Sermon Outline Archive

Sermon Outline Nov 16, 2008 Evening Service

Topic: Eve: Just Ask

I. “Just ask”: it’s an idea that helps us live the faith that God wants us to live.

II. We are going to look at a passage where Jesus tells us to do something.

III. Jesus is getting near the end of His time on earth.

A. He explained that his departure would only last “a little while”, after which a new relationship began between the disciples and God.

B. Part of the newness is the ability to approach God directly.

Text

I. The Problem.

A. The disciples had not been praying for things in the name of Jesus.

1. They had not been taught to pray in that manner yet.

2. Jesus taught them to pray in the Father’s name (Matthew 6).

B. We need to understand what it means to pray in Jesus’ name.

1. It’s not a recital of a wish list punctuated by saying, “In Jesus name.”

2. It means that we are to pray things He would have us pray for.

3. Prayer should be about how we fit in to God’s will (James 4:3; Matthew 6:33).

C. To have a better prayer life you need to get to know your Lord better.

D. We have a great gift!

1. Jesus clarified a new relationship between believers and God.

2. We can approach God because Jesus makes us acceptable.

E. Understand that life is all about Jesus (Galatians 2:20).

II. The Solution.

A. So, how can we make a fulfilling prayer life?

1. Just ask; Jesus tells us to ask and we will receive!

2. Rather, Jesus is telling us that if we ASK in His name, we will receive.

B. You will notice that as you know Jesus better what you want changes.

C. Too many do not know Jesus and are failing to become Christ-like.

D. Jesus tells us that it is when we ask in His name that we will receive.

1. We must have the faith in Jesus to know He will answer us (James 1:6-8).

2. God wants us to ask of Him (James 1:17).

III. The Blessing.

A. For some, just the thought of receiving what I ask for in the name of Jesus is a blessing, but there is more!

B. Here Jesus is getting ready to face the cross.

1. He knows the pain and agony He is going to suffer, and yet His focus is on making the joy of His followers full.

2. Joy is an inner peace that comes from knowing that God is in control.

3. The great blessing is the fact that Jesus is there with you, that He hears you and that He answers your prayers.

C. One of the confirmations I have concerning the existence of God is the answered prayers I have received from Him.

D. Jesus does not want you to live a miserable life.

I. Is your prayer life a bit blah?

II. Perhaps you really need to take Jesus’ promise to heart.