Audacious Prayer: Boldly Approaching God as Friends

Summary

### Summary

Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we explored the concept of "Audacious Prayer" through the lens of Luke 11:5-13. This passage tells the story of a man who, despite the inconvenience, persistently knocks on his friend's door at midnight to ask for bread. This story is not just about asking but about how we approach God—with boldness and confidence. We examined three key terms: friendship, midnight, and audaciousness. The friend in the house represents God, the one knocking represents the believer, and the unexpected guest symbolizes unforeseen challenges in life.

We discussed the importance of approaching God not just as children but as mature friends. This maturity in our relationship with God allows us to pray audaciously, with a boldness that goes beyond mere sonship. We also touched on the stages of sonship in the Bible, from infants to mature sons, and how our relationship with God evolves as we grow spiritually.

The story emphasizes that our prayers should be marked by a shameless audacity, a boldness that doesn't care about societal norms or limitations. This kind of prayer is rooted in a deep, mature friendship with God, much like Abraham, who was called a friend of God. We are called to grow in our relationship with God to the point where we can approach Him with the confidence of a mature friend, not just as children seeking favors.

We also highlighted the importance of generous giving as a marker of Christian maturity. Generosity in the Kingdom of God is a sign of a heart deeply in love with Jesus. Finally, we were reminded that the Kingdom of God advances through those who are in a deep, loving relationship with Jesus and who pray audaciously, capturing the heart of God.

### Key Takeaways

1. Audacious Prayer: The story in Luke 11:5-13 teaches us to approach God with shameless audacity. This means coming to God with boldness and confidence, not just as children but as mature friends who understand the depth of our relationship with Him. This kind of prayer is not about entitlement but about a deep, relational equity built over time. [13:32]

2. Stages of Sonship: The Bible outlines different stages of sonship, from infants to mature sons. As we grow spiritually, our relationship with God evolves. Mature sonship allows us to approach God not just as children but as friends, much like Abraham, who was called a friend of God. This maturity enables us to pray with a boldness that reflects our deep relationship with Him. [17:28]

3. Unexpected Challenges: Life is full of unforeseen challenges, represented by the unexpected guest in the story. These situations test our faith and our response. Instead of succumbing to despair, we should approach God with our needs, knowing that He is dependable and trustworthy. Our response to these challenges should be marked by audacious prayer. [11:54]

4. Generous Giving: One of the markers of Christian maturity is generous giving. While it is possible to love Jesus and not be a generous giver, it is improbable to be a generous giver and not be deeply in love with Jesus. Generosity in the Kingdom of God is a sign of a heart that has matured in its relationship with Jesus. [21:44]

5. Friendship with God: The ultimate goal of our spiritual journey is to become friends of God. This friendship is marked by a deep, mature relationship that goes beyond mere sonship. It is the greatest desire of a father to call his children friends, and this is the kind of relationship God desires with us. This friendship allows us to pray audaciously and to be bold in our faith. [19:41]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Honoring Pastor Drew and Pastor Lauren
[03:22] - Reading from Luke 11:5-13
[05:04] - Gen Z Version of the Passage
[07:50] - Introduction to Audacious Prayer
[08:52] - Key Terms: Friendship, Midnight, Audacious
[10:21] - Characters in the Story
[11:54] - Responding to Unexpected Challenges
[13:32] - How to Approach God
[15:00] - Stages of Sonship
[17:28] - Growth in Christian Maturity
[19:41] - Friendship with God
[21:44] - Generous Giving as a Marker of Maturity
[22:23] - Understanding Audacity
[25:32] - Example of John Knox
[26:45] - Call to Be Audacious
[29:40] - Invitation to Mature Friendship with God
[31:19] - Prayer and Surrender
[33:57] - Intimacy with Jesus
[35:13] - Blessing and Closing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Audacious Prayer

#### Bible Reading
- Luke 11:5-13: "Then Jesus said to them, 'Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, "Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him." And suppose the one inside answers, "Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything." I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three key terms discussed in the sermon that help us understand the passage in Luke 11:5-13? ([08:52])
2. Who do the characters in the story represent according to the sermon? ([10:21])
3. What is the significance of the term "shameless audacity" in the context of the story? ([03:22])
4. How does the sermon describe the stages of sonship mentioned in the Bible? ([17:28])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "shameless audacity" challenge traditional views of prayer? ([13:32])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our relationship with God should evolve as we grow spiritually? ([19:41])
3. How does the story in Luke 11:5-13 illustrate the importance of approaching God with boldness and confidence? ([13:32])
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between generous giving and Christian maturity? ([21:44])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced an unexpected challenge. How did you respond, and how might you approach it differently now with the understanding of audacious prayer? ([11:54])
2. How can you cultivate a deeper, more mature friendship with God in your daily life? What specific steps can you take this week to grow in this area? ([19:41])
3. Think about your current prayer life. How can you incorporate more "shameless audacity" into your prayers? What specific prayers can you start praying with boldness and confidence? ([13:32])
4. In what ways can you demonstrate generous giving as a marker of your Christian maturity? Identify one specific act of generosity you can commit to this week. ([21:44])
5. How does understanding the stages of sonship change your perspective on your spiritual growth? What stage do you feel you are currently in, and what steps can you take to move towards mature sonship? ([17:28])
6. How can you support others in your small group or community to grow in their relationship with God and practice audacious prayer? ([29:40])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to approach God with more confidence and boldness. What specific prayer will you bring to God this week with shameless audacity? ([13:32])

Devotional

Day 1: Boldness in Prayer
Our prayers should be marked by a shameless audacity, a boldness that doesn't care about societal norms or limitations. This kind of prayer is rooted in a deep, mature friendship with God, much like Abraham, who was called a friend of God. We are called to grow in our relationship with God to the point where we can approach Him with the confidence of a mature friend, not just as children seeking favors. This audacity in prayer is not about entitlement but about a deep, relational equity built over time. [13:32]

Luke 11:5-8 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.'"

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need to approach God with boldness. How can you pray audaciously about this situation today, trusting in your deep relationship with Him?

Day 2: Growth in Sonship
The Bible outlines different stages of sonship, from infants to mature sons. As we grow spiritually, our relationship with God evolves. Mature sonship allows us to approach God not just as children but as friends, much like Abraham, who was called a friend of God. This maturity enables us to pray with a boldness that reflects our deep relationship with Him. Understanding these stages helps us recognize our growth and encourages us to seek a deeper, more mature relationship with God. [17:28]

Galatians 4:1-2 (ESV): "I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father."

Reflection: Reflect on your spiritual journey. What stage of sonship do you believe you are in, and how can you take steps to mature in your relationship with God?

Day 3: Facing Unexpected Challenges
Life is full of unforeseen challenges, represented by the unexpected guest in the story. These situations test our faith and our response. Instead of succumbing to despair, we should approach God with our needs, knowing that He is dependable and trustworthy. Our response to these challenges should be marked by audacious prayer, trusting that God will provide and guide us through any difficulty. [11:54]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Think of a recent unexpected challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how can you approach similar challenges with audacious prayer and trust in God in the future?

Day 4: Generosity as a Marker of Maturity
One of the markers of Christian maturity is generous giving. While it is possible to love Jesus and not be a generous giver, it is improbable to be a generous giver and not be deeply in love with Jesus. Generosity in the Kingdom of God is a sign of a heart that has matured in its relationship with Jesus. This kind of giving reflects a deep, selfless love and a desire to advance God's Kingdom through our resources. [21:44]

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: Consider your own generosity. In what ways can you grow in your giving to reflect a deeper love for Jesus and a commitment to advancing His Kingdom?

Day 5: Friendship with God
The ultimate goal of our spiritual journey is to become friends of God. This friendship is marked by a deep, mature relationship that goes beyond mere sonship. It is the greatest desire of a father to call his children friends, and this is the kind of relationship God desires with us. This friendship allows us to pray audaciously and to be bold in our faith, knowing that we are deeply loved and valued by God. [19:41]

John 15:15 (ESV): "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."

Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God. How can you cultivate a deeper friendship with Him, moving beyond sonship to a mature, intimate relationship?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Then Jesus drops some wisdom saying, yo, just ask for what you need. Seek what you're after. Knock on that door, and it's gonna open up for you. Like, everyone who asks gets. Everyone who seeks finds. And whoever knocks, well, the door's gonna swing open, bro. Then he hit them with a real talk moment. Like, think about it. If your kid asks for fish, you ain't gonna hand them a snake, right? Or if they want an egg, you're not gonna give them a scorpion. Duh. Even though you're flawed, you still know how to give good stuff to your kids. So imagine how much more your heavenly Father's gonna hook you up with the Holy Spirit if you just ask Him." [06:29]( | | )

2. "You see, the biggest passion in the heart of Jesus is the local church. And the biggest passion in Pastor Drew and Pastor Lauren's heart is the local church. This is the local church. Their church and churches across this nation with God is birthing. And that is not normal at all. This is a couple who truly caught the heart of God. And that's a sign that they truly love Jesus." [01:23]( | | )

3. "You see, I love people. I, by the grace of God, I have had the privilege to travel several nations, different continents of the world, meet all kinds of people. I love people. I love every color of people. I love every background of people. I love boomers. I love Gen X. You know, I love the little children. I love millennials. But you know who's my favorite? My favorite are the Gen Z's. Go Gen Z's!" [04:29]( | | )

4. "This evening can I submit to us the one who has the bread is here this evening in the lift church. His name is Jesus Christ. He is the one with the bread. You are in need. Go to Him. He is dependable. He is trustworthy. You can count on it. But this story is not about approaching Him. This story is about how are you approaching Him." [12:54]( | | )

5. "There is a Salisbury to be won. There is a Salisbury Maryland to be reached. It needs some audacious people. Without audacious people that is not going to happen. People who don't care about this report. People who don't care about tradition. People who don't care. What are you going to do? I know you. No you don't. You don't. I'm in need. I met Jesus. I'm changed. Is anybody listening to me?" [23:56]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "You see, when we are looking at this passage, there is no way we can grapple with this passage without looking at understanding from three lens. Lens number one, lens of friendship. Number two, the word called as midnight. And the third is the word audacious. So these are the three key terms. Friendship, midnight, and audacious." [08:52]( | | )

2. "This kind of prayer is not from the right of sonship. This kind of prayer comes from the relationship of mature friendship. Can I say this again? This kind of prayer does not come from the right of sonship. This kind of prayer comes from the maturity relationship of mature friendship. That's where this prayer comes from." [15:00]( | | )

3. "There is a growth in maturity in Christian life. And when that maturity comes God is not dealing with us just as sons. Now he's dealing with us as friends. That's why Abraham is called a friend of God. He's not called a friend of God because he was an old man with big beard. And God is the ancient of days. An old man with big beard. No, no, no, no. He's called a friend of God because of the maturity he's displaying in his walk with the Lord. And I want to submit to us God wants us to be his friends." [19:11]( | | )

4. "A clear marker of Christian maturity is generous giving. It's quite possible to be in love with Jesus and not be a generous giver to the kingdom of God. But it is quite improbable that you are a generous giver in the kingdom of God and not be in love with Jesus. Did you hear that? Of all the markers one of the markers of maturity is generosity." [21:44]( | | )

5. "The kingdom of God never advanced because of those who followed God from a distance and only prayed legal prayers. The kingdom of God has only advanced because of those who are in loving relationship with Jesus and got into deep friendship with him and they captured the heart of God and God has captured their heart and they made some illegal prayers." [28:26]( | | )

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?