Experience more
(1) Do you want to experience MORE of GOD in your life?
- We need to because we are hungry. (Isaiah 55:1-7)
(2) Do you believe you can experience MORE of GOD?
- We can.
How?
(1) Renounce the no-god idols in the world
(2) Re-tune our whole being to pursue Him
(3) Approach God in faith (Understanding + Action)
(4) Pray with the confidence that God will answer
Jesus’ secret in prayer
- God is the Good and Generous Father. (Luke 11:11-13)
A short parable with a great promise (Luke 11:5-8)
- The Greek word anadeia in verse 8 is translated “Impudence” in the ESV.
- Some translations interpret it as “persistence.” Most scholars agree that this is not the meaning.
- The word has two possible interpretations.
(i) Shamelessness - with a negative connotation (ESV)
(ii) Sense of shame or avoidance of shame - with a positive connotation (NIV)
The second interpretation is preferred
(i) the subject of verse 8 remain consistent;
(ii) the sentence makes sense in light of the cultural setting;
(iii) the moral fits well with the promises in verse 9-10
The moral of the story
- God is zealous for his name. He is true to his character. He is faithful to his promises.
- Therefore we can approach him confidently when we pray according to his name.
Attitude in prayer
(i) Be zealous for God’s name;
(ii) Pray according to his character;
(iii) Bind God to his promises (Martin Luther)
The great promise of prayer
- Jesus said: I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (Luke 11:9-10)
Moses' example
- Exodus 32:11-13; 33:1-19; 34:1-9
We can experience more of God
- For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (Luke 11:9-10)
