WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.339 We're continuing our series in the book of Genesis. 00:00:03.700 --> 00:00:06.620 ! Genesis is the very first book in the Bible. 00:00:06.620 --> 00:00:09.740 It's the origin story of God's people, Israel. 00:00:09.740 --> 00:00:16.420 And this summer we are in the story of Jacob, found in chapters 25 through 36. 00:00:17.039 --> 00:00:24.539 Last week we were in chapter 31, and God tells Jacob it is time for him to return home. 00:00:25.539 --> 00:00:26.719 But there's a problem. 00:00:26.719 --> 00:00:33.179 The reason that Jacob left home is because his brother Esau wants to kill him. 00:00:34.240 --> 00:00:39.780 So Esau's threat from 20 years ago is the tension that drives this narrative. 00:00:40.399 --> 00:00:41.939 It doesn't just drive the narrative, though. 00:00:42.019 --> 00:00:45.719 It also drives Jacob's dependence on God. 00:00:46.399 --> 00:00:47.980 And so that's our focus this morning. 00:00:48.060 --> 00:00:51.560 We're going to look at Jacob's dependence on his trust in God. 00:00:51.560 --> 00:00:56.859 And in that, Jacob is going to provide us with a master class on prayer. 00:00:57.380 --> 00:01:01.040 You may remember our overarching question for the book of Genesis is, 00:01:01.219 --> 00:01:03.980 what does it look like to follow God in faith? 00:01:04.359 --> 00:01:09.579 This week, one specific element of that, how do we rely on God in prayer? 00:01:10.400 --> 00:01:15.400 And so with that, I invite you to turn with me to Genesis chapter 32, starting at verse 1, 00:01:15.460 --> 00:01:17.920 which you'll find on page 6 of your worship guide. 00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:23.960 Remember that Proverbs chapter 30 tells us that every word of God proves true. 00:01:24.719 --> 00:01:28.200 He's a shield to those who take refuge in him. 00:01:28.859 --> 00:01:33.340 And so that's why we read now Genesis 32, starting at verse 1. 00:01:34.799 --> 00:01:38.760 Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 00:01:39.439 --> 00:01:43.079 And when Jacob saw them, he said, this is God's camp. 00:01:43.079 --> 00:01:46.500 So he called the name of that place Mahanaim. 00:01:47.500 --> 00:01:54.019 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau, his brother, in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, instructing them, 00:01:54.959 --> 00:01:57.340 Thus you shall say to my lord Esau, 00:01:57.980 --> 00:02:00.239 Thus says your servant Jacob, 00:02:01.079 --> 00:02:04.319 I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. 00:02:04.819 --> 00:02:09.060 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. 00:02:09.060 --> 00:02:14.800 I have sent to tell my lord in order that I may find favor in your sight. 00:02:15.740 --> 00:02:18.219 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, 00:02:18.680 --> 00:02:25.580 We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him. 00:02:26.759 --> 00:02:29.420 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. 00:02:29.419 --> 00:02:36.099 He divided the people who were with him and the flocks and herds and camels into two camps, thinking, 00:02:36.899 --> 00:02:42.799 If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape. 00:02:43.579 --> 00:02:44.459 Verse 9. 00:02:45.419 --> 00:02:46.319 And Jacob said, 00:02:46.439 --> 00:02:49.959 O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, 00:02:50.399 --> 00:02:51.819 O Lord who said to me, 00:02:51.919 --> 00:02:55.399 Return to your country and to your kindred that I may do you good. 00:02:55.400 --> 00:03:03.060 I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant. 00:03:03.620 --> 00:03:09.099 For with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. 00:03:09.900 --> 00:03:13.780 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother from the hand of Esau. 00:03:14.300 --> 00:03:19.980 For I fear him that he may come and attack me, the mothers, with the children. 00:03:19.979 --> 00:03:21.959 But you said, 00:03:22.919 --> 00:03:27.959 I will surely do you good and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, 00:03:28.239 --> 00:03:31.079 which cannot be numbered for multitude. 00:03:32.039 --> 00:03:33.120 Verse 13. 00:03:34.079 --> 00:03:39.479 So he stayed there that night, and from what he had with him, he took a present for his brother Esau. 00:03:40.139 --> 00:03:42.819 Two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, 00:03:43.280 --> 00:03:45.179 two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 00:03:45.719 --> 00:03:48.019 thirty milking camels and their calves, 00:03:48.020 --> 00:03:50.560 forty cows and ten bulls, 00:03:50.900 --> 00:03:53.740 twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. 00:03:54.900 --> 00:03:56.879 These he handed over to his servants, 00:03:57.080 --> 00:03:58.640 every drove by itself, 00:03:58.879 --> 00:04:00.160 and said to his servants, 00:04:00.820 --> 00:04:02.020 Pass on ahead of me, 00:04:02.140 --> 00:04:05.300 and put a space between drove and drove. 00:04:06.280 --> 00:04:07.800 He instructed the first, 00:04:08.240 --> 00:04:10.840 When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:12.280 To whom do you belong? 00:04:12.520 --> 00:04:13.879 Where are you going? 00:04:14.860 --> 00:04:16.560 And whose are these ahead of you? 00:04:16.560 --> 00:04:17.879 Then you shall say, 00:04:18.519 --> 00:04:20.379 They belong to your servant Jacob. 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:24.180 They are a present sent to my lord Esau. 00:04:24.860 --> 00:04:27.300 And moreover, he is behind us. 00:04:27.860 --> 00:04:32.600 He likewise instructed the second and the third and all who followed the droves. 00:04:33.360 --> 00:04:36.420 You shall say the same thing to Esau when you find him. 00:04:37.120 --> 00:04:38.160 And you shall say, 00:04:38.579 --> 00:04:41.620 Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us. 00:04:41.620 --> 00:04:43.120 For he thought, 00:04:43.639 --> 00:04:46.920 I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, 00:04:47.240 --> 00:04:49.879 and afterward I shall see his face. 00:04:50.800 --> 00:04:52.720 Perhaps he will accept me. 00:04:53.420 --> 00:04:55.879 So the present passed on ahead of him, 00:04:56.060 --> 00:04:59.600 and he himself stayed that night in the camp. 00:04:59.600 --> 00:05:04.640 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's word. 00:05:05.700 --> 00:05:09.960 Our Father in heaven, we do praise you and thank you again this morning 00:05:09.960 --> 00:05:14.000 for drawing us together as your people to sing to you and to hear from you. 00:05:14.540 --> 00:05:16.960 And we ask that you would honor your promise, 00:05:17.220 --> 00:05:18.680 your promise in Isaiah 55, 00:05:19.080 --> 00:05:21.720 that your word does not return to you void, 00:05:21.820 --> 00:05:23.560 but it accomplishes your purposes. 00:05:23.560 --> 00:05:25.720 And so do that this morning. 00:05:25.920 --> 00:05:30.639 Use your words in Genesis 32 to accomplish great things in our lives. 00:05:31.259 --> 00:05:34.860 Most of all, that you would take our eyes and you'd set them on Jesus Christ, 00:05:34.939 --> 00:05:37.360 that our love and our affection for him would grow. 00:05:38.759 --> 00:05:41.379 We would increase our reverence and our awe for him, 00:05:41.899 --> 00:05:44.079 that you'd lead us in obedience to him. 00:05:44.980 --> 00:05:49.600 We ask these things knowing that we don't deserve them and we haven't earned them. 00:05:49.600 --> 00:05:52.639 And so instead we ask them in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. 00:05:53.220 --> 00:05:53.420 Amen. 00:05:53.560 --> 00:05:58.759 I want you all to remember where we're at in the story. 00:05:59.259 --> 00:06:01.560 All the way back in Genesis chapter 25, 00:06:01.819 --> 00:06:04.339 we met two brothers, Jacob and Esau, 00:06:04.540 --> 00:06:09.360 who were at odds with each other, even in their mother's womb. 00:06:09.779 --> 00:06:14.500 That same chapter 25, we see Jacob steals Esau's birthright. 00:06:14.639 --> 00:06:18.860 And then in chapter 27, he goes on to steal Esau's blessing. 00:06:18.860 --> 00:06:22.879 And at the end of chapter 27, Esau is so upset 00:06:22.879 --> 00:06:25.579 that he threatens to kill Jacob. 00:06:26.079 --> 00:06:30.639 So Rebecca, Jacob's mom, tells Jacob, flee to Laban, 00:06:30.879 --> 00:06:32.959 my brother, your uncle. 00:06:33.480 --> 00:06:34.519 Jacob does that. 00:06:34.600 --> 00:06:37.199 And that's where we've been for the last number of weeks. 00:06:37.719 --> 00:06:40.459 Jacob spends 20 years with Laban. 00:06:40.459 --> 00:06:45.279 While he's there, he gets two wives, both of Laban's daughters, Rachel and Leah. 00:06:45.659 --> 00:06:49.779 And we saw he had many sheep that he got from Laban, which caused some tension. 00:06:49.899 --> 00:06:51.599 That was part of why he had to leave. 00:06:51.959 --> 00:06:54.639 Now he is on the way back. 00:06:54.639 --> 00:07:02.500 And as far as we know, Esau's threat is still good. 00:07:03.000 --> 00:07:07.879 As far as we know, Esau still wants to kill Jacob. 00:07:08.259 --> 00:07:10.479 And so that takes us straight into the story. 00:07:11.019 --> 00:07:13.219 Verse one, Jacob went on his way. 00:07:13.339 --> 00:07:18.180 That is, he's leaving last week's confrontation with Laban straight into a new problem, 00:07:18.279 --> 00:07:19.339 the problem of Esau. 00:07:19.339 --> 00:07:21.379 Jacob here is proactive. 00:07:21.639 --> 00:07:27.199 So we see in verse three, he sends these messengers ahead of him to announce his coming 00:07:27.199 --> 00:07:28.859 to his brother beforehand. 00:07:29.279 --> 00:07:33.479 And the message that he sends mentions his great wealth. 00:07:33.739 --> 00:07:34.799 This is verse five. 00:07:35.299 --> 00:07:38.659 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. 00:07:39.279 --> 00:07:44.459 I have sent to tell my Lord in order that I may find favor in your sight. 00:07:45.359 --> 00:07:47.239 Which might seem odd at first. 00:07:47.240 --> 00:07:50.620 Hey, brother, I haven't seen you in 20 years. 00:07:50.860 --> 00:07:53.660 By the way, just so you know, I'm really rich now. 00:07:57.780 --> 00:07:59.379 Indirectly, he's communicating this. 00:07:59.840 --> 00:08:03.420 Hey, maybe we could solve this problem with money. 00:08:04.280 --> 00:08:07.160 My net worth, you know, my net worth is a lot higher. 00:08:07.280 --> 00:08:09.560 It's greater than it was 20 years ago when I left. 00:08:09.819 --> 00:08:13.879 So I'm thinking maybe you and I, we can work out a solution where you don't kill me. 00:08:13.879 --> 00:08:17.219 Maybe that could be kind of what we work towards. 00:08:17.300 --> 00:08:19.680 We could come to a compromise where I'm not murdered. 00:08:20.139 --> 00:08:24.659 That's exactly what he does, by the way, at the end of this passage, verses 13 through 21. 00:08:24.879 --> 00:08:29.759 He sends these droves of animals onto Esau as gifts. 00:08:30.439 --> 00:08:31.939 So that's his first overture. 00:08:32.700 --> 00:08:33.939 Okay, I'm coming back to Esau. 00:08:34.039 --> 00:08:34.840 Let me be proactive. 00:08:34.980 --> 00:08:38.539 Let me figure out how we can thread this needle. 00:08:38.539 --> 00:08:44.759 Jacob hears back from the messengers and the news is not good. 00:08:45.639 --> 00:08:46.679 In fact, that's an understatement. 00:08:46.860 --> 00:08:48.079 It is discouraging. 00:08:48.339 --> 00:08:49.199 It is frightening. 00:08:49.799 --> 00:08:50.799 This is verse 6. 00:08:51.240 --> 00:08:53.099 And the messengers returned to Jacob saying, 00:08:53.659 --> 00:08:57.120 We came to your brother Esau and he is coming to meet you. 00:08:58.279 --> 00:09:02.079 And there are 400 men with him. 00:09:02.080 --> 00:09:09.020 Esau doesn't need 400 men to welcome his brother back. 00:09:10.180 --> 00:09:11.639 Okay, this is ominous. 00:09:11.740 --> 00:09:12.700 It is threatening. 00:09:13.200 --> 00:09:16.360 Commentators point out that this is the size of a militia. 00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:19.560 He doesn't receive a response back. 00:09:20.120 --> 00:09:21.500 Esau has no word for him. 00:09:21.580 --> 00:09:23.040 The messengers just come back and say, 00:09:23.180 --> 00:09:25.400 Yeah, Esau and his militia, they're on the march. 00:09:26.020 --> 00:09:28.800 So Jacob, his worst fears seem to be coming true. 00:09:28.879 --> 00:09:29.940 He does two things. 00:09:29.940 --> 00:09:32.400 First, this is verses 7 and 8. 00:09:32.540 --> 00:09:35.200 He makes himself a harder target. 00:09:36.040 --> 00:09:42.240 He makes himself a harder target by dividing his people, his camps, into two groups. 00:09:42.660 --> 00:09:46.840 So if you're a tactics nerd, we might say he has dispersed command posts. 00:09:47.720 --> 00:09:50.940 Jacob decides he's going to set up a distributed operation. 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:53.900 And he tells us that explicitly in verse 8. 00:09:53.900 --> 00:09:57.560 If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, 00:09:58.240 --> 00:09:59.840 then the camp that is left. 00:09:59.940 --> 00:10:01.400 Jacob will escape. 00:10:03.400 --> 00:10:04.980 Jacob's always got a plan. 00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:11.920 And if we were dealing with Jacob 20 years ago, 00:10:12.400 --> 00:10:18.160 if we were dealing with the Jacob of chapters 25, 26, 27, 00:10:18.160 --> 00:10:20.540 that would be it. 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:26.760 Jacob would rely on his skill, on his strategy, on his tactics, 00:10:26.759 --> 00:10:28.299 and nothing else. 00:10:28.299 --> 00:10:34.379 But you may have noticed something is different this time. 00:10:35.460 --> 00:10:41.200 We met Jacob all the way back in chapter 25. 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:52.080 And now, in chapter 32, we have his very first recorded prayer. 00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:59.360 Jacob has finally decided it's time to pray to God. 00:10:59.360 --> 00:11:00.360 Jacob has finally decided it's time to pray to God. 00:11:00.360 --> 00:11:08.240 And this, by the way, is the longest prayer in the entire book of Genesis. 00:11:09.820 --> 00:11:12.259 Yes, Jacob has a plan. 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:15.320 Jacob always has a plan. 00:11:17.200 --> 00:11:20.259 And we talked about this at length last week. 00:11:20.419 --> 00:11:23.820 Jacob has really changed. 00:11:23.820 --> 00:11:28.840 He's changed all the way down to his bones. 00:11:30.460 --> 00:11:32.420 Yes, Jacob has always been crafty. 00:11:32.540 --> 00:11:34.240 Yes, he always has a good tactic. 00:11:35.480 --> 00:11:41.200 And this time, this time, Jacob finally prays. 00:11:41.200 --> 00:11:44.440 And if you've been taking the story seriously, 00:11:44.540 --> 00:11:46.320 if you've been engaged in it and involved with it, 00:11:46.320 --> 00:11:49.520 there's this sense in which we should feel a chill here. 00:11:50.300 --> 00:11:52.620 That our hair should stand up a little bit 00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:55.000 because we know what a big deal this is. 00:11:55.300 --> 00:11:58.700 We know how long it's taken, Jacob, to get to this place. 00:11:59.080 --> 00:12:02.020 We know the pain and the hardship and the agony 00:12:02.020 --> 00:12:04.180 and the sweat and the blood and the tears 00:12:04.180 --> 00:12:06.800 for him to finally say, 00:12:06.900 --> 00:12:09.040 God, I need your help. 00:12:09.039 --> 00:12:12.459 The lesson that God's been teaching Jacob 00:12:12.459 --> 00:12:17.279 has finally made it from his head down to his heart. 00:12:18.299 --> 00:12:20.740 So verse 7, when he hears about these 400 men, 00:12:20.819 --> 00:12:23.679 it tells us he's greatly afraid and distressed, 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:25.740 which makes sense. 00:12:27.199 --> 00:12:29.360 And for the first time, 00:12:30.360 --> 00:12:35.259 Jacob takes his fear and his distress to God. 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:39.100 Now the request itself, 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:41.159 the request in his prayer is quite simple. 00:12:41.279 --> 00:12:42.419 You'll find it in verse 11. 00:12:43.439 --> 00:12:43.779 He says, 00:12:44.519 --> 00:12:57.439 His request, 00:12:58.240 --> 00:12:59.379 his ask for God's help, 00:12:59.439 --> 00:13:01.700 that is not what makes this a master class on prayer. 00:13:01.700 --> 00:13:04.480 It's actually the three other elements that surround it. 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:06.860 If you look on page 8 of your worship guide, 00:13:06.920 --> 00:13:07.820 these are the three elements, 00:13:07.960 --> 00:13:09.900 which also happen to be the title of the sermon, 00:13:10.620 --> 00:13:11.480 God's command, 00:13:12.360 --> 00:13:13.360 God's love, 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:15.900 and God's promise. 00:13:21.640 --> 00:13:23.540 First, let's take a look at God's command, 00:13:23.720 --> 00:13:26.920 which is where Jacob appeals in verse 9. 00:13:26.919 --> 00:13:28.639 And Jacob said, 00:13:29.179 --> 00:13:30.459 O God of my father Abraham, 00:13:30.699 --> 00:13:32.279 and God of my father Isaac, 00:13:32.659 --> 00:13:33.979 O Lord who said to me, 00:13:34.059 --> 00:13:36.279 return to your country and to your kindred, 00:13:36.379 --> 00:13:38.240 that I may do you good. 00:13:38.500 --> 00:13:42.019 So Jacob here is referring to the very beginning of chapter 31 00:13:42.019 --> 00:13:43.000 from last week, 00:13:43.039 --> 00:13:44.399 where God did not suggest, 00:13:44.819 --> 00:13:45.559 but he told, 00:13:45.679 --> 00:13:46.959 he commanded Jacob, 00:13:47.599 --> 00:13:49.439 return to the land of your fathers 00:13:49.439 --> 00:13:51.139 and to your kindred. 00:13:51.959 --> 00:13:54.139 And so the idea that he's getting at is this, 00:13:54.539 --> 00:13:55.219 hey, Esau, 00:13:55.459 --> 00:13:56.719 Esau's coming against me, 00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:59.180 and he's coming against me with this militia. 00:14:00.519 --> 00:14:02.960 And the reason I'm in this situation, 00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:04.040 the reason he's coming at me 00:14:04.040 --> 00:14:05.180 and he has his 400 men 00:14:05.180 --> 00:14:07.480 is because I'm doing what you told me to do. 00:14:09.420 --> 00:14:10.800 I'm following your command. 00:14:11.660 --> 00:14:13.759 I'm following you in obedience. 00:14:14.040 --> 00:14:16.399 What I'm doing is in line with your will. 00:14:16.700 --> 00:14:17.840 You've told me what to do. 00:14:17.920 --> 00:14:19.200 You told me to go home. 00:14:21.200 --> 00:14:24.720 Now I need your help to do it. 00:14:24.720 --> 00:14:29.060 I need you to help me do what you have told me to do. 00:14:29.180 --> 00:14:30.779 You've told me to return. 00:14:30.779 --> 00:14:34.980 Now I'm asking you to show your power. 00:14:34.980 --> 00:14:37.379 And not just to show your power in general, 00:14:37.460 --> 00:14:39.019 to show your power specifically 00:14:39.019 --> 00:14:43.279 as I'm doing exactly what you told me to do. 00:14:43.899 --> 00:14:45.379 It's a way of praying 00:14:45.379 --> 00:14:47.639 that is called arguing in prayer. 00:14:47.820 --> 00:14:50.019 You'll see this on the very back of your worship guide, 00:14:50.440 --> 00:14:51.100 this quote, 00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:52.420 speaking of the Puritans. 00:14:52.779 --> 00:14:55.420 So the Puritans used to speak rather grandly 00:14:55.420 --> 00:14:57.539 about using argument in prayer. 00:14:57.539 --> 00:14:59.719 But this they did not mean 00:14:59.719 --> 00:15:01.799 pressing God to fall in line 00:15:01.799 --> 00:15:03.000 with their own desires. 00:15:03.639 --> 00:15:04.779 My will be done. 00:15:05.339 --> 00:15:07.299 What they meant was telling God 00:15:07.299 --> 00:15:09.120 why what we have asked for 00:15:09.120 --> 00:15:11.099 seems to be for the best 00:15:11.099 --> 00:15:13.079 in light of what we know 00:15:13.079 --> 00:15:16.000 God's own goals to be. 00:15:17.659 --> 00:15:18.419 In other words, 00:15:18.500 --> 00:15:19.939 God, this is what you said you wanted. 00:15:20.819 --> 00:15:22.620 This is what you say is good 00:15:22.620 --> 00:15:23.819 and beautiful and true 00:15:23.819 --> 00:15:26.000 and I'm pursuing after that. 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:31.960 So hear, hear and answer my prayer. 00:15:33.580 --> 00:15:36.279 I'm praying for you to do what has to be done 00:15:36.279 --> 00:15:38.840 for your command to be obeyed. 00:15:40.320 --> 00:15:41.700 A number of years ago, 00:15:41.879 --> 00:15:44.039 when I was in my early 30s, 00:15:44.940 --> 00:15:46.980 I had a season of prayer that went like this. 00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:51.039 Lord, I know that you have called me 00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:52.940 to lead this church. 00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:54.379 You've made it clear. 00:15:54.379 --> 00:15:56.580 You've made it clear that that's your will 00:15:56.580 --> 00:15:58.240 and you've made that clear in a variety of ways. 00:15:58.960 --> 00:16:00.659 But there's a problem here, God. 00:16:01.100 --> 00:16:02.480 And the problem is that I'm actually 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:03.860 not experienced enough to do that. 00:16:03.919 --> 00:16:05.519 I'm not wise enough or old enough. 00:16:06.039 --> 00:16:07.539 And I actually don't know what I'm doing. 00:16:08.980 --> 00:16:10.980 But you decided this was a good idea. 00:16:12.779 --> 00:16:13.600 I need your help. 00:16:14.639 --> 00:16:15.840 You're going to have to show up. 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:16.539 You're going to have to show up 00:16:16.539 --> 00:16:17.659 in a supernatural way 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:18.440 by your spirit 00:16:18.440 --> 00:16:20.379 to give me the wisdom that I need 00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:21.779 through mentors and resources 00:16:21.779 --> 00:16:23.159 by your work in me. 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:25.179 You've said that you empower 00:16:25.179 --> 00:16:27.179 and enable what you command. 00:16:28.699 --> 00:16:29.539 Please do it. 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:33.279 You've told me what to do. 00:16:34.439 --> 00:16:35.639 Now I need your help 00:16:35.639 --> 00:16:37.480 to actually follow through. 00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:41.339 I'm not in my early 30s anymore. 00:16:41.340 --> 00:16:44.180 I actually still need God's power 00:16:44.180 --> 00:16:46.360 and help and wisdom. 00:16:47.680 --> 00:16:50.280 We never outgrow our helplessness 00:16:50.280 --> 00:16:51.700 before God. 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:54.379 Now I will say this just as an aside. 00:16:55.160 --> 00:16:56.940 You know, here we see Jacob grow 00:16:56.940 --> 00:16:58.519 in his dependence as he ages. 00:16:58.840 --> 00:17:00.060 We also need to be cautious, though, 00:17:00.100 --> 00:17:00.660 about the opposite. 00:17:00.820 --> 00:17:02.300 There's times when we're young 00:17:02.300 --> 00:17:03.200 and inexperienced. 00:17:03.300 --> 00:17:04.680 We can be so dependent on God 00:17:04.680 --> 00:17:05.380 in prayer, right? 00:17:05.620 --> 00:17:06.340 And as we get experience 00:17:06.900 --> 00:17:08.420 and accomplishments behind us, 00:17:08.440 --> 00:17:09.860 we think, oh, I got this. 00:17:09.859 --> 00:17:10.839 I know what to do. 00:17:12.479 --> 00:17:14.240 And yet our need for God's help 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:16.459 is just as great as it was before. 00:17:17.919 --> 00:17:18.319 Right? 00:17:18.359 --> 00:17:21.599 So this can move in both directions. 00:17:23.519 --> 00:17:26.219 Now, God has not necessarily 00:17:26.219 --> 00:17:27.159 called you to lead a church. 00:17:28.519 --> 00:17:30.079 For you, arguing in prayer 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:31.139 could look like this. 00:17:31.719 --> 00:17:33.059 Lord, you've told us, 00:17:33.099 --> 00:17:35.000 you've told me in Psalm 133, 00:17:35.119 --> 00:17:36.479 you've told us in 1 Timothy 2 00:17:36.479 --> 00:17:37.639 that the Christian community, 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:39.599 it's supposed to be a place of unity. 00:17:40.859 --> 00:17:42.459 And man, we're really having 00:17:42.459 --> 00:17:43.699 a hard time getting along. 00:17:45.639 --> 00:17:46.439 Help us. 00:17:47.459 --> 00:17:49.579 You've said what you want is unity, 00:17:50.179 --> 00:17:51.159 so help us do it. 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:54.359 You've said in Colossians 3, 00:17:54.659 --> 00:17:56.719 if we're at work with our employer, 00:17:56.879 --> 00:17:57.679 that whatever we do, 00:17:57.740 --> 00:17:59.500 we work heartily for the Lord 00:17:59.500 --> 00:18:00.839 and not for men. 00:18:02.039 --> 00:18:03.599 Lord, I can't do that on my own. 00:18:04.439 --> 00:18:05.539 I need you to give me 00:18:05.539 --> 00:18:07.699 the perseverance and patience 00:18:07.699 --> 00:18:10.779 and joy to be an employee like that. 00:18:11.939 --> 00:18:12.799 This is your will. 00:18:12.879 --> 00:18:14.139 This is what you've said you want. 00:18:15.879 --> 00:18:16.919 Come and help us do it. 00:18:17.879 --> 00:18:19.779 Lord, you've said in Ephesians 5 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:21.159 that our marriage should be 00:18:21.159 --> 00:18:22.459 this picture of the gospel, 00:18:22.599 --> 00:18:23.240 of the relationship 00:18:23.240 --> 00:18:24.779 between Christ and his church, 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:26.279 and we want our marriage 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:27.099 to be like that. 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:31.859 But outside of your work, 00:18:32.000 --> 00:18:32.899 outside of your spirit, 00:18:33.119 --> 00:18:35.980 it is so far less. 00:18:37.160 --> 00:18:37.660 Help us. 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:39.960 Make it a display 00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:41.759 of your gospel for the world. 00:18:43.440 --> 00:18:44.240 Arguing with God 00:18:44.240 --> 00:18:45.059 could look like this. 00:18:45.160 --> 00:18:46.559 Lord, in Malachi 2, 00:18:46.779 --> 00:18:47.859 you told us you want 00:18:47.859 --> 00:18:48.680 Christian marriages 00:18:48.680 --> 00:18:50.279 to lead to godly children. 00:18:50.279 --> 00:18:53.299 We don't actually have 00:18:53.299 --> 00:18:54.460 the wisdom we need to do that. 00:18:55.700 --> 00:18:56.740 We don't have the wisdom 00:18:56.740 --> 00:18:59.039 that we need to raise our kids 00:18:59.039 --> 00:19:00.019 to know and love God. 00:19:00.220 --> 00:19:00.539 And you know what? 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:02.200 Even if we did have the wisdom, 00:19:02.539 --> 00:19:04.119 we actually don't have the power. 00:19:04.240 --> 00:19:05.279 We're not powerful enough 00:19:05.279 --> 00:19:07.119 to change and shape and form 00:19:07.119 --> 00:19:08.440 our children's hearts. 00:19:10.139 --> 00:19:11.240 We need you to do it. 00:19:12.379 --> 00:19:13.500 We need you to show up. 00:19:13.579 --> 00:19:14.579 We need your help. 00:19:15.359 --> 00:19:17.619 Use us as your instruments. 00:19:17.619 --> 00:19:20.739 Christian, 00:19:21.059 --> 00:19:24.199 you can pray to God like that. 00:19:25.699 --> 00:19:27.039 In fact, I'll put it more strongly. 00:19:27.539 --> 00:19:31.539 You should pray to God like that. 00:19:31.859 --> 00:19:33.239 Lord, I am praying 00:19:33.239 --> 00:19:35.000 for what you have said you want. 00:19:36.019 --> 00:19:37.479 Please show up. 00:19:39.179 --> 00:19:41.439 By the way, this shapes our prayers 00:19:41.439 --> 00:19:42.739 because we have to ask ourselves, 00:19:42.879 --> 00:19:44.379 are we actually praying 00:19:44.379 --> 00:19:46.319 in line with the Lord's prayer? 00:19:46.319 --> 00:19:48.039 Can we say that we're praying 00:19:48.039 --> 00:19:49.720 Matthew 6, verse 10? 00:19:50.179 --> 00:19:51.319 Your kingdom come, 00:19:51.439 --> 00:19:52.980 your will be done 00:19:52.980 --> 00:19:56.279 on earth as it is in heaven. 00:20:03.559 --> 00:20:04.939 So Jacob has appealed 00:20:04.939 --> 00:20:06.079 to God's commands. 00:20:06.200 --> 00:20:07.619 Look, you told me to return. 00:20:07.859 --> 00:20:08.740 I need you to show up. 00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:11.879 Next, Jacob appeals to God's love. 00:20:12.339 --> 00:20:13.659 This is verse 10. 00:20:13.660 --> 00:20:16.680 I am not worthy of the least 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:19.220 of all the deeds of steadfast love 00:20:19.220 --> 00:20:21.220 and all the faithfulness 00:20:21.220 --> 00:20:22.620 that you have shown to your servant. 00:20:23.460 --> 00:20:25.519 For with only my staff, 00:20:25.580 --> 00:20:27.019 I crossed this Jordan 00:20:27.019 --> 00:20:30.840 and now I have become two camps. 00:20:32.300 --> 00:20:34.100 This word steadfast love 00:20:34.100 --> 00:20:35.779 from verse 10 shows up 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:36.700 in the Old Testament 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:38.040 over and over again 00:20:38.040 --> 00:20:40.220 to communicate God's commitment 00:20:40.220 --> 00:20:41.019 to his people. 00:20:41.019 --> 00:20:43.180 And the best definition I know of 00:20:43.180 --> 00:20:45.099 comes from the Children's Storybook Bible, 00:20:45.099 --> 00:20:47.339 which describes God's steadfast love 00:20:47.339 --> 00:20:48.059 in this way, 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.680 his never stopping, 00:20:50.000 --> 00:20:51.000 never giving up, 00:20:51.220 --> 00:20:51.960 unbreaking, 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:54.139 always and forever love. 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:56.579 God's steadfast love 00:20:56.579 --> 00:20:58.660 is his never stopping, 00:20:59.160 --> 00:21:00.319 never giving up, 00:21:00.759 --> 00:21:01.440 unbreaking, 00:21:01.859 --> 00:21:04.379 always and forever love. 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:09.140 Jacob doesn't base his request 00:21:09.140 --> 00:21:10.260 on his own worthiness 00:21:10.260 --> 00:21:12.140 or merit or skill. 00:21:13.340 --> 00:21:14.160 He doesn't say, 00:21:14.220 --> 00:21:15.840 God, look how great I've been. 00:21:16.500 --> 00:21:17.840 No, in fact, the opposite. 00:21:18.040 --> 00:21:18.900 Again, this is verse 10. 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:20.620 He says, I am not worthy. 00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:24.760 Remember Jacob 00:21:24.760 --> 00:21:26.120 when he shows up to the well 00:21:26.120 --> 00:21:27.240 and he meets Rachel 00:21:27.240 --> 00:21:30.980 and he moves that stone 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:32.019 single-handedly 00:21:32.019 --> 00:21:33.380 that it took a bunch of people 00:21:33.380 --> 00:21:33.799 to move, 00:21:33.900 --> 00:21:34.839 but he does it by himself 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.920 because he's so jacked. 00:21:38.819 --> 00:21:39.700 Jacob thought he was 00:21:39.700 --> 00:21:40.839 really hot stuff. 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:44.640 And that's probably why 00:21:44.640 --> 00:21:45.200 he didn't pray. 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:45.240 He didn't pray. 00:21:49.400 --> 00:21:51.980 It has taken Jacob years, 00:21:52.779 --> 00:21:53.960 years, 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:57.440 to learn his helplessness 00:21:57.440 --> 00:22:00.200 and God's power. 00:22:01.880 --> 00:22:03.720 It's taken Jacob years 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:04.920 to finally say, 00:22:05.620 --> 00:22:08.039 I am not worthy. 00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:10.799 God has had to push him 00:22:10.799 --> 00:22:12.220 to the end of himself 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:13.559 where his skills 00:22:13.559 --> 00:22:14.279 and his ability 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:15.000 and his tactics 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:15.759 and his strategies 00:22:15.759 --> 00:22:16.600 are not enough. 00:22:19.559 --> 00:22:21.579 Calling on God's mercy, 00:22:22.579 --> 00:22:23.700 that's prayer. 00:22:24.819 --> 00:22:25.660 That's why we pray 00:22:25.660 --> 00:22:26.480 in Jesus' name. 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:27.400 That's why you'll often 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:27.920 hear me say, 00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:29.160 hey, we haven't earned 00:22:29.160 --> 00:22:29.900 these things 00:22:29.900 --> 00:22:31.740 and we don't deserve them. 00:22:33.460 --> 00:22:34.940 But we ask for them 00:22:34.940 --> 00:22:36.960 in Jesus' name. 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:39.380 Remember Jesus' words 00:22:39.380 --> 00:22:40.640 in Mark chapter 2. 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:42.519 Jesus said to them, 00:22:42.920 --> 00:22:44.380 those who are well 00:22:44.380 --> 00:22:46.120 have no need of a physician, 00:22:46.640 --> 00:22:48.700 but those who are sick. 00:22:49.799 --> 00:22:51.380 I came not to call 00:22:51.380 --> 00:22:52.019 the righteous, 00:22:52.579 --> 00:22:53.579 but sinners. 00:22:53.960 --> 00:22:56.500 sinners do. 00:22:56.500 --> 00:22:57.120 Those who think 00:22:57.120 --> 00:22:58.180 that they are righteous 00:22:58.180 --> 00:23:01.539 have no need for prayer. 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:05.600 Sinners do. 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.539 Those who think 00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:09.799 their own tactics 00:23:09.799 --> 00:23:10.819 and strategies 00:23:10.819 --> 00:23:11.660 and intelligence 00:23:11.660 --> 00:23:13.000 are enough 00:23:13.000 --> 00:23:16.500 will not turn 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:17.680 to God in prayer. 00:23:17.680 --> 00:23:21.019 those who have realized 00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:23.000 they are not hot stuff 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:24.680 will. 00:23:28.560 --> 00:23:29.660 The Apostle Paul 00:23:29.660 --> 00:23:30.580 learned that as well. 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:32.560 He tells us 00:23:32.560 --> 00:23:34.420 in 2 Corinthians chapter 12, 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:34.480 12, 00:23:34.779 --> 00:23:36.180 but he said to me, 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:37.160 that is God said to him, 00:23:37.860 --> 00:23:39.240 my grace is sufficient 00:23:39.240 --> 00:23:39.820 for you. 00:23:40.080 --> 00:23:41.360 My power is made 00:23:41.360 --> 00:23:42.840 perfect in weakness. 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:44.960 Therefore, 00:23:45.100 --> 00:23:45.740 I will boast 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:46.940 all the more gladly 00:23:46.940 --> 00:23:48.019 of my weaknesses 00:23:48.019 --> 00:23:49.519 so that the power 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.279 of Christ 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:51.360 may rest 00:23:51.360 --> 00:23:52.539 upon you. 00:23:52.539 --> 00:23:56.700 Do you want 00:23:56.700 --> 00:23:57.460 the power 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.359 of Christ 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:59.480 to rest 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:00.240 upon you? 00:24:04.180 --> 00:24:05.339 Comes in weakness. 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:08.420 Comes in 00:24:08.420 --> 00:24:08.759 admitting 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:10.200 your helplessness 00:24:10.200 --> 00:24:12.019 and your need. 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:17.440 near the end 00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:18.240 of his life, 00:24:18.379 --> 00:24:19.079 there was an interview 00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:20.259 with the famous 00:24:20.259 --> 00:24:20.859 pastor, 00:24:21.460 --> 00:24:22.079 Timothy Keller, 00:24:22.359 --> 00:24:23.319 about his decades 00:24:23.319 --> 00:24:24.000 of ministry, 00:24:24.440 --> 00:24:25.460 and the interviewer 00:24:25.460 --> 00:24:26.160 asked him this, 00:24:26.940 --> 00:24:27.759 looking back 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:28.539 over your nearly 00:24:28.539 --> 00:24:29.799 50 years 00:24:29.799 --> 00:24:31.240 in Christian ministry, 00:24:31.779 --> 00:24:32.619 what's something 00:24:32.619 --> 00:24:33.339 you regret? 00:24:34.359 --> 00:24:35.039 What's something 00:24:35.039 --> 00:24:35.639 you wish 00:24:35.639 --> 00:24:36.559 you had done 00:24:36.559 --> 00:24:37.660 differently? 00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:39.639 And he said, 00:24:39.680 --> 00:24:39.759 oh, 00:24:39.799 --> 00:24:40.740 that's easy. 00:24:40.740 --> 00:24:42.620 I wish 00:24:42.620 --> 00:24:43.700 I'd prayed 00:24:43.700 --> 00:24:44.519 more. 00:24:47.900 --> 00:24:48.500 He's one of the 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:49.279 most successful 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.079 pastors in his 00:24:50.079 --> 00:24:50.620 generation. 00:24:53.700 --> 00:24:54.940 It can take 00:24:54.940 --> 00:24:55.420 a lifetime 00:24:55.420 --> 00:24:57.700 to learn 00:24:57.700 --> 00:24:58.599 how helpless 00:24:58.599 --> 00:24:59.980 we are. 00:25:01.400 --> 00:25:02.099 It can take 00:25:02.099 --> 00:25:02.519 a lifetime 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:04.500 to learn 00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:05.559 that everything 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:06.819 comes from 00:25:06.819 --> 00:25:07.660 God's 00:25:07.660 --> 00:25:08.420 mercy. 00:25:08.420 --> 00:25:10.420 God's 00:25:10.420 --> 00:25:10.860 God's 00:25:10.860 --> 00:25:11.340 God's 00:25:11.340 --> 00:25:11.560 love. 00:25:11.560 --> 00:25:12.180 It can take 00:25:11.660 --> 00:25:12.180 to learn 00:25:12.180 --> 00:25:12.680 everything. 00:25:12.680 --> 00:25:13.320 It can take 00:25:13.320 --> 00:25:13.800 a lifetime 00:25:13.800 --> 00:25:13.800 00:25:13.800 --> 00:25:14.880 that everything 00:25:14.880 --> 00:25:16.660 easier. 00:25:19.620 --> 00:25:20.460 Jacob appeals 00:25:20.460 --> 00:25:20.920 to God's 00:25:20.920 --> 00:25:21.380 command. 00:25:21.580 --> 00:25:22.039 He appeals 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:22.700 to God's 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:23.259 love. 00:25:23.380 --> 00:25:23.660 And then 00:25:23.660 --> 00:25:24.160 finally, 00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:25.180 he appeals 00:25:25.180 --> 00:25:25.680 to God's 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:26.279 promise. 00:25:26.960 --> 00:25:27.460 It is not 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:28.220 only that God 00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:28.940 has commanded 00:25:28.940 --> 00:25:29.960 Jacob to return, 00:25:30.039 --> 00:25:30.380 he's also 00:25:30.380 --> 00:25:31.180 promised to 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:31.539 do him 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:31.840 good. 00:25:32.140 --> 00:25:32.720 We see this 00:25:32.720 --> 00:25:33.180 first in 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:33.740 verse 9. 00:25:33.860 --> 00:25:34.140 He says, 00:25:34.140 --> 00:25:34.900 you told me 00:25:34.900 --> 00:25:35.480 return to 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:35.980 your country 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:36.360 and to 00:25:36.360 --> 00:25:37.000 your kindred 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:38.080 that I 00:25:38.080 --> 00:25:38.900 may do 00:25:38.900 --> 00:25:40.100 you good. 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:41.800 And then 00:25:41.800 --> 00:25:42.060 it comes 00:25:42.060 --> 00:25:42.300 in a 00:25:42.300 --> 00:25:42.860 fuller form 00:25:42.860 --> 00:25:43.759 in verse 12. 00:25:44.180 --> 00:25:44.759 But you 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.520 said, 00:25:46.140 --> 00:25:46.460 I will 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:47.180 surely do 00:25:47.180 --> 00:25:47.700 you good 00:25:47.700 --> 00:25:48.160 and make 00:25:48.160 --> 00:25:48.920 your offspring 00:25:48.920 --> 00:25:49.680 as the 00:25:49.680 --> 00:25:50.160 sand of 00:25:50.160 --> 00:25:50.720 the sea 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:51.759 which cannot 00:25:51.759 --> 00:25:52.400 be numbered 00:25:52.400 --> 00:25:53.560 for multitude. 00:25:54.560 --> 00:25:54.720 Okay, 00:25:54.780 --> 00:25:55.240 so Lord, 00:25:55.340 --> 00:25:55.759 you promised 00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:56.160 to do me 00:25:56.160 --> 00:25:56.420 good, 00:25:56.580 --> 00:25:57.420 and how 00:25:57.420 --> 00:25:57.720 are you 00:25:57.720 --> 00:25:57.980 going to 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:58.400 do me 00:25:58.400 --> 00:25:59.160 good if 00:25:59.160 --> 00:26:00.000 these 400 00:26:00.000 --> 00:26:00.900 men wipe 00:26:00.900 --> 00:26:01.259 me and 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:01.720 my family 00:26:01.720 --> 00:26:01.980 out? 00:26:01.980 --> 00:26:03.620 I mean, 00:26:03.660 --> 00:26:03.920 it doesn't 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:04.339 seem like 00:26:04.339 --> 00:26:04.559 that's 00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:05.000 very good. 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:06.759 And even 00:26:06.759 --> 00:26:07.339 more than 00:26:07.339 --> 00:26:07.680 that, 00:26:07.740 --> 00:26:08.180 you said 00:26:08.180 --> 00:26:08.440 you've 00:26:08.440 --> 00:26:08.759 promised 00:26:08.759 --> 00:26:09.299 offspring 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:09.799 as the 00:26:09.799 --> 00:26:10.140 sand of 00:26:10.140 --> 00:26:10.500 the sea. 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:10.980 Now, 00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:11.500 how am I 00:26:11.500 --> 00:26:11.860 supposed to 00:26:11.860 --> 00:26:12.539 have offspring 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:13.160 as the 00:26:13.160 --> 00:26:13.579 sand of 00:26:13.579 --> 00:26:13.900 the sea 00:26:13.900 --> 00:26:14.240 if we're 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:14.660 all killed? 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:16.140 Those two 00:26:16.140 --> 00:26:16.640 things don't 00:26:16.640 --> 00:26:17.299 really seem 00:26:17.299 --> 00:26:17.700 to go 00:26:17.700 --> 00:26:18.079 together, 00:26:18.599 --> 00:26:18.819 right? 00:26:18.839 --> 00:26:19.079 How does 00:26:19.079 --> 00:26:19.460 that happen 00:26:19.460 --> 00:26:19.839 if Esau 00:26:19.839 --> 00:26:20.420 slaughters 00:26:20.420 --> 00:26:20.880 us? 00:26:22.339 --> 00:26:23.220 So protect 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:24.940 us because 00:26:24.940 --> 00:26:26.460 of your 00:26:26.460 --> 00:26:27.279 promise. 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:29.839 Your promise 00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:30.400 for good, 00:26:31.380 --> 00:26:31.839 your promise 00:26:31.980 --> 00:26:33.319 for 00:26:33.319 --> 00:26:33.880 offspring. 00:26:37.440 --> 00:26:38.039 Christian, 00:26:39.120 --> 00:26:40.279 you can 00:26:40.279 --> 00:26:41.279 plead God's 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:42.480 promises as 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:42.940 well. 00:26:44.740 --> 00:26:45.519 Lord, you 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:46.360 told us in 00:26:46.360 --> 00:26:47.360 James 1 00:26:47.360 --> 00:26:48.460 verse 5 00:26:48.460 --> 00:26:50.000 that those 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:50.680 who ask 00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:51.480 for wisdom 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.960 will receive 00:26:52.960 --> 00:26:53.180 it. 00:26:54.120 --> 00:26:54.640 Well, we 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:55.039 really need 00:26:55.039 --> 00:26:55.440 some wisdom 00:26:55.440 --> 00:26:55.900 right now. 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:57.259 So we're 00:26:57.259 --> 00:26:58.019 asking you 00:26:58.019 --> 00:26:58.519 for it. 00:26:59.059 --> 00:27:00.039 Honor your 00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:00.620 promise. 00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:01.579 Lord, you 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:02.039 told us in 00:27:02.039 --> 00:27:02.579 1 Corinthians 00:27:02.579 --> 00:27:03.379 chapter 10 00:27:03.379 --> 00:27:04.159 verse 13 00:27:04.159 --> 00:27:04.759 that there's 00:27:04.759 --> 00:27:05.799 no temptation 00:27:05.799 --> 00:27:06.279 that will 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:06.960 come to us 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:07.679 for which you 00:27:07.679 --> 00:27:08.279 don't provide 00:27:08.279 --> 00:27:08.960 a way out. 00:27:09.679 --> 00:27:10.159 Well, I'm 00:27:10.159 --> 00:27:10.960 overwhelmed by 00:27:10.960 --> 00:27:11.919 temptation right 00:27:11.919 --> 00:27:12.519 now and I 00:27:12.519 --> 00:27:13.179 need a way 00:27:13.179 --> 00:27:13.519 out. 00:27:14.980 --> 00:27:15.460 Honor your 00:27:15.460 --> 00:27:15.960 promise. 00:27:16.500 --> 00:27:16.939 Help. 00:27:18.879 --> 00:27:19.480 Show me 00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:20.139 the way 00:27:20.139 --> 00:27:21.659 to escape. 00:27:21.660 --> 00:27:23.440 Lord, you 00:27:23.440 --> 00:27:24.259 promised us in 00:27:24.259 --> 00:27:24.960 Psalm 34 00:27:24.960 --> 00:27:25.700 verse 18 00:27:25.700 --> 00:27:26.080 that you 00:27:26.080 --> 00:27:26.900 are near to 00:27:26.900 --> 00:27:27.300 the broken 00:27:27.300 --> 00:27:27.860 hearted and 00:27:27.860 --> 00:27:28.660 you save 00:27:28.660 --> 00:27:29.360 the crushed 00:27:29.360 --> 00:27:30.600 in spirit. 00:27:32.140 --> 00:27:32.920 And we're in 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:33.460 the hospital 00:27:33.460 --> 00:27:34.240 right now 00:27:34.240 --> 00:27:36.420 and we feel 00:27:36.420 --> 00:27:36.980 alone and 00:27:36.980 --> 00:27:37.420 abandoned. 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:40.720 Honor the 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:41.200 promise. 00:27:42.340 --> 00:27:43.800 Be near to 00:27:43.800 --> 00:27:44.360 us. 00:27:44.900 --> 00:27:45.340 Give us a 00:27:45.340 --> 00:27:45.860 sense of your 00:27:45.860 --> 00:27:46.240 presence. 00:27:46.400 --> 00:27:46.860 Do what you 00:27:46.860 --> 00:27:47.620 talk about in 00:27:47.620 --> 00:27:48.600 Romans chapter 5 00:27:48.599 --> 00:27:49.279 that the love 00:27:49.279 --> 00:27:49.819 of God will 00:27:49.819 --> 00:27:50.419 be poured out 00:27:50.419 --> 00:27:50.919 into our 00:27:50.919 --> 00:27:51.419 hearts by 00:27:51.419 --> 00:27:51.779 the Holy 00:27:51.779 --> 00:27:52.240 Spirit. 00:27:54.719 --> 00:27:55.339 Lord, you 00:27:55.339 --> 00:27:56.179 promised us in 00:27:56.179 --> 00:27:56.859 Philippians chapter 00:27:56.859 --> 00:27:57.839 4 verses 6 00:27:57.839 --> 00:27:58.839 and 7 that if 00:27:58.839 --> 00:28:00.039 we bring our 00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:01.079 anxieties to 00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:01.839 you in prayer, 00:28:02.000 --> 00:28:02.459 you will give 00:28:02.459 --> 00:28:03.059 us the peace 00:28:03.059 --> 00:28:03.579 that passes 00:28:03.579 --> 00:28:04.459 understanding that 00:28:04.459 --> 00:28:04.939 will guard our 00:28:04.939 --> 00:28:05.459 hearts and our 00:28:05.459 --> 00:28:06.139 minds in Christ 00:28:06.139 --> 00:28:06.519 Jesus. 00:28:08.099 --> 00:28:08.799 Lord, we're 00:28:08.799 --> 00:28:09.519 drowning in 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:11.459 fear and 00:28:11.459 --> 00:28:11.959 we're bringing 00:28:11.959 --> 00:28:12.679 that to you. 00:28:14.359 --> 00:28:15.559 Honor the 00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:16.079 promise. 00:28:17.459 --> 00:28:18.059 Give us the 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:18.579 peace that 00:28:18.579 --> 00:28:19.139 passes 00:28:19.139 --> 00:28:20.579 understanding. 00:28:22.179 --> 00:28:22.859 Lord, you've 00:28:22.859 --> 00:28:23.559 promised us in 00:28:23.559 --> 00:28:24.199 Psalm 23 00:28:24.199 --> 00:28:25.139 verse 6 that 00:28:25.139 --> 00:28:25.779 goodness and 00:28:25.779 --> 00:28:26.460 mercy will 00:28:26.460 --> 00:28:27.699 follow us all 00:28:27.699 --> 00:28:28.279 the days of 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:29.019 our lives. 00:28:31.939 --> 00:28:32.899 And it sure 00:28:32.899 --> 00:28:33.679 seems like the 00:28:33.679 --> 00:28:34.279 darkness is 00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:34.539 winning. 00:28:36.379 --> 00:28:37.839 Feels like the 00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:39.399 lights are 00:28:39.399 --> 00:28:39.799 dimming. 00:28:41.159 --> 00:28:41.980 Honor your 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:42.460 promise. 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:44.879 Show us your 00:28:44.879 --> 00:28:46.559 goodness and 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:47.000 your mercy. 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:48.839 Lord, you've 00:28:48.839 --> 00:28:49.359 told us in 00:28:49.359 --> 00:28:49.940 James chapter 00:28:49.940 --> 00:28:50.759 4 verse 7 00:28:50.759 --> 00:28:51.200 that if we 00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:51.839 resist the 00:28:51.839 --> 00:28:52.380 devil, he 00:28:52.380 --> 00:28:53.240 will flee from 00:28:53.240 --> 00:28:53.819 us and we 00:28:53.819 --> 00:28:54.539 are resisting. 00:28:56.880 --> 00:28:57.559 Honor your 00:28:57.559 --> 00:28:57.920 promise. 00:28:58.119 --> 00:28:58.720 Do what you 00:28:58.720 --> 00:28:59.279 said you would 00:28:59.279 --> 00:28:59.559 do. 00:29:00.279 --> 00:29:01.059 Restrain the 00:29:01.059 --> 00:29:01.680 evil one. 00:29:03.079 --> 00:29:03.799 Protect your 00:29:03.799 --> 00:29:04.180 people. 00:29:06.380 --> 00:29:06.779 Lord, you've 00:29:06.779 --> 00:29:07.140 told us in 00:29:07.140 --> 00:29:08.339 Isaiah 55 that 00:29:08.339 --> 00:29:09.039 your word will 00:29:09.039 --> 00:29:09.759 not return to 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.359 you empty, but 00:29:10.359 --> 00:29:11.019 it will accomplish 00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:11.700 your purposes. 00:29:11.700 --> 00:29:11.900 promises. 00:29:13.019 --> 00:29:13.980 We're begging 00:29:13.980 --> 00:29:14.480 you. 00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:16.920 Use your word in 00:29:16.920 --> 00:29:18.140 a powerful way in 00:29:18.140 --> 00:29:18.740 our lives. 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:21.340 Honor the 00:29:21.340 --> 00:29:21.799 promise. 00:29:23.319 --> 00:29:24.259 Do great 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:26.180 things in us 00:29:26.180 --> 00:29:27.660 by your word. 00:29:31.539 --> 00:29:32.559 Do you want to 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:33.340 really pray? 00:29:35.940 --> 00:29:37.220 Plead the 00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:38.819 promises of 00:29:38.819 --> 00:29:39.259 God. 00:29:43.379 --> 00:29:43.960 And why 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:44.339 should God 00:29:44.339 --> 00:29:45.740 answer your 00:29:45.740 --> 00:29:46.059 prayer? 00:29:48.779 --> 00:29:49.519 Paul tells 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:50.079 us in 2 00:29:50.079 --> 00:29:50.559 Corinthians 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:52.339 chapter 1, he 00:29:52.339 --> 00:29:52.980 says, all the 00:29:52.980 --> 00:29:53.740 promises of 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:55.039 God find 00:29:55.039 --> 00:29:56.700 their yes and 00:29:56.700 --> 00:29:58.659 amen in 00:29:58.659 --> 00:30:00.619 Jesus Christ. 00:30:02.200 --> 00:30:02.859 That is, you're 00:30:02.859 --> 00:30:03.599 not pleading on 00:30:03.599 --> 00:30:04.259 behalf of your 00:30:04.259 --> 00:30:04.559 merit. 00:30:04.659 --> 00:30:04.879 You're not 00:30:04.879 --> 00:30:05.259 pleading that 00:30:05.259 --> 00:30:05.740 you deserve 00:30:05.740 --> 00:30:06.179 anything. 00:30:06.180 --> 00:30:06.660 No, you're 00:30:06.660 --> 00:30:08.160 pleading because 00:30:08.160 --> 00:30:09.460 Jesus represents 00:30:09.460 --> 00:30:10.360 you before God 00:30:10.360 --> 00:30:11.340 the Father and 00:30:11.340 --> 00:30:11.759 that you've been 00:30:11.759 --> 00:30:12.880 adopted as one 00:30:12.880 --> 00:30:14.880 of his sons or 00:30:14.880 --> 00:30:15.640 his daughter, as 00:30:15.640 --> 00:30:16.220 we talked about in 00:30:16.220 --> 00:30:16.940 our confession of 00:30:16.940 --> 00:30:17.460 faith, which means 00:30:17.460 --> 00:30:18.000 you don't just have 00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:18.840 forgiveness of 00:30:18.840 --> 00:30:19.560 sins, but you 00:30:19.560 --> 00:30:20.759 have access to 00:30:20.759 --> 00:30:21.940 the throne room 00:30:21.940 --> 00:30:23.039 of God. 00:30:23.100 --> 00:30:23.900 And you plead 00:30:23.900 --> 00:30:24.799 God's promises 00:30:24.799 --> 00:30:26.460 based on what 00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:27.600 Jesus has done 00:30:27.600 --> 00:30:28.840 for you. 00:30:29.660 --> 00:30:30.380 This is in 00:30:30.380 --> 00:30:31.259 page 7 of your 00:30:31.259 --> 00:30:31.920 worship guide. 00:30:32.840 --> 00:30:33.120 Jesus' 00:30:33.380 --> 00:30:34.400 sinless life and 00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:35.360 sin-bearing 00:30:35.359 --> 00:30:37.119 death provide 00:30:37.119 --> 00:30:38.339 the meritorious 00:30:38.339 --> 00:30:39.959 basis upon 00:30:39.959 --> 00:30:40.859 which any 00:30:40.859 --> 00:30:41.740 promise is 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.479 made good 00:30:42.479 --> 00:30:43.519 to us. 00:30:44.979 --> 00:30:45.859 Apart from 00:30:45.859 --> 00:30:47.299 Christ, we 00:30:47.299 --> 00:30:48.019 have no right 00:30:48.019 --> 00:30:48.619 to any of 00:30:48.619 --> 00:30:49.500 God's promises, 00:30:50.099 --> 00:30:50.799 but through 00:30:50.799 --> 00:30:51.419 our union 00:30:51.419 --> 00:30:52.259 with Christ, 00:30:52.419 --> 00:30:53.299 we have access 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:54.419 to all 00:30:54.419 --> 00:30:55.479 of them. 00:30:59.959 --> 00:31:00.599 Christian, 00:31:01.240 --> 00:31:03.319 there is a 00:31:03.319 --> 00:31:03.799 difference. 00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:05.480 in fact, 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:06.000 there is a 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:07.139 world of 00:31:07.139 --> 00:31:07.799 difference 00:31:07.799 --> 00:31:10.379 between simply 00:31:10.379 --> 00:31:11.319 listing our 00:31:11.319 --> 00:31:12.480 requests to 00:31:12.480 --> 00:31:13.980 God and 00:31:13.980 --> 00:31:15.200 wrestling with 00:31:15.200 --> 00:31:15.759 God in 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:16.159 prayer, 00:31:16.960 --> 00:31:19.099 naming God's 00:31:19.099 --> 00:31:19.700 will, his 00:31:19.700 --> 00:31:20.240 commands, 00:31:21.119 --> 00:31:21.940 acknowledging our 00:31:21.940 --> 00:31:22.559 need, our 00:31:22.559 --> 00:31:23.579 helplessness, 00:31:23.740 --> 00:31:24.519 claiming God's 00:31:24.519 --> 00:31:25.139 mercy through 00:31:25.139 --> 00:31:26.000 Jesus Christ, 00:31:27.599 --> 00:31:28.799 claiming God's 00:31:28.799 --> 00:31:29.740 promises that 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:30.960 are ours because 00:31:30.960 --> 00:31:32.620 of Jesus. 00:31:34.420 --> 00:31:35.319 It's Jesus who 00:31:35.319 --> 00:31:36.140 tells us this in 00:31:36.140 --> 00:31:36.680 Matthew chapter 00:31:36.680 --> 00:31:37.079 7, 00:31:38.079 --> 00:31:39.880 ask and it 00:31:39.880 --> 00:31:40.340 will be given 00:31:40.340 --> 00:31:40.860 to you. 00:31:42.299 --> 00:31:43.799 Seek and 00:31:43.799 --> 00:31:44.380 you will find. 00:31:46.519 --> 00:31:47.880 Knock and 00:31:47.880 --> 00:31:48.259 it will be 00:31:48.259 --> 00:31:48.720 opened to 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:48.940 you. 00:31:49.940 --> 00:31:50.340 For 00:31:50.340 --> 00:31:50.900 everyone who 00:31:50.900 --> 00:31:51.440 asks, 00:31:51.600 --> 00:31:52.240 receives, 00:31:52.380 --> 00:31:52.640 and the 00:31:52.640 --> 00:31:53.039 one who 00:31:53.039 --> 00:31:53.420 seeks, 00:31:53.620 --> 00:31:54.039 finds, 00:31:54.039 --> 00:31:54.579 and to 00:31:54.579 --> 00:31:55.160 the one 00:31:55.160 --> 00:31:55.980 who knocks, 00:31:56.420 --> 00:31:57.640 it will 00:31:57.640 --> 00:31:58.980 be opened. 00:31:58.980 --> 00:32:01.860 Or which 00:32:01.860 --> 00:32:02.500 one of you, 00:32:03.099 --> 00:32:03.900 if his son 00:32:03.900 --> 00:32:04.819 asks him for 00:32:04.819 --> 00:32:05.319 bread, 00:32:05.880 --> 00:32:06.599 will give him 00:32:06.599 --> 00:32:07.500 a stone? 00:32:09.579 --> 00:32:10.339 Or if he 00:32:10.339 --> 00:32:11.279 asks for a 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:11.680 fish, 00:32:12.299 --> 00:32:13.319 will give him 00:32:13.319 --> 00:32:14.319 a serpent? 00:32:15.620 --> 00:32:16.599 If you then, 00:32:16.660 --> 00:32:17.240 who are evil, 00:32:17.339 --> 00:32:17.759 know how to 00:32:17.759 --> 00:32:18.279 give good 00:32:18.279 --> 00:32:19.019 gifts to your 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:19.480 children, 00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:20.680 how much 00:32:20.680 --> 00:32:21.059 more will 00:32:21.059 --> 00:32:21.720 your Father 00:32:21.720 --> 00:32:22.620 who is in 00:32:22.620 --> 00:32:23.799 heaven give 00:32:23.799 --> 00:32:24.759 good things 00:32:24.759 --> 00:32:25.900 to those 00:32:25.900 --> 00:32:26.880 who ask 00:32:26.880 --> 00:32:27.099 him? 00:32:27.099 --> 00:32:29.259 Let's 00:32:29.259 --> 00:32:29.459 pray. 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:31.079 Our 00:32:31.079 --> 00:32:31.480 Father in 00:32:31.480 --> 00:32:31.699 heaven, 00:32:32.139 --> 00:32:32.679 we do 00:32:32.679 --> 00:32:34.679 praise you 00:32:34.679 --> 00:32:35.199 and thank you 00:32:35.199 --> 00:32:35.659 for the 00:32:35.659 --> 00:32:36.319 embarrassment 00:32:36.319 --> 00:32:37.119 of riches 00:32:37.119 --> 00:32:37.899 that are 00:32:37.899 --> 00:32:38.459 ours in 00:32:38.459 --> 00:32:39.159 Jesus Christ. 00:32:39.779 --> 00:32:40.639 We ask 00:32:40.639 --> 00:32:41.039 that you 00:32:41.039 --> 00:32:41.859 would teach 00:32:41.859 --> 00:32:42.939 us to 00:32:42.939 --> 00:32:43.240 pray, 00:32:44.079 --> 00:32:44.659 that we 00:32:44.659 --> 00:32:45.199 pray in 00:32:45.199 --> 00:32:45.779 line with 00:32:45.779 --> 00:32:46.379 your will, 00:32:47.519 --> 00:32:48.179 we come 00:32:48.179 --> 00:32:48.980 admitting our 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:49.659 helplessness 00:32:49.659 --> 00:32:50.099 and our 00:32:50.099 --> 00:32:50.839 need before 00:32:50.839 --> 00:32:51.159 you, 00:32:51.539 --> 00:32:52.399 and that we 00:32:52.399 --> 00:32:54.439 would set 00:32:54.439 --> 00:32:55.119 our lives 00:32:55.119 --> 00:32:55.439 on your 00:32:55.439 --> 00:32:55.879 promises. 00:32:55.880 --> 00:32:56.060 promises. 00:32:56.500 --> 00:32:57.060 We ask 00:32:57.060 --> 00:32:57.380 all of 00:32:57.380 --> 00:32:57.540 these 00:32:57.540 --> 00:32:58.060 things in 00:32:58.060 --> 00:32:58.300 Jesus' 00:32:58.480 --> 00:32:58.680 name, 00:32:59.160 --> 00:32:59.380 amen.