35:03,479 there is healthy life and fellowship 781 00:35:03,479 --> 00:35:05,770 with Jesus Christ at the center; 782 00:35:05,770 --> 00:35:07,977 you're beginning to see lives transformed; 783 00:35:07,977 --> 00:35:14,079 do not stop praying. 784 00:35:14,079 --> 00:35:20,956 It is then that we need to pray even more. 785 00:35:20,956 --> 00:35:27,640 Let me finish with Isaiah 62.6-7. 786 00:35:27,640 --> 00:35:30,502 "On your walls, O Jerusalem, 787 00:35:30,502 --> 00:35:33,042 I have set watchmen. 788 00:35:33,042 --> 00:35:34,638 All the day and all the night, 789 00:35:34,638 --> 00:35:36,976 they shall never be silent. 790 00:35:36,976 --> 00:35:38,741 You who put the Lord in remembrance, 791 00:35:38,741 --> 00:35:40,179 take no rest, 792 00:35:40,179 --> 00:35:41,638 and give Him no rest 793 00:35:41,638 --> 00:35:44,377 until He establishes Jerusalem 794 00:35:44,377 --> 00:35:48,219 and makes it a praise in the earth." 795 00:35:48,219 --> 00:35:49,309 Brothers and sisters, 796 00:35:49,309 --> 00:35:52,152 give the Lord no rest. 797 00:35:52,152 --> 00:35:56,257 He commands you to give Him no rest 798 00:35:56,257 --> 00:36:00,637 until His name is praised in the lands. 799 00:36:00,637 --> 00:36:05,481 So I pray that that was encouraging 800 00:36:05,481 --> 00:36:07,178 yet convicting. 801 00:36:07,178 --> 00:36:11,772 But I truly believe it was for my own soul. 802 00:36:11,772 --> 00:36:15,969 And by God's grace, I left 15 minutes. 803 00:36:15,969 --> 00:36:19,276 So here's what I'd like to do if it's alright. 804 00:36:19,276 --> 00:36:22,097 I'd like to just pray. 805 00:36:22,097 --> 00:36:24,294 I think the greatest thing you can do 806 00:36:24,294 --> 00:36:25,663 when you hear a sermon 807 00:36:25,663 --> 00:36:27,322 that convicts or encourages 808 00:36:27,322 --> 00:36:28,572 is as fast as you can, 809 00:36:28,572 --> 00:36:32,054 begin to implement that in your life. 810 00:36:32,054 --> 00:36:34,755 And so, if I can just pray, 811 00:36:34,755 --> 00:36:36,243 and you guys can pray with me 812 00:36:36,243 --> 00:36:39,237 and just in the next five minutes or so, 813 00:36:39,237 --> 00:36:41,813 praying about these things to the Lord. 814 00:36:41,813 --> 00:36:43,720 For your own heart 815 00:36:43,720 --> 00:36:45,467 and for this land. 816 00:36:45,467 --> 00:37:10,493 So if you'll bow with me. 817 00:37:10,493 --> 00:37:20,855 Father, in the name of Jesus, 818 00:37:20,855 --> 00:37:22,796 Lord, I confess even this morning, 819 00:37:22,796 --> 00:37:24,675 even a difference from last night. 820 00:37:24,675 --> 00:37:26,575 Last night, I seemed so aware 821 00:37:26,575 --> 00:37:28,892 of my weakness, God. 822 00:37:28,892 --> 00:37:32,429 So aware of my need for You, Lord Jesus. 823 00:37:32,429 --> 00:37:34,259 And even today I sense 824 00:37:34,259 --> 00:37:38,893 that that is beginning to wane, Lord. 825 00:37:38,893 --> 00:37:41,159 Lord, I know that I am just as needy 826 00:37:41,159 --> 00:37:43,757 last night as I am today, Lord, 827 00:37:43,757 --> 00:37:50,352 but I struggle to see it so often, God. 828 00:37:50,352 --> 00:37:52,240 God, we need You to see these things. 829 00:37:52,240 --> 00:37:53,753 We are asking now 830 00:37:53,753 --> 00:37:55,573 in each of the hearts of people 831 00:37:55,573 --> 00:37:56,534 represented here, 832 00:37:56,534 --> 00:37:58,821 and churches represented here, God, 833 00:37:58,821 --> 00:38:00,803 that You would help us to see, Lord, 834 00:38:00,803 --> 00:38:02,236 these things. 835 00:38:02,236 --> 00:38:04,745 See our great need, Lord; 836 00:38:04,745 --> 00:38:08,189 see Your willingness, God; 837 00:38:08,189 --> 00:38:10,270 see that You've made the way for us 838 00:38:10,270 --> 00:38:12,977 to be able to come through Jesus Christ. 839 00:38:12,977 --> 00:38:15,057 That we come, God, not on our own merit; 840 00:38:15,057 --> 00:38:19,395 not on our own righteousness. 841 00:38:19,395 --> 00:38:23,742 On the righteousness of Christ, we come. 842 00:38:23,742 --> 00:38:25,127 God, as we approach Your Word 843 00:38:25,127 --> 00:38:30,129 and we grow in doctrine and theology, God, 844 00:38:30,129 --> 00:38:32,462 let it lead to a greater revelation 845 00:38:32,462 --> 00:38:35,711 of weakness and dependence. 846 00:38:35,711 --> 00:38:37,575 Let it lead to a greater revelation 847 00:38:37,575 --> 00:38:40,363 of You and Your willingness, God. 848 00:38:40,363 --> 00:38:43,303 God, when we grow faint of heart, 849 00:38:43,303 --> 00:38:45,606 let us remember these petitions 850 00:38:45,606 --> 00:38:46,872 You've put before us; 851 00:38:46,872 --> 00:38:48,987 You're calling us and commanding us, God, 852 00:38:48,987 --> 00:38:50,292 to be persistent; 853 00:38:50,292 --> 00:38:52,669 to have the nerve to come 854 00:38:52,669 --> 00:38:56,813 to the King of the Universe. 855 00:38:56,813 --> 00:38:58,221 And to stay there, God. 856 00:38:58,221 --> 00:38:59,159 To remain there. 857 00:38:59,159 --> 00:39:02,450 To be devoted there. 858 00:39:02,450 --> 00:39:04,318 God, thank You, 859 00:39:04,318 --> 00:39:07,220 for Your loving chastening hand 860 00:39:07,220 --> 00:39:10,054 when we forget these things, 861 00:39:10,054 --> 00:39:11,193 to draw us back; 862 00:39:11,193 --> 00:39:15,454 to teach us. 863 00:39:15,454 --> 00:39:19,471 We want Your glory, God. 864 00:39:19,471 --> 00:39:23,898 We need You, Father. 865 00:39:23,898 --> 00:39:26,913 And so as I ask with my brothers and sisters 866 00:39:26,913 --> 00:39:29,596 that You come, Lord. 867 00:39:29,596 --> 00:39:32,053 I pray that it wouldn't be just here and now 868 00:39:32,053 --> 00:39:34,216 in this moment, 869 00:39:34,216 --> 00:39:38,552 but that You would keep us in a weak place 870 00:39:38,552 --> 00:39:39,819 where we are constantly 871 00:39:39,819 --> 00:39:43,830 and continually reaching for You 872 00:39:43,830 --> 00:39:46,240 in utter dependence 873 00:39:46,240 --> 00:39:54,733 manifested in devotion to prayer. 874 00:39:54,733 --> 00:39:58,371 Thank You for Your patience, Lord. 875 00:39:58,371 --> 00:40:03,902 Thank You for Your grace and kindness to us. 876 00:40:03,902 --> 00:40:06,211 Help us. 877 00:40:06,211 --> 00:40:08,919 In the name of Jesus our Savior, 878 00:40:08,919 --> 00:40:10,901 Amen.