Conditions of an Conditions of an Answered PrayerAnswered Prayer

Matthew 7:7-11 KJVMatthew 7:7-11 KJV

(7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye (7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

(8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.shall be opened.

(9) Or what man is there of you, whom if his son (9) Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?ask bread, will he give him a stone?

(10) Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?(10) Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?(11) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good (11) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good

gifts unto your children, how much more shall gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?to them that ask him?

Of all the promises of ScriptureOf all the promises of Scripture

The promise Jesus makes here is one The promise Jesus makes here is one we find hard to believe – we find hard to believe –

"Ask and you will receive". "Ask and you will receive".

We all know that is not always the We all know that is not always the case. case.

Is Jesus wrong? Is Jesus wrong?

How we can ask and receive? - there is How we can ask and receive? - there is a foolproof way.a foolproof way.

First, we have to get rid of 2 First, we have to get rid of 2 misunderstandings about prayer…misunderstandings about prayer…

1) God must answer according to the precise letter 1) God must answer according to the precise letter of our prayers…of our prayers…

Notice that although Jesus doesn’t put restrictions Notice that although Jesus doesn’t put restrictions on what we can pray for.. He does not say I’ll give on what we can pray for.. He does not say I’ll give you whatever you want… Just the opposite, he you whatever you want… Just the opposite, he shows us God gives us things that don’t hurt us…shows us God gives us things that don’t hurt us…

““how much more shall your Father which is in how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

Sometimes God answers to the Sometimes God answers to the spirit of our prayer.spirit of our prayer.

2 Corinthians 12:7-92 Corinthians 12:7-9(7) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the (7) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the

abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.I should be exalted above measure.

(8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.depart from me.

(9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.of Christ may rest upon me.

The second misunderstandingThe second misunderstanding

We often overlook the principle that We often overlook the principle that there are conditions expressed in the there are conditions expressed in the

Bible upon which God answers Bible upon which God answers prayer.prayer.

According to our text today,According to our text today,

When we ask, God answersWhen we ask, God answers

But But according to this verse in James, there are according to this verse in James, there are sometimes God does not answer…sometimes God does not answer…

(James 4:3 KJV) Ye ask, and receive not, (James 4:3 KJV) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it][it] upon your lusts. upon your lusts.

Do they contradict each other? Do they contradict each other? NoNo

James is just explaining why God says NO sometimes.James is just explaining why God says NO sometimes.There are conditions that must be met in order to There are conditions that must be met in order to

make sure your prayer does not go “amiss”make sure your prayer does not go “amiss”Today we will look at the conditions of an answered Today we will look at the conditions of an answered

prayerprayer

1. A clear conscience1. A clear conscience

1 John 3:21-22 KJV1 John 3:21-22 KJV(21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us (21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us

not, [then] have we confidence not, [then] have we confidence toward God.toward God.

(22) And whatsoever we ask, we (22) And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.that are pleasing in his sight.

God condemns disobedience, but approves God condemns disobedience, but approves of obedience.of obedience.

How do you know you have a clear How do you know you have a clear conscience?conscience?

1. You have no self righteousness1. You have no self righteousness2. Confidence God hears our prayers2. Confidence God hears our prayers3. Confidence you are in full agreement 3. Confidence you are in full agreement with Godwith God4. Awareness of being fully obedient to 4. Awareness of being fully obedient to GodGod5. You are not ashamed of yourself or your 5. You are not ashamed of yourself or your actionsactions6. Confidence that God will answer our 6. Confidence that God will answer our prayersprayers

Which leads us to our 2nd condition:Which leads us to our 2nd condition:

2. Absolute obedience2. Absolute obedience

Proverbs 28:9 Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall from hearing the law, even his prayer [shall be] abomination.be] abomination.Turning away is intentional disobedienceTurning away is intentional disobedienceThe law is the commandments of God… all of The law is the commandments of God… all of themthemDo you want God to view your prayers as an Do you want God to view your prayers as an abomination?abomination?A state of mind of obedience to God, and a deep A state of mind of obedience to God, and a deep desire to obey God is a condition of answered desire to obey God is a condition of answered prayer.prayer.

The only way to have absolute obedience is to The only way to have absolute obedience is to Abide in Christ, which is our next condition…Abide in Christ, which is our next condition…

3. Abiding in Christ3. Abiding in Christ

John 15:6-7 John 15:6-7 If a man abide not in me, If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.fire, and they are burned.

(7) If ye abide in me, and my words (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto will, and it shall be done unto you.you.

What does it mean to abide in Christ?What does it mean to abide in Christ?It means to be live and walk in the Holy It means to be live and walk in the Holy

Spirit, and to give complete control Spirit, and to give complete control over to the Holy Spirit.over to the Holy Spirit.

So how do you know if you are So how do you know if you are abiding in Christ?abiding in Christ?

Here are some questions to ask yourself:Here are some questions to ask yourself:1) Have you been cleaned by his word?1) Have you been cleaned by his word?John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the

word which I have spoken unto you.word which I have spoken unto you.2) Do you have a crucial relationship 2) Do you have a crucial relationship

with Him?with Him?John 15:5 John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the I am the vine, ye [are] the

branchesbranches: He that abideth in me, and I in : He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.for without me ye can do nothing.

3) Are you bearing fruit…3) Are you bearing fruit…John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the

branches: branches: He that abideth in me, and I in He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruithim, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for : for without me ye can do nothing.without me ye can do nothing.

4) Do you get your strength from Christ…4) Do you get your strength from Christ… John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the John 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the

branches: He that abideth in me, and I in branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for for without me ye can do nothing.without me ye can do nothing.

5) Your prayer life is alive and active.5) Your prayer life is alive and active.John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I

have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.give it you.

6) Do you obey His commandments?6) Do you obey His commandments?John 15:10 John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments,If ye keep my commandments,

ye shall abide in my love; even as I have ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.abide in his love.

7) Do you know God loves you?7) Do you know God loves you?John 15:10John 15:10(10) If ye keep my commandments, (10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall ye shall

abide in my loveabide in my love; even as I have kept my ; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his Father's commandments, and abide in his love.love.

How important is it to be in Christ’s How important is it to be in Christ’s love?love?

Let’s look at this example and see…Let’s look at this example and see…

God the Father

John 10:29 My Father, which gave [them] me, is John 10:29 My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.out of my Father's hand.

YOU!

God the Father

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.out of my hand.

YOU!

God the Son: Jesus

God the Father

Ephesians 4:30Ephesians 4:30(30) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye (30) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.are sealed unto the day of redemption.

YOU!

God the Son: Jesus

God the Holy Spirit

God the Father

Ephesians 4:30Ephesians 4:30(30) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye (30) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.are sealed unto the day of redemption.

YOU!

God the Son: Jesus

God the Holy Spirit

You see, if you abide in Christ…. You are safe and secure in his love!!!

God the Father

So When Satan Tries to get to you, he cannot!!!!!!!!!

YOU!

God the Son: Jesus

God the Holy Spirit

You see, if you abide in Christ…. You are safe and secure in his love!!!

8) Do you have Joy in your life?8) Do you have Joy in your life?John 15:11John 15:11(11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy (11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy

might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full.might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full.

9) Do you love one another?9) Do you love one another?John 15:12-13John 15:12-13(12) This is my commandment, That ye love one another, (12) This is my commandment, That ye love one another,

as I have loved you.as I have loved you.(13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay (13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay

down his life for his friends.down his life for his friends.

10) Is God your friend?10) Is God your friend?John 15:14-15John 15:14-15(14) Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.(14) Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.(15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant (15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant

knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.made known unto you.

If:If:

you can answer affirmative to the above you can answer affirmative to the above questions, then you are under the direct questions, then you are under the direct control of the Spirit…control of the Spirit…

When we are under the direct control of the When we are under the direct control of the Spirit, He will give us what we ask for…Spirit, He will give us what we ask for…

It is impossible to ask amiss, if God directs It is impossible to ask amiss, if God directs you to ask for something!you to ask for something!

If you are abiding in Christ, you will not be If you are abiding in Christ, you will not be selfish…selfish…

4. Unselfish Motives4. Unselfish Motives

James 4:3James 4:3(3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask

amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts.lusts.

God will not give you things that you ask for God will not give you things that you ask for selfishly…selfishly…

He will not help you sin!, and if giving you He will not help you sin!, and if giving you something will lead you away from him, you will something will lead you away from him, you will not get it.not get it.

So we need to make sure when we go to prayer, we So we need to make sure when we go to prayer, we are not being selfish.are not being selfish.

To make sure you are not praying selfishly, you To make sure you are not praying selfishly, you need to examine your heart…need to examine your heart…

5. A heart examination before you 5. A heart examination before you praypray

You cannot rush into prayer, without making sure You cannot rush into prayer, without making sure your heart is OK..your heart is OK..

God speaking to Ezekiel says in Ezekiel 14:3God speaking to Ezekiel says in Ezekiel 14:3(3) Son of man, these men have set up their idols (3) Son of man, these men have set up their idols

in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?at all by them?

Or another way of translating this verse… "Son of Or another way of translating this verse… "Son of Man, these people have installed idols in their Man, these people have installed idols in their hearts. They have embraced the wickedness that hearts. They have embraced the wickedness that will ruin them. Why should I even bother with will ruin them. Why should I even bother with their prayers? (The Message)their prayers? (The Message)

Do you have Idols in your heart?Do you have Idols in your heart?

Something you have put before the Lord?Something you have put before the Lord?

It could be anything that stands before you It could be anything that stands before you and serving God the way God wants you and serving God the way God wants you too…too…

If so… Here is what you need to do:If so… Here is what you need to do:

Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…righteousness…

When you do, the Holy Spirit will show you When you do, the Holy Spirit will show you the idols you need to get rid of…the idols you need to get rid of…

Then,Then, Ask God to forgive youAsk God to forgive you He will give you a clear He will give you a clear

conscience and peace, and joyconscience and peace, and joy The Holy Spirit can then start The Holy Spirit can then start

working through youworking through you Then you can pray with the Then you can pray with the

intercession of the Holy Spiritintercession of the Holy Spirit God promises to answer your God promises to answer your

prayersprayers

There is no reason to be a There is no reason to be a powerless Christianpowerless Christian

Today make it your decision to walk with God Today make it your decision to walk with God through absolute obedience, while abiding in through absolute obedience, while abiding in Christ, while having a clear conscience, Then Christ, while having a clear conscience, Then when you unselfishly ask God for something, He when you unselfishly ask God for something, He will give it to you.will give it to you.

Nothing is more horrible than to be in such a state Nothing is more horrible than to be in such a state of mind that you know God will not answer your of mind that you know God will not answer your prayers…prayers…

Search your heart today… Is there something there Search your heart today… Is there something there that will keep your prayers from being heard by that will keep your prayers from being heard by God? If so, repent of it, and accept God’s God? If so, repent of it, and accept God’s forgiveness… right now.forgiveness… right now.