Understanding God's Will: The Power of Prayer

 

Summary

God's overarching goal in history is to see His will fulfilled, both in the eternal realm and within the confines of time and space on Earth. This divine priority is centered on the advancement of His kingdom. God's will can be understood in two distinct ways: unconditional and conditional. His unconditional will is what He will accomplish regardless of human actions or decisions. It is the sovereign aspect of His will that is not influenced by our choices. However, His conditional will is different. It is contingent upon our actions, particularly our prayers. This is why prayer is so vital; it is the means by which we align ourselves with God's conditional will. When we fail to pray, we may miss out on the blessings and responses God is willing to provide, simply because we did not meet the condition of asking. Therefore, it is crucial to engage in prayer to ensure we do not miss out on God's will for our lives, especially concerning our deepest needs.

Key Takeaways:

- God's will is divided into two categories: unconditional and conditional. The unconditional will of God is His sovereign plan that will come to pass regardless of human intervention. In contrast, His conditional will requires our participation, particularly through prayer, to be realized. This distinction highlights the importance of understanding how our actions, especially prayer, can influence God's response to our needs. [00:40]

- Prayer is not just a religious exercise but a vital component in aligning with God's conditional will. When we neglect to pray, we may inadvertently forfeit the blessings and guidance God is ready to provide. This underscores the necessity of prayer as a means of engaging with God's plans for our lives and ensuring we are in step with His desires. [00:55]

- The statement "you have not because you ask not" serves as a powerful reminder of the role of prayer in receiving God's blessings. It suggests that many of our unmet needs and desires could be addressed if we simply took the time to ask God in prayer. This highlights the proactive nature of faith, where we are invited to participate in God's work through our petitions. [01:08]

- Understanding God's will involves recognizing the balance between His sovereignty and our responsibility. While God's unconditional will is beyond our control, His conditional will invites us to participate actively through prayer and obedience. This dynamic relationship calls us to be attentive and responsive to God's leading in our lives. [00:23]

- The advancement of God's kingdom on Earth is a central theme in understanding His will. Our prayers and actions contribute to this divine mission, emphasizing the importance of living in a way that reflects God's priorities. By aligning our lives with His kingdom purposes, we become active participants in His eternal plan. [00:40]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:23] - God's Goal in History
[00:40] - Unconditional vs. Conditional Will
[00:55] - The Importance of Prayer
[01:08] - "You Have Not Because You Ask Not"
[01:34] - Aligning with God's Will

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. James 4:2-3 - "You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
2. Matthew 6:10 - "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the two types of God's will mentioned in the sermon, and how are they different? [00:40]
2. According to the sermon, why is prayer considered a critical component in aligning with God's conditional will? [00:55]
3. How does the statement "you have not because you ask not" relate to the concept of God's conditional will? [01:08]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding the difference between God's unconditional and conditional will affect a believer's approach to prayer? [00:40]
2. In what ways might a believer's failure to pray impact their experience of God's blessings and guidance? [00:55]
3. How does the advancement of God's kingdom on Earth relate to the believer's responsibility in prayer and action? [00:23]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current prayer life. Are there specific areas where you might be missing out on God's blessings because you haven't been asking in prayer? [01:08]
2. Consider a situation in your life where you need guidance. How can you actively seek God's conditional will through prayer this week? [00:55]
3. Identify one area in your life where you can align more closely with God's kingdom purposes. What practical steps can you take to contribute to His mission on Earth? [00:23]
4. Think about a time when you felt distant from God's will. How might understanding the role of prayer in His conditional will change your perspective or actions? [00:40]
5. How can you ensure that your motives in prayer align with God's desires rather than personal pleasures, as mentioned in James 4:2-3?
6. What specific prayer habit can you develop to ensure you are consistently seeking God's will in your daily life? [00:55]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to engage more deeply in prayer, understanding its importance in aligning with God's will? [01:08]

Devotional

Day 1: The Dual Nature of God's Will
God's will is multifaceted, encompassing both unconditional and conditional aspects. The unconditional will of God represents His sovereign plan that unfolds regardless of human actions. It is the divine blueprint that is not subject to change by our choices or behaviors. On the other hand, God's conditional will requires human participation to be realized. This aspect of His will is contingent upon our actions, particularly through prayer. It is through prayer that we align ourselves with God's conditional will, opening the door for His blessings and guidance in our lives. Understanding this distinction is crucial for believers, as it highlights the role we play in the unfolding of God's plans. [00:40]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you." (Jeremiah 29:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to actively seek God's conditional will through prayer today?


Day 2: The Vital Role of Prayer
Prayer is not merely a religious ritual but a vital component in aligning with God's conditional will. It is the means by which we engage with God's plans and ensure we are in step with His desires for our lives. When we neglect to pray, we may inadvertently forfeit the blessings and guidance God is ready to provide. This underscores the necessity of prayer as a proactive engagement with God's will. By committing to a life of prayer, we open ourselves to the divine possibilities that God has in store for us. [00:55]

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate a consistent prayer routine into your daily life to better align with God's will?


Day 3: The Power of Asking
The statement "you have not because you ask not" serves as a powerful reminder of the role of prayer in receiving God's blessings. It suggests that many of our unmet needs and desires could be addressed if we simply took the time to ask God in prayer. This highlights the proactive nature of faith, where we are invited to participate in God's work through our petitions. By asking, we demonstrate our trust in God's ability to provide and our willingness to be part of His plan. [01:08]

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific need or desire you have not yet brought to God in prayer? Can you take a moment to ask Him today?


Day 4: Balancing Sovereignty and Responsibility
Understanding God's will involves recognizing the balance between His sovereignty and our responsibility. While God's unconditional will is beyond our control, His conditional will invites us to participate actively through prayer and obedience. This dynamic relationship calls us to be attentive and responsive to God's leading in our lives. By embracing both aspects of God's will, we can live in harmony with His divine purpose and experience the fullness of His blessings. [00:23]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you better balance trusting in God's sovereignty while taking responsibility for your actions today?


Day 5: Advancing God's Kingdom
The advancement of God's kingdom on Earth is a central theme in understanding His will. Our prayers and actions contribute to this divine mission, emphasizing the importance of living in a way that reflects God's priorities. By aligning our lives with His kingdom purposes, we become active participants in His eternal plan. This calls us to live with intentionality, seeking to further God's kingdom through our daily choices and interactions. [00:40]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally contribute to the advancement of God's kingdom in your community today?

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Transcript
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