Robert Jeffress - The Power of Faith-Kneeling (Part 2)

May 5, 2025 | 27:29

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - The Power of Faith-Kneeling (Part 2) | May 5, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.356
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:00.824 --> 00:00:02.525
  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church
  • 00:00:06.696 --> 00:00:09.099
  • Of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
  • 00:00:09.099 --> 00:00:11.868
  • With dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:00:11.868 --> 00:00:14.437
  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress and
  • 00:00:14.504 --> 00:00:16.072
  • Welcome again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:16.072 --> 00:00:18.908
  • Most christians understand that prayer is an important part of
  • 00:00:18.908 --> 00:00:22.112
  • Their spiritual life, but if god already knows everything, then
  • 00:00:22.112 --> 00:00:26.483
  • What's the point of praying, and what sort of things should we
  • 00:00:26.483 --> 00:00:29.786
  • Pray for?
  • 00:00:29.786 --> 00:00:31.221
  • Last time, we acknowledged the fact that while praying
  • 00:00:31.221 --> 00:00:34.023
  • Effectively is simple, praying consistently can be quite
  • 00:00:34.023 --> 00:00:38.294
  • A challenge.
  • 00:00:38.294 --> 00:00:39.662
  • So today i'm going to share biblical truths that can help
  • 00:00:39.662 --> 00:00:42.699
  • All of us become more disciplined about talking
  • 00:00:42.699 --> 00:00:45.735
  • With god.
  • 00:00:45.735 --> 00:00:47.103
  • My message is titled "the power of faith-kneeling" on today's
  • 00:00:47.103 --> 00:00:51.541
  • Edition of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:51.541 --> 00:00:54.410
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:54.410 --> 00:01:13.096
  • ♪ i am the righteous one, and i am the lamb ♪
  • 00:01:04.087 --> 00:01:17.667
  • ♪ i am the ram in the bush for abraham, ♪
  • 00:01:17.667 --> 00:01:22.138
  • ♪ i am the ultimate sacrifice for sin, ♪
  • 00:01:22.138 --> 00:01:26.676
  • ♪ i am your redeemer, ♪
  • 00:01:26.676 --> 00:01:28.778
  • ♪ beginning and the end. ♪
  • 00:01:28.778 --> 00:01:31.214
  • ♪ i am, i am, ♪
  • 00:01:31.214 --> 00:01:39.522
  • ♪ i am, i am. ♪
  • 00:01:39.589 --> 00:01:49.332
  • ♪ i am jehovah and i am your king, ♪
  • 00:01:49.332 --> 00:01:53.770
  • ♪ i am messiah, david's offspring. ♪
  • 00:01:53.770 --> 00:01:58.241
  • ♪ i am your high priest and i am the christ, ♪
  • 00:01:58.241 --> 00:02:02.612
  • ♪ i am the resurrection, and i am the life. ♪
  • 00:02:02.612 --> 00:02:07.150
  • ♪ i am, i am. ♪
  • 00:02:07.150 --> 00:02:16.292
  • ♪ i am the bread and i am the wine, ♪
  • 00:02:16.292 --> 00:02:20.530
  • ♪ i am your future so leave the past behind, ♪
  • 00:02:20.530 --> 00:02:25.101
  • ♪ i am the one in the midst of two or three, ♪
  • 00:02:25.101 --> 00:02:29.639
  • ♪ i am your tabernacle, i am your jubilee. ♪
  • 00:02:29.639 --> 00:02:34.210
  • ♪ i am, i am. ♪
  • 00:02:34.210 --> 00:02:43.152
  • ♪ i am the bread and i am the wine, ♪
  • 00:02:43.152 --> 00:02:47.557
  • ♪ i am your future so leave your past behind, ♪
  • 00:02:47.557 --> 00:02:52.295
  • ♪ i am the one in the midst of two or three, ♪
  • 00:02:52.295 --> 00:02:57.100
  • ♪ i am your tabernacle, i am your jubilee. ♪
  • 00:02:57.100 --> 00:03:01.204
  • ♪ i am, i am. ♪
  • 00:03:01.204 --> 00:03:10.013
  • ♪ i am hope, i am peace, i am joy, i am rest, ♪
  • 00:03:10.013 --> 00:03:14.884
  • ♪ i am your comfort and relief from your stress. ♪
  • 00:03:14.884 --> 00:03:19.122
  • ♪ i am strength, i am faith, i am love, i am power, ♪
  • 00:03:19.122 --> 00:03:23.826
  • ♪ i am your freedom this very hour. ♪
  • 00:03:23.826 --> 00:03:28.197
  • ♪ i am hope, i am peace, i am joy, i am rest. ♪
  • 00:03:28.197 --> 00:03:32.802
  • ♪ i am your comfort and relief from your stress. ♪
  • 00:03:32.802 --> 00:03:37.140
  • ♪ i am strength, i am faith, i am love, i am power, ♪
  • 00:03:37.140 --> 00:03:41.778
  • ♪ i am your freedom this very hour. ♪
  • 00:03:41.778 --> 00:03:46.182
  • ♪ i am, i am, ♪
  • 00:03:46.182 --> 00:03:55.124
  • ♪ i am. ♪
  • 00:03:55.124 --> 00:04:03.599
  • ♪ hallelujah. hallelujah. ♪
  • 00:04:03.599 --> 00:04:07.003
  • Announcer: god never intended for the holy spirit to be a
  • 00:04:11.207 --> 00:04:13.876
  • Mystery to believers.
  • 00:04:13.876 --> 00:04:15.745
  • In fact, if you're a follower of jesus, then god's spirit is
  • 00:04:15.745 --> 00:04:19.415
  • Dwelling inside of you and he's waiting to unleash his
  • 00:04:19.415 --> 00:04:22.752
  • Supernatural power in your life.
  • 00:04:22.752 --> 00:04:25.054
  • In his bestselling book "i want more," dr. robert jeffress
  • 00:04:25.054 --> 00:04:28.558
  • Teaches what it means to be filled with the power of the
  • 00:04:28.558 --> 00:04:31.361
  • Holy spirit.
  • 00:04:31.361 --> 00:04:32.862
  • Looking to satisfy your spiritual cravings?
  • 00:04:32.862 --> 00:04:35.565
  • Request the book "i want more" when you give a generous gift to
  • 00:04:35.565 --> 00:04:38.835
  • "pathway to victory."
  • 00:04:38.835 --> 00:04:40.236
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:04:41.404 --> 00:04:45.908
  • Jeffress: ladies and gentlemen, god can do whatever
  • 00:04:45.908 --> 00:04:47.977
  • He chooses to do.
  • 00:04:47.977 --> 00:04:49.812
  • He doesn't need me to do it.
  • 00:04:49.812 --> 00:04:53.449
  • One extreme about prayer is to say that somehow god is limited
  • 00:04:53.449 --> 00:04:58.454
  • In what he can do by my willingness to pray.
  • 00:04:58.454 --> 00:05:02.091
  • On the other end of the spectrum though are those people who
  • 00:05:02.091 --> 00:05:04.827
  • Would say, "well, god is sovereign, god is in control,
  • 00:05:04.827 --> 00:05:08.231
  • And my prayers make no difference whatsoever."
  • 00:05:08.231 --> 00:05:11.601
  • Now these are the same people who say, "well, you know, god's
  • 00:05:11.601 --> 00:05:13.970
  • Gonna save whomever he is gonna save.
  • 00:05:13.970 --> 00:05:16.472
  • He doesn't need me to witness in order to save them."
  • 00:05:16.472 --> 00:05:20.042
  • How do we reconcile god's sovereignty with our
  • 00:05:20.042 --> 00:05:23.012
  • Responsibility to witness?
  • 00:05:23.012 --> 00:05:25.882
  • I like what one theologian says.
  • 00:05:25.882 --> 00:05:27.784
  • He says, "god has not only ordained the end result, he's
  • 00:05:27.784 --> 00:05:32.588
  • Ordained the means to the end."
  • 00:05:32.588 --> 00:05:35.324
  • Yes, god has decided who's going to be saved.
  • 00:05:35.324 --> 00:05:37.960
  • He has elected certain individuals to salvation.
  • 00:05:37.960 --> 00:05:40.563
  • You can't believe the bible and not believe that.
  • 00:05:40.563 --> 00:05:43.299
  • But even though god has ordained the end, who's gonna be saved,
  • 00:05:43.299 --> 00:05:47.537
  • He has also ordained the means by which those people are gonna
  • 00:05:47.537 --> 00:05:51.040
  • Be saved, and it's by their hearing the gospel of
  • 00:05:51.040 --> 00:05:54.076
  • Jesus christ.
  • 00:05:54.076 --> 00:05:55.445
  • Romans chapter 10 verse 17 says, "for faith comes by hearing and
  • 00:05:55.445 --> 00:06:00.149
  • Hearing the will of the word of god.
  • 00:06:00.149 --> 00:06:03.419
  • How will they believe upon him whom they have not heard?"
  • 00:06:03.419 --> 00:06:06.456
  • Paul asked.
  • 00:06:06.456 --> 00:06:07.824
  • God is ordained who's gonna be saved, but he's also ordained
  • 00:06:07.824 --> 00:06:11.160
  • How they're gonna be saved, and it is by you and me sharing the
  • 00:06:11.160 --> 00:06:14.864
  • Gospel with them.
  • 00:06:14.864 --> 00:06:16.232
  • Now folks, it is the same way with prayer.
  • 00:06:16.232 --> 00:06:18.901
  • God has all of these incredible things he wants to do for you.
  • 00:06:18.901 --> 00:06:23.105
  • He has a tremendous plan for your life.
  • 00:06:23.105 --> 00:06:25.775
  • Remember the words in jeremiah 29:11, god said, "'for i know
  • 00:06:25.775 --> 00:06:29.979
  • The plans i have for you,' declares the lord, 'plans for
  • 00:06:29.979 --> 00:06:33.182
  • Your welfare, not for calamity, a plan to give you a future and
  • 00:06:33.182 --> 00:06:38.387
  • A hope.'"
  • 00:06:38.387 --> 00:06:39.722
  • There is an infinite amount of things, good things, god wants
  • 00:06:39.722 --> 00:06:44.327
  • To do for your life.
  • 00:06:44.327 --> 00:06:46.729
  • How do those blessings come into your life?
  • 00:06:46.729 --> 00:06:49.732
  • The means by which they come into your life is
  • 00:06:49.732 --> 00:06:52.268
  • Through prayer.
  • 00:06:52.268 --> 00:06:53.870
  • God has ordained the good things he wants to do for you, but he's
  • 00:06:53.870 --> 00:06:57.173
  • Also ordained the means by which those good things are gonna come
  • 00:06:57.173 --> 00:07:00.209
  • Into your life, and it is through prayer.
  • 00:07:00.209 --> 00:07:03.980
  • Why should i pray if god is gonna do what he wants to
  • 00:07:03.980 --> 00:07:06.649
  • Do anyway?
  • 00:07:06.649 --> 00:07:08.017
  • Well, the simple answer is because he's told us to pray.
  • 00:07:08.017 --> 00:07:10.720
  • But the real answer is prayer is the channel, the means by which
  • 00:07:10.720 --> 00:07:14.423
  • Those good things come into my life.
  • 00:07:14.423 --> 00:07:17.593
  • That leads to a second question about prayer.
  • 00:07:17.593 --> 00:07:19.862
  • Okay, what sort of things should i pray for?
  • 00:07:19.862 --> 00:07:23.266
  • What sort of things should i pray for?
  • 00:07:23.266 --> 00:07:25.434
  • Is it wrong to pray for a bigger house, a better job, a
  • 00:07:25.434 --> 00:07:29.772
  • Larger salary?
  • 00:07:29.772 --> 00:07:32.008
  • Is it more spiritual to pray, "lord, heal me," or should i be
  • 00:07:32.008 --> 00:07:35.745
  • Praying, "lord, your will be done?"
  • 00:07:35.745 --> 00:07:38.648
  • Again, christians go to one of two extremes.
  • 00:07:38.648 --> 00:07:41.851
  • There's some people who kind of see god as a divine bellhop in
  • 00:07:41.851 --> 00:07:45.988
  • Heaven, and prayer is the buzzer that we use to summon his
  • 00:07:45.988 --> 00:07:49.759
  • Attention whenever we need him to carry out our purpose.
  • 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:53.229
  • That's some people's view of prayer.
  • 00:07:53.229 --> 00:07:55.431
  • Other people are sickened by that kind of idea about prayer,
  • 00:07:55.431 --> 00:07:58.568
  • They go to the other extreme and they say, "you know what, you
  • 00:07:58.568 --> 00:08:01.003
  • Should never ask god for anything selfish."
  • 00:08:01.003 --> 00:08:05.374
  • I remember hearing people say, "teach about prayer."
  • 00:08:05.374 --> 00:08:08.444
  • The most simple, elementary, immature way to pray is to pray
  • 00:08:08.444 --> 00:08:12.648
  • For me.
  • 00:08:12.648 --> 00:08:14.016
  • Lord, do this for me, do this for me, and once you get past
  • 00:08:14.016 --> 00:08:16.719
  • That childish kind of praying, the next level of prayer is to
  • 00:08:16.719 --> 00:08:20.189
  • Pray for other people.
  • 00:08:20.189 --> 00:08:21.991
  • Lord, do this for sally, do this for jim, praying for
  • 00:08:21.991 --> 00:08:25.227
  • Other people.
  • 00:08:25.227 --> 00:08:26.596
  • But then they say when we reach the highest state of maturity in
  • 00:08:26.596 --> 00:08:29.565
  • Our spiritual life, we don't pray for ourselves, we don't
  • 00:08:29.565 --> 00:08:32.435
  • Pray for other people, we simply pray for the will of god to
  • 00:08:32.435 --> 00:08:35.438
  • Be done.
  • 00:08:35.438 --> 00:08:37.073
  • Now there's a greek term for that kind of teaching,
  • 00:08:37.073 --> 00:08:39.342
  • Hogwash, okay?
  • 00:08:39.342 --> 00:08:43.913
  • The bible tells us we need to pray for ourselves.
  • 00:08:43.913 --> 00:08:47.316
  • The bible says we ought to pray for other people.
  • 00:08:47.316 --> 00:08:49.619
  • The bible says we ought to also pray for the glory of god, and
  • 00:08:49.619 --> 00:08:52.989
  • We find a balanced view of how to really pray the kinds of
  • 00:08:52.989 --> 00:08:57.226
  • Things we ought to be praying for in matthew chapter 6.
  • 00:08:57.226 --> 00:09:00.029
  • Turn over to matthew chapter 6 for a moment.
  • 00:09:00.029 --> 00:09:02.798
  • Last summer i spent six weeks looking at matthew chapter 6,
  • 00:09:02.798 --> 00:09:07.503
  • This model prayer.
  • 00:09:07.503 --> 00:09:09.372
  • And even though i know every one of you remembers everything i
  • 00:09:09.372 --> 00:09:13.075
  • Said in that series last summer, i still want to remind you just
  • 00:09:13.075 --> 00:09:17.146
  • Of the simple five components that ought to be a part of
  • 00:09:17.146 --> 00:09:20.616
  • Our prayer.
  • 00:09:20.616 --> 00:09:21.984
  • Now let me remind you what occasioned what we call the
  • 00:09:21.984 --> 00:09:24.954
  • Lord's prayer.
  • 00:09:24.954 --> 00:09:26.288
  • In luke's account of this story, the disciples actually came to
  • 00:09:26.288 --> 00:09:29.325
  • Jesus and they said, "lord, teach us how to pray."
  • 00:09:29.325 --> 00:09:34.897
  • Now think about this.
  • 00:09:34.897 --> 00:09:36.699
  • The disciples weren't always the brightest bulbs in the socket,
  • 00:09:36.699 --> 00:09:39.869
  • If you know what i mean.
  • 00:09:39.869 --> 00:09:41.470
  • And yet even they, after hanging around the lord a couple of
  • 00:09:41.470 --> 00:09:44.807
  • Years, saw the connection between jesus's power and
  • 00:09:44.807 --> 00:09:49.512
  • Jesus's priority of prayer in his life.
  • 00:09:49.512 --> 00:09:52.748
  • They saw that there was some relationship between those two
  • 00:09:52.748 --> 00:09:55.284
  • Things, and they said, "lord, we want the same power in our life
  • 00:09:55.284 --> 00:09:59.188
  • That you have in your life, and we realize that it is because of
  • 00:09:59.188 --> 00:10:02.191
  • Your communication with your heavenly father that that power
  • 00:10:02.191 --> 00:10:04.827
  • Flows into your life.
  • 00:10:04.827 --> 00:10:06.162
  • So lord, teach us to pray as you pray."
  • 00:10:06.162 --> 00:10:10.633
  • And what did jesus say?
  • 00:10:10.633 --> 00:10:12.768
  • Jesus said, "when you pray, pray in this way."
  • 00:10:12.768 --> 00:10:18.274
  • He never said, "when you pray, pray this prayer."
  • 00:10:18.274 --> 00:10:21.143
  • I had people ask me in our first tract class, "you know, why
  • 00:10:21.143 --> 00:10:23.679
  • Don't we pray the lord's prayer every sunday like
  • 00:10:23.679 --> 00:10:25.915
  • Other churches?"
  • 00:10:25.915 --> 00:10:27.683
  • The reason is, jesus never instructed us to pray
  • 00:10:27.683 --> 00:10:30.519
  • This prayer.
  • 00:10:30.519 --> 00:10:32.822
  • Nowhere in the new testament do you find this prayer ever
  • 00:10:32.822 --> 00:10:35.324
  • Being repeated.
  • 00:10:35.324 --> 00:10:36.826
  • The lord's prayer is not a mantra to be repeated, it is a
  • 00:10:36.826 --> 00:10:40.429
  • Model to be followed in our praying.
  • 00:10:40.429 --> 00:10:43.532
  • And so jesus said, "here are the components of an effective
  • 00:10:43.532 --> 00:10:47.103
  • Prayer that reaches heaven.
  • 00:10:47.103 --> 00:10:48.871
  • First of all, our prayer ought to begin with a praise of
  • 00:10:48.871 --> 00:10:51.807
  • God's name.
  • 00:10:51.807 --> 00:10:53.175
  • "our father who is in heaven, hallowed be thy name."
  • 00:10:53.175 --> 00:10:57.580
  • It's not like children think sometimes, it's not halloween be
  • 00:10:57.580 --> 00:11:00.116
  • Your name, it is hallowed be your name.
  • 00:11:00.116 --> 00:11:02.752
  • That word "hallowed" simply means holy is your name.
  • 00:11:02.752 --> 00:11:07.056
  • And before we begin rushing to god with all of our requests and
  • 00:11:07.056 --> 00:11:10.326
  • The things we want to have done for us, we need to take a moment
  • 00:11:10.326 --> 00:11:15.131
  • And remember how holy god's name is.
  • 00:11:15.131 --> 00:11:18.334
  • Remember, a person's name is simply representative of who
  • 00:11:18.334 --> 00:11:22.238
  • That person is.
  • 00:11:22.238 --> 00:11:24.206
  • When jesus said, "remember the holiness of god's name," what
  • 00:11:24.206 --> 00:11:27.009
  • He's really saying is, "remember how holy god is."
  • 00:11:27.009 --> 00:11:30.246
  • That word "holy" means separate, a cut above, different.
  • 00:11:30.246 --> 00:11:35.084
  • When we come into god's presence, we ought to praise him
  • 00:11:35.084 --> 00:11:38.320
  • That he is not like we are.
  • 00:11:38.320 --> 00:11:40.689
  • God, thank you for being loving, even though i deserve
  • 00:11:40.689 --> 00:11:44.226
  • Your judgment.
  • 00:11:44.226 --> 00:11:46.195
  • God, thank you for being faithful even when
  • 00:11:46.195 --> 00:11:48.497
  • I'm faithless.
  • 00:11:48.497 --> 00:11:50.399
  • God, thank you for being wiser and having a good plan for my
  • 00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:54.236
  • Life, even though i don't know what that plan is.
  • 00:11:54.236 --> 00:11:57.306
  • We take a moment and we praise god for who he is, the fact that
  • 00:11:57.306 --> 00:12:01.477
  • He is different than we are.
  • 00:12:01.477 --> 00:12:03.546
  • And then secondly, jesus said, "we need to get something
  • 00:12:03.546 --> 00:12:06.782
  • Settled early in our prayer, and that is the priority of
  • 00:12:06.782 --> 00:12:10.386
  • God's purpose."
  • 00:12:10.386 --> 00:12:11.854
  • Look at verse 10, "your kingdom come, your will be done on earth
  • 00:12:11.854 --> 00:12:17.893
  • As it is in heaven."
  • 00:12:17.893 --> 00:12:21.030
  • When we say, "god, may your kingdom come," what are
  • 00:12:21.030 --> 00:12:23.933
  • We saying?
  • 00:12:23.933 --> 00:12:25.334
  • The kingdom of god is one of those terms we all throw around,
  • 00:12:25.334 --> 00:12:28.137
  • But i think very few of us have a real understanding of.
  • 00:12:28.137 --> 00:12:30.739
  • What do we mean when we talk about the kingdom of god?
  • 00:12:30.739 --> 00:12:33.742
  • When we're praying for god's kingdom to come, we are praying
  • 00:12:33.742 --> 00:12:36.946
  • For the future return of jesus christ.
  • 00:12:36.946 --> 00:12:39.982
  • Now listen to this, a king's kingdom consists of that area
  • 00:12:39.982 --> 00:12:45.521
  • Wherever what the king wants done gets done.
  • 00:12:45.521 --> 00:12:48.724
  • It is the area over which he rules.
  • 00:12:48.724 --> 00:12:52.661
  • For example, the king of egypt is sovereign, he is ruler over
  • 00:12:52.661 --> 00:12:57.233
  • The citizens of egypt, he has total authority over them, they
  • 00:12:57.233 --> 00:13:01.270
  • Submit to him.
  • 00:13:01.270 --> 00:13:02.738
  • But the king of egypt has absolutely no authority over us.
  • 00:13:02.738 --> 00:13:06.175
  • If you get a letter from the egyptian government telling them
  • 00:13:06.175 --> 00:13:09.578
  • That you owe them 20% of your income and income tax, you
  • 00:13:09.578 --> 00:13:13.582
  • Probably aren't gonna send that money to egypt, are you?
  • 00:13:13.582 --> 00:13:16.619
  • Why?
  • 00:13:16.619 --> 00:13:17.953
  • Because they have no authority over you, the king has no
  • 00:13:17.953 --> 00:13:19.655
  • Authority over you.
  • 00:13:19.655 --> 00:13:21.023
  • It's the same way with god's kingdom.
  • 00:13:21.023 --> 00:13:23.325
  • God's kingdom is that area wherever what god wants done
  • 00:13:23.325 --> 00:13:27.696
  • Gets done.
  • 00:13:27.696 --> 00:13:29.098
  • Now, what does god's kingdom consist of?
  • 00:13:29.098 --> 00:13:33.736
  • Well, the bible says he's king, he's sovereign over all
  • 00:13:33.736 --> 00:13:36.805
  • The universe.
  • 00:13:36.805 --> 00:13:38.641
  • Well, that is true theologically.
  • 00:13:38.641 --> 00:13:41.377
  • God is in control of everything that happens, but there is one
  • 00:13:41.377 --> 00:13:45.648
  • Small corner of his universe where god's will is not being
  • 00:13:45.648 --> 00:13:49.718
  • Done right now.
  • 00:13:49.718 --> 00:13:51.086
  • There's one small corner in the universe where there is a
  • 00:13:51.086 --> 00:13:53.923
  • Rebellion against god's kingdom, and it's that speck in the
  • 00:13:53.923 --> 00:13:58.160
  • Universe called planet earth.
  • 00:13:58.160 --> 00:14:00.529
  • Right now on planet earth, there are a group of god's creations
  • 00:14:00.529 --> 00:14:04.033
  • That are rebelling against him.
  • 00:14:04.033 --> 00:14:06.669
  • But that rebellion won't last forever.
  • 00:14:06.669 --> 00:14:09.405
  • There is coming a time when god's son, the lord jesus
  • 00:14:09.405 --> 00:14:12.775
  • Christ, will return and he will rule over all the earth.
  • 00:14:12.775 --> 00:14:17.413
  • And the bible says at that time, "every knee will bow, every
  • 00:14:17.413 --> 00:14:21.083
  • Tongue will confess that jesus christ is kurios, he is lord,
  • 00:14:21.083 --> 00:14:26.555
  • He is sovereign over all.
  • 00:14:26.555 --> 00:14:29.525
  • But right now we're living in that time when god's kingdom,
  • 00:14:29.525 --> 00:14:33.529
  • His rule is not total over all of his creation.
  • 00:14:33.529 --> 00:14:36.532
  • There is that rebellion going on right now.
  • 00:14:36.532 --> 00:14:39.168
  • So when we pray, "your kingdom come," we're saying, "lord, we
  • 00:14:39.168 --> 00:14:42.371
  • Are praying for the future return of jesus christ.
  • 00:14:42.371 --> 00:14:45.541
  • But notice the second phrase, "your will be done on earth as
  • 00:14:45.541 --> 00:14:50.446
  • It is in heaven."
  • 00:14:50.446 --> 00:14:52.247
  • That is a prayer for the present rule of god on the earth and
  • 00:14:52.247 --> 00:14:58.954
  • Specifically in my life.
  • 00:14:58.954 --> 00:15:01.023
  • See, here's what the bible calls the mystery of the kingdom
  • 00:15:01.023 --> 00:15:04.093
  • Of god.
  • 00:15:04.093 --> 00:15:05.461
  • All throughout the new testament in matthew 13, jesus talked
  • 00:15:05.461 --> 00:15:08.364
  • About the mystery of the kingdom of god, and here's the mystery.
  • 00:15:08.364 --> 00:15:11.633
  • The mystery is the future kingdom is coming, jesus is
  • 00:15:11.633 --> 00:15:15.504
  • Gonna return one day.
  • 00:15:15.504 --> 00:15:17.039
  • But right now the kingdom of god occurs in the lives of
  • 00:15:17.039 --> 00:15:21.243
  • Individual believers who are submitting to god's kingdom.
  • 00:15:21.243 --> 00:15:24.713
  • And so when we pray, "lord, your will be done on earth as it is
  • 00:15:24.713 --> 00:15:28.784
  • In heaven," what we're saying is, "lord, i want to obey your
  • 00:15:28.784 --> 00:15:33.055
  • Rule right now.
  • 00:15:33.055 --> 00:15:35.124
  • Even though other people around me are not submitting to your
  • 00:15:35.124 --> 00:15:37.726
  • Rule, right now i am submitting to your sovereignty over
  • 00:15:37.726 --> 00:15:41.630
  • My life.
  • 00:15:41.630 --> 00:15:42.965
  • Lord, may your will be done in my life just as it is being done
  • 00:15:42.965 --> 00:15:47.770
  • In heaven."
  • 00:15:47.770 --> 00:15:50.305
  • Why should we submit ourselves to god's rule over our life?
  • 00:15:50.305 --> 00:15:56.111
  • You know, how many of you are looking forward to going
  • 00:15:56.111 --> 00:15:58.013
  • To heaven?
  • 00:15:58.013 --> 00:15:59.381
  • Just raise your hand.
  • 00:15:59.381 --> 00:16:00.716
  • I mean, heaven is somewhat appealing to you.
  • 00:16:00.716 --> 00:16:03.719
  • What is it about heaven you're looking most forward to?
  • 00:16:03.719 --> 00:16:07.089
  • Well, some people say, "well, i'm looking forward to just
  • 00:16:07.089 --> 00:16:10.292
  • Being free from worrying all the time.
  • 00:16:10.292 --> 00:16:12.594
  • I just worry all the time, i'm just looking forward to the time
  • 00:16:12.594 --> 00:16:15.130
  • I don't have to worry about anything."
  • 00:16:15.130 --> 00:16:16.799
  • Guess what?
  • 00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:18.133
  • You don't have to die to experience freedom from worry.
  • 00:16:18.133 --> 00:16:21.303
  • Jesus said, "my peace i give to you, my peace i leave with you."
  • 00:16:21.303 --> 00:16:25.474
  • You can have that right now.
  • 00:16:25.474 --> 00:16:27.810
  • Some people say, "well, i'm looking forward to just not
  • 00:16:27.810 --> 00:16:29.945
  • Worrying about money anymore, it's just a constant battle, you
  • 00:16:29.945 --> 00:16:32.781
  • Know, knowing if i'm gonna have enough.
  • 00:16:32.781 --> 00:16:34.616
  • I'm just looking forward to the time i don't have to be
  • 00:16:34.616 --> 00:16:37.753
  • Concerned about finances."
  • 00:16:37.753 --> 00:16:39.088
  • Guess what?
  • 00:16:39.088 --> 00:16:40.422
  • You don't have to die to be content with your
  • 00:16:40.422 --> 00:16:42.424
  • Financial situation.
  • 00:16:42.424 --> 00:16:44.259
  • The apostle paul said, "i've learned to be content in
  • 00:16:44.259 --> 00:16:46.895
  • Whatever circumstance i'm in."
  • 00:16:46.895 --> 00:16:49.832
  • Some people say, "i'm looking forward to heaven because i
  • 00:16:49.832 --> 00:16:52.468
  • Won't have to be enslaved to sin anymore.
  • 00:16:52.468 --> 00:16:55.337
  • I won't have to be enslaved to addictions, to wrong
  • 00:16:55.337 --> 00:16:58.140
  • Relationships, the things that are destroying my life."
  • 00:16:58.140 --> 00:17:01.110
  • You don't have to die to experience that.
  • 00:17:01.110 --> 00:17:03.579
  • Paul said to the roman christians, he said, "so do not
  • 00:17:03.579 --> 00:17:06.381
  • Let sin reign over your mortal bodies that you should obey
  • 00:17:06.381 --> 00:17:10.219
  • Its lust."
  • 00:17:10.219 --> 00:17:11.820
  • What i'm saying to you folks is, you don't have to die to
  • 00:17:11.820 --> 00:17:15.157
  • Experience the benefits of the kingdom of god.
  • 00:17:15.157 --> 00:17:17.860
  • The fact is, to the extent that you and i submit to god's rule
  • 00:17:17.860 --> 00:17:24.233
  • In our life, we can experience the benefits of the kingdom
  • 00:17:24.233 --> 00:17:28.670
  • Of god.
  • 00:17:28.670 --> 00:17:31.173
  • You know, sometimes i really wonder why some christians even
  • 00:17:31.173 --> 00:17:34.309
  • Want to go to heaven.
  • 00:17:34.309 --> 00:17:36.311
  • I mean, think, what is it that's going to characterize heaven?
  • 00:17:36.311 --> 00:17:40.682
  • Heaven is gonna be characterized by total complete obedience to
  • 00:17:40.682 --> 00:17:45.154
  • The will of god, isn't it?
  • 00:17:45.154 --> 00:17:47.256
  • There's not gonna be one creature in the new heaven and
  • 00:17:47.256 --> 00:17:50.559
  • The new earth that rebels against god.
  • 00:17:50.559 --> 00:17:53.529
  • And if we are rebelling against god's will right now, if we
  • 00:17:53.529 --> 00:17:57.966
  • Think the last thing i wanna do is to obey god in my life, why
  • 00:17:57.966 --> 00:18:02.104
  • Do we think we're gonna be in heaven one day where all we do
  • 00:18:02.104 --> 00:18:05.807
  • Is going to obey god day and night?
  • 00:18:05.807 --> 00:18:09.478
  • What do you think is gonna change in your life between now
  • 00:18:09.478 --> 00:18:12.314
  • And then that suddenly is gonna make you want to obey god?
  • 00:18:12.314 --> 00:18:15.150
  • If you don't wanna obey him now, there's nothing that's gonna
  • 00:18:15.150 --> 00:18:18.453
  • Change in your life that's gonna make you want to obey him
  • 00:18:18.453 --> 00:18:20.722
  • In heaven.
  • 00:18:20.722 --> 00:18:22.691
  • When you pray, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
  • 00:18:22.691 --> 00:18:28.063
  • What we're really praying is, god, i am going to obey your
  • 00:18:28.063 --> 00:18:32.267
  • Perceptive will.
  • 00:18:32.267 --> 00:18:33.969
  • That part of your will that has been revealed to me right now,
  • 00:18:33.969 --> 00:18:37.639
  • Father, i'm gonna get this settled in my heart.
  • 00:18:37.639 --> 00:18:39.908
  • I am going to start obeying you so that i can start benefiting
  • 00:18:39.908 --> 00:18:45.247
  • From the blessings of the kingdom.
  • 00:18:45.247 --> 00:18:47.583
  • When we pray, "your will be done in my life as it is in heaven,"
  • 00:18:47.583 --> 00:18:51.787
  • We're first of all saying, god, i acquiesce, i submit to your
  • 00:18:51.787 --> 00:18:57.893
  • Perceptive will, those commands in scripture that i know to
  • 00:18:57.893 --> 00:19:01.863
  • Be true.
  • 00:19:01.863 --> 00:19:03.332
  • But we're also saying something else.
  • 00:19:03.332 --> 00:19:05.734
  • When we say, "god, your will be done in my life," we're saying,
  • 00:19:05.734 --> 00:19:08.537
  • "god, i submit to your providential will."
  • 00:19:08.537 --> 00:19:12.908
  • See, a lot of things about god's will we don't know ahead of time
  • 00:19:12.908 --> 00:19:15.544
  • Until they happen, do we?
  • 00:19:15.544 --> 00:19:17.946
  • There are a lot of concerns we have that we can talk to god
  • 00:19:17.946 --> 00:19:20.682
  • About but we really don't know if it's god's will or not.
  • 00:19:20.682 --> 00:19:22.951
  • We can say, lord, i really want this relationship to be healed.
  • 00:19:22.951 --> 00:19:27.556
  • Truthfully, we don't know whether that's god's will or not
  • 00:19:27.556 --> 00:19:29.625
  • To heal that relationship in many cases.
  • 00:19:29.625 --> 00:19:32.694
  • We can say, god, i'm out of work now, i need this particular job
  • 00:19:32.694 --> 00:19:36.898
  • That has opened up.
  • 00:19:36.898 --> 00:19:38.267
  • And we can pray for that, but we don't know when we pray if that
  • 00:19:38.267 --> 00:19:41.970
  • Job is really god's will for us or not.
  • 00:19:41.970 --> 00:19:45.340
  • We can pray when illness strikes in ourselves or in a loved one.
  • 00:19:45.340 --> 00:19:48.910
  • We can say, god, heal us, heal them from that disease, but when
  • 00:19:48.910 --> 00:19:53.515
  • We pray, the truth is we don't know if it's god's will to heal
  • 00:19:53.515 --> 00:19:56.385
  • Or not.
  • 00:19:56.385 --> 00:19:58.453
  • So what does it mean to pray, "god, your will be done?"
  • 00:19:58.453 --> 00:20:02.124
  • Here's what it means.
  • 00:20:02.124 --> 00:20:03.492
  • It says, god, this is what i want.
  • 00:20:03.492 --> 00:20:05.727
  • I'm gonna be very honest in what i want, god, this is what i'm
  • 00:20:05.727 --> 00:20:09.197
  • Asking you to do, but i also realize that you know best, and
  • 00:20:09.197 --> 00:20:15.103
  • Ultimately i'm submitting myself to your providential will.
  • 00:20:15.103 --> 00:20:19.174
  • Isn't that what jesus did in the garden of gethsemane?
  • 00:20:19.174 --> 00:20:22.611
  • When he knelt there, he prayed in great agony, that sweat like
  • 00:20:22.611 --> 00:20:26.782
  • Blood fell to the ground.
  • 00:20:26.782 --> 00:20:28.116
  • He said, "father, if you are willing, let this experience
  • 00:20:28.116 --> 00:20:31.987
  • Pass for me."
  • 00:20:31.987 --> 00:20:33.955
  • We skip over that too often.
  • 00:20:33.955 --> 00:20:36.491
  • We don't realize that jesus really did not want to go to
  • 00:20:36.491 --> 00:20:39.461
  • The cross.
  • 00:20:39.461 --> 00:20:40.862
  • He really didn't want to do it.
  • 00:20:40.862 --> 00:20:42.264
  • Do you blame him?
  • 00:20:42.264 --> 00:20:44.066
  • Not just the physical horrendous suffering that the cross
  • 00:20:44.066 --> 00:20:47.736
  • Represented, but the spiritual suffering of being separated
  • 00:20:47.736 --> 00:20:50.205
  • From god.
  • 00:20:50.205 --> 00:20:51.540
  • Who could blame jesus for not wanting to go to the cross?
  • 00:20:51.540 --> 00:20:53.342
  • He was very honest with god.
  • 00:20:53.342 --> 00:20:55.243
  • He said, "god, if you're willing, please another way.
  • 00:20:55.243 --> 00:20:59.748
  • Let this cup be removed from me."
  • 00:20:59.748 --> 00:21:02.551
  • But then he added, "yet not my will but your will be done.
  • 00:21:02.551 --> 00:21:09.224
  • Your will be done on earth in my life as it's being done in
  • 00:21:09.224 --> 00:21:15.230
  • Heaven right now," and in some inexplicable way, what were two
  • 00:21:15.230 --> 00:21:19.401
  • Wills, god's will and jesus's will, were molded into one will.
  • 00:21:19.401 --> 00:21:24.806
  • When we're praying to god, we need to be honest and tell him
  • 00:21:24.806 --> 00:21:28.043
  • What we want.
  • 00:21:28.043 --> 00:21:29.511
  • But then we make that final acquiescence to god's will, not
  • 00:21:29.511 --> 00:21:33.849
  • My will, your will be done.
  • 00:21:33.849 --> 00:21:38.019
  • This past week, one of the most faithful members of our church,
  • 00:21:38.019 --> 00:21:42.124
  • Susan woodward, went home to be with the lord.
  • 00:21:42.124 --> 00:21:46.695
  • We had her homegoing celebration friday here in this sanctuary.
  • 00:21:46.695 --> 00:21:50.899
  • For ten months, susan battled with cancer.
  • 00:21:50.899 --> 00:21:54.035
  • Many of you prayed for susan's healing.
  • 00:21:54.035 --> 00:21:57.105
  • Susan and her family prayed for healing.
  • 00:21:57.105 --> 00:22:00.008
  • But a few months before she went home to be with the lord, this
  • 00:22:00.008 --> 00:22:02.344
  • Is what she wrote on her "caring bridge" website.
  • 00:22:02.344 --> 00:22:06.081
  • She wrote, "the lord has answered many prayers through
  • 00:22:06.081 --> 00:22:09.384
  • This journey, not just on my behalf, but for the many on my
  • 00:22:09.384 --> 00:22:14.389
  • Prayer list as well.
  • 00:22:14.389 --> 00:22:16.324
  • To god be the glory, great things he has done.
  • 00:22:16.324 --> 00:22:20.662
  • May each of you have comfort in god's perfect plan.
  • 00:22:20.662 --> 00:22:25.200
  • I know i have a loving father in heaven who is always in control.
  • 00:22:25.200 --> 00:22:30.472
  • When you can't see god's hand, you can trust his heart."
  • 00:22:30.472 --> 00:22:37.145
  • Now that's what we're talking about when we're talking about
  • 00:22:37.145 --> 00:22:39.781
  • Submitting to god's providential plan.
  • 00:22:39.781 --> 00:22:44.052
  • Lord, i want to be healed.
  • 00:22:44.052 --> 00:22:46.555
  • Lord, i want a miracle.
  • 00:22:46.555 --> 00:22:49.090
  • But ultimately not my will but your will be done.
  • 00:22:49.090 --> 00:22:55.564
  • Certainly our praying ought to begin with praising god for who
  • 00:22:55.564 --> 00:22:58.867
  • He is.
  • 00:22:58.867 --> 00:23:00.268
  • It ought to also be a time when we surrender to god's perfect
  • 00:23:00.268 --> 00:23:04.439
  • Will in our life.
  • 00:23:04.439 --> 00:23:06.775
  • But that's not the only kind of things jesus says we're to
  • 00:23:06.775 --> 00:23:09.344
  • Pray about.
  • 00:23:09.344 --> 00:23:10.812
  • Next week we're gonna discover why it's okay to pray those
  • 00:23:10.812 --> 00:23:13.882
  • Selfish prayers.
  • 00:23:13.882 --> 00:23:15.984
  • We're also gonna answer a question many people don't want
  • 00:23:15.984 --> 00:23:18.453
  • To vocalize but we think about all the time, and that is, why
  • 00:23:18.453 --> 00:23:21.923
  • Doesn't god answer all of our prayers?
  • 00:23:21.923 --> 00:23:25.594
  • I hope you'll be with us next time as we talk about
  • 00:23:25.594 --> 00:23:28.930
  • The power of faith healing.
  • 00:23:28.930 --> 00:23:32.868
  • Jeffress: god has an infinite number of blessings he wants to
  • 00:23:37.072 --> 00:23:39.941
  • Pour into your life, and prayer is the channel through which
  • 00:23:39.941 --> 00:23:43.678
  • Those blessings, plans, and purposes flow.
  • 00:23:43.678 --> 00:23:47.649
  • Well, every day we receive notes from individuals who share how
  • 00:23:47.649 --> 00:23:51.686
  • This bible teaching ministry has become their spiritual lifeline.
  • 00:23:51.686 --> 00:23:56.525
  • For instance, i recently heard from susan who listens to
  • 00:23:56.525 --> 00:24:00.028
  • "pathway to victory" in kansas.
  • 00:24:00.028 --> 00:24:02.330
  • Susan wrote, "pastor, i live with depression and anxiety, but
  • 00:24:02.330 --> 00:24:07.135
  • You shared a powerful message that i needed to hear.
  • 00:24:07.135 --> 00:24:10.772
  • I haven't always been in a good relationship with god, but i am
  • 00:24:10.772 --> 00:24:14.709
  • Still learning how to be faithful and i look forward
  • 00:24:14.709 --> 00:24:17.979
  • Every morning to your message."
  • 00:24:17.979 --> 00:24:20.682
  • Susan, thanks so much for your willingness to write to us and
  • 00:24:20.682 --> 00:24:24.152
  • Encourage us.
  • 00:24:24.152 --> 00:24:25.587
  • And to those of you who give to "pathway to victory," your
  • 00:24:25.587 --> 00:24:28.757
  • Voluntary gifts are helping us reach people like susan and
  • 00:24:28.757 --> 00:24:32.928
  • Millions more.
  • 00:24:32.928 --> 00:24:34.362
  • So thank you, not only for giving to support this ministry,
  • 00:24:34.362 --> 00:24:38.233
  • But for bringing hope and light to a world shrouded in darkness.
  • 00:24:38.233 --> 00:24:43.371
  • Now, stay right there, i'll be back with more "pathway to
  • 00:24:43.371 --> 00:24:46.074
  • Victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:24:46.074 --> 00:24:49.244
  • Announcer: the bible promises that when we put our faith in
  • 00:24:49.311 --> 00:24:52.013
  • Jesus christ, our lives will be changed from the inside out, and
  • 00:24:52.013 --> 00:24:56.217
  • Yet many christians feel discouraged and defeated in
  • 00:24:56.217 --> 00:24:58.954
  • Their daily walk.
  • 00:24:58.954 --> 00:25:00.288
  • Jeffress: if you're longing for something more in your
  • 00:25:00.288 --> 00:25:02.457
  • Relationship with god, you're not alone.
  • 00:25:02.457 --> 00:25:04.893
  • At one time i felt dissatisfied and powerless to change it, but
  • 00:25:04.893 --> 00:25:09.431
  • By god's grace i discovered how to deploy the power of the holy
  • 00:25:09.431 --> 00:25:13.668
  • Spirit in my life.
  • 00:25:13.668 --> 00:25:15.337
  • And today i wanna help you discover that as well in my
  • 00:25:15.337 --> 00:25:19.074
  • Best-selling book "i want more."
  • 00:25:19.074 --> 00:25:22.210
  • Announcer: the book, "i want more," was written to help you
  • 00:25:22.210 --> 00:25:24.779
  • Build spiritual strength as you pursue a fresh way to unleash
  • 00:25:24.779 --> 00:25:28.450
  • God's supernatural power in every area of your life.
  • 00:25:28.450 --> 00:25:32.220
  • You're invited to request a copy of "i want more" when you give a
  • 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:35.523
  • Generous gift to support the ministry of "pathway to victory"
  • 00:25:35.523 --> 00:25:38.827
  • Or when you become a pathway partner, and when you give $75
  • 00:25:38.827 --> 00:25:42.998
  • Or more, we'll also send you the complete "unleashed" teaching
  • 00:25:42.998 --> 00:25:46.267
  • Series on dvd and audio disc.
  • 00:25:46.267 --> 00:25:49.037
  • Jeffress: god has granted to you everything you need to lead a
  • 00:25:49.037 --> 00:25:54.342
  • Fulfilling existence while here on earth.
  • 00:25:54.342 --> 00:25:57.078
  • Everything he has given you is all wrapped up in the holy
  • 00:25:57.078 --> 00:26:00.915
  • Spirit of god.
  • 00:26:00.915 --> 00:26:02.951
  • Announcer: your generous giving will help us encourage and equip
  • 00:26:02.951 --> 00:26:05.887
  • Viewers like you with biblical truth and hope.
  • 00:26:05.887 --> 00:26:08.923
  • Thank you so much for your support as we continue to impact
  • 00:26:08.923 --> 00:26:12.227
  • You, your family, and our nation, with the transforming
  • 00:26:12.227 --> 00:26:15.497
  • Truth of god's word.
  • 00:26:15.497 --> 00:26:17.365
  • Jeffress: we're to praise god's name for who he is.
  • 00:26:18.800 --> 00:26:22.070
  • We're to pray for god's will to be done not just in the future
  • 00:26:22.070 --> 00:26:25.774
  • But right now on earth.
  • 00:26:25.774 --> 00:26:28.043
  • Those aren't the only things we're to pray for.
  • 00:26:28.043 --> 00:26:30.712
  • God says it's okay to pray for selfish things as well, and next
  • 00:26:30.712 --> 00:26:35.583
  • Time we're going to finish looking at how we should pray
  • 00:26:35.583 --> 00:26:38.286
  • For our needs.
  • 00:26:38.286 --> 00:26:39.988
  • And then we're going to answer the question i bet everybody
  • 00:26:39.988 --> 00:26:43.024
  • Wants to know but few have had the courage to ask, why doesn't
  • 00:26:43.024 --> 00:26:48.196
  • God answer all of my prayers?
  • 00:26:48.196 --> 00:26:51.032
  • Stay tuned for a preview of my answer to that question coming
  • 00:26:51.032 --> 00:26:54.636
  • Up next on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:54.636 --> 00:26:57.772
  • Jeffress: you know, prayer is a missing ingredient in many of
  • 00:26:58.973 --> 00:27:02.544
  • Our lives, and it's that lack of prayer that robs us not only of
  • 00:27:02.544 --> 00:27:07.916
  • Intimacy with god, a lack of prayer robs us of experiencing
  • 00:27:07.916 --> 00:27:12.821
  • God's power in our lives.
  • 00:27:12.821 --> 00:27:16.057
  • Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for the message
  • 00:27:16.124 --> 00:27:19.027
  • "effective pray-ers" here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:27:19.027 --> 00:27:19.027