HOW TO HAVE YOUR PRAYERS ANSWERED - OR NOT

SUNDAY NIGHT 10/28/12 “HOW TO HAVE YOUR PRAYERS ANSWERED - OR NOT”

 Luke 18:9-14 (New King James Version)

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.

12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’

13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Q#1 Can you describe the “self-esteem” differences of the Pharisee and the tax collector? (Verses 11-13)

Q#2 When you come before your King how should you act ?

Q#3 Which man’s prayer was dishonored and which man’s prayer was dishonored?  Why?

 Mark 10:23-27 (New King James Version) AFTER THE RICH MAN SPURNS JESUS

23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!”

24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”

27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

Q#4 Why is it hard for a rich man to be in God’s kingdom?

        The poor always seem to respond  “easier”.    

                     Q#5 In salvation what part does man play in relationship to the Lord and salvation?

        This is critical in understanding our role and the King’s.

        If you do not need saving or do not want to be saved you do not feel a need a Savior.

Q#6  How do we show a need for the Savior?

Q#7  Is the church successful in showing our need for the Savior?  Why or Why not?   

                   

                     Psalm 51:16-17New King James Version (NKJV)

16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.  17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—

These, O God, You will not despise.